ACCRA HANDICRAFT MARKET

Any visitor to Ghana will not leave empty handed. Perhaps nowhere else in the world are there so many artisans making such a wide variety of beautful handmade crafts. The skill of the Ghanaian craftsman is passed down from father to son (women rarely make crafts for sale), and has come down from time immemorial. The artistry depends on the price of the piece, which in turn depends on supply and demand. In many parts of Ghana where tourism is one of the main industry , there is a surfeit of carvers so it is a buyer's market. Bargains are easy to come by and haggling is the order of the day. However, when one considers the effort that goes into creating a piece, it is necessary to invoke your conscience in order to avoid feeling as though you might have cheated the seller.

The Centre for National Arts and Culture, popularly known as Arts Centre, is located next to the Kwame Nkrumah Musoleum, off the High Street in Accra. The center became very popular in the 80's for its leisure and entertainment programmes through its "Anansekrom", which used to be held there on weekends.
Today, the reason for most of the hundreds of people who visit the place everyday is different. They go there to buy or sell in the arts and craft market, located within the premises of the Centre for National Arts and Culture. It is the biggest market for handicraft products in the country.

All kinds of handicrafts imaginable may be found in this market. The items range from wood carvings, traditional musical instruments, cane and raffia products, leather ware, gold, silver and bronze jewelry, beads, clay products, antiques, paintings to ivory products, and many more. These items are brought to the markets from various parts of the country and also from other countries within the West African sub-region including, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Cote d'Ivoire, Togo, Senegal and Nigeria.
Visitors who where seen at the market say that the market is very popular in Europe and America because of the variety and quality of the handicrafts available. Some of them said the items that they purchase are sent home as gifts for their loved ones and relations while others explained that they buy and resell in America and Europe and as far as Asia.
The arts and craft market provides employment opportunities for many people. Skills have been developed in carving, painting, designing, metal works to service the market.

WELCOME TO GHANA'S NATURAL AND MAN MADE HERITAGE

It is believed that any preserved man made or natural heritage with a preserved history will always be appriciated and automatically becomes a thing of intrest.which could attract attention at any time.so what realy matters is how much and how well the people and the world at large are attracted to these beautiful sites.for example:

Cape Coast Castle

The castle served as the nerve centre of the infamous slave trade. The castle houses the dungeons and the 'room of no return'. It is a place to experience what really transpired when able-bodied men were transported away from their own land to a foreign land never to return. It served as the West African headquarters of the Committee of Merchants and later as the seat of the British governor.
Elmina Castle

The Portuguese constructed the castle in 1482 to protect the gold-rich lands discovered in 1471. The castle is located at the end of a narrow promontory bounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Benya River or lagoon. During the 15th and 16th centuries, the Portuguese enjoyed a trade boom in the 15th and 16th centuries and as a result imported slaves from Benin to Elmina in the early 16th century to work in the sector in exchange of gold, ivory, etc from the local people. The Dutch however, dislodged them from Elmina in 1637.
Fort Batenstein

Butre village was among the early historic settlements generated by the 17th century inter-European and inter-African conflicts, partly because it was close to the gold-rich hinterland. In 1598, the Dutch West Indian Company established a trade post at Butre. In 1656, the company built a fort on the hill at Butre and named it Batenstein. The fort was visited by 17th century authors, Jean Barbot in 1679 and William Bosman in 1701.
Fort Good Hope

The Dutch established a lodge at Senya Beraku in 1667, and entered into a long-standing relationship with the Agona State. The Dutch subsequently built a fort there, due to the potential trade in gold, ivory and slaves with the Akyem kingdom located in the hinterland. In 1705-06, the Dutch constructed a small triangular fort on a promontory located near a cove, with a good landing beach. The Dutch named it 'De Goede Hoop', meaning "Good Hope".
Fort Metal Cross

The chief of Greater Dixcove leased to the English a site located on the shore of a large and sheltered bay, later designated as Dick's Cove (Dixcove). The calm waters and sandy beach made the site an ideal place for canoes and small boat. The Royal African Company built the fort in 1698. One of the hollow bastions in the main section of the fort was employed as a slave prison. By 1750, the fort was equipped to carry up to 25 canons.
Fort Orange

The Sekondi coast was at the centre of European trade competition in the 17th and 18th centuries. They were hostile to each other and struggled to build forts there. They formed alliances with the local people in other to gather support for their cause. The Dutch started the construction of a lodge, in about 1670 and by 1704 the lodge had become a small fort called "Oranje".
Fort St. Jago

In 1503, a missionary converted and baptized the paramount chief of the Efutu Kingdom who then offered the missionary, a hill opposite St. Jorge castle to build a church. The site was dedicated to the Portuguese saint, Jago. In 1637, the Dutch used the hill as a gun-position to attack and cease Elmina Castle from the Portuguese. In 1660, they built a permanent fort there. The stone fort, named Coenraadsburg, is unique and its military fortifications were based on the design of baroque military architecture. It comprised two giant, strong landward bastions on the northeast and northwest sides, and two smaller seaward bastions on the southwest and southeast sides. Curtain walling linked the bastions.
Fort William

From the middle of the 17th century, European companies struggle with each other in an attempt to establish and maintain a trading post at Anomabu. The Dutch built a lodge in 1640 but it changed hands, to Swedes, then to the Danes, back to the Dutch and finally to the English. In 1674, the English built a fort and called it Charles, after the reigning monarch King Charles II. However, it was abandoned in order to concentrate on Fort Carolusburg at Cape Coast. The English demolished Fort Charles in 1731 to prevent its capture and use, but the French stithly built a fort later at where Fort Charles once stood.

A visit to the Kakum National Park in Cape Coast

Kakum National Park is one of the best known national parks in Ghana; it is in the southern part of Ghana, in what is known as the Central Region. The Park was first established in 1990 from an area of 350 square kilometers to the north of Cape Coast and Elmina near the small town of Abrafo. The entire area is covered with tropical rainforest.

In the Park gamekeepers were specially trained to make accessible to the visiting tourists some important tropical plants on the grounds and their relevant medicinal significance. Besides the impressive plant world, which partly also comprises rare species, the Kakum National Park presents rare animals, including the very rare and endangered Mona-meerkat, as well as pygmy elephants, forest buffalo, zibetkatzen, and a highly developed bird world. Still, the observation of animals in this forest is extremely difficult because of the dense rainforest. In the course of the development of tourism, authorities and park managers plan in the future to add water holes or clearings, to make better observation possible.

Kakum National Park has a unique tourist attraction: the only round tour over a hanging bridge in the forest canopy level in all of Africa. Beside Kakum there are only four other round tours of this type. From the so-called Canopy Walkway, at up to 40 meters height, the visitor can approach the plants and animals in their living space which would otherwise be inaccessible for people. The Canopy Walkway passes over 7 bridges and runs over a length of 330 meters.The Walkway is definitely unique,however ,if you are going there for wildlife spotting think again as this is a rarity, most of the animals have long since migrated to other more remote parts of the park,this quote coming from one of the parks rangers

Kakum National Park is both incredibly biologically diverse, and sacred to local people. Forest elephant, bongo, antelope, and duiker live in the forest, as do seven species of primates, and many other animals. Kakum is most famous for its unforgettable 333m-long tree-top canopy walkway, which is suspended 27m off the ground. There are wooden platforms built around trees for rainforest canopy observation. Early morning canopy walks offer the best chances for wildlife observation, but the forest view in itself is astounding. It is the only such walkway in Africa.

At Kakum you can also take forest nature walks, listen to the dawn bird chorus, take interpretive hikes to learn more about the medicinal and other uses of plants, and visit the award-winning visitors' centre. There are also forest camp sites available. At nearby Jukwa you can visit a traditional craft village.

The 357 sq. km rainforest park is home to 269 species of birds, butterflies, and other insects. Large mixed bird flocks are most often seen (and heard) January through March near Abrafo. On the Antwikwaa road, hawks, kingfishers, bee-eaters and starlings, among others, can be found. Kruwa has fruit trees that in season draw many greenbuls, barbets, tinkerbirds, hornbills, and other birds. Aboabo, a two-hour drive to the park's northwest corner, offers some opportunity to witness flycatchers and eagles.

Kakum is about 30 kilometres north of Cape Coast and makes an excellent day-trip from Cape Coast or Elmina. The less visited Kruwa Camp at the southeast corner can also be apporached from the Kumasi road.

Learn to Make African Batik and Create Something You Get to Bring Home! In only a couple hours you can make your own batik cloth to bring home and turn into a skirt, dress, bag, purse or whatever you want! Discover the art of making African batik, be creative and take something home with you. Two of Cape Coast’s most talented batikers will guide you through the process of making African batik. You choose the patterns and the colors—they assist you in making a beautiful cloth to bring home. The batik workshop is taught by Global Mamas batikers Elizabeth and Emma, otherwise known as Eli-Emma. During this lively four-hour class, Eli-Emma demonstrate traditional Ghanaian batik techniques using wax and dye to create colorful patterns. Students design and stamp their own cloth to take home. The batiking studio, recently acquired with the assistance of WIP, sits on a beautiful beach front plot just west of the Cape Coast Castle. The beautiful colors and cloths that adorn the people and places you visit in West Africa are a significant part of the culture. Your experience of Africa should include the discovery of this cloth. Come and find out how it is made and learn the technique hands-on!

A place to Visit in Accra

The National Museum in Accra is the largest and oldest of the six museums under the administration of of the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board. The museum building was opened on 5th March, 1957 as part of Ghana’s independent celebration. The official opening was performed by Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Kent, the Late Princess Marina

Objects of archeology, ethnography as well as fine art find place in the National Museum building. Objects at the archeology section range from the stone age period to the recent historical past. Those on permanent exhibition at the ethnography gallery include chief’s regalia, indigenous Ghanian musical instruments, gold-weights, beads, traditional textiles, stools and pottery. There are also objects from other African countries acquired through exchange. Examples are Senfu masks from La Cote D’ Ivoire, Zulu wooden figures and bead-ware from Southern Africa. In addition there are also ancient Ife bronze heads from Nigeria and Bushongo carvings from the Congo. Exhibits at the small but impressive art gallery consist mainly of contemporary Ghanian paintings executed in oil, pasted, acrylic, watercolour and collages

Stool

Apart from these there are sculpture pieces in different media Temporary exhibitions are held not only by the National Museum but also by individuals and foreign embassies. Guided tours are provided and films on some aspects of Ghanian culture are shown by the staff of the Education Section

It is more than our wish that every guest, while enjoying his or her visit to the National Museum, adds some more knowledge to what he or she might have already about Ghana’s material cultural heritage

Major Festivals in Ghana

LIST OF SOME MAJOR FESTIVALS IN GHANA



January

Bugum Festival
Although the Bugum Festival was also linked with Islam, it has become a major event on the traditional calendar too. It commemorates the flight of Naiyul-Lah Mohammed from Mecca into exile in Medina in AD658. The festival is celebrated in Dagbon, Gonja, Mamprusi and Nanumba. The events begin withprocessions from neighbouring villages. By nightfall, all the villagers converge at the Chief's palace withlighted torches. Following special invocations by the Chief, the ceremony illuminate the streets. Festive drumming and dancing continue until the early hours of the morning.

Edina Buronya Festival
This is the native version of Christmas which is exclusively celebrated by the people of Elmina (Edina) on the first Thursday of the New Year. The festival was influenced by the Portuguese settlers who celebrated a similar event every January. For the people of Edina, it is a period of purification, sacrifices to the gods, remembrance of the dead, and the welcoming of a new year. Families pour libations and invite friends to participate in dining, and merry-making, throughout the town.

Rice Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Akpafu, in the Volta Region.

Kpini-Kyiu & Tenghana Festivals
Is celebrated by the people of Wa & Tongu, in the Upper East Region.

Danso Abaim & Ntoa Fukokuese Festivals
Is celebrated by the people of Techimentia & Nkoranza, in the Brong Ahafo Region.

Apafram Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Akwamu, in the Eastern Region.



February

Papa Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Kumawu, in the Ashanti Region

Dzawuwu Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Dabala, in the Volta Region. It is an Annual traditional and thanksgiving festival of the Agave people.



March

Damba Festival
Originally linked with Islam to mark the birth of Mohammed, the festival has gradually taken on a traditional rather than Islamic tone. The two-day festival is full of pageantry and showmanship and is celebrated in the towns of Dagbon, Gonjaland, Mamprusiland and Nanumbaland.

Ngmayem Festival
This is the annual traditional harvest and thanksgiving festival of the Krobo people. It is celebrated in March-April by the people of Manya and Yilo Krobo in the towns of Krobo Odumase and Somanya, in the Eastern Region.

Asikloe Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Anfoega, in the Volta Region.

Volo Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Akuse, In the Volta Region to commemorate the end of the exodus of the Volo people from Togo, forced to flee the tyranny of an impious ruler.

Lekoyi Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Likpe, in the Volta Region.

Kotokyikyi & Ogyapa Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Senya Beraku, in the Central Region.

Kurubie Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Namase, in the Brong Ahafo Region.

Lalue Kpledo Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Prampram, in the Greater Accra Region.

Gologo Festival
This festival is celebrated in March by the Talensis of Tong-Zug just before the planting of grain. During the three-day festival, sacrifices are offered to the gods for plentiful rain and good harvest.



April

Bugum, Serpeemi & Wodomi Festivals
Occasions for the people of Krobo, in the Eastern Region to assemble.

Dipo
A puberty festival by the people of Krobo (Somanya & Odumase), in the Eastern Region when girls at adolescent age are initiated into womanhood with a parade. The attire of the girls is close to nudity.



May

Aboakyir (Deer Hunt) Festival
"Aboakyir" literally, means "game hunting". This popular festival is celebrated on the first Saturday of May by the chiefs and people of Winneba. The festival begins with a competitive hunt between 2 traditional warrior groups in a nearby game reserve, where each tries to catch an antelope live. It is an adventurous event to test the strength, bravery, determination and intuition of the 2 rival groups. The winner presents the catch to the Paramount Chief who sits in state with the sub-chiefs and subjects. The antelope is sacrificed as an invocation for good harvest and a bountiful fishing season. A durbar and procession of the chiefs and warrior groups in their colouful regalia is the highlight of the celebrations. Brass bands, dancing, performances of folklore and parties make this an unforgettable event.

Formerly involved capturing a leopard barehanded, the toll on human life eventually became so prohibitive that the divinity to whom the leopard was sacrificed was beseeched to accept a less dangerous substitute, and the leopard was replaced by an antelope.

Beng Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Sonyo Kipo, in the Northern Region to honour the great fetish of the Gonja people.

Osudoku Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Asutsuare, in the Eastern Region to mark the beginning of the year.

Donkyi Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Namase, in the Brong Ahafo Region.

Don Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Bolgatanga, in the Upper East Region.



June

Asafua Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Sekondi, in the Central Region in purification of the divinity of Asafua.

Ahumkan Festival
A celebration in which the local population of Akim-Kibi, in the Eastern Region to reaffirm their loyalty to their chieftains.

Gyenprem Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Fafo, in the Volta Region and marked by a durbar of thanksgiving for an abundant harvest and a year of peace.

Ahobaa Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Enyan-Kakraba-Saltpond, in the Central Region for obtaining the benediction of the ancestors.

Kete Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Sekondi, in the Central Region in honour of the Kete-Kyen fetish.

Ebisa Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Sekondi, in the Central Region in honour of the fetish of the same name.

Kli-Adzim Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Agbozume, in the Eastern Region in honour of the local divinity.

Ahoba Kuma Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Abura, in the Central Region.

Apiba Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Senya Beraku, in the Central Region.

Nkyidwo (Monday Night)
A very important festival celebrated annually by the people of Essumeja, in the Ashanti Region to commemorate their birth or how their ancestors emerged one Monday night from a hole in the ground followed by a dog and lion amid drumming, dancing and other activities. The gods are invoked for blessing, protection and prosperity of the people.



July

Bakatue Festival
Literally translated to mean "opening up of the Benya Lagoon into the sea", Bakatue symbolizes the
beginning of a fishing season, which is the main livelihood of the people of Elmina. It is celebrated annually in Elmina on the first Tuesday in July and originated centuries ago, long before the arrival of the Europeans. The splendid ceremonies include a durbar of chiefs, a colouful regatta of canoes on the Benya Lagoon and processions. A solemn "net casting" ceremony symbolizes the beginning of a new fishing season, and the catch is offered to the deities of the traditional area. You are invited to take part in the regatta and merry-making.

Bombei Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Sekondi, in the Western Region.

Ekyen Kofie Festival (Yam Festival)
Is celebrated by the people of Sekondi, in the Western Region.

Kuntum Festival (Yam Festival)
Is celebrated by the people of Enyam-Maim, in the Central Region.

Wodomi Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Manya Krobo, in the Eastern Region.



August

Asafotu-Fiam Festival
"Asafotufiam" is an annual warrior's festival celebrated by the people of Ada, in the Greater Accra Region from the last Thursday of July to the first weekend of August. It commemorates the victories of the warriors in battle and those who fell on the battlefield. To re-enact these historic events, the "warrior" dresses in traditional battle dress and stage a mock battle. This is also a time when the young men are introduced to warfare. The festival also ushers in the harvest cycle, for this special customs and ceremonies are performed. These include purification ceremonies. The celebration reaches its climax in a durbar of chiefs, a colouful procession of the Chiefs in palanquins with their retinue. They are accompanied by traditional military groups called "Asafo Companies" amidst drumming, singing and dancing through the streets and on to the durbar grounds. At the durbar, greetings are exchanged between the chiefs, libations are poured and declarations of allegiance made.

Odambea Festival
"Odambea" is celebrated on the last Saturday of August by the "Nkusukum" chiefs and people of the Saltpond Traditional Area. This event commemorates the migration of the "Nkusukum" people centuries ago from Techiman (500km away) to their present settlement. "Odambea" means "fortified link", a name resulting from the role played by the "Nkusukum" people in keeping the migrant groups in touch with each other following their exodus from Techiman. A special feature of the festival is the re-enactment of the ancient life styles of the people, which will provide you with a unique opportunity to learn more about how they migrated.

Ahoba Kese Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Abura, in the Central Region.

Edim Kese Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Sekondi, in the Western Region.

Equadoto Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Ayeldu-Cape-Coast, in the Central Region in honour of their ancestors.

Homowo Festival
This is a harvest festival celebrated by the people of the Ga Traditional Area, in the Greater Accra Region. It originated from a period of great famine which was eventually followed by a bumper harvest in grain and fish. Thus, the word "Homowo", literally means "hooting at hunger". The main highlight of this month-long festival is the special dish prepared from ground corn, steamed and mixed with palm oil and eaten with palmnut soup. Prayers for a peaceful and prosperous year are offered. Each Ga chief is followed by a retinue with drumming, dancing and singing through his area where he sprinkles some of the special dish called "kpokpoi" and pours libation. It is merry-making for Gas, and visitors in particular are invited home to join in the feasting.

Apatwa Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Dixcove, in the Western Region (Lasts almost a month).

Awubia Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Awutu, in the Central Region in memory of their dead.

Kundum Festival
Kundum is celebrated from August to November by the Western Region's coastal tribes, the Ahantas and Nzemas. Beginning in August, the festival moves west from Takoradi to town after town at weekly intervals. Rituals include purification of the stools and prayers to the ancestors for a good harvest. Traditional drumming and dancing feature prominently.

Afenorto (Staying At Home)
This festival is celebrated annually by the people of Mepe, in the Volta Region to take stock of their lives, strengthen family and friendship bonds and pay homage to their ancestors through pouring of libation and funeral obsequies. It is also the period during which the people take stock of their lives and plan for the future; when young men meet their future spouses and pay homage to their ancestors through libations and undertake development projects.



September

Fetu Afahye Festival
It is celebrated annually on the first Saturday of September by communities in the Cape Coast Traditional Area (Fetu). It is characterized by a durbar of chiefs and processions of "Asafo Companies" (traditional warrior groups) and numerous social organisations. Every member of the group is adorned in rich and colourful clothes, thus creating the grandeur of this festival which literally means "adorning of new clothes". A procession of the "7 Asafo Companies" in their unique costumes depicts a fusion of the "Fante" and European cultures, (typically, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish and British), which have been sustained over many centuries. Customary rites include the slaughter of a cow to the 77 Deities in the area to obtain their blessings.

Nkronu Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Shama/Beposo, in the Western Region. A very colourful festival and it involves purification of stools, prayer to ancestors for good harvest and long life.

Sometutuza Festival
Annual colourful festival of the "SOME" people of Agbozume, in the Eastern Region to commemorate the exodus from their original Home (Keta) and subsequent settlement at Agbozume. Activities of the festival include a display (exhibition) of different types of "Ewe Kente" cloth, traditional and woven textile.

Akwambo Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Enyam-Maim-Cape Coast, in the Central Region.

Ayerye Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Enyam-Maim-Cape Coast, in the Central Region.

Akyempem Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Agona, in the Ashanti Region.
Odwira Festival This festival is celebrated in most Akwapim towns during the months of September and October, with the most colourful festivities taking place at Akropong, Amanokrom and Aburi, in the Eastern Region. During "Odwira", the Chiefs sit in state and receive homage from the people.

The ceremonies include purification of the stools and performance of traditional rites. Libations are poured to the gods for prosperity and the general well-being of the people during the ensuing year. Drumming and dancing accompany the celebration.

Kobine Festival
This post-harvest festival gives thanks to the gods for a bountiful harvest. It is normally celebrated in the month of September by the Dagaaba people in the Upper West Region. The 3-day festival culminates in feasting and dancing.



October

Ohumkyire Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Kibi, in the Eastern Region.



November

Fao Festival
a harvest festival by the inhabitants in honour of their gods ? Paga, Upper East Region

Agumatsa Waterfalls Festival
This festival is celebrated in November by the people of the Wli Traditional Area, in the Volta Region. They give thanks to God for giving them the Wli Waterfalls, since its waters are used for practically all domestic purposes. There is dancing during the durbar, which usually starts at mid-day and officially ends around 5:00pm.

Hogbetsotso Festival
The "Anlo Ewes", an ethnic group on the eastern cost (Volta Region) of Ghana, are believed to have settled in Notsie in Togo when they first migrated from Southern Sudan. Legend has it that they escaped from the tyrannical ruler of Notsie, Ago-Koli, by walking backwards. In order to commemorate the exodus and the bravery of their traditional rulers who led them on the journey, the people created this annual "Festival of the Exodus". There are many ceremonies associated with the festival, including a peace-making period where all outstanding problems are supposed to be resolved. This is a purification ceremony of the traditional stool and a period of general cleaning when the villages are swept and rubbish burnt. This cleaning ceremony begins at the Volta Estuary and goes on for days until it finally reaches the Mono River in the Republic of Benin. An essential aspect of the festival is a durbar of chiefs and the people. Chiefs dress in very colouful regalia and sit in state to receive homage from their subjects. Dancing, singing and general merry-making go on throughout the festival. The main durbar always take place on the first Saturday of November in Anloga, in the Volta Region.

Kwafie Festival
The people of Dormaa Ahenkro, Berekum and Nsuatre, in the Brong Ahafo Region celebrate the "Kwafie Festival" between November and December. This events is celebrated in remembrance of the ancestors and it is also meant as purification. Among the many activities, the most interesting is the burning of a large bonfire in the courtyard. The Dormaas are reputed to have brought fire to Ghana and this legend is symbolically remembered through this bonfire. A durbar is also held during which homage is paid to the Paramount Chief by his sub-chiefs and subjects. It is a period when all descendants of the original Dormaas (who broke away from the Akwamus and migrated here) come home to a grand reunion. Like Apoo, this festival fosters a spirit of unity among the people. Highlights of the activities include a pageant of the royal courts with drumming, dancing and a display of the paraphernalia of the Chiefs.

Apoo Festival
"Apoo" is celebrated in Techiman and Wenchi, in the Brong Ahafo Region in November. It is a festival for the purification of the people to rid them of social evil. The festival lasts one week and includes a variety of recreational cultural activity. It ends on the sixth day with the "Apoo" procession, when insinuations are cast about the evil doings of some of the citizens. Even the Chief is not spared. This period is a time for family reunions and unity among the people. You are welcome to join the festivities.

Sasabobirim Festival
A week long annual festival of the people of Awuah Domase, in the Brong Ahafo Region. It is celebrated in remembrance of their brave chief who joined Yaa Asantewaa to fight the Europeans in the early part of the 20th century.



December

Eiok Festival
The annual "Fiok Festival" is celebrated by the Builsas of Sandema in December. This is a war festival which re-enacts the ancient heroic exploits of the Builsas. Amid drumming and dancing, the gods are invoked for protection and for a bountiful harvest.

*Most villages and towns in the Volta and Eastern Regions use Easter to celebrate festivals.

*Adae and Akwasidae Festivals
The pomp and pageantry of the Ashanti kingdom is most vividly brought to life during beautiful Adae festivals which are held at the palace once every 6 weeks. These are occasions when the King, riding in a palanquin and adorned with all his gold ornaments, comes out to receive the homage of his sub-chiefs and people. It is a spectacular sight to watch the colouful canopies and umbrellas, the skillful drummers, dancers, horn-blowers and praise-singers at these regular festivals, held in honour of their ancestral spirits. Time your visit to coincide with an Akwasidae festival, (Sunday Adae). You can determine the Akwasidae date by counting 6 weeks down the calendar from one Adae.

Recreation

Ghana has sought to develop a tourist trade. Attractions include casinos, fine beaches, game reserves, and old British, Dutch, and Portuguese trading forts and castles. Indigenous dance forms and folk music thrive in rural areas, and there are many cultural festivals. The National Cultural Center is in Kumasi, the capital of the Ashanti region, an area rich in traditional Ghanaian crafts. There is an Arts Center in Accra, as well as the National Museum, the Alwri Botanical Gardens, and the burial place of W.E.B. Du Bois..

Next Door Beach Resort
Owned and operated by 'Slo' and Gabriella since 1997, Next Door Beach Resort has established itself as one of the most lively and popular entertainment spots in Ghana.Located in Teshie, Accra on Beach Road (opposite the Military Academy), Next Door Beach Resort is the ideal place to eat, drink and relax. You can dance the hours away or just sit back and listen to the music and watch the waves roll in.

La Pleasure Beach
A three kilometre sea frontage at Labadi, 8 kilometres east of Accra on the Accra Tema Beach Road. It serves as Accra's main public beach with only shower and changing room facilities and catering services.

Ada Foah Beach
This coastal town, 100 kilometres east of Accra, on the Lome Road has this beach with facilities for yatching, skiing, fishing, etc.


The Elmina Beach Resort is a three star hotel resort serving both domestic and foreign vacationers. Located in the heart of the historic Central Region of Ghana, the Elmina Beach Resort represents the ultimate locale for businessmen, tourists and eco-adventurers alike. We are only minutes away from Cape Coast and the fishing community of Elmina where the Portuguese first made contact with West Africa and constructed Fort São Jorge.


Busua Beach
The Busua Beach Resort is a Nature Lover's dream come true. Located on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean in the Western Region of Ghana, the Busua Resort is about halfway between Abidjan, the capital of Côte d'Ivoire, and Accra, the capital of Ghana. Busua is in the very heart of the region's attractions, both natural and manmade. We invite you to visit our luxury 3 star resort, pull up a beach chair and relax by the sea.


Kokrobite Beach
Kokrobite near 30 kilometres west of Accra. A sprawling beach with a dramatic backdrop of hills. It is a favourite of tourists because of its serene atmosphere and its almost secluded nature.


Manet Paradise on the Volta River
Located at Ada-Foah, which is a few miles drive from Accra. Many tourists who visit Ghana endeavour to go to this pleasurable tourist site before returning to their destinations. The Manet paradise –“a real paradise personified” has many distinct features, which compel first-time visitors make a second visit.
There is a serene and natural environment, cool water of the paradise, which is located at the estuary of the River Volta. Manet Paradise has currently 45 spacious air-conditioned rooms including suites. The rates for rooms and other services are reasonably priced.... The “Paradise” serves sumptuous local and continental dishes.

Tills No1 Beach Hotel
Located in Gomoa - Fetteh off the Main Acccra - Winneba road in Central Region Of Ghana. It's about 40 - 45 minutes drive from Accra.
Tills No1 Beach Hotel is a Two(2) Star Beach Resort with 16 Rooms made up of, a) Seven (7) Executive class self contained double rooms with satellite TV's, air conditioners, fans, hot and cold shower all close to the sea. b)Eight (8)Regular self contained double rooms with satellite TV's, air conditioners, fans and cold shower all very close to the sea. c)One(1) family room with all facilities as in Executive class.

BOJO BEACH located at Bortianor, Accra on the Kokrobite road.
The Bojo White Sand Beach is the latest addition to the beach party situation arising along Ghana’s 540Km pristine beach line. Situated next to the Densu delta Ramsar site and along the Atlantic Ocean, in its uniqueness and lovely blend of Caribbean and Ghanaian cultural architecture is the inviting Bojo beach.The beauty and uniqueness of Bojo beach stem from strategic location, concept, architecture and the serene environment. The facilities available for the beach goers come on a tall list that will keep you coming back at the least opportunity to have more of the excitement.

"Akwaaba"! - Welcome

It’s an expression you will hear several times daily as you travel around Ghana, one that will ring in your ears at night, and bring a smile to your face for weeks after you leave.

Akwaaba! It means ‘Welcome’! And you will be.
Welcome to a Land of Sunshine, a nation with the reputation as the friendliest in Africa.

Welcome to a haven that combines the charms of a tropical beach idyll with a fascinating historical heritage, rich cultural variety, and some interesting wildlife in the national parks.

"Akwaaba"! - Welcome

VISION
To realize the potential of the Tourism Sector in the country’s economy by generating growth of 20% p.a. by the year 2007.

MISSION STATEMENT
The Ministry of Tourism and Diasporan Relations exists to ensure the development and promotion of tourism and improvement of the capital city on a sustainable basis. This objective aims at optimising the socio-economic growth and positive environmental impact for the benefit of deprived communities in particular and the country at large.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
• To upgrade the standard, quality and effectiveness of tourism marketing to reach the goal of increased tourist arrivals and receipts (foreign exchange earnings and revenue)
• To facilitate the development and Modernisation of the Capital City in order to attract tourists and investment.
• To improve the standard and quality of human resources and provide quality training in the tourism sector on a sustainable basis.
• To ensure the up-grading and expansion of the stock of tourism attractions, facilities and supporting basic infrastructure on a sustainable basis.
• To promote domestic tourism in order to foster cultural cohesion and national integration as well as the re-distribution of income.
• To improve tourism management information system to ensure tourism development and promotion, particularly in the rural areas.
• To improve the standard and quality of tourism services particularly on small and medium scale enterprises towards wealth creation.

FUNCTIONS
The Ministry’s functions include the following:
• Policy formulation, planning and programming for the development and promotion of domestic, regional and international tourism;
• Promulgation of legislation and regulations on tourism development, including investment policies and incentives;
• Undertaking research into regional and global tourism trends;
• Human Resource development within the private and public sectors to effectively promote tourism;
• Liaison with other government agencies, international donor-assistance agencies, the private tourism sector and Non-Governmental Organisations on matters concerning tourism;
• Co-ordinating the modernization of the Capital City
• Monitoring and Evaluating of sector performance.

ACHIEVEMENTS
• Completed a Strategic Action Plan (2003-2007) which is being implemented by MDA’s.
• Licensed 4 charter flights which are in operation.
• Pursuing a programme to redevelop EREDEC Hotel in Koforidua into a National Hospitality & Tourism Training Academy.
• Trained 1272 hospitality operators and job seekers towards ensuring quality service delivery to tourists.
• Completed nine (9) out of twenty one (21) tourist receptive facilities being developed to enhance tourist sites and increase visitation and revenue at the sites. This is geared towards creating jobs and reducing poverty in the communities where the attractions are located.
• Completed eight (8) survey work (Cadastral plans) out of 14 priority sites identified as part of creating land banks to facilitate private sector investment in the tourism sector.
• Commissioned CTK Aviation Network to prepare aerial photography and ortho photo maps for the coastal area towards preparation of investment profiles.
• Reviewing tourism policy towards revision of tourism legislation.
• Produced domestic and international tourism marketing plans.
• Initiated the establishment of Tourism Satellite Account to ensure accurate measurement of the sector’s contribution to GDP as well as its economic impacts.
• Awarded contract for the regeneration of Bukom Square and James Town old harbour as part of Modernisation of the Capital City.
• Organised the 2005 Panafest/Emancipation Day celebration which attracted many Africans and African Americans from the USA, Europe and Africa. This boosted hotel, restaurant and tour and transport business across the country.
• The Ministry in collaboration with Nature Conversation and Research Center, Ghana Heritage Conservation Trust, Wildlife Department and Peace Corps Volunteer Service is developing 19 community based eco-tourism projects towards conservation of the natural resources and creation of employment withing the communities.
Minister of Tourism & Diasporan Relations

Ghana in view

Geography
Area: 238,538 sq. km. (92,100 sq. mi.); about the size of Illinois and Indiana combined.
Cities: Capital--Accra (metropolitan area pop. 3 million est.). Other cities--Kumasi (1 million est.), Tema (500,000 est.), Sekondi-Takoradi (370,000 est.).
Terrain: Plains and scrubland, rainforest, savanna.
Climate: Tropical.

People
Nationality: Noun and adjective--Ghanaian(s).
Population (2007 est.): 23 million.
Density: 88/sq. km. (247/sq. mi.).
Annual growth rate (2007 est.): 2.7%.
Ethnic groups: Akan, Ewe, Ga, Moshi-Dagomba.
Religions: Christian 69%, Muslim 15.6%, traditional and indigenous beliefs 8.5%.
Languages: English (official), Akan (which includes Asante Twi, Akwapim Twi, Akyem, and Fanti) 49%, Mole-Dagbani 16%, Ewe 13%, Ga-Adangbe 8%, Guan 4%, others 10%.
Education: Years compulsory--9. Literacy--53.7%.
Health: Infant mortality rate (2003 est.)--64/1,000. Life expectancy--59.2 yrs. for women, 55.5 yrs. for men
Work force (11.1 million): Agriculture and fishing--47.9%; industry and transport--16.2%; sales and clerical--19.3%; services--5.9%; professional--8.9%; other--1.8%.

Government
Type: Democracy.
Independence: March 6, 1957.
Constitution: Entered into force January 7, 1993.
Branches: Executive--president popularly elected for a maximum of two 4-year terms; Council of State, a presidential appointed consultative body of 25 members required by the constitution. Legislative--unicameral Parliament popularly elected for 4-year terms. Judicial--independent Supreme Court justices nominated by president with approval of Parliament.
Subdivisions: Ten regions.
Political parties: New Patriotic Party, National Democratic Congress, Convention People's Party, People's National Convention, others.
Suffrage: Universal at 18.

Economy
GDP (2006): $12.5 billion.
Real GDP growth rate (2006): 6.2%.
Per capita GDP (2006): $540.
Inflation rate (consumer prices) (2006): 11%.
Natural resources: Gold, timber, diamonds, bauxite, manganese, fish.
Agriculture: Products--cocoa, coconuts, coffee, pineapples, cashews, pepper, other food crops, rubber. Land--70% arable and forested.
Business and industry: Types--mining, lumber, light manufacturing, fishing, aluminum, tourism.
Trade (2006): Exports--$3.9 billion: cocoa ($1.26 billion), gold, timber, diamonds, manganese. Imports--$6.8 billion: petroleum ($1.3 billion), food, industrial raw materials, machinery, equipment. Major trade partners--Nigeria, China, U.S., U.K., Germany, Togo, France, Netherlands, Spain.
Fiscal year: Calendar year.

GEOGRAPHY
Ghana is located on West Africa's Gulf of Guinea only a few degrees north of the Equator. Half of the country lies less than 152 meters (500 ft.) above sea level, and the highest point is 883 meters (2,900 ft.). The 537-kilometer (334-mi.) coastline is mostly a low, sandy shore backed by plains and scrub and intersected by several rivers and streams, most of which are navigable only by canoe. A tropical rain forest belt, broken by heavily forested hills and many streams and rivers, extends northward from the shore, near the Cote d'Ivoire frontier. This area produces most of the country's cocoa, minerals, and timber. North of this belt, the country varies from 91 to 396 meters (300 ft.-1,300 ft.) above sea level and is covered by low bush, park-like savanna, and grassy plains.

The climate is tropical. The eastern coastal belt is warm and comparatively dry; the southwest corner, hot and humid; and the north, hot and dry. There are two distinct rainy seasons in the south--May-June and August-September; in the north, the rainy seasons tend to merge. A dry, northeasterly wind, the Harmattan, blows in January and February. Annual rainfall in the coastal zone averages 83 centimeters (33 in.).

Volta Lake, the largest manmade lake in the world, extends from the Akosombo Dam in southeastern Ghana to the town of Yapei, 520 kilometers (325 mi.) to the north. The lake generates electricity, provides inland transportation, and is a potentially valuable resource for irrigation and fish farming.

PEOPLE
Ghana's population is concentrated along the coast and in the principal cities of Accra and Kumasi. Most Ghanaians descended from migrating tribes that probably came down the Volta River valley at the beginning of the 13th century. Ethnically, Ghana is divided into small groups speaking more than 50 languages and dialects. Among the more important linguistic groups are the Akans, which include the Fantis along the coast and the Ashantis in the forest region north of the coast; the Guans, on the plains of the Volta River; the Ga- and Ewe-speaking peoples of the south and southeast; and the Moshi-Dagomba-speaking tribes of the northern and upper regions. English, the official and commercial language, is taught in all the schools.

Education
Primary and junior secondary school education is tuition-free and mandatory. The Government of Ghana's support for basic education is unequivocal. Article 39 of the constitution mandates the major tenets of the free, compulsory, universal basic education (FCUBE) initiative. Launched in 1996, it is one of the most ambitious pre-tertiary education programs in West Africa. Since the early 1980s, Government of Ghana expenditures on education have risen from 1.5% to nearly 3.5% of GDP. Since 1987, the share of basic education in total education spending has averaged around 67%. The units of the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports (MOESS) responsible for education are: the Ghana Education Service (GES), which administers pre-university education; the National Council on Tertiary Education; the National Accreditation Board; and the National Board for Professional and Technician Examinations (NABPTEX). The West African Examinations Council (WAEC), a consortium of five Anglophone West African Countries (Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Gambia, and Liberia) is responsible for developing, administering, and grading school-leaving examinations at the secondary level.

Since 1986, pre-tertiary education in Ghana includes six years of primary education, three years at the junior secondary school level and three years at the senior secondary school level. A new educational reform, beginning September 1, 2007, has introduced two years of kindergarten education beginning at age four and increased the three years senior secondary to four years. Successful completion of senior secondary school leads to admission eligibility at training colleges, polytechnics, and universities. In 2006 there were approximately 5.1 million students attending schools at these three levels: 68% at the primary level, 23% at the junior secondary level and 10% at the senior secondary level. There are over six hundred public senior secondary schools in Ghana that graduated a total of 90,000 students in 2004, representing a huge expansion over the old system (which was transformed in 1987), which consisted of three hundred institutions graduating 27,000 students a year. However, access to each successive level of education remains severely limited by lack of facilities. About 99.1% of junior secondary school graduates are able to gain admission to senior secondary schools, and only about 34.4% of senior secondary school graduates are able to gain admission to universities and polytechnics, plus another 10-20% to diploma-level postsecondary education. Private secondary schools play a very small role in Ghana, with only a handful of institutions offering international curricula such as the British-based A-levels, International Baccalaureate, and U.S. high school. Combined, they graduate fewer than 200 students a year.

Entrance to one of the five Ghanaian public universities is by examination following completion of senior secondary school. There are now five public and twelve private degree-granting universities in Ghana, along with ten public polytechnics offering the British Higher National Diploma (HND), a three-year tertiary system in applied fields of study. Ghana's first private Catholic university opened in 2003 in Sunyani. The polytechnics also offer vocational, non-tertiary diploma programs. In addition, there are approximately forty teacher-training colleges and fifteen nurses' training colleges. Private tertiary education is a recent but rapid development in Ghana, meticulously regulated by the National Accreditation Board. Over 84,078 undergraduates are now enrolled in secular degree-granting programs in seventeen public and private universities, 29,047 students enrolled in polytechnics, and 26,025 trainees enrolled in teacher training colleges.

HISTORY
The history of the Gold Coast before the last quarter of the 15th century is derived primarily from oral tradition that refers to migrations from the ancient kingdoms of the western Soudan (the area of Mauritania and Mali). The Gold Coast was renamed Ghana upon independence in 1957 because of indications that present-day inhabitants descended from migrants who moved south from the ancient kingdom of Ghana. The first contact between Europe and the Gold Coast dates from 1470, when a party of Portuguese landed. In 1482, the Portuguese built Elmina Castle as a permanent trading base. Thomas Windham made the first recorded English trading voyage to the coast in 1553. During the next three centuries, the English, Danes, Dutch, Germans, and Portuguese controlled various parts of the coastal areas.

In 1821, the British Government took control of the British trading forts on the Gold Coast. In 1844, Fanti chiefs in the area signed an agreement with the British that became the legal steppingstone to colonial status for the coastal area.

From 1826 to 1900, the British fought a series of campaigns against the Ashantis, whose kingdom was located inland. In 1902, they succeeded in establishing firm control over the Ashanti region and making the northern territories a protectorate. British Togoland, the fourth territorial element eventually to form the nation, was part of a former German colony administered by the United Kingdom from Accra as a League of Nations mandate after 1922. In December 1946, British Togoland became a UN Trust Territory, and in 1957, following a 1956 plebiscite, the United Nations agreed that the territory would become part of Ghana when the Gold Coast achieved independence.

The four territorial divisions were administered separately until 1946, when the British Government ruled them as a single unit. In 1951, a constitution was promulgated that called for a greatly enlarged legislature composed principally of members elected by popular vote directly or indirectly. An executive council was responsible for formulating policy, with most African members drawn from the legislature and including three ex officio members appointed by the governor. A new constitution, approved on April 29, 1954, established a cabinet comprising African ministers drawn from an all-African legislature chosen by direct election. In the elections that followed, the Convention People's Party (CPP), led by Kwame Nkrumah, won the majority of seats in the new Legislative Assembly. In May 1956, Prime Minister Nkrumah's Gold Coast government issued a white paper containing proposals for Gold Coast independence. The British Government stated it would agree to a firm date for independence if a reasonable majority for such a step were obtained in the Gold Coast Legislative Assembly after a general election. This election, held in 1956, returned the CPP to power with 71 of the 104 seats in the Legislative Assembly. Ghana became an independent state on March 6, 1957, when the United Kingdom relinquished its control over the Colony of the Gold Coast and Ashanti, the Northern Territories Protectorate, and British Togoland.

In subsequent reorganizations, the country was divided into 10 regions, which currently are subdivided into 138 districts. The original Gold Coast Colony now comprises the Western, Central, Eastern, and Greater Accra Regions, with a small portion at the mouth of the Volta River assigned to the Volta Region; the Ashanti area was divided into the Ashanti and Brong-Ahafo Regions; the Northern Territories into the Northern, Upper East, and Upper West Regions; and British Togoland essentially is the same area as the Volta Region.

Post-Independence Politics
After independence, the CPP government under Nkrumah sought to develop Ghana as a modern, semi-industrialized, unitary socialist state. The government emphasized political and economic organization, endeavoring to increase stability and productivity through labor, youth, farmers, cooperatives, and other organizations integrated with the CPP. The government, according to Nkrumah, acted only as "the agent of the CPP" in seeking to accomplish these goals.

The CPP's control was challenged and criticized, and Prime Minister Nkrumah used the Preventive Detention Act (1958), which provided for detention without trial for up to 5 years (later extended to 10 years). On July 1, 1960, a new constitution was adopted, changing Ghana from a parliamentary system with a prime minister to a republican form of government headed by a powerful president. In August 1960, Nkrumah was given authority to scrutinize newspapers and other publications before publication. This political evolution continued into early 1964, when a constitutional referendum changed the country to a one-party state. On February 24, 1966, the Ghanaian Army and police overthrew Nkrumah's regime. Nkrumah and all his ministers were dismissed, the CPP and National Assembly were dissolved, and the constitution was suspended. The new regime cited Nkrumah's flagrant abuse of individual rights and liberties, his regime's corrupt, oppressive, and dictatorial practices, and the rapidly deteriorating economy as the principal reasons for its action.

Post-Nkrumah Politics
The leaders of the February 24, 1966 coup established the new government around the National Liberation Council (NLC) and pledged an early return to a duly constituted civilian government. Members of the judiciary and civil service remained at their posts and committees of civil servants were established to handle the administration of the country. Ghana's government returned to civilian authority under the Second Republic in October 1969 after a parliamentary election in which the Progress Party, led by Kofi A. Busia, won 105 of the 140 seats. Until mid-1970, a presidential commission led by Brigadier A.A. Afrifa held the powers of the chief of state. In a special election on August 31, 1970, former Chief Justice Edward Akufo-Addo was chosen President, and Dr. Busia became Prime Minister.

Faced with mounting economic problems, Prime Minister Busia's government undertook a drastic devaluation of the currency in December 1971. The government's inability to control the subsequent inflationary pressures stimulated further discontent, and military officers seized power in a bloodless coup on January 13, 1972.

The coup leaders, led by Col. I.K. Acheampong, formed the National Redemption Council (NRC) to which they admitted other officers, the head of the police, and one civilian. The NRC promised improvements in the quality of life for all Ghanaians and based its programs on nationalism, economic development, and self-reliance. In 1975, government reorganization resulted in the NRC's replacement by the Supreme Military Council (SMC), also headed by now-General Acheampong.

Unable to deliver on its promises, the NRC/SMC became increasingly marked by mismanagement and rampant corruption. In 1977, General Acheampong brought forward the concept of union government (UNIGOV), which would make Ghana a non-party state. Perceiving this as a ploy by Acheampong to retain power, professional groups and students launched strikes and demonstrations against the government in 1977 and 1978. The steady erosion in Acheampong's power led to his arrest in July 1978 by his chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Frederick Akuffo, who replaced him as head of state and leader of what became known as the SMC-2.

Akuffo abandoned UNIGOV and established a plan to return to constitutional and democratic government. A Constitutional Assembly was established, and political party activity was revived. Akuffo was unable to solve Ghana's economic problems, however, or to reduce the rampant corruption in which senior military officers played a major role. On June 4, 1979, his government was deposed in a violent coup by a group of junior and noncommissioned officers--Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC)--with Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings as its chairman.

The AFRC executed eight senior military officers, including former chiefs of state Acheampong and Akuffo; established Special Tribunals that, secretly and without due process, tried dozens of military officers, other government officials, and private individuals for corruption, sentencing them to long prison terms and confiscating their property; and, through a combination of force and exhortation, attempted to rid Ghanaian society of corruption and profiteering. At the same time, the AFRC accepted, with a few amendments, the draft constitution that had been submitted; permitted the scheduled presidential and parliamentary elections to take place in June and July; promulgated the constitution; and handed over power to the newly elected President and Parliament of the Third Republic on September 24, 1979.

The 1979 constitution was modeled on those of Western democracies. It provided for the separation of powers between an elected president and a unicameral Parliament, an independent judiciary headed by a Supreme Court, which protected individual rights, and other autonomous institutions, such as the Electoral Commissioner and the Ombudsman. The new President, Dr. Hilla Limann, was a career diplomat from the north and the candidate of the People's National Party (PNP), the political heir of Nkrumah's CPP. Of the 140 members of Parliament, 71 were PNP. The PNP government established the constitutional institutions and generally respected democracy and individual human rights. It failed, however, to halt the continuing decline in the economy; corruption flourished, and the gap between rich and poor widened. On December 31, 1981, Flight Lt. Rawlings and a small group of enlisted and former soldiers launched a coup that succeeded against little opposition in toppling President Limann.

The PNDC Era
Rawlings and his colleagues suspended the 1979 constitution, dismissed the President and his cabinet, dissolved the Parliament, and proscribed existing political parties. They established the Provisional National Defense Council (PNDC), initially composed of seven members with Rawlings as chairman, to exercise executive and legislative powers. The existing judicial system was preserved, but alongside it the PNDC created the National Investigation Committee to root out corruption and other economic offenses; the anonymous Citizens' Vetting Committee to punish tax evasion; and the Public Tribunals to try various crimes. The PNDC proclaimed its intent to allow the people to exercise political power through defense committees to be established in communities, workplaces, and in units of the armed forces and police. Under the PNDC, Ghana remained a unitary government.

In December 1982, the PNDC announced a plan to decentralize government from Accra to the regions, the districts, and local communities, but it maintained overall control by appointing regional and district secretaries who exercised executive powers and also chaired regional and district councils. Local councils, however, were expected progressively to take over the payment of salaries, with regions and districts assuming more powers from the national government. In 1984, the PNDC created a National Appeals Tribunal to hear appeals from the public tribunals; changed the Citizens' Vetting Committee into the Office of Revenue Collection; and replaced the system of defense committees with Committees for the Defense of the Revolution.

In 1984, the PNDC also created a National Commission on Democracy to study ways to establish participatory democracy in Ghana. The commission issued a "Blue Book" in July 1987 outlining modalities for district-level elections, which were held in late 1988 and early 1989, for newly created district assemblies. The government appointed one-third of the assembly members.

The Fourth Republic
Under international and domestic pressure for a return to democracy, the PNDC allowed the establishment of a 258-member Consultative Assembly made up of members representing geographic districts as well as established civic or business organizations. The assembly was charged to draw up a draft constitution to establish a Fourth Republic, using PNDC proposals. The PNDC accepted the final product without revision, and it was put to a national referendum on April 28, 1992, in which it received 92% approval. On May 18, 1992, the ban on party politics was lifted in preparation for multi-party elections. The PNDC and its supporters formed a new party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), to contest the elections. Presidential elections were held on November 3 and parliamentary elections on December 29, 1992. Members of the opposition boycotted the parliamentary elections, however, which resulted in a 200-seat Parliament with only 17 opposition party members and two independents.

The constitution entered into force on January 7, 1993, to found the Fourth Republic. On that day, Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings was inaugurated as President and members of Parliament swore their oaths of office. In 1996, the opposition fully contested the presidential and parliamentary elections, which were described as peaceful, free, and transparent by domestic and international observers. In that election, President Rawlings was re-elected with 57% of the popular vote. In addition, Rawlings' NDC party won 133 of the Parliament's 200 seats, just one seat short of the two-thirds majority needed to amend the constitution, although the election returns of two parliamentary seats faced legal challenges.

The December 2000 elections ushered in the first democratic presidential change of power in Ghana's history when John A. Kufuor of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) defeated the NDC's John Atta Mills--who was Rawling's Vice President and hand-picked successor. Kufuor defeated Mills by winning 56.73% of the vote, while the NPP picked up 100 of 200 seats in Parliament. The elections were declared free and fair by a large contingent of domestic and international monitors. After several by-elections were held to fill vacated seats, the NPP majority stood at 103 of the 200 seats in Parliament, while the NDC held 89 and independent and small party members held eight.

In December 2004, eight political parties contested parliamentary elections and four parties, including the NPP and NDC, contested presidential elections. This election was reported to have a remarkable turnout of 85.12% according to the Election Commission. Despite a few incidents of intimidation and minor irregularities, domestic and international observers judged the elections generally free and fair. There were several isolated incidents of election-related violence, but the election was generally peaceful in most of Ghana. John Agyekum Kufuor was re-elected president with 52.45% of the vote against three other presidential candidates, including former Vice-President John Atta Mills of the NDC. Thirty constituencies were created in the period between the 2000 and 2004 elections, resulting in a 230-member Parliament. Ghana's next presidential election will be held in 2008, and the race to succeed President Kufuor is well underway, with more than 15 candidates seeking the office.

On March 6, 2007, Ghana celebrated its 50th anniversary since becoming independent. As the first African nation to win its struggle for independence, Ghana hosted delegations from around the world during its year-long Jubilee event.

GOVERNMENT AND POLITICAL CONDITIONS
The 1993 constitution that established the Fourth Republic provided a basic charter for the republican democratic government. It declares Ghana to be a unitary republic with sovereignty residing in the Ghanaian people. Intended to prevent future coups, dictatorial government, and one-party states, it is designed to establish the concept of power sharing. The document reflects lessons learned from the abrogated constitutions of 1957, 1960, 1969, and 1979, and incorporates provisions and institutions drawn from British and American constitutional models. One controversial provision of the constitution indemnifies members and appointees of the PNDC from liability for any official act or omission during the years of PNDC rule. The constitution calls for a system of checks and balances, with power shared between a president, a unicameral parliament, an advisory Council of State, and an independent judiciary.

Executive authority is established in the Office of the Presidency, together with his Council of State. The president is head of state, head of government, and commander in chief of the armed forces. He also appoints the vice president. According to the constitution, more than half of the presidential-appointed ministers of state must be appointed from among members of Parliament.

Legislative functions are vested in Parliament, which consists of a unicameral 230-member body plus the Speaker. To become law, legislation must have the assent of the president, who has a qualified veto over all bills except those to which a vote of urgency is attached. Members of Parliament are popularly elected by universal adult suffrage for terms of 4 years, except in wartime, when terms may be extended for not more than 12 months at a time beyond the 4 years.

The structure and the power of the judiciary are independent of the two other branches of government. The Supreme Court has broad powers of judicial review. It is authorized by the constitution to rule on the constitutionality of any legislation or executive action at the request of any aggrieved citizen. The hierarchy of courts derives largely from British juridical forms. The hierarchy, called the Superior Court of Judicature, is composed of the Supreme Court of Ghana, the Court of Appeal, the High Court of Justice, regional tribunals, and such lower courts or tribunals as Parliament may establish. The courts have jurisdiction over all civil and criminal matters.

The government of John A. Kufuor appears to enjoy broad support among the Ghanaian population as it pursues a domestic political agenda based upon public commitment to the rule of law, basic human rights, and free market initiatives. So far, the government has taken steps to strengthen freedoms of expression by repealing colonial-era criminal libel laws, dropping a number of libel suits against journalists, abolishing sometimes abusive community tribunals, and introducing legislation to establish a juvenile justice system. As part of its anti-corruption efforts the Kufuor government has pursued some high-profile cases, including the prosecution of its Minister of Youth and Sports and several former high-level government officials. On September 3, 2002, Ghana inaugurated its National Reconciliation Commission, a South Africa-style commission established to investigate human rights abuses under Ghana's former military regimes. The National Reconciliation Commission completed its hearings in July 2004 and submitted its final report with recommendations in October 2004. The government responded with a White Paper in April 2005, accepting the recommendation to establish a Reparation and Rehabilitation Fund for victims of abuse, as well as directing security forces to study carefully the various recommendations on recruitment, training and deployment. Narcotics trafficked through Ghana to Western Europe and North America also pose a significant challenge for Ghana.

Principal Government Officials
President--John Agyekum Kufuor
Vice President--Alhaji Aliu Mahama
Minister of Foreign Affairs--Akwasi Osei-Adjei
Minister of Defense--Albert Ken-Dapaah
Minister of Finance and Economic Planning--Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu
Minister of Trade & Industry--Joe Baidoe-Ansah
Minister of Justice and Attorney General--Joe Ghartey
Minister of Interior--Kwamena Bartels
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court--Georgina Theodora Wood
Speaker of Parliament--Ebenezer Begyina Sekyi Hughes

Ambassador to the United States--Kwame Bawuah-Edusei
Permanent Representative to the United Nations--Nana Effah-Apenteng

Ghana maintains an embassy in the United States at 3512 International Drive, NW, Washington, DC 20008 (tel. 202-686-4500). Its permanent mission to the United Nations is located at 19 E. 47th Street, New York, NY 10017 (tel. 212-832-1300).

ECONOMY
By West African standards, Ghana has a relatively diverse and rich natural resource base Minerals--principally gold, diamonds, manganese ore, and bauxite--are produced and exported. Exploration for oil and gas resources is ongoing. Timber and marine resources are important but declining resources.

Agriculture remains a mainstay of the economy, accounting for more than one-third of GDP and about 55% of formal employment. Cash crops consist primarily of cocoa and cocoa products, which typically provide about one-third of export revenue, timber products, coconuts and other palm products, shea nuts (which produce an edible fat), and coffee. Ghana also has established a successful program of nontraditional agricultural products for export including pineapples, cashews, and peppers. Cassava, yams, plantains, corn, rice, peanuts, millet, and sorghum are the basic foodstuffs. Fish, poultry, and meat also are important dietary staples.

Ghana's industrial base is relatively advanced compared to many other African countries. Industries include textiles, apparel, steel (using scrap), tires, oil refining, flour milling, beverages, tobacco, simple consumer goods, and car, truck, and bus assembly. Industry, including mining, manufacturing, construction and electricity, accounts for about 25% of GDP.

Gold shares the top export revenue spot with cocoa, each bringing in about $1 billion in 2006. Tourism has become one of Ghana's largest foreign income earners (ranking third in 2005 at $836 million), and the Ghanaian Government has placed strong emphasis on further development of the sector. The country's largest source of foreign exchange is remittances from abroad, which totaled about $4 billion in 2006.

Ghana's post-independence economic story has been a difficult one, but over the last 20 years, stability and growth have increasingly taken hold. Real GDP growth has averaged 4% since the mid-80s and was about 6% 2004-2006. Inflation and interest rates have declined steadily, particularly over the last decade. Ghana's poverty rate has also come down markedly, from 51.7% in 1991 to 28.5% in 2005/2006. Ghana is on track to meet the Millennium Development goal of halving extreme poverty by 2008, well ahead of the 2015 target.

Economic Development
At independence, Ghana had a substantial physical and social infrastructure and $481 million in foreign reserves. The Nkrumah government further developed the infrastructure and made important public investments in the industrial sector. With assistance from the United States, the World Bank, and the United Kingdom, construction of the Akosombo Dam was completed on the Volta River in 1966. Two U.S. companies built Valco, Africa's largest aluminum smelter, to use power generated at the dam. Aluminum exports from Valco used to be a major source of foreign exchange for Ghana, but an investment dispute beginning in 2001, followed by sale back to the government, has led to sporadic operation in recent years, and it was closed again in March 2007 due to the country's energy crisis.

Many Nkrumah-era investments were monumental public works projects and poorly conceived, badly managed agricultural and industrial schemes. With cocoa prices falling and the country's foreign exchange reserves fast disappearing, the government resorted to supplier credits to finance many projects. By the mid-1960s, Ghana's reserves were gone, and the country could not meet repayment schedules. The National Liberation Council responded by abandoning unprofitable projects and selling some inefficient state-owned enterprises to private investors. On three occasions, Ghana's creditors agreed to reschedule repayments due on Nkrumah-era supplier credits. Led by the United States, foreign donors provided import loans to enable the foreign exchange-strapped government to import essential commodities.

Prime Minister Busia's government (1969-72) liberalized controls to attract foreign investment and to encourage domestic entrepreneurship. Investors were cautious, however, and cocoa prices declined again while imports surged, precipitating a serious trade deficit. Despite considerable foreign assistance and some debt relief, the Busia regime also was unable to overcome the inherited restraints on growth posed by the debt burden, balance-of-payments imbalances, foreign exchange shortages, and mismanagement.

Although foreign aid helped prevent economic collapse and was responsible for subsequent improvements in many sectors, the economy stagnated in the 10-year period preceding the NRC takeover in 1972. Population growth offset the modest increase in gross domestic product, and real earnings declined for many Ghanaians.

To restructure the economy, the NRC, under General Acheampong (1972-78), undertook an austerity program that emphasized self-reliance, particularly in food production. These plans were not realized, however, primarily because of post-1973 oil price increases and a drought in 1975-77 that particularly affected northern Ghana. The NRC, which had inherited foreign debts of almost $1 billion, abrogated existing rescheduling arrangements for some debts and rejected other repayments. After creditors objected to this unilateral action, a 1974 agreement rescheduled the medium-term debt on liberal terms. The NRC also imposed the Investment Policy Decree of 1975--effective on January 1977--that required 51% Ghanaian equity participation in most foreign firms, but the government took 40% in specified industries. Many shares were sold directly to the public.

Continued mismanagement of the economy, record inflation (more than 100% in 1977), and increasing corruption, notably at the highest political levels, led to growing dissatisfaction. The post-July 1978 military regime led by General Akuffo attempted to deal with Ghana's economic problems by making small changes in the overvalued cedi and by restraining government spending and monetary growth. Under a one-year standby agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in January 1979, the government promised to undertake economic reforms, including a reduction of the budget deficit, in return for a $68 million IMF support program and $27 million in IMF Trust Fund loans. The agreement became inoperative, however, after the June 4 coup that brought Flight Lieutenant Rawlings and the AFRC to power for 4 months.

In September 1979, the civilian government of Hilla Limann inherited declining per capita income, stagnant industrial and agricultural production due to inadequate imported supplies, shortages of imported and locally produced goods, a sizable budget deficit (almost 40% of expenditures in 1979), high inflation, "moderating" to 54% in 1979, an increasingly overvalued cedi, flourishing smuggling and other black-market activities, high unemployment, particularly among urban youth, deterioration in the transport network, and continued foreign exchange constraints.

Limann's PNP government announced yet another (2-year) reconstruction program, emphasizing increased food production, exports, and transport improvements. Import austerity was imposed and external payments arrears cut. However, cocoa production and prices fell, while oil prices soared. No effective measures were taken to reduce rampant corruption and black marketing.

When Rawlings again seized power at the end of 1981, cocoa output had fallen to half the 1970-71 level and its world price to one-third the 1975 level. By 1982, oil would constitute half of Ghana's imports, while overall trade contracted greatly. Internal transport had slowed to a crawl, and inflation remained high. During Rawlings' first year, the economy was stagnant. Industry ran at about 10% of capacity due to the chronic shortage of foreign exchange to cover the importation of required raw materials and replacement parts. Economic conditions deteriorated further in early 1983 when Nigeria expelled an estimated 1 million Ghanaians who had to be absorbed by Ghana.

In April 1983, in coordination with the IMF, the PNDC launched an economic recovery program, perhaps the most stringent and consistent of its day in Africa, aimed at reopening infrastructure bottlenecks and reviving moribund productive sectors--agriculture, mining, and timber. The largely distorted exchange rate and prices were realigned to encourage production and exports. The government imposed fiscal and monetary discipline to curb inflation. Through November 1987, the cedi was devalued by more than 6,300%, and widespread direct price controls were substantially reduced.

The economy's response to these reforms was initially hampered by the absorption of 1 million returnees from Nigeria, compounded by the decline of foreign aid and the onset of the worst drought since independence, which brought on widespread bushfires and forced closure of the aluminum smelter and severe power cuts for industry. In 1985, the country absorbed an additional 100,000 expellees from Nigeria. In 1987, cocoa prices declined again; however, infrastructure repairs, improved weather, and producer incentives and support revived output. During 1984-88 the economy experienced solid growth for the first time since 1978. Renewed exports, aid inflows, and a foreign exchange auction eased hard currency constraints.

While the reforms caused substantial shocks in some sectors, particularly agriculture and textiles, the overall effects were positive and helped bring about a measure of economic stabilization and recovery. However, a big drop in world cocoa and gold prices hurt growth and, in the face of pending elections, spurred government spending, leading to an increased deficit, falling currency and high inflation at the time a new government led by John Agyekum Kufuor took office in 2000.

The economy has performed well under the Kufuor administration, but Ghana's fundamental vulnerabilities remain. The new administration continued the economic stabilization begun under the previous administration, and has taken some difficult but necessary steps such as ending subsidies of petroleum prices. Solid macroeconomic management coupled with major debt relief, large inflows of donor resources, and relatively high cocoa and gold prices have been the keys to the steady improvements in real GDP growth, which in 2004 topped 5% for the first time in a decade and reached an estimated 6.2% in 2006. Further debt relief, continued large aid inflows, favorable commodity prices, and $4 billion in gross annual remittances--this figure includes remittances from individuals as well as non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and embassies; individual remittances were estimated at about $1.8 billion in 2006--put Ghana in a stronger balance of payments position.

Ghana was recognized for its economic and democratic achievements in 2006, when it signed a five-year, $547 million anti-poverty compact with the United States' Millennium Challenge Corporation. The compact focuses on accelerating growth and poverty reduction through agricultural and rural development. The compact has three main components: enhancing the profitability of commercial agriculture among small farmers; reducing the transportation costs affecting agricultural commerce through improvements in transportation infrastructure, and expanding basic community services and strengthening rural institutions that support agriculture and agri-business. The compact is expected to contribute to improving the lives of one million Ghanaians.

Ghana's stated goals are to accelerate economic growth, improve the quality of life for all Ghanaians, and reduce poverty through macroeconomic stability, higher private investment, broad-based social and rural development, as well as direct poverty-alleviation efforts. These plans are fully supported by the international donor community.

Key economic challenges include: overcoming infrastructure bottlenecks, especially in energy and water; poor management of natural resources; improving human resource capacity and development; establishing a business and investment climate that encourages and allows private sector-led growth, and privatizing remaining state-owned enterprises, several of which are significant budget liabilities.

FOREIGN RELATIONS
Ghana is active in the United Nations and many of its specialized agencies, as well as the World Trade Organization, the Nonaligned Movement, the African Union (AU), and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Generally, Ghana follows the consensus of the Nonaligned Movement and the AU on economic and political issues that do not directly affect its own interests. Ghana plays an increasingly active role in subregional affairs. In February 2002, Ghana's former Deputy Foreign Minister, Mohammed Ibn Chambas, assumed the office of ECOWAS Executive Secretary. In February 2003, President Kufuor became the Chairperson of ECOWAS heads of state, taking on a strong role in the Cote d'Ivoire and Liberian peace and reconciliation processes. Kufuor was reelected to a second year in December 2003. His tenure expired in January 2005. Ghana took a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council in January 2006. In January 2007, President Kufuor was elected Chairman of the African Union, and Ghana hosted the June 2007 AU Summit, which focused on increasing African unity.

Ghana has been extremely active in international peacekeeping activities under UN auspices in Lebanon, Afghanistan, Rwanda, the Balkans, and Pakistan, in addition to an 8-year subregional initiative with its ECOWAS partners to develop and then enforce a cease-fire in Liberia. In January 2003, Ghana sent a company of troops to Cote d'Ivoire as part of the ECOWAS stabilization force and sent another contingent to Liberia in July of 2003; the United States provided logistical assistance to Ghana in these efforts. Ghana has current deployments to Cote d'Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Lebanon, and Congo with numerous small troop deployments in the role of UN observers in many other crisis locations around the world. Additionally, Ghana sent some troops to a French-sponsored RECAMP Exercise in Benin, clearly highlighting the key role that peacekeeping operations have in the Ghana Armed Forces. Ghana maintains friendly relations with all states, regardless of ideology. Ghana has also committed to send a peacekeeping contingent to Somalia.

U.S.-GHANAIAN RELATIONS
The United States has enjoyed good relations with Ghana at a nonofficial, personal level since Ghana's independence. Thousands of Ghanaians have been educated in the United States. Close relations are maintained between educational and scientific institutions, and cultural links, particularly between Ghanaians and African-Americans, are strong.

Through the U.S. International Visitor Program, Ghanaian parliamentarians and other government officials have become acquainted with U.S. congressional and state legislative practices and have participated in programs designed to address other issues of interest. The U.S. and Ghanaian militaries have cooperated in numerous joint training exercises, culminating with Ghanaian participation in the African Crisis Response Initiative, an international activity in which the U.S. facilitates the development of an interoperable peacekeeping capacity among African nations. U.S.-Ghanaian military cooperation continues under the new African Contingency Operations Training and Assistance program; Ghana was one of the first militaries to receive ACOTA training in early 2003. In addition, there is an active bilateral International Military Education and Training program. Additionally, Ghana is the site of a U.S.-European Command-funded Exercise Reception Facility that was established to facilitate troop deployments for exercises or crisis response within the region. The facility is a direct result of Ghana's partnership with the United States on a Fuel Hub Initiative. Ghana is one of few African nations selected for the State Partnership Program, which will promote greater economic ties with U.S. institutions, including the National Guard.

The United States is among Ghana's principal trading partners. The Office of the President of Ghana worked closely with the U.S. Embassy in Accra to establish an American Chamber of Commerce to continue to develop closer economic ties in the private sector. Major U.S. companies operating in the country include ACS, CMS Energy, Coca Cola, S.C. Johnson, Ralston Purina, Star-Kist, A.H. Robins, Sterling, Pfizer, IBM, 3M, Motorola, Stewart & Stevenson, PriceWaterhouseCoopers, and National Cash Register (NCR). Several U.S. firms recently made or are considering investments in Ghana, primarily in gold mining, wood products, and petroleum. U.S. mining giant Newmont entered Ghana's mining sector in 2004 and intends to invest up to $1 billion. In late 1997, Nuevo Petroleum concluded an oil exploration agreement accounting for the last of Ghana's offshore mineral rights zones. Several other U.S. oil companies also are engaged in offshore exploration, but so far with little success.

U.S. development assistance to Ghana in fiscal year 2007 was implemented by USAID, the African Development Foundation, Millennium Challenge Corporation, and others. U.S. development assistance to Ghana in fiscal year 2007 totaled more than $55.1 million, with programs in small farmer competitiveness, health, including HIV/AIDS and maternal child health, education, and democracy/governance. Ghana was the first country in the world to accept Peace Corps volunteers, and the program remains one of the largest. Currently, there are more than 150 volunteers in Ghana. Almost half work in education, and the others in agro-forestry, small business development, health education, water sanitation, and youth development. Ghana's $547 million compact with the Millennium Challenge Corporation is the most recent achievement in the U.S.-Ghanaian development partnership.