PREZ. J.A KUFFOUR

Until its independence from British colonial rule on March 6, 1957, Ghana was called the “Gold Coast”, a name given to it by early Portuguese explorers who first set foot on the shores of the country in the fifteenth century. The name aptly described the country’s wealth in gold and natural resources, which include to the present day:

• rich mineral resources such as gold, diamonds, manganese, bauxite, iron ore and various clay and salt deposits;

• extensive rich forests with a wide range of tropical hardwoods;

• a wide variety of agricultural products and rich fishing resources; and

• unique tourist attractions, including beautiful landscapes, inviting sunshine, golden beaches, wildlife parks, the countryside with its rich cultural heritage, and the proverbial warmth and hospitality of the people.

During various periods from the time the Portuguese discovered gold in 1471 to independence in 1957, the monarchs of several European kingdoms, notably Denmark, England, Holland, Prussia and Sweden, sent hordes of explorers and merchants to the country for its abundant wealth, both natural and human. They battled for supremacy and control over the land, and built forts and castles which also served as trading posts. Vestiges of the extent of European colonial presence and concentration of activity in the country are evidenced by the fact that 29 of the 32 European colonial forts and castles dotted along the coast of West Africa are in Ghana.

The population of Ghana is 18.4 million, with 40.5 percent under 15 years of age. The country has an average population density of 78.9 percent of persons per square kilometre. Female population is 50.7 percent an the male population is 49.3 percent. With an annual growth rate of 2.6% per cent.

Most of the population is concentrated in the southern part of the country, with the highest densities occurring in the urban areas and cocoa producing areas. The largest regions in terms of population are Ashanti (over 3.5 million), Eastern (over 2 million) and Greater Accra about (about 3 million). (Source: Ghana Statistical Service, January 2002).

• Languages: Ghana’s principal ethnic groups are the Akans (Twi and Fante-speaking), the Guans, Ewes, Dagombas, Gas, Gonjas, Dagabas, Walas and Frafra. Twi, Fante, Ga, Hausa, Dagbani, Ewe and Nzema are the major languages, but the official language of the country is English.

• Education: There are numerous grammar, secondary, basic, commercial, technical and vocational education institutions throughout Ghana. There are four universities: University of Ghana at Legon near Accra, the University of Cape Coast, the University of Science and Technology at Kumasi and the University of Development Studies at Tamale, as well as one University College of Education of Winneba. In addition, there are private and other specialised tertiary institutions in the county. A functional literacy programme has been initiated in Ghana, targeting illiterate adults.

• Health: Ghana has a reasonably good health service. All regional capitals and most districts have hospitals and clinics, and two teaching hospitals in Accra and Kumasi have facilities for treating special cases. Additionally, a number of religious organizations and private medical practitioners operate hospitals and clinics all over the country. Herbal medicine and psychic healing are also generally practised, and there is a special government Herbal Medicine Hospital and Research Centre at Akwapim-Mampong.

• Religion: The population of Ghana comprises Christians (43 per cent), animists 38 per cent), Muslims (12 per cent) and others (7 per cent). There is complete freedom of religion in Ghana.

A new constitution, which was drawn up by a consultative assembly, was approved in a national referendum in April 1992. It follows the presidential executive system and guarantees democratic freedom.

After 11 years of military rule, both presidential and legislative elections were held in November 1992. The administration of the country was handed over to the elected National Democratic Congress (NDC) Government in January 1993, the NDC was returned to power in elections in December 1996. However the New Patriotic Party won the 2000 elections led by His Excellency John Agyekum Kufuor.