While Ghana is not the most developed country globally, it is still a tropical paradise for anyone who loves to visit and explore. In Ghana, there are waterfalls everywhere you go, along with captivating mountains and beaches.
Along with its lush forests and deep history Ghana is one of the 54 countries that make up the entire African continent.
Ghana is located almost at the center of the world, being close to the Greenwich Meridian and the equator.
So, in this article, let us discuss some really interesting facts about this interesting African country, Ghana.
- Ghana is the seventh-largest producer of gold
A very interesting fact about Ghana is that it is the seventh-largest producer of gold in the world. Ghana produces tonnes of gold around the world and is known as the second-largest producer of this precious metal in the entire African continent. Hence, if you are in need of quality gold, you can go to Ghana.
- Ghana was the first Sub-Saharan country to become independent
The country of Ghana gained independence in 1957. However, it went through several coups that devastated it for at least three decades. In 1981, it started witnessing some stability when Lt. Jerry Rawlings came into power. Since that time, the country of Ghana has seen a peaceful time.
The new flag of Ghana incorporated the Pan-African colors that represent an ideology of political unity among all who live in Africa. Those colors are yellow, red, black, and green. Several other countries in Africa followed suit.
- Cedi is the main currency of Ghana
Another vital fact about Ghana to know is their main currency, which is known as Cedi. The currency of Ghana can also be divided into some smaller units, which are called pesewas. A hundred pesewas create one Cedi.
- There are two distinct Rainy seasons
In Ghana, the rainy season is divided into two unique parts. The first one is a wet season, and then it is followed by dry weather for about two months. Lastly, Ghana gets a second rainy season that lasts for at least a month.
Ghana is very close to the equator, so its temperature during the dry season reaches up to 86 degrees Fahrenheit or 30 degrees Celsius.
- The landscape of Ghana
The country of Ghana is equal parts shrubby savannah, sandy desert, and also lush rainforest. While the area along the coast is very dry, the heat is tempered by the refreshing breeze blowing off the Atlantic Ocean.
The northern part of Ghana is a lot drier and turns into arid grasslands, and in the middle of the country, you will get to see the Ashanti plateau.
- Lake Bosumtwi is a sacred place
An interesting fact about Ghana is that it has a lake called Lake Bosumtwi that is believed to be a sacred place by the people of Ghana. The lake is formed inside an ancient impact crater that has expanded for more than six miles. Lake Bosumtwi is only replenished through rainfall, because it doesn’t have an outlet or inlet.
Also, it is the only natural lake in Ghana that all tourists love to visit.
- The word Ghana means warrior king
The word Ghana can be translated to Warrior King in Mande. Mande is a language that most people speak from Western Africa.
Also, the official language in Ghana is English. Any individual who knows English can travel with ease, and they will not have an issue. However, some other local languages and dialects are used by Ghana’s citizens as well.
- In Ghana, more than 200 dialects are spoken
A very interesting cultural fact about Ghana is that people speak over two-hundred dialects here. Though Ghana’s official language is English, three main languages still take up the entire country. Those are Kwahu, Ewe, and Dagbani.
However, not all these dialects and their sub-dialects are spoken widely. Most people know English and their regional dialect as they need to communicate in the latter for work and business.
- People of Ghana wear a special cloth called Kente
The national costume of Ghana is hand-woven from Kente. It has various strips that are stitched together. You can think of this specific cloth as a mix of cotton and silk; however, you will only get to experience it after you see it.
- The people of Ghana are passionate about protecting wildlife
Another interesting thing about Ghana is that the people in Ghana are highly passionate about protecting wildlife. This is the reason why you will be able to see many protected parks and reserves in Ghana. For instance, more than six hundred butterfly species exist in the famous Kakum National Park.
Besides that, you will be able to see many such similar reserves and parks with some unique species of different birds, animals, and much more.
- Here, you will be able to enjoy some traditional salads
Food is a vital part of any culture. You will be able to taste many traditional salads while visiting Ghana. These are made from different vegetables, such as lettuce, onions, tuna, tomatoes, boiled eggs, and much more. Besides that, you can even find baked beans in their salads.
People love to eat vegetables in the country of Ghana because the country is rich in many crops and vegetables.
- In Ghana, people greet by shaking hands
The proper way to greet people in Ghana is from right to left, and it is vital to use your right hand. It will let the locals know that you are respectful to their customers.
- The unique coffins of the people of Ghana
The custom of creating attractive coffins for persons of prominence originates from the belief of the Ghana people that life carries on even after death. The theme for the Coffin of Ghana is generally based on the person’s vocation, and the goal is to create a good impression once the dead person gets to the other side.
Also, you will be surprised to see the workmanship of those coffins, as a lot of care goes into creating these coffins, and they even take over a month to complete.
- Cuisine of Ghana
The food of Ghana is a mix of indigenous flavors and also outside influences, including Indian and European. Here, you will find tomato-based stews with interesting flavors throughout Ghana.
The stews contain a specific kind of freshwater or marine fish and are consumed with a dough used to scoop up the fish and soak it up in the fragrant sauce.
The dough or akple or fufu is made from any kind of starch, like plantain, cassava, maize, yam, millet, sorghum, cocoyams, or potatoes. Another famous food is jollof rice, a one-pot rice containing spices, tomatoes, and chilli.
- The matriarchal culture of Ghana
One of the notable cultures in southern Ghana, mainly of the Akan people, practices a unique inheritance system based on the matriarchal lineage. However, men must hold the main positions of power in this society.
For instance, while the king and his sister inherit their wealth and royal status from their mother, the king will get the throne. However, it is not the king’s son who will be offered the throne, but the son of the king’s sister.
- Accra: The port city and capital of Ghana
Accra is a port city of Ghana and the country’s commercial hub. Accra is also the most populated city of Ghana, along with being the seat of its government. The oldest university in the country, the University of Ghana, is situated in the suburb of Legon.
Here, you can even check street markets, the white sandy beaches, and the National Museum of Ghana, where you can learn about Ghana’s history and culture.
- The religion of the people of Ghana
Today, most people of Ghana identify as Christian. However, the native religion of the Ashanti Empire was polytheism. Many elements of this faith tradition are still active today and are a vital part of Ghanaian culture and Christian traditions.
Ashanti cosmology centers around a supreme creator, also known as Nyame. According to the people of Ghana, Nyame’s home is the sky. Asase Yaa is the Earth goddess of fertility and also the second most powerful of the spirits in this faith tradition.
- The Ghanaian braid is a unique hairstyle
Ashanti kings were known for wearing gold, fashioned into rings, necklaces, and even bracelets. Still today, the people of Ghana place great value on gold jewelry.
The Ghanaian braid is a unique, protective, and versatile braided hairstyle that originated here. However, modern Ghanaians wear traditional and Western clothing but remain advocates of boldly patterned and brightly colored fabrics.
- Drumming and music were used as a form of communication
In Ghanaian society, music has a social function. Drumming was used as a specific form of communication, and also stories told using music helped to tell the history of Ghanaian people.
Wind and string instruments were also used by the people of Ghana in the north, while drumming was the main method to make music in the southern part.
- Soccer is popular in Ghana
In Ghana, soccer is a national pastime and their national football team called the Black Stars, named after the five-pointed star showed on their flag. Since the 1940s, the national football team of Ghana has been competing on an international level.
Ghana is one of the best in football, and won the Africa Cup of Nations several times, and even go toe-to-toe with other accomplished national teams like Egypt and Mexico.
So, Ghana is a very interesting and unique country, with its interesting culture, rich history, beautiful landscapes, interesting people, cuisine, and many more.
At the end of this article, we have come to know 20 really interesting facts about Ghana, that offer us a clear picture of this unique country. To get some additional amazing facts, you can see our website
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