What is Ghana?
Ghana, located in West Africa, is known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and dynamic political landscape. It was the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to gain independence from colonial rule in 1957, and its path to becoming a stable democracy has made it a beacon of hope for other African nations. Ghana is famous for its vibrant music, dance, and art, as well as its booming economy that heavily relies on gold, cocoa, and oil exports.
Administrative Divisions
Ghana is divided into 16 regions:
- Greater Accra Region
- Ashanti Region
- Western Region
- Western North Region
- Central Region
- Volta Region
- Eastern Region
- Northern Region
- Oti Region
- Upper East Region
- Upper West Region
- Ahafo Region
- Bono Region
- Bono East Region
- Western North Region
- North East Region
Accra, located in the Greater Accra Region, is the capital and largest city in the country.
Currency Details
- Currency Name: Ghanaian Cedi (GHS)
- Symbol: ¢
- Subunit: 1 Cedi = 100 Pesewas
- Central Bank: Bank of Ghana
Type of Government
Ghana operates under a presidential republic system. The President is both the head of state and government, and is elected for a four-year term. The Parliament is unicameral, with 275 members who are also elected for four-year terms. Ghana is known for its stable democracy and peaceful political transitions, which have been models for many African nations.
Detailed Hierarchy of Government Roles
Executive Branch
| Position | Role Description | Power & Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| President | Head of state and government, elected by the people | Holds executive powers and is responsible for national policies and international relations. |
| Vice President | Deputy to the President | Supports the President and acts as President in their absence. |
| Cabinet | Ministers appointed by the President | Responsible for managing government ministries and implementing policy decisions. |
Legislative Branch
The Parliament of Ghana consists of 275 members who serve four-year terms. The Parliament is responsible for making and passing laws, approving the national budget, and holding the executive branch accountable.
Judicial Branch
The Judiciary of Ghana is independent of the executive and legislative branches, and is responsible for interpreting and upholding the laws of the country. The highest court in Ghana is the Supreme Court, followed by the Court of Appeal and other subordinate courts.
International Memberships
Ghana is a member of several key international organizations, including:
- United Nations (UN)
- African Union (AU)
- Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
- World Bank
- World Trade Organization (WTO)
Military Structure
Ghana’s military consists of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), which includes the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The GAF plays a key role in maintaining national security and has participated in peacekeeping operations across Africa.
Emergency Numbers
- Police: 191
- Medical Emergency: 112
- Fire: 192
SWOT Analysis of Ghana
Strengths
- Strong democratic institutions and peaceful political transitions.
- Rich natural resources, including gold, cocoa, and oil.
- A growing middle class and emerging economy in Africa.
Weaknesses
- High unemployment, particularly among the youth.
- Infrastructure challenges, particularly in rural areas.
- Dependence on commodity exports, making the economy vulnerable to price fluctuations.
Opportunities
- Expansion of the agricultural and manufacturing sectors.
- Growth in the tourism industry with its rich cultural heritage and coastal attractions.
- Development of renewable energy sources to diversify the energy mix.
Threats
- Global economic uncertainty impacting export prices.
- Vulnerability to climate change, particularly in agriculture.
- Regional security issues in West Africa could spill over into Ghana.
Additional Information
- Official Language: English
- Time Zone: Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)
- National Anthem: “God Bless Our Homeland Ghana” (National Anthem of Ghana)