10 Interesting Facts About Ghana (Including Some You May Not Know!)
Known for its extensive history and often referred to as the “Gateway to West Africa”, Ghana is full of stunning landscapes, diverse culture and plenty of interesting facts to learn about! In this blog, we want to explore 10 interesting facts about Ghana including some you may not know, here’s everything you need to know…
#1 What Does Ghana Mean?
Starting off with an interesting fact that not many people may know, is the translation of the word Ghana. Ghana means “Warrior King” in Sonike language which is spoken by nearly 2 million people in West Africa.
#2 Where Is Ghana Located?
In case you couldn’t guess from our introduction, Ghana is located on the west coast of Africa, situated on the Gulf of Guinea. Due to this Ghana has a tropical climate, meaning there are two rainy seasons from April to June and September to November, with temperatures between 21 and 32 degrees Celsius.
#3 What Is Lake Volta?
Ghana has the biggest man-made lake in the world, named Lake Volta. It spans over 320 miles and was created by the Akosombo Dam on the Volta river. This beautiful lake offers both stunning views, hydroelectric power and the opportunity for water activities.
#4 What Is Kente Cloth?
Kente cloth originates from Ghana and is a very vibrant woven fabric that holds a lot of cultural significance. Wearing Kente is a proud display of Ghanian heritage, and every pattern and colour has its own meaning.
#5 Where Does Cocoa Come From?
Ghana is one of the world’s largest producers of cocoa, which is why it is well known for being “Cocoa capital of the world”. So, if you’re a chocolate lover, it’s more than likely than Ghana’s cocoa farms have contributed to the global production of chocolate, especially since they are the world’s second largest cocoa producer.
#6 He Did What?
This is a real random one and most likely an interesting fact about Ghana that you didn’t know! The fastest man in the world to run backwards for 100 yards just happens to be from Ghana. Ferdie Adoboe set the world record back in 1983 running 100 yards backwards in just 12.7 seconds!
#7 How Many Groups & Religions Are There?
Ghana has a very diverse population with more than 100 ethnic groups and several religions including Islam and Christianity. Christianity is the largest religion in Ghana, closely followed by Islam.
#8 When Did Ghana Gain Independence?
Ghana holds the distinction of being the first African country to gain independence from colonial rule in 1957. Its first president, Kwame Nkrumah, played a crucial role in promoting Pan-Africanism and fostering unity among African nations.
#9 What About All The Gold?
Ghana was once known as the Gold Coast, and for a very good reason. The country’s history is intertwined with the gold trade, attracting traders from around the world. The vast amount of gold resources played a pivotal role in shaping the region’s history.
#10 What About The Best Hotel In Ghana?
The Perriman Hotel, nestled in the heart of Accra, is a hidden gem that captures the essence of Ghanaian hospitality. With our luxurious rooms, modern facilities (including a newly completed pool!), and a wide range of local cuisine, the Perriman Hotel offers a unique blend of comfort and cultural immersion.
Looking for a beautiful place to stay whilst visiting Ghana? Then don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team on +233 (0) 24 595 7094 or fill in our easy contact form here.