About Ghana
Key facts and practical information
History Overview
From the ancient Ghana Empire influence to the powerful Ashanti Kingdom, the colonial era as the Gold Coast, and becoming the first sub-Saharan African nation to gain independence in 1957 under Kwame Nkrumah. Ghana has a rich and complex history.
Geography & Climate
Located in West Africa on the Gulf of Guinea. Diverse landscapes include coastal plains, tropical rainforests (like Kakum), and savannahs (like Mole). Ghana has several regions, each with unique characteristics. The climate is tropical, generally warm to hot year-round, with distinct rainy seasons.
People & Language
A diverse nation with many ethnic groups (Akan, Ewe, Ga, Dagomba, etc.). English is the official language, but many local languages like Twi, Fante, Ga, Ewe, Hausa are widely spoken.
Practical Information for Travelers
- Visa: Check requirements for your nationality well in advance. Many require visas.
- Currency: Ghana Cedi (GHS). ATMs are available in cities, Mobile Money (MoMo) is very common.
- Health: Consult your doctor about vaccinations (Yellow Fever is often required) and malaria prevention.
- Safety: Generally safe, but take standard precautions, especially in crowded areas.
- Transport: Options include domestic flights, buses (STC, VIP), shared taxis, ride-hailing apps (Uber, Bolt in cities), and 'trotros' for local travel.
Year of Return & Beyond the Return
These government initiatives welcome the African diaspora to connect with their heritage, visit historical sites, invest, and experience modern Ghana.