HISTORICAL BACKGROUND  

The name Ghana originates from an African empire, which was located around River Niger between 400 and 1240 AD. The period between the 15th and 19th Centuries witnessed a power struggle for the country amongst European nations for fortunes in gold and ivory, following the advent of the Portuguese who discovered gold in 1471 and built Elmina Castle in 1482. The other Europeans were Dutch, Swedes, Danese, Prussians and the British. The battle for control and supremacy over the land culminated in the building of many forts and castle, which were used not only has trading posts but also has dungeons for the infamous slave trade. It is significant to note that out of the about forty-three (43) forts and castles in West Africa, thirty-three (33) are in Ghana alone. Out of these about twenty-five (25) are in good condition, including Elmina and Cape Coast Castles and Fort St. Jago, all three of which are recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Monuments

Ghana, formerly called the Gold Coast, became independent from British colonial rule on March 6,1957. It was the first black African colony to achieve independence.

Ghana has aptly describe as “a bird watcher‘s paradise, an eco-tourism haven, cultural delight, a heritage lover's passion and an adventure's dream” (Mr. Jake Obestebi Lamptey, March 2004). The country has held and continue to hold out a lot of attractions notably :

                                                  RESOURCES

• Rich mineral resources such as gold, diamonds, manganese, limestone, bauxite, iron ore as well as various clays and granite deposits. In 1999, Ghana produced 2,620,096 million ounces of gold and 684,033.4 carats of diamonds. ( Ghana is the second largest producer of gold in Africa ).

• Extensive forests, which are arguably the best managed in West Africa (with 252 permanent forest reserves in the rain forest zone alone. In total about 11% of Ghana is defined as forest). Ghana is the second largest producer of cocoa in the world. It is also the third largest producer of timber and the second largest exporter of wood and wood products in Africa ;

• Rich marine fishing resources (tuna and game fishing);

• Beautiful landscape, inviting sunshine, pristine beaches, exotic wildlife and exciting national parks and game reserves;

• Rich culture and tradition and a world acclaimed warmth and hospitality of its people. 

                                                      THE PEOPLE

There are 56 Ghanaian dialects, of which Akan, Dangbe, Ewe, Kasem, Gonga, Dagare , Gas, Dagbani and Nzema are the major languages. The official language of the is English, but French and Hausa are two major foreign languages spoken in the country.

                                                        RELIGION

Ghana's constitution guarantees freedom of religion. The 2002 Population Census indicates that Christianity, Islam and Traditional Religion are the major faiths practiced in Ghana with the following representation: Christianity (68.8%), Islam (15.9%) and Traditional Religion (8.5%). A significant proportion (6.1%) has no religious affiliation.

                                                     POPULATION

Ghana's population is estimated at about 18.9 million and grows at 2.7% annually. Most of the population is concentrated in the Southern part of the country with the highest density occurring in urban and cocoa producing areas.

The population data by Region, Sex and Capital (Administrative Towns) are as follows:

Source: Ghana Statistical Service, 2000 Census (Final Results)

                                                        LEISURE

The country boasts of very good golf courses, safe and unspoilt beaches with world class hotels and restaurants. Most cities have many active ‘Keep Fit Clubs; which have members from different countries. There are also facilities for game fishing (mauling).