What was ghana

Formerly known as the Gold Coast, Ghana gained independence from Britain in , becoming the first sub-Saharan nation to break free from colonial rule.

Gold, cocoa and more recently oil form the cornerstone of Ghana's economy and have helped fuel an economic boom. The country is named after the great medieval trading empire that was located northwest of the modern-day state until its demise in the 13th century.

Major languages English, African languages including Akan, Ewe. President: Nana Akufo-Addo. Nana Akufo-Addo won the presidential election in December , tapping into an electorate fed up with a sputtering economy and ready for change. The erudite year-old human rights lawyer won A quarter of its people are concentrated along the narrow coastal zone.

Kumasi is the second largest city in Ghana, after the capital Accra, and functions as the administrative, commercial, industrial, and cultural center of the Ashanti region. The Republic of Ghana. Total Area: km 2 Population: 26 Ecoregions and Topography of Ghana. High Resolution Download. Environmental Highlights Significant inventory of Upper Guinean biodiversity Largest artificial lake by area in the world Ecotourism Deforestation Pollution from mining. In July , Ghana secured a million dollar three-year loan from the International Monetary Fund IMF , amid concerns about the impact of the global recession on poorer countries.

The IMF said the Ghanaian economy had proved to be relatively resilient because of the high prices of cocoa and gold. Beside economic development, Ghana has made real progress in good governance, youth and gender empowerment. Important pieces of relevant legislation have been enacted and institutional arrangements improved to promote inclusive society.

Over the last decade, Ghana has enjoyed increasingly stable and deepening democratic governance. Four successful elections in , , and have strengthened the effectiveness of key national institutions, enhanced investor confidence and anchored the new economy in an environment for positive growth.

Ghana enjoys a high degree of media freedom and the private press and broadcasters operate without significant restrictions. The media are free to criticise the authorities without fear of reprisals, says Reporters Without Borders. The private press is lively, and often carries criticism of government policy.

Animated phone-in programmes are staple fare on many radio stations. Radio is Ghana's most popular medium, although it is being challenged by increased access to TV. Home About Ghana. About Ghana History Ghana's independence square.