Ghana Embassy contacts in the USA Ghana has one of the most stable political systems in Africa and indeed the world and its coat of arms emphasises the ideals of freedom and justice that is held by all people of Ghana. Ghana's Embassy's address in Washington DC is 3512 International Dr. N.W Washington D.C 20008 Their Website is www.ghanaembassy.org The Ghana consulate address in New York is 19 east 47th street New York NY 10017 Ph (212) 832-1300 www.ghanaconsulatenewyork.org/ If you wish to know about the Governement in the U.S, visit fedgate.org. The Ghana population in 2008 was estimated to be 23,350,927 people (51% of which being females and the other 49% being male), Giving Ghana an overall of approximately 80 persons per sq km (205 per sq mi) in population density. There are 75 ethnic groups that are divided within the Ghana population. The Northern Region is the largest area of Ghana, But it is not the most densely populated area of Ghana. With Tamale being the regions capital, Dagomba and Mamprussi are the largest ethnicities group within the Mole-Dagbane subfamily in the Niger-Congo language family. 21 percent of the population are a large sub-group called the Gurma as well as Konkomba. Most of the inhabitants in the northern region belong to the Moshi-Dagomba or to the Gonja group. The Coastal Areas, The Ashantiregion, and the two principal cities, Accra and Kumasi (which is located in the south central part of the country) are among the most densely populated parts of the country. With a calculation of about 70 percent of the total population living within the southern half of the country. Among the 70 percent, majority of these people are the coastal Fanti and the Ashanti, who live within the central Ghana, both the Fanti and the Ashanti belong to the Akan family. The Accra plains are inhabited by the Ga-Adangbe. Regional Divisions Ghana is divided into ten administrative regions: Region Regional Capital Northern Tamale Eastern Koforidua Western Takoradi Central Cape Coast Upper East Bolgatanga Upper West Wa Volta Ho Ashanti Kumasi Brong-Ahafo Sunyani Greater Accra. Accra (capital of Ghana) Major Cities Accra Accra is the Capital and the most populated city in Ghana. population estimtate of 1.7million (1996).Throught out all of Ghana all administrative, communications, and economic are all mainstreamed and sourced here in Accra. since 1877, Accra has been the Ghana capital. Some of the main attractions of Accra consist of The National Museum of Ghana, in here contains historical information of Ghana dating from the ancients to the modern days of Ghana. The National Theatre, which displays modern day architecture, Independance square,the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, which can be found in downtown Accra and the Makola Market. Kumasi Kumasi is the second largest city in Ghana, with a population of 1.5million. Mainly populated by the Ashanti, but there are other ethnic groups that are growing in size in Kumasi. Kumasi is well know for its various range of beautiful species of flowers and plants. Thus people giving Kumasi the popular names such as "The Garden City" or "heart beat". Kumasi is located in the southern area of Ghana. Kumasi features a few attractions such as the large Kumasi Central Market, Fort Kumasi, which is a museum but was once an asanti fort built by the british in 1896, Kumasi National Cultural Centre (including the Prempeh II Jubilee Museum with various Asante regalia including a reproduction of the golden stool) and Palaces such as the Manhiya Palace (now a museum and dating back from 1925) and the Asantehene's Palace (built in 1972). Tema Tema is populated with 209,000 (2005), Tema is located to the east of of the capital city of Accra, in the region of Greater Accra, it is a city in the Atlantic Coast. In 1961 Tema was constructed and became a large harbour, originally Tema being a small local fishing village but has expanded and became the nations largest Sea Port. Tema is also a centre of manufacturing an oil refinery. Tema is one of the two seaports of Ghana, Sekondi Takoradi being the other. Tamale Tamale the Northern Regions of Ghanas Capital, with a population of 305,000 (2005) mainly populated by Dagomba people who mainly follow the Islam ways. Tamale has been voted three consecutive as the cleanest city in Ghana and are boastful of there well organized road networking comparison to other cities and regions through Ghana. Tamale is also known for being the fastest growing city in West Africa. but outside from the city life there is plain savanna, beautiful grasslands and drought-resistant trees. Cape Coast Cape Coast being in the Central Region of Ghana, is the Capital of Central Region, with a population of 82,291 (2000 census). Cape Coast was founded by the Portuguese in the 15th century. Now a World Heritage Site, the Cape Coast Castle was built in 1637 by the Dutch, to which then the Swedes expanded in 1652 and was then captured by the British in 1664. The British based themselved in Cape Coast up until 1877 to which Accra became their capital. The Crab being the Symbol of Cape Coast town, a statue of this can be found within city center. Two light house both known as Fort William and Fort Victoria. Fort Williams was built back in 1820 and was active in 1835 to the 1970's, while Fort Victoria was built in 1702 and the biennial Panafest Festival which is held every 2 years dating back from 1992. Languages Ghana consists of various amounts of language and dialects, from the local Governmental view there are Akan, Dagaare, Dagbane, Dangme, Ewe, Ga, Gonja, Kasem, Nzema. These local Ghana languages are not the only language they speak, English is the Official Language spoken in Ghana along others such as Hausa and French. English however is taught in Ghana universally in studies and schooling. There are nine Government Sponsered Languages through out Ghana, these of which are supported and established in 1951 by the Bureau of Ghana Languages. Akan Akan being one of the Akan languages, is part of the Kwa branch of the Niger-Congo language family. The dialects of Akan are consists of Twi and Fante. Both of which are said for being seperated languages. The Akan language is the most spoken language of Ghana. Dagaare Dagaare or also known as Wale, is one of the Oti-Volta languages within the Gur branch of the Niger-Congo language family. In the Upper Regions of Ghana is where Dagaare is mainly spoken. But you will also hear Dagaar being spoken with the Burkina Faso area. Dagbani The Dagbani language is spoken in Ghana Northern Region. Dagbani being one of the Oti-Volta languages spoken within the Gur branch of the Niger-Congo language family. Dangme Dangme is spoken in the South-east of Ghana within the Greater Accra. Dangme being one of the Ga-Dangme languages within the Kwa branch of the Niger-Congo language family. Ewe Ewe is a Gbe language that is spoken approximetly two million within the Volta Region of South-East Ghana. In Togo you will also find Ewe being spoken. Ewe is part of the Kwa branch of the Niger-Congo language family. Ga Ga is spoken in south-eastern Ghana, throughout the capital Accra. Ga is a Kwa language, part of the Niger-Congo family. Ga being very similar to Adangme, with Ga and Adangme combined they become the Ga-Dangme branch. the Ga-Dangme branch being within the Kwa. Gonja Gonja being part of the Kwa branch of the Niger-Congo language family is one of the Potou-Tano languages. Gonja is spoken in Wa and in the Northern Region of Ghana. Kasem Kasem is spoken in the Upper Eastern Region of Ghana, being a Gur branch of the Niger-Congo language family It is also spoken in Burkina Faso. Nzema Nzema is spoken in the Western Region of Ghana by the Nzema people. Nzema being one of the Potou-Tano languages and is part of the Kwa branch of the Niger-Congo language family. In the Ivory Coast Nzema is also being used. Tourism Tourism is becoming a major eaning for Ghana.It is the fastest growing industry and likely to keep growing.With its stable domestic scene, its a safe and favourite destination for Africa travellers.It's safe but with any travel, precautions need to be taken. be sure to be well covered with travel insurance. there are still remnants of the Nigerian scams so be sure to check thoroughly when doing any business deals.Be wary of street food and water and boil your drinking water.Tipping is the norm and much appreciated by the locals even when doing things like taking photos of someone.Always ask beforehand and offer a tip.Ghanians are very hospitable but even more so when well treated.Observe local customs such as using only the right hand for holding food or touching people.The left hand in Ghana, as in India is used for more personal procedures. Religions Religions in Ghana are like in other countries wide spread with many other Religions. Ghana religions consists of Christian, Muslim, Hinduism and traditional religions. Dating back from the 1960's throughout Ghana, Christianity was the main religion in Ghana with 41 percent of the people being Christian, 38 percent were traditionalists, 12 percent followed the Muslim religion and the about 9 percent were not affiliated with religion. 25 % were prostentant (non-Pentecostal), 13 percent being Roman Catholic, 2 percent prostetant (Pentecostal) and 1 percent Independent African Churches. The general population percent on the Christian followers rose to 62 percent according to an 1985 estimate. Through all the polls made it is has been confirmed that Christianity is followed more in the Southern part of the nation and the Northern Part is more Islamic. Christianity When the Arrival of the Portuguese in the 15th century presented itself, Christianity was brought along with them and spread through out Ghana. It was not until the 19th Century however, that they laid the foundation for the Christian church in Ghana. Christianity starting from the Coastal areas and so on. The portuguese missionaries spread the word and teaching of Christianity to the Ghana. Later Establishing schools to then, an educated African class was trained.Shortly after, Christianity was made one of Ghanas main Religions which are now educated and and learnt in all Major secondary schools and above. Islam According to research, Islam predominates is more followed in the North Ghana regions. Dating back from the 9th Century Islam religion spread into West Africa. it was mainly the result of the commercial activities of North African Muslims. the Islamic religion was adopted in the Western Sudan, Ancient Ghana by the Mali and Songhai empires. But it was not until the 15th Century that the Islam religion impacted the northern territories of modern Ghana. Mande or Wangara traders and clerics spread the religion of Islam throught out the North. Later in the 19th Century The North-Eastern Section began the Influence of Muslim religion, spread in word by the Muslims who escaped the Hausa jihads of northern Nigeria. Traditional religion Despite Christianity and Islam religions being majorly followed within Ghana, The local and Traditional influences still play a strong role in the Ghana community because of their intimate relation to family loyalties and local mores. The Traditional Belief are that there is a higher God, The Higher God is referred to differently to others for example Akan reffer as Nyame or Ewe reffer the Higher God as Mawu, Though it is not directly worshipped as it is usually thought of as remote from daily religious life. There are also Lesser Gods of which they believe in. these Lesser Gods believe to be within the nature that surrounds them like streams, rivers, trees, and mountains. Ancestors and numerous other spirits are also recognized as part of the cosmological order. Syncretic religion Pentecostal or Apostalic churches through out Ghana the more Local and Traditional cultural ways of Ghana. Pentecostal are mainly based on Spiritual churches or cults. combine traditional beliefs in magic and divination with elements of Christianity. Their Strong belief in Witchcraft and malevolent forces makes them turn towards Cults in search for natural remedies to prevent these and follow with chants and charms. Hinduism Hinduism is not commonly follwed in Ghana. The Ghana's Hindu Monastery which is being preached throught out Ghana by the Swami Ghananand Saraswati and Hare Krishnas. Organisatized by Sathya Sai , Ananda Marga and Brahma Kumaris are also active in Ghana. This Information brought to you by the World Travel network of ANTOR