About Ghana

Facts About Ghana: A Nation of Heritage Heart and Hospitality

Photos - Discover Ghana in 60 Seconds

Ghana culture

Culture

Ghana is a vibrant West African country known for its rich history, diverse culture, and legendary hospitality. Often referred to as the “Gateway to Africa,” Ghana was the first sub-Saharan country to gain independence in 1957 and continues to lead as one of Africa’s most peaceful and democratic nations. With its lush landscapes, golden beaches, and warm, welcoming people, Ghana offers both a deep cultural experience and modern convenience, making it one of the most compelling destinations on the continent.

See Ghana Through Local Eyes

Want a raw, authentic look at life in Ghana? Watch this amazing video by a local content creator that captures the culture, color, and character of Ghana from the streets of Accra to the shores of Cape Coast.

We don’t own the video, but we highly recommend it for anyone curious about visiting Ghana.

10 Quick Facts About Ghana

First African Nation to Gain Independence

Ghana became independent from British colonial rule on March 6, 1957.

Official Language is English

English is the primary language of instruction and communication.

Home to Lake Volta

One of the largest man-made lakes in the world.

Cultural Symbol: Kente Cloth

A world-renowned textile from the Ashanti Kingdom.

Capital City: Accra

A dynamic blend of modern city life and historical sites.

Over 100 Annual Festivals

Each region celebrates unique traditional festivals throughout the year.

Currency: Ghanaian Cedi (GHS)

Stable and widely accepted for all transactions.

Famous for Cocoa Production

Ghana is the second-largest cocoa producer globally.

Akwaaba" Means Welcome

Ghanaians are globally known for their warmth and friendliness.

Booming Tech & Arts Scene

Especially vibrant in Accra and Kumasi.

20 Fun Facts About Ghana

Ghana is full of surprises warm people, deep traditions, and small everyday wonders that locals like me sometimes take for granted. Whether you’re planning your first trip or reconnecting with your roots, here are 20 fun and fascinating facts about Ghana that’ll make you smile, think, and maybe even book that flight.

Ghana is home to the world’s largest man-made lake — Lake Volta, stretching across multiple regions, powers much of Ghana’s electricity.

Ghana was the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence from colonial rule in 1957, thanks to Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s leadership.

Ghanaians love their jollof rice — and we proudly believe ours is the best in West Africa. Ask anyone. We dare you.

Kente isn’t just cloth — it’s a language. Each pattern, color, and design tells a story or shares a proverb from our ancestors.

Ghana has over 70 spoken languages. English is the official language, but Twi, Ewe, Ga, and Dagbani are commonly spoken depending on where you are.

The Black Star in our flag symbolizes African freedom, and that same star sits on our Independence Arch in Accra.

The Paga Crocodile Pond in the north is sacred — and yes, you can sit on a crocodile. They’re treated like family by the locals.

Ghanians loves funerals. They’re not just somber events — they’re big celebrations with music, dancing, and custom-made caskets shaped like cars, fish, or even cocoa pods.

You haven’t really lived until you’ve tasted kelewele — spicy fried plantain sold on the roadside, especially in Accra after sunset.

The Chale Wote Street Art Festival in Jamestown transforms the streets into a canvas of color, music, and Afro-futurism.

Ghanaians greet before they ask anything. No matter how urgent your question is, start with "Good morning" or you’ll get a side-eye.

Ghana has castles, not just beaches. Cape Coast and Elmina Castles are UNESCO World Heritage Sites with powerful histories tied to the transatlantic slave trade

In Ghana Tro-Tros (shared minibuses) are the heartbeat of local transport. They’re colorful, chaotic, and uniquely Ghanaian.

Our traditional naming system is based on the day of the week you were born. So if you’re born on a Friday, you're likely a "Kofi" or "Afua."

Ghana is one of the friendliest countries in the world. Don’t be surprised if strangers call you "sister" or "brother" and start chatting.

Ghana grows some of the finest cocoa in the world. That’s right — your favorite chocolate might have its roots here.

Our independence square is one of the largest in Africa. It’s used for national parades and important events.

Ghanaians love highlife and hiplife music. And yes, Ghanaians will dance anywhere — weddings, tro-tros, even in traffic.

The Ghanaian handshake has its own flair. It ends with a snap of the fingers — a local flex that tourists love to learn.

"Akwaaba" means "Welcome," and we mean it from the heart. Once you’re here, you’re family.

Interesting Facts About Accra, Ghana

Accra is not just the capital city — it’s a cultural melting pot. Here are a few key facts:

Home to over 33.5 million people.
Hosts key landmarks like Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and Independence Arch.
Jamestown is a historic fishing community known for boxing, murals, and festivals.
Accra Mall and Oxford Street offer modern shopping and entertainment.
The city is a hub for the arts, with galleries, music festivals, and creative markets.

Ghana By The Numbers

Akan Culture

Akan people are known for Kente weaving, matrilineal chieftaincies, and the Ashanti Golden Stool. Festivals include Akwasidae and Odwira.

Ewe Culture

Predominant in the Volta Region, Ewe culture is famous for Agbekor war drumming, Hogbetsotso Festival, and weaving of narrow-strip cloth.

Ga-Dangme & Others)

In Greater Accra, Ga people celebrate Homowo—‘hooting at hunger’—with kpokpoi offerings. Mole-Dagbani, Dagomba, and other northern groups enrich Ghana’s cultural mosaic.

Population: ~38 Million

Diverse ethnic groups including Akan, Ewe, Dagomba, Ga, and more

Top Attractions:

: Kakum National Park, Mole National Park, Cape Coast Castle, Lake Volta

Ready to Explore More?

Now that you know the basics, why not experience Ghana firsthand