Where is Ghana?
Ghana is a country in West Africa on the Atlantic Ocean, bordering Togo, Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast. It covers an area of 239,460 km2 and has a population of about 24.4 million. The capital and largest city of the country is Accra.. Ghana has a mostly flat landscape, with the highest point on Mount Afajato (885 m) in the east of the country. Ghana’s tropical climate, with hot temperatures and high humidity, affects the daily lives of its inhabitants. The seasons shape agricultural activity, which is an important part of the economy.
History and independence
Ghana, formerly known as the Gold Coast, has a rich history, dating back to pre-colonial times when these areas were inhabited by various peoples, including the Ashanti Empire. In the sixteenth century, European colonizers, mainly the Portuguese, British and Dutch, began to establish their trade here, focusing on the trade in gold, ivory and slaves. In the late nineteenth century, the British formally established the Gold Coast as their colony. During the twentieth century there were growing independence movements inspired by ideas of African nationalism. A key figure of this period was Kwame Nkrumah, who in the 1940s In the twentieth century, he founded the League of the United Peoples, demanding autonomy and better conditions for the inhabitants of the colonies.
On March 6, 1957, Ghana became the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to gain independence from Britain. Kwame Nkrumah became the first prime minister and later president of independent Ghana. Ghana’s independence became a symbol of freedom and an inspiration to other African countries struggling with colonialism. Nkrumah sought to unify Africa and promote pan-Africanism, but his rule ended in 1966 when he was overthrown in a coup.
After gaining independence, Ghana went through periods of political instability, including several coups and military rule. It was only in the 1990s that the country returned to a democratic path and has remained one of the most stable countries in the region ever since. Today, Ghana is known for its rich culture, democratic traditions and dynamic economy, continuing its legacy as a pioneer of freedom in Africa.
Economy
Ghana, one of the most dynamically developing countries in West Africa, bases its economy on resource extraction, agriculture and service sectors. The country is known worldwide for its gold and cocoa production, as well as a developing oil sector.
Gold mining
Gold mining plays a crucial role in the economy of Ghana, which is one of the largest producers of the commodity in the world. Gold brings in significant export revenue, accounting for about 40% of revenue to the state budget.The industry attracts foreign investors and generates thousands of jobs, especially in mineral-rich regions such as Ashanti and Western Region.However, the mining sector also faces challenges such as illegal mining, which leads to environmental degradation and social problems.
Agriculture and cocoa production
Ghana is the second largest cocoa producer in the world. The cultivation of cocoa, coffee and palm nuts is the backbone of the economy, providing an income for millions of Ghanaians. Cocoa from Ghana is particularly prized for its high quality, which makes Ghanaian chocolate popular in global markets.
The development of the oil sector
The discovery of oil deposits in 2007 opened up new opportunities for Ghana. Oil exploitation began in 2010 and brings significant revenue to the budget, which is invested in infrastructure development, education and the health sector.
Social problems
Despite economic progress, Ghana struggles with poverty and social inequalities that affect a large proportion of its population. Lack of access to education and basic health services contributes to inequality between urban and rural areas, where residents have limited opportunities for development. These problems pose a serious challenge to the government and organisations working to improve living conditions in the country.
Infectious diseases
Malaria remains one of the most common and serious diseases in Ghana, affecting both children and adults. Transmitted by mosquitoes, the disease is responsible for thousands of deaths each year. Despite numerous prevention campaigns, the lack of effective prevention and treatment systems means that malaria remains a significant health problem.
Other major infectious diseases are HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and diarrhoeal diseases, which often result from lack of access to clean water and adequate sanitation. High rates of sexually transmitted diseases affect quality of life and public health, especially among young people.
Infectious diseases
Malaria remains one of the most common and serious diseases in Ghana, affecting both children and adults. Transmitted by mosquitoes, the disease is responsible for thousands of deaths each year. Despite numerous prevention campaigns, the lack of effective prevention and treatment systems means that malaria remains a significant health problem.
Other major infectious diseases are HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and diarrhoeal diseases, which often result from lack of access to clean water and adequate sanitation. High rates of sexually transmitted diseases affect quality of life and public health, especially among young people.
Limited access to healthcare
In rural areas, access to healthcare is very limited. There is a lack of medical facilities, doctors, as well as basic medicines and equipment. These problems mean that many people do not have access to necessary medical care, leading to serious health complications.
Long distances to the nearest health centre, lack of transport and high treatment costs mean that healthcare is often out of reach for many residents. Poor infrastructure and a shortage of medical staff make the situation even worse.
High infant and maternal mortality rates
High infant and maternal mortality rates
The infant and maternal mortality rate in Ghana is one of the highest in the region. This is due to lack of access to prenatal care, insufficient numbers of qualified midwives and inadequate conditions in hospitals and clinics. Pregnant women often do not have access to necessary tests, which increases the risk of complications during childbirth.
Many births take place in home settings without adequate medical support, leading to tragic consequences for the health of mothers and newborns. Programs to improve maternal and child care are still insufficient to effectively reduce these rates.
Hygiene and access to water
Lack of access to clean water and adequate sanitation are key health challenges in Ghana. Many communities, especially in rural areas, rely on contaminated water sources, which leads to diseases such as diarrhea, diarrhea and other intestinal infections. Insufficient access to toilets and sanitation promotes the spread of diseases and has a negative impact on the health of residents.
Malnutrition and chronic diseases
Malnutrition, especially among children, is a serious problem in Ghana. Nutritional deficiencies lead to stunting of growth, weakening of the body and greater susceptibility to disease. In addition, the country is grappling with the increasing number of cases of chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension that are a result of changing dietary habits and lifestyles.
Social, health and economic challenges in Ghana require urgent action and multi-stakeholder engagement to improve living conditions and create a fair, inclusive society. Strengthening the education system, access to health care, and fighting corruption are key elements that can bring about positive change.