Ghana

Formed from the merger of the British colony of the Gold Coast and the Togoland trust territory, Ghana in 1957 became the first sub-Saharan country in colonial Africa to gain its independence. A long series of coups resulted in the suspension of Ghana's third constitution in 1981 and a ban on political parties. A new constitution, restoring multiparty politics, was approved in 1992. Lt. Jerry RAWLINGS, head of state since 1981, won presidential elections in 1992 and 1996, but was constitutionally prevented from running for a third term in 2000. John KUFUOR, who defeated former Vice President John ATTA-MILLS in a free and fair election, succeeded him.

Languages & Population

Approximate Population: 22,931,299

Nationality (Noun): Ghanaian(s)

Nationality (Adjective): Ghanaian

Official Language(s): English

Major Languages Spoken: Akan, Ashanti, English, Ewe, Ga, Nzema, Twi

Country Facts

Country Name (long form): Republic of Ghana

Country Name (short form): Ghana

Country Name (local long form): none

Country Name (local short form): none

Name of Capital: Accra

UTC Time Difference (from capital): UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Countries Near by, and Bordering Ghana: Togo, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast

Land Area: 230940 sq km

Water Area: 8520 sq km

Comparative Area: slightly smaller than Oregon

Total Land Boundry: 2,094 km

Coastline: 539 km

National Holiday: Independence Day, 6 March (1957)

International Phone Code: 233

Currency Code: cedi (GHC)

Internet Country Code: .gh

US Embassy Location: Ring Road East, Osu, Accra

US Embassy Mailing Address: P. O. Box 194, Accra