Ghana is located on the west coast of Africa, along the galf of guinea, and bordered by cote d’lvoire, Togo and Burkina Faso.
The country: Ghana is a rich country in many ways. The underground of Ghana is full of valuable minerals such as: gold, bauxite, aluminum, manganese and diamonds. Unfortunately this hasn’t benefited the country as it should have because of the history of colonialism in Ghana. Besides the minerals from the underground the main exports are: cocoa, timber and tuna.
The history: Before March 1957 Ghana was called the Gold Coast. The Portuguese who came to Ghana in the 15th Century found so much gold between the rivers Ankobra and the Volta that they named the place Mina - meaning Mine. The Gold Coast was later adopted to by the English colonisers. Similarily, the French, equally impressed by the trinkets worn by the coastal people, named The Ivory Coast, Cote d'Ivoire.
In 1482, the Portuguese built a castle in Elmina. Their aim was to trade in gold, ivory and slaves. In 1481 King John II of Portugal sent Diego d'Azambuja to build this castle.
In 1598 the Dutch joined them, and built forts at Komenda and Kormantsil. In 1637 they captured the castle from the Portuguese and that of Axim in 1642 (Fort St Anthony). Other European traders joined in by the mid 18th century. These were the English, Danes and Swedes. The coast line were dotted by forts built by the Dutch, British and the Dane merchants. By the latter part of 19th century the Dutch and the British were the only traders left. And when the Dutch withdrew in 1874, Britain made the Gold Coast a crown colony.
The independent: 6th march 1957 from the British administration. The country was led by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and Ghana be came the first black country in sub-Saharan Africa to achieve independence from colonial rule and renamed it from The Gold Coast to Ghana after the ancient empire of Ghana, from which the ancestors of the inhabitants of the present country are thought to have migrated.
The nature: If your historical interest is nowhere to be found Ghana has much more to offer. During vacations and other free periods you can enjoy the nature and the many nice and calm beaches that have yet not be destroyed by tourism. It is not only along the beach where you can enjoy the nature of Ghana. There are also several natural parks like Mole National Park, Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary or the Kintampo Waterfall, where no limits are set.
The People: More than any of the above the main attraction of Ghana is the people. Famous for being the friendliest in Africa, which is of course up for discussion, they will welcome you with open arms when you arrive. “Akwaaba (welcome)” might very well be the first word you hear in Ghana. The Ghanaian people are very open and welcoming and this is a true blessing when you arrive in a country so far away from home. Often you will find yourself surrounded by a group of happy kids who wants to talk, dance or play with you. Especially the host familes integrate every newcomer as part of the family due to the fact that family has the first priority in Ghana.
The culture: The culture of Ghana is very diverse and there is great variation from region to region. Some regions are mainly Christian, some are mainly Muslim and some holds on to the traditional beliefs of Ghana. Besides the different religions, which of course make a difference, there is also great variation in the food, the music, the dancing, the clothing and the language. But one thing seems to commonly found all over Ghana: the idea of freedom. At some point of your stay in Ghana you will most likely meet somebody who tells you to “feel free”. This is meant in the most positive way imaginable.