GWTTA - About Ghana

GHANA.

The Republic of Ghana was formerly called the Gold Coast due to its abundant endowment in Gold. Ghana lies north of the equator between latitude 4º45'N and 11º11'N longitude 30 W and 0º 30'E. IT covers an area of 239,460 sq. km (92,000 sq. miles) with a distance from North to South stretching 672km (420 miles) and East to West along its coast line measuring 560 km (348 miles). Ghana is bordered by Cote d'Ivoire on the west.

Burkina Faso to the North and Togo to the East. One can see Benin and Nigeria further east. On the South stretches the coastline along the Gulf of Guinea (Atlantic Ocean).

The population of Ghana is about 20.1 million. Ghana is divided into 10 regions, namely Greater Accra, Ashanti, Western, Northern, Central, Eastern Brong Ahafo, Volta, Upper East and Upper West.

There are about 60 different ethnic languages. However, English is the official language with Twi, Fanti, Ga, Ewe, Hausa, Dagoba and Nzema widely spoken.

Ghana's currency is the GHANA cedi (¢) which is made up of 100 pesewas. The cedi denomination comes of5, 10, 20 and 50 notes and 5,10,20,50,and 100 in coins.

The electricity in Ghana is a 200/240 volts. Electric outlet accepts either 2 or 3 prolonged plugs or convectors. Water is safe from the tap. Bottled mineral water is also available for purchase.

As the climate is warm and tropical throughout the year, light and washable cotton or casual wear is recommended.

Airlines that fly into Ghana are Ghana Airways, KLM, British Airways, Lufthansa, Alitalia, South African Airways, Egypt Air, Ethiopia Airlines etc.