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Ghana at a Glance

GHANA AT A GLANCE

Ghana at a glance

Government	Facts & Figures
Infrastructure	Finance	Politics

Historical Background

Until its independence from British colonial rule on 6 March, 1957, Ghana was called the "Gold Coast", a name given it by early Portuguese explorers who first set foot on the shores of the country in 1471. The name aptly described the country's wealth in gold and natural resources, which include to the present day:

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.
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.

During various periods from the time the Portuguese discovered gold in 1471 to independence in 1957, the monarchs of several European kingdoms, notably Denmark, England, Holland, Prussia and Sweden sent hordes of explorers and merchants to the country for its abundant wealth, both natural and human. They battled for supremacy and control over the land, and built forts and castles which also served as trading posts. Vestiges of the extent of European colonial presence and concentration of activity in the country are evidenced by the fact that 29 of the 32 European colonial forts and castles dotted along the coast of West Africa are in Ghana.

Location

Ghana 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 239,460 km and is bounded on the north by Burkina Faso, on the west by Côte d’Ivoire, on the east by Togo and on the south by the Gulf of Guinea. The land area stretches for 672km north-south and 536km east-west.

Land

The coastal area of Ghana consist of plains and numerous lagoons near the estuaries of rivers. The land is relatively flat and the altitude is generally below 500m, with more than half of the country below 200m. The Volta River basin dominates the country’s river system and includes the 400km Lake Volta (the largest artificial lake in the world), formed behind the Akosombo Hydro-Electric Dam. In the north, the predominant vegetation is savannah and shrub, while the south has an extensive rain forest.

Climate

Ghana has a tropical climate, characterised most of the year by moderate temperatures generally 21-32°C (70-90°F), constant breeze and sunshine. There are two rainy seasons, from March to July and from September to October, separated by a short cool 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.

Population

The population of Ghana is 18.4 million (Source: Ghana Statistical Service, July 2000). The country, with ten regions, has on average a population density of about 77 persons per square kilometre, with an annual growth rate of 2.5 per cent.

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.

Population by Region and Sex

	2000			1984
Region	Total	Male	Female	Total	Male	Female
All Regions	18,412,247	9,025,019	9,387,228	12,296,081	6,060,848	6,232,233
Western	1,842,878	925,708	917,170	1,157,807	586,288	571,519
Central	1,580,047	753,053	826,994	1,142,335	559,312	583,023
Eastern	2,108,852	1,034,922	1,073,930	1,680,890	834,962	845,928
Greater Accra	2,909,643	1,433,093	1,476,550	1,431,099	700,952	730,147
Volta	1,612,299	775,257	837,042	1,211,907	586,940	624,967
Ashanti	3,187,601	1,556,587	1,631,014	2,090,100	1,028,904	1,061,196
Brong Ahafo	1,824, 822	913,035	911,787	1,206,608	613,721	592,887
Northern	1,854,994	921,138	933,856	1,164,583	576,825	587,758
Upper East	917,251	437,138	480,006	772,744	368,192	404,552
Upper West	573,860	274,981	298,879	438,008	207,752	230,256

Source: Ghana Statistical Service, July 2000

Languages

Ghana’s principal ethnic groups are the Akan (Twi and Fante speaking), the Guans, Ewes, Dagombas, Gas, Gonjas, Dagaabas, Walas and Fafras. There are 56 Ghanaian dialects of which Akwapim Twi, Asante Twi, Fante, Dangbe, Ewe, Kasem, Gonja, Dagare, Ga Dagbani and Nzema are the major languages. The official language of the country is English. French and Hausa are two major foreign languages spoken in the country.

Religion

The population of Ghana comprises Christians (43%), Animists (38%) and Muslims (12%). There is complete freedom of religion in Ghana.

Education

Ghana has a tradition of educational excellence, as the success of Ghanaian professionals, scientists, technicians and teachers throughout the world testifies.

The educational system was originally based on the English grammar school system. But this decade has seen radical changes focusing on the scientific, technical, vocational, managerial and entrepreneurial skills to meet Ghana’s development needs. Proper attention is now also devoted to Ghanaian and African history, art, literature, languages and traditional skills and customs.

The public universities are: the University of Ghana, the University of Cape Coast, the University of Science and Technology at Kumasi and the new University of Development Studies at Tamale, as well as the University College of Education at Winneba. There are also private universities, numerous polytechnics and specialised institutions.

The tertiary education system is being enlarged and its facilities improved, with substantial funds being allocated every year to the provision of academic and residential infrastructure, journals, computers and other equipment.

Health

Ghana has a reasonably good health service. All regional capitals and most districts have hospitals, polyclinics and clinics. Two (2) teaching hospitals in Accra and Kumasi have facilities for treating special cases. Additionally, a number of religious organisations and private medical practitioners operate hospitals and clinics all over the country. Herbal medicine and psychic healing are also generally practised, and there is a special government Herbal Medicine Hospital and Research Centre at Akwapim-Mampong.

Judicial System

The civil law in force in Ghana is based on the Common Law, doctrines of equity and general statutes which were in force in England in 1874, as modified by subsequent Ordinances. Ghanaian customary law is, however, the basis of most personal, domestic and contractual relationships. Criminal Law is based on the Criminal Procedure Code, 1960, derived from English Criminal Law, and since amended. The Superior Court of Judicature comprises a Supreme Court, a Court of Appeal, a High Court and a Regional Tribunal. Inferior Courts include Circuit Courts, Circuit Tribunals, Community Tribunals and such other Courts as may be designated by law.

The Supreme Court consists of the Chief Justice and not fewer than nine other Justices. It is the final court of appeal in Ghana and has jurisdiction in matters relating to enforcement or interpretation of the Constitution.

Foreign Policy

Ghana's foreign policy objectives continue to be directed towards the promotion and protection of the interests of Ghana, establishment of a just and equitable international economic policy and social order. The rest are the promotion of respect for international law and treaty obligations and settlement of international disputes by peaceful means as well as adherence to the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, the Organisation of African Unity, the Commonwealth, the ECOWAS Treaty and other organisations of which Ghana is a member.

The Constitution

The Constitution of the Fourth Republic, approved by a national referendum on 28 April 1992, makes provision for a multi-party political system. Executive power is vested in the President, who is Head of State and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces. The President and the Vice President are elected by universal adult suffrage. The duration of the President’s tenure of office is limited to two four-year terms. It is also stipulated that, in the event that no presidential candidate receives more than 50% of votes cast, a new election between the two candidates with the highest number of votes is to take place within 21 days. Legislative power is vested in a 200-member uni-cameral Parliament, which is elected by direct adult suffrage for a four-year term. Ministers are appointed by the President, subject to approval by the Parliament. The Constitution also provides for a 25-member Council of State, principally comprising presidential nominees and regional representatives.

Infrastructure

Roads

There are approximately 30,000 km of classified roads in Ghana, 15,000 km of these are trunk roads, the remainder being feeder roads. There are also around 6000 km of unclassified tracks. Of the total road network approximately 6000 km are paved. There is a good road-network between Accra and the main towns.

Railways

There are approximately 1000 km of railways in Ghana, which connect the main centres of Accra, Kumasi and Takoradi.

Airports

Kotoka (Accra) is the main international airport. There are also airports at Takoradi, Kumasi, Sunyani and Tamale.

Ports and Harbours

Ghana’s two main ports are Tema (near Accra) and Takoradi, these are both relatively modern. Rail links exist from both these ports to Kumasi.

Inland Waterways

The Volta Lake stretches 400 km inland from the Akosombo Dam. Lake transport is fairly modest.

Finance

Currency

The unit of currency is the Ghana Cedi (GH₵), which is divided into 100 pesewas. The Cedi is pegged to the US dollar at an adjustable rate.***

Sources of Finance in Ghana

There are a number of financial institutions in Ghana. These include the Central Bank (Bank of Ghana), Commercial Banks, Development Banks, Rural Banks and non-bank institutions.

The Central Bank

Bank of Ghana

Commercial Banks

Ghana Commercial Bank, Standard Chartered Bank (Gh) Ltd., Barclays Bank (Gh) Ltd., Social Security Bank, Metropolitan Allied Commercial Bank and the Trust Bank.

Development Banks

National Investment Bank, Agricultural Development Bank, International Commercial Bank, and the Trust Bank.

Merchant Banks

Merchant Bank of Ghana Ltd., Ecobank Ghana Ltd., Continental Acceptances Ltd. and First Atlantic Merchant Bank.

Foreign Direct Investment/Privatisation

Between September 1994 and June 2000, the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre has registered 1,084 Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) projects. The breakdown is as follows; the service sector (289); manufacturing - (279); tourism - (124); building and construction (86); agriculture - (83); and export trade (75) sectors of the economy.

As at June 30, 2000 the total 1,084 projects comprising 715 joint foreign-Ghanaian and 369 wholly foreign owned projects, have been estimated to have an establishment cost of US$878.33 million in loans. Joint foreign-Ghanaian projects have been capitalised at US$1.16 billion whilst wholly foreign owned projects are estimated to cost US$380.10 million. These investments have been projected to generate employment opportunities for some 59,995 Ghanaians and 3,740 non-Ghanaians. Foreign capital transfers in respect of the minimum required by the law amounted to US$150.55 million.

Leading the major sources of foreign investments into the country are Great Britain with 108 and China with 90 projects. Others are India (82 projects), USA (77 projects), Germany (76 projects), Lebanon (58 projects), Korea (42 projects), Italy (40 projects), Netherlands (39 projects), Switzerland (39 projects), Canada (22 projects) and France (22projects).

From the developing countries Nigeria (30), South Africa (16) and Malaysia (12) are the main sources of investments.

The UK is also Ghana’s main non-oil trading partner, and is third largest export market in sub-Saharan Africa after South Africa and Nigeria. Principal UK exports to Ghana are: specialised machinery, general industrial machinery and equipment and machine parts, miscellaneous manufactures, road vehicles, and electronic machinery. Ghana’s principal export to the UK is cocoa. Other exports to the UK include gold, diamonds and timber.

Politics

Electoral Calendar For The Year 2008

6-15 May	Voter Registration
10-17 July	Exhibition of Voters’ Register
12-13 September	Nomination of candidates for general election
7 December	Presidential & Parliamentary elections

Political Parties

As at September, 2008 the following Political Parties have registered with the Electoral Commission of Ghana

Party	National Chairman	General Secretary	Symbols/Slogan	Address	Tel.
National Democratic Congress (NDC)	Dr. Kwabena Adjei	Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketia	Unity, Stability and Development	P.O. Box 5825 Accra-North	223195/224905 Fax: 021-220743/ 021-224674
New Patriotic Party (NPP)	Mr. Peter Mac Manu	Nana Ohene Ntow	Development in Freedom	Private Mail Bag Accra-North	227951 220987 fax: 222420, 224418
Convention People’s Party (CPP)	Mr. Ladi Nylander	Mr. Ivor Kobina Greenstreet	Unity In Strength	60 Mango Tree Avenue Asylum Down P.O. Box 104 AG. No. 25, Accra	021-227763 Fax: 227763
Democratic People’s Party(DPP)	Mr. T.N. Ward-Brew	Mr. Lawrence Hornu	God is Great	P.O. Box 373 Madina-Accra	021-500717
Eagle Party (EP)	Mr. Henry Gidi (Ag. Chairman)	Mr. C.K. Binewoatsor (Ag. Gen. Secretary)	Party of the People for the People by the People	P.O. Box TN. 16132 Teshie Nungua Estates Accra	021-713994 0208125135 Fax: 021-776894
People’s National Convention (PNC)	Alhaji Ahmed Ramadan	Mr. Bernard Mornarh	Service with Honesty	P.O. Box AC 120 Arts Centre, Accra	021-236389, 021234242 Fax: 021-236389
Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP)	Mr. Dan Lartey	Mr. John Thompson	Caring for People	Citadel House P.O. Box 3077 Accra	021-311034 Fax: 021-311034
United Ghana Movement (UGM)	Mr. Armah Tagoe	Mr. Erick Dytenya	Grooming People for Ghana’s Development	P O Box C.2611 Cantonments Accra	225581 331390 Fax: 021-223506
Ghana Democratic Republic Party (GDRP)	Dr. Kofi Amoah	Mr. Kwakye Yiadom	Good Democrats for Real Progress		021-223303
National Reform Party (NRP)	Mr. Peter Kpordugbe	Mr. Kyeretwie Opoku	Ghana First	P.O. Box 19403 Accra-North 31 Mango Tree Avenue Asylum Down	021-228578 021-226437 Fax: 021-227820
Democratic Freedom Party(DFP)	Dr. Obed Asamoah	Mr. John Ameka (Ag. Gen. Sec Interim)	Service in Freedom	P.O.Box 1040 Accra-North	021-237590 021-237593
Ghana National Party(GNP)	Mr. Kobina Amo-Aidoo	Mr. Simon K. Dewotor	Redeem Ghana Now!Now!Now!	P.O.Box AT.2085 Accra. House No. 112 Tabora-Accra	021-411973
United Renaissance Party(URP)	Mr. Kofi Wayo	Mr.Alhassan Saheed	Putting Ghana Right	P.O.Box 104 Accra-North Nima High Way	020-8914411 024-4756172
New Vision Party (NVP)	Mr. Daniel Nkansah	Mr. Robert Kobby	Development for All	P.O.Box 17596 Accra	024-4307445
Reformed Patriotic Democrats (RPD)	Mr. Kwabena Adjei	Mr. Charles Boateng	Youth In Service for Development	P.O.Box 13274 Kumasi	024-3616660 024-2820776
United Love Party	Mr. Remond Osei Akoto	Mr. Ken. K.A. Amoah		P.O.Box 677 Cape Coast	0245937901

Results of 2008 Presidential Elections

Candidate	% of Votes
Prof. John Evans Atta Mills (NDC)	*50.23
Nana Akufo-Addo (NPP)	*49.77
Total	100.00

* Presidential Run-off Result

Legislative Election 2008

Party	Seats
National Democratic Congress (NDC)	114
New Patriotic Party (NPP)	107
Independent Candidates	4
People's National Convention (PNC)	2
Convention Peoples Party(CPP)	1
Total	228

Government

Current Government

Previous Government(2001-2008)

Previous Government (1996-2000)

Current Government

the Republic of Ghana

President:	H.E. Prof. John Evans Atta Mills
Vice-President:	H.E. Mr. John Dramani Mahama

Ministers Of State

Minister of Finance	Dr. Kwabena Duffuor
Minister of Foreign Affairs &Regional Integration	Alhaji Muhammed Mumuni
Minister of Defence	Lt. Gen(Rtd)Joseph Henry Smith
Minister of Interior	Mr. Cletus Avoka, MP
Minister of Trade & Industry	Ms. Hannah Tetteh
Minister of Roads &High Ways	Mr.Joe Gidisu, MP
Minister of Justice & Attorney General	Mrs. Betty Mould-Iddrisu
Minister of Food &Agriculture	Mr. Kwesi Ahwoi
Minister of Lands &Natural Resources	Mr. Collins Dauda
Minister of Local Govt &Rural Dev	Mr. Joseph Yieleh Chireh, MP
Minister of Energy	Dr. Joe Oteng-Adjei
Minister of Health	Dr. George Yankey
Minister of Education	Mr. Alex Tetteh-Enyo, MP
Minister of Employment &Social Welfare	Mr. Stephen Kwao Amoanor, MP
Minister of Communications	Mr. Haruna Iddrisu, MP
Minister of Information	Mrs. Zita Okaikoi
Minister of Tourism	Mrs. Juliana Azumah-Mensah, MP
Minister of Transport	Mr. Mike Allen Hammah, MP
Minister of Water Resources, Works & Housing	Mr. Albert Abongo, MP
Minister of Youth and Sports	Mr Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo ( Minister of States & Care taker), MP
Minister of Environment, Science and Technology	Ms. Sherry Ayittey
Minister of Women & Children’s Affairs	Ms. Akua Sena Dansua, MP
Minister of Chieftaincy & Culture	Mr. Alexander Asum-Ahensah, MP
Minister at the Presidency	Mrs. Halutie Debie Alhassan, MP
Minister at the Presidency	Mr. Azong Alhassan, MP
Minister of State	Alhaji Seidu Amadu
Minister of State	Mr. Abdul Rashid Pelpuo, MP
Minister of State	Mr. Kwajo Tawiah Likpalimor

Deputy Ministers of States

Deputy Minister of Finance & Economic Planning	Mr. Seth Tekpeh Mr. Fiifi Kwetey
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs &Regional Integration	Amb. Chris Kpodo
Deputy Minister of Defence
Deputy Minister of Interior	Dr. Kwesi Akyem Apea-Kubi
Deputy Minister of Trade & Industry	Mr. John Gyetuah
Deputy Minister of Roads &High Ways	Mr. Rojo Mettle-Nunoo
Deputy Minister of Justice & Attorney General	Mr. Ebo Barton-Oduro
Deputy Minister of Food &Agriculture	Dr. Alfred Sugri Tia Nii Amasah Namoale Yaw Effah-Baafi
Deputy Minister of Lands &Natural Resources	Mr. Henry FordKamel
Deputy Minister of Local Govt &Rural Dev	Mr. Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah
Deputy Minister of Energy	Dr. Kwabena Donkor Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah
Deputy Minister of Health	Dr. Benjamin Kumbour
Deputy Minister of Education	Mrs. Elizabeth Amoah-Tetteh Dr. Joseph Annan
Deputy Minister of Employment &Social Welfare	Mr. Antwi Boasiako Sekyere
Deputy Minister of Communications	Dr. Nartey Siaw-Sappore
Deputy Minister of Information	Mr. Samuel Okudzeto-Ablakwa Mr. James Agyenim Boateng
Deputy Minister of Tourism	Mr. Kwabena Owusu Acheampong
Deputy Minister of Transport	Ms. Dzifa Peace Aku Attivor
Deputy Minister of Water Resources, Works & Housing	Dr. Hannah Bissiw Alhaji Iddi Saani
Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports	Mr. Nii Nortey Dua
Deputy Minister of Environment, Science and Technology	Dr. Edward Omane Boamah
Deputy Minister of Women & Children’s Affairs	Ms. Hawawu Boya Gariba
Deputy Minister of Chieftaincy & Culture

Regional Ministers And Deputy Ministers

Greater Accra Region	Mr. Nii Armah Ashietey, MP
Deputy
Ashanti	Mr. Opoku Manu
Deputy	Mrs. Anima Wilson
Brong Ahafo	Mr. Nyamekye Marfo
Deputy	Mr. Eric Opoku
Central	Ms. Ama Benyiwa-Doe
Deputy
Eastern	Mr. Samuel Ofosu Ampofo
Deputy	Mr. Baba Jamal
Northern	Mr. S.S. Nanyina
Deputy	Mr. Moses Mabengba
Upper East	Mr. Mark Woyongo
Deputy	Mrs. Lucy Awuni Nbun
Upper West	Mr. Mahmood Khalid
Deputy	Mr. Kale Caesar
Volta	Mr. Joseph Amenowode
Deputy	Col Cyril Neku(rtd)
Western	Mr. Paul Evans Aidoo
Deputy	Ms. Betty Bosomtwi-Sam

Council of States

Elected Members

Mr J H Owusu-Acheampong - BrongAhafo Region

Nana Asiama Poku Afrifa II - Ashanti Region

Kpan-Naa Muhammed Baba Bawah - Northern Region

Dr Bernard Kwasi Glover - Volta Region

Very Rev Dr Jacob Ayeebo - Upper East Region

Mr George Kofi Dadzie - Western Region

Guli-Naa Seidu Bhat Braimah - Upper West Region

Osabarima Owusu Gyamadu III - Eastern Region

Mr Ato Essuman - Central Region

Mr Emmanuel Adzei Anang - Greater Accra Region

Appointed Members

Mrs Victoria Addy

Hajia Hajara Musah Ali

Mrs Cecilia Johnson

Prof Kofi Awoonor

Prof George Akilagpa Sawyerr

Alhaji Mahama Iddrisu

Nana Akuoko Sarpong

Otumfuor Baidoo Bonso XV

Daasebre Kwebu Ewusi

Rev Dr Nii Amoo Darku

Alhaji Dr Asoma Abu Banda

Ex-Officio Members

Lt Gen Arnold Quainoo {former CDS (Rtd.)}

Mr Peter Tenganabang Nanfuri (former IGP)

Wulugunaba Prof John S Nabila(Pres, National House Of Chiefs)

Elected Members of Parliament

Parliamentary Election 2008

Please refer to Parliament of Ghana Home Page

Previous Government