African Borders: Ghana In Focus By Bismark Akoto

GHANA IN FOCUS By Bismark Akoto

After organizing six successive elections since 1992 where power has alternated between two political parties, Ghana has gained a reputation as one of the most politically stable countries in Africa. After Ghana’s independence in 1957, there were a series of coups and counter coups until 1992 where the country was ushered back into constitutional rule.

Flag of Ghana

Ghana is home to over 100 ethnic groups with the Akan’s being the largest making up about %48.3. With a population of about 28.83 millionpeople, Ghana has always been a country where religious tolerance for instance has been high as people of different ethnic, religious and political persuasions have and continue to live together as one people. For instance, the major Christian and Islamic celebrations are recognized as national holidays. Also, Christian as well as Islamic and Traditional prayers are said at the start of almost every major national event especially during the Independence Day Celebrations.

This important understanding largely has its roots tied in the national secondary school system established under Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first president. Under this school system, all young person’s irrespective of origin can attend any of the boarding schools scattered across the country.

Ghana on the Map

This policy has proven to be key to Ghana’s peacefulness as a nation and has promoted cross-tribal understanding of language, economy and cultural practices.

The Ashanti Kingdom

Shutterstock and Wikimedia Commons

One cannot talk about Ghana without talking about the Ashanti Kingdom as it is one of the few surviving kingdoms in the world. The current Ashanti King, OtumfuoOsei Tutu II enstooled in 1999 has been a symbol of peace for the Ashanti people and Ghana as a whole. Chieftaincy disputes no matter how serious they are, are settled in the Ashantihene’s court rather than the law courts where the process is usually antagonistic.

A common feature of all Ghanaian cultures is a love of festivals. Barley a week goes without one or other town or village holding its major annual celebrations. These ceremonies present the opportunity to showcase the rich culture of the people. Chiefs, Queens and people dress in their rich traditional wears while dignitaries and every other person is entertained with rich display of customs and tradition.

Dance Session at PANAFEST 2015 | © S Pakhrin / Flickr

Famous Wli Waterfalls, the higest watefall in Ghana and West Africa.

Famous Wli Waterfalls

Ghana is not only blessed with natural resources such as gold, diamond, and crude oil, but also boasts of some of the most amazing and attractive tourist sites in the world such as Wli waterfall, the highest waterfall in Ghana and West Africa. Located in the Volta region of Ghana, the waterfall measures about 143 meters from the upper fall to the plunge pool below it making it a natural attraction worth visiting. Lovers of wildlife and nature are not left out as the Mole National Park in Northern Ghana is home to over 90 species of mammals, reptiles, birds, butterflies and some endangered species such as elephants (laxodonta Africana) and lions (pantheraleo). Furthermore, there are many forts, castles and beautiful beaches along the southern coast of Ghana as well as a plethora of natural cultural riches to visit for adventure and relaxation. It is thus not surprising that CNN Travel listed Ghana as the 4th place to visit in 2019.

Ghanian Cuisine: a traditional Fufu dish

Ghanaian cuisine is said to be one of the best cuisines in Africa. There are many local dishes worth tasting on a visit to this wonderful country. Made from boiled cassava and plantain into a sticky paste, fufu is enjoyed by many Ghanaians especially in the Eastern and Ashanti regions. Fufu can however be found in Northern Ghana as well. The only difference is the yam flavor which Northern Ghanaians prefer instead.

Ghanian Cuisine: Banku and Tilapia Recipe with Pepper Sauce

Enjoyed with hot pepper and a touch of diced onions and tomatoes, banku is prepared with a mix of fermented corn and cassava dough which is mostly enjoyed in southern Ghana. Although similar to banku, Tuo Zaafi is a bit soft and less sticky. It is enjoyed mostly in Northern Ghana and prepared by a mixture of corn dough and a little cassava.

Until we come your way with another country in focus, make sure to add Ghana to the list of African counties you intend visiting in the coming months.