The Republic of Ghana is a developing country situated in West Africa, bordered by Cote d’Ivoire to the west, Burkina Faso to the north, Togo to the east and the Gulf of Guinea to the south. Since the end of military rule in 1992, the country has largely been a bastion of stability in the region and has often been cited as a model for political reform on the continent.
Ghana is perfectly situated for access via air or sea. It is a relatively prosperous country with a thriving economy. Economic growth has been fuelled by its wealth of natural resources, including gold, diamonds, timber, cocoa and manganese, as well as the financial and tourism sectors. The discovery of significant oil reserves off Ghana’s southwest coast has provided an additional source of revenue and the country also has a large natural gas reserve, the 49th largest in the whole world. The government actively promotes foreign investment, although corruption, while less prevalent than many other African countries, is present and is an impediment to business interests and economic growth.
The primary threats to foreign visitors are from health hazards and road traffic accidents. Opportunistic criminal activity such as street theft is prevalent in the capital city Accra and other urban areas. However, the crime threat is considered manageable by regional standards. Ghana’s infrastructure is adequate in major urban areas such as Accra, Kumasi and Tamale, and the main arterial routes are in reasonable condition, although infrastructure remains underdeveloped in many rural parts of the country.
While in Ghana, there are a few special attractions to see. Some of which include Elmina and St. George’s Castle, the Kakum National Park, Lake Volta and the Paga Crocodile Pond. Some popular outdoor activities within the country include water sports along the beaches, parks for hiking, various eco tours, climbing tours and bike tours. Ghana also has a suitable nightlife with a wide range of bars and nightclubs.
