PowerPoint Presentation

GHANA

Ghana Geography Major CitiesAccra (the capital city) pop. Almost 2 millionKumasi (KNUST University) pop. 1.5 millionTamale pop. 360,000Cape Coast #8 major city (had the slave castle)Accra

Kumasi

Cape coast #8 largest

Major Geographical FeaturesFour eco regionsCoast-low sandy shoresPlains and scrub with rivers and streamsIn the North-high plainsForested plateau region with Ashanti uplandsWorlds largest artificial lake- Lake VoltaAkwapim-Togo Mt. range found along Ghanas eastern borderHighest point Mt. Afadjato 885 metersClimate is tropical-warm and has a long rainy season. Generally hot and humid all year round.Some forests but does not have many of the typical animals you may think of when you think of Africa

Ghana history Inhabited as early as 3000-4000 BCGhana was known for their gold. They did lots of gold trading in N. AfricaIn the 16th century Europeans started taking notice and interest in their goldIn the 17th c. the Ashanti people in Ghana led a series of successful military operations and they became a united empire. Kumasi was the capital.Osei Tutu was the king of the Ashanti. Ashanti empire lasted until the 1800sIn 1471 the Portuguese were the first Europeans to arrive in Ghana (then known as the Gold Coast)They established trading posts that still stand.The had slave trade castles and were a major slave trade export country. They warred to acquire slaves to sell and trade.

Ghana history cont. Britain started gaining control of the Gold Coast in the 1700sEarly 1900s Ghana was progressing economically and educationally.At the end of WWII Ghana was the richest and most educated territory in West Africa. With this nationalism spread.In 1947 there was a United Gold Coast Convention to discuss a movement for self-government free from Britain. Ghana gained its independence in 1956 the leader of their independence movement was Kwame Nkrumah. (he was also their first President) From 1966-1981 there were several coups and changes in power1979 Jerry Rawlings: brought back civilian rule to GhanaThey created a new constitution in 1992 and have had a fairly stable government since.

CultureFoodLots of rice and potatoesFufu and Jolluf riceFan Ice (ice cream in a bag) BEST THING EVER!!!! Community basedWork together and look after each otherVery hospitable, to them it is rude if you dont take the time to talk to someoneFuneralsThey have the funeral 3-6 months after the person has died.They give the family time to grieve and then they have a celebration of their life which lasts multiple days and includes bright colors, music, and friends and family speaking of memories

Culture cont.ReligionMajority claimed to be ChristianAlso a large amount of Muslims in the large cities and N. GhanaMusicVery upbeatLove to danceIn church they sing and dance for a good 30-45 minutesWalking businesses/street businessLarge amounts of people just walk around town selling items.They walk up to your car, house etc.

GovernmentPresidential Representative Democratic RepublicThey have a President and Legislative branch (Parliament)President has some say in legislation Judicial branch is not connected at all with the Executive and Legislative branchConstitution of GhanaModeled after the USChecks and balancesAkan of Ghana (chief system)Works along side of the democratic systemBeen around for around a 1300 years12 chiefs in GhanaGive advice to the President but have no real power, more symbolic

Current leadersPresident is John Dramani MahamaHe took office in July 2012 after their current President died in officeThen he was officially elected in December of 2012ElectionsLegislative branch has elections every 4 yearsPresident serves up to two 4 year terms

Famous peopleOzwald Boateng: fashion designer Samia Nkrumah-first female to head a major political party Abedi Ayew Pele-soccer player captain of the Ghanaian national teamMarcel Desailly soccer playerSarkodie: musical artisthttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIran2tR_-g

Current events-problemsSanitation:Need clean drinking waterNeed better garbage/sewage systemsHealthcareNot easily available to a majority of GhanaiansFew and crowedHIV/AIDSHigh percent of people in Ghana have HIV/AIDS EducationGetting better but only 58% females can read.PovertyMainly subsistence agriculture. If a bad season a lot of people suffer

PositivesEconomy: Ghana is one of the wealthier nations in AfricaEducation: University in Ghana is in the top 25 best colleges in AfricaTourism: It is one of West Africas most visited country. Known for its festivals, good beaches and historical sites (Cape Coast)Modern: Accra is one of the more modern cities in Western Africa, very safe and easy to get around.