Ghana is situated in Western Africa, with a coast towards the Atlantic Ocean.
Regarding the size it is quite similar to the size of Germany, but way less inhabitants are living there. Around 27 million people are living in Ghana. Many of them in the fast growing capital city Accra and in tourist coastal towns like Takoradi or Cape Coast.
Our project is situated in the northern part of Ghana – in Tamale. Tamale is not a very touristic area as the travel up to the north is quite exhausting.
Which languages are spoken?
Official language in Ghana is English. Furthermore there are around 60 local languages and dialect within the country. In Tamale the people speak the local language Dagbani. Additionally to English and one local language, the children in school are learning French, as all neighboring countries are French speaking countries.
What is the religious background in Ghana?
70% of Ghanaian are Christians, almost 20% belong to the Islamic religion and the rest is belonging to some small religious groups. In the Northern Region the percentage of moslem people is very high, while in the south the majority is Christian. In contrast to many other multi-religious countries, there are no bigger conflicts between the two main religions. Even many married couples are mixed within the religions.
How are the people?
Die people in Ghana are very welcoming and friendly. They are open to foreigners and very interested. In Ghana they are celebrating a lot, even the funerals are full of dancing, singing and celebrating. Families are big and the most important social bondage for the Ghanaian. Furthermore the support within one community is very strong.
How is the climate?
The vegetation is very various, you will find everything from wonderful beaches, over rain forest until savanna. Within one year, Ghana has a raining and a dry season and the temperatures are between 35 and 45 degree.
How is he political situation in Ghana?
For about 300 years Ghana was colonized by European countries, most of the time Great Britain. During this time mainly gold was exported, and slaves. Until today those slave trading places can be seen in many coastal areas. Just 60 years ago, in 1957 Ghana gained independency as one of the first sub-sahara African countries. Therefore Ghana was always mentioned as a pioneer in being an independent country in Africa.
Today Ghana is a presidential democratic republic. The president and the parliament are voted by the people, in free and secret elections. There is a multi-party-system, but mainly the two biggest parties, NPP and NDC are dominating the political playground.