Ghana is a West African nation on the Atlantic Coast of Africa. It is a 239,460 square km . strip of land starting along the Gulf of Guinea (Atlantic Ocean) and stretching north into West Africa. It is situated very near the Equator, and therfore has a tropical climate. The coastal plain is mostly mixed tropical trees and grasslands, scattered with cities, towns, villages and farms. Farther away from the coast is one of the worlds most dense and lush swath of tropical forests. In the Northern Regions, the lands are mostly grassland and dry ground (this area is part of a larger region known as The Sahel).
Ghana is named after the ancient African Empire of Ghana. It's people are comprised of 4 ethnic groups: the Ashanti Akans, the Fante Akans, the Ewes and the "Northerners." The main spoken languages are English, Akan (known as "Twi" to locals), and Ewe. Each group with it's own unique history of great empires and civilizations migrated to Ghana throughout the middle ages. They created elaborate and powerful trading kingdoms that flourished until Europeans began to colonize the coast. They traded in gold, ivory, and clothes. Of particular importance was the trade in slaves. Groups would frequently raid other groups to sell to European slave traders. Several "slave castles" were established along the coast for this activity, during the 17th - 19th century.
Ghana became a British colony in 1902, then known as British Gold Coast. Ghana gained its independence in 1957 under President Kwame Nkrumah. At first, large development projects were implemented throughout the nation throughout the 1960's, and things looked promising. Political and social strife, along with falling commodities proces throughout the 1970's and 1980's crippled any further development, and left the nation somewhat impoverished to this present day.
Ghana is a colorful nation with very friendly people. It is not uncommon to speak intimately and frankly with a local Ghanian, whom you may have just met. Perfect strangers are always smiling and asking "how are you?"
"Kente" cloths are bright colored patterned cotton cloths used to make clothes and housewares. Each pattern has a special meaning depending on the design (i.e., "Good blessings")
Ghanian dishes are comprised mostly of rice, mashed cassava (known as "fufu"), plantains, peanuts, chicken and fish. One staple plate consists of "Banku" or stew mixed with "fufu".
Of course, there is so much more to know about Ghana. I encourage you to visit the "Ghana Links" after the presentation.
