Accra - Culture

Ghana with capital city Accra is located on the west coast of Africa, about 750 km north of the equator on the Gulf of Guinea, between the latitudes of 4-11.5_ north. The capital, Accra, is on the Greenwich meridian (zero line of longitude). The country has a total land area of 238,305 km2 and is bounded on the north by Burkina Faso, on the west by Cote d'lvoire, on the east by Togo and on the south by the Gulf of Guinea. 

The land area stretches for 672 km north-south and 536 km east-west Rich mineral resources such as gold, diamonds, manganese, bauxite, iron ore and various clay and salt deposits Extensive, rich forests with a wide range of fine tropical hardwoods A wide variety of agricultural products and rich fishing resources The population of Ghana is 18.3 million (1990 estimate), with 45 per cent under 15 years of age. The country has on average a population density of about 52 persons per square kilometer. 

With an annual growth rate of 3.2 per cent, Ghana's population may reach over 19 million by the year 2000. Most of the population is concentrated in the southern part of the country, with the highest densities occurring in urban areas and cocoa- producing areas. The largest regions in terms of population are Ashanti (about 2 million), eastern (about 1.7 million) and greater Accra (about 1.5 million). The population of Ghana comprises Christians (43 per cent), animists (38 per cent) and Muslims (12 per cent). There is complete freedom of religion in Ghana.

Unique tourist attractions, including beautiful landscapes, inviting sunshine, golden beaches, wildlife parks, the country-side with its rich cultural heritage, and the proverbial warmth and hospitality of the people Ghana has a tropical climate, characterized most of the year by moderate temperatures (generally 21-32 ° C (70-90 ° F)), constant breezes and sunshine. There are two rainy seasons, from March to July and from September to October, separated by a short dry season in August and a relatively long dry season in the south from mid-October to March. Annual rainfall in the south averages 2,030 mm but varies greatly throughout the country, with the heaviest rainfall in the western region and the lowest in the north. 

There are numerous grammar, secondary, basic, commercial, technical and vocational educational institutions throughout Ghana. There are four universities: University of Ghana at Legon and Accra, the University of Cape Coast, the University of Science and Technology at Kumasi and the University of Development Studies-at Tamale, as well as one University College of Education at Winneba. In addition, there are numerous specialized tertiary institutions in the country. A functional literacy program has recently been initiated in Ghana, targeting illiterate adults The University of Ghana was established in 1948 as the University College of the Gold Coast, an affiliate college of the University of London. Following independence in 1957, the university was organised as the University of Ghana and, in 1961, began to award its own degrees. The university's outstanding lecturers and distinguished alumni have earned it considerable national and international prestige. It has seven Faculties made up of departments and has student population of about 10,000. Due to its excellent reputation, the university has a history of attracting foreign students, particularly students from the United States. The university is located on a park-like campus in Legon about 12 kilometers from the center of Accra, the capital

Ghana is a country that celebrates festivals. There are several rites and rituals that are performed throughout the year in various parts of the country. They cover the right of passage child-birth, puberty, marriage and death. To the majority of people, these celebrations provide all that is satisfying to their communities and families. At any time of the year, a tourist will encounter a festival in one of the country's ten regions. Each region has its own major festivals and the way people respond to them is dependent entirely upon their mood. During periods of economic prosperity, for example, the celebrations are naturally quite colorful. Among the major festivals are Odwira and the Yam Festivals celebrated by the Akan people; the Aboakyir Festival, celebrated by the Effutus of Winneba; Homowo by the Ga people of Greater Accra; Damba by the people of the Northern and Upper Regions of Ghana; Bakatue by the people of Elmina; Hogbetsotso by the Ewe people of Anlo; and Adaekese by the people of Ashanti. Adaekese is perhaps the most spectacular of all the festivals in Ghana. It attracts the largest gathering and its exhibition of the Golden Stool in full splendor next to the King of the Ashantis, is a sight to behold

The forts and castles in Ghana represent a set of historical monuments that are fast becoming the Mecca of many people of African descent. Elmina Castle, the construction of which began on 20 January 1482 under the guidance of the Portuguese explorer, Don Diego d'Azambuja, is perhaps the most important and earliest known European fortification in tropical Africa. Today, it is the most photographed structure in Ghana. There are over forty such forts and castles in the country, most of them in varying states of disrepair. However, there are several of these edifices in good condition, such as the Cape Coast Castle, built in 1653 by the Swedes. In the city of Accra, the capital of Ghana, the Swedish built the Christianburg Castle in 1657 which is today the official residence and office of the head of state. Ghana is rapidly growing into a popular destination in West Africa, particularly for those who are interested in finding their historical roots, as well as those who are enchanted with the variety of festivals and cultural shows the country offers. In addition, there are others who visit the country because of its natural resources and new business opportunities. Recently, Ghana has been receiving visitors who are interested in the vegetation and the nature reserves where, within relatively short distances, one can experience tropical forests, marine and savannah ecosystems and other natural features that form the basis of the country's ecotourism.