Ghana

Ghana is a country in West Africa along the Gulf of Guinea. It was the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to gain independence. Ghana is known for its gold, cocoa beans for making chocolate, and beautiful kente cloth.

Land and People

About 33 million people live in Ghana. The capital is Accra. Ghana has tropical forests, a large lake called Lake Volta, and a coast with sandy beaches. The land is green and fertile with lots of farmland.

Old map showing Ghana and nearby parts of Africa.
Old map showing Ghana and nearby parts of Africa. (Rev. Thomas Milner / Wikimedia Commons)

Culture and Fun Facts

Ghana produces lots of cocoa beans that are used to make chocolate all over the world. Kente cloth is a brightly colored woven fabric worn for special occasions. Jollof rice is a beloved dish. Ghanaians love soccer and have a strong national team called the Black Stars.

Fun Facts

  • Ghana is one of the world's largest producers of cocoa beans for making chocolate.
  • Lake Volta in Ghana is one of the largest man-made lakes in the world.
  • Ghana was the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence in 1957.

Did You Know?

Kente cloth from Ghana is one of the most famous fabrics in Africa. Each color and pattern has a special meaning. Gold means royalty, green means growth, and blue means peace. Kente is worn at important events like weddings and celebrations.