Fact 1: The Gold Coast
Historically, Ghana was known as the Gold Coast because of its vast amounts of gold that were readily available. The name Ghana, adopted at the time of independence in 1957, refers to the ancient Kingdom of Ghana, which was located far away from the modern country in the western part of Sahel area.
Fact 2: First Colonial Freedom in Sub-Saharan Africa
Ghana was the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to gain independence from colonial rule. On March 6, 1957, it broke free from British control, led by its first Prime Minister and then President, Kwame Nkrumah.
Fact 3: The National Symbol - The Black Star
Ghana's national soccer team is called the Black Stars in reference to the black star in the national flag. This is a symbol of African freedom and shows Ghana's place as one of the leaders in Pan-African ideology and African independence.
Fact 4: Lake Volta - One of The Largest Man-Made Lakes
One of the largest man-made lakes in the world, Lake Volta, is located in Ghana's Eastern Region. It was created by the Akosombo Dam, constructed on the Volta River between 1961 and 1965 for the generation of hydroelectricity.
Fact 5: Home to Hundreds of Languages
Even though Ghana is not among the largest countries in Africa, it is home to more than 250 different languages and dialects. English is the official language, but there are dozens of indigenous languages used in the regions.
Fact 6: Land of Cocoa
Ghana is the second largest cocoa producer in the world, contributing about 20% of the world's supply. The cocoa bean is critical to the country's economy, and a common souvernir is a box of Ghana's famous Golden Tree Chocolate.
Fact 7: No Place for Lefties
In Ghana, the left hand is considered unclean, reserved for personal hygiene. Offering food, pointing or gesturing with your left hand is frowned upon.
Fact 8: Cultural Diversity
Ghana is home to a culturally diverse population with over 100 different ethnic groups, each with its own distinct traditions and languages.
Fact 9: Ancestor Worship
In many parts of Ghana, ancestor worship is common. Traditionalists believe that the dead have the power to mediate between the living and the spirit world.
Fact 10: Kente – The Traditional Fabric
Kente is a colorful Ghanaian traditional fabric that is worn mostly on important occasions and ceremonies. The patterns and colors in the Kente are symbolic. It’s even recognized and used in the African diaspora as a representation of African culture.
Fact 11: Mysterious Stone Circles
Ghana is famous for its Mysterious Stone Circles. They are found in the northern part of the country and are estimated to be over 1000 years old.
Fact 12: Legal Polygamy
Ghana is one of the few countries in the world where polygamy is legal. Men can marry as many wives as they want, but must be able to provide for each one of them.
Fact 13: Sweet Name Tradition
In Akan culture, which is the main ethnic group in Ghana, children are typically named after the day of the week they are born, and each name has a specific meaning.
Fact 14: Ghana's Gold Mine
Ghana is rich in gold, with its Ashanti region known for its gold production for centuries. Even today, mining is a significant part of the country’s economy.
Fact 15: World Heritage Sites
Ghana is home to two UNESCO World Heritage sites. These are the Forts and Castles of the Volta, located in the Central and Western regions, and the Asante Traditional Buildings.
Fact 16: Trendsetter in African Film Industry
Ghana's film industry, Gollywood, is one of the oldest and most prolific in Africa, producing numerous movies every year that are enjoyed all across the continent.
Fact 17: Colorful Funeral Ceremonies
Contrary to many places in the world, funerals in Ghana are not just somber events but are viewed as a celebration of the deceased person's life, often featuring music, dancing and flamboyantly decorated coffins.
Fact 18: Longest Running Democracy in West Africa
Ghana is often referred to as West Africa's golden child due to its stability. It has the longest continuously running multi-party system in the entire West Africa region.
Fact 19: Host of the largest Market in West Africa
Kejetia Market located in Kumasi, the Ashanti region's capital, is the largest open-air market in West Africa, accommodating over 45,000 stalls and spanning over 12 hectares.
Fact 20: Home to a Unique Monkey Sanctuary
Ghana’s Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary has been a safe haven for the endangered true Mona monkey species for over two centuries. The monkeys living here are considered sacred and have become used to human presence, often breaching the boundaries between wildlife and human life.