Ghana is a country in West Africa that spans along the Gulf of Guinea and the Atlantic Ocean, sharing borders with the Ivory Coast in the west, Burkina Faso in the north, Togo in the east, the Gulf of Guinea and the Atlantic Ocean in the south.
The country covers an area of 238,535 km2 (92,099 sq mi), with a population of 31 million.
READ ALSO: Brazil: Fascinating facts about country that has hidden Mountain
It is the second-most populous country in West Africa, after Nigeria and Accra is its capital and largest city.
Also, here are some other facts about the country in western Africa
Most peaceful country
After independence, Ghana faced turbulent times with coups being a common phenomenon in the country.
It should be remembered that Kwame Nkrumah was deposed through a military coup, with the last military ruler being Jerry Rawlings.
However, despite the hard times, Ghana as ranked as the most peaceful country by the Global Peace Index.
It is also known to have persistently held credible elections and experienced a peaceful transition from one president to another.
Butterflies
There are over 650 species of butterflies in Ghana’s Kakun National Park.
According to multiple sources, indicate that butterflies in the country symbolize elegance and flamboyance.
Snakes
The country is home to most venomous snakes such as the cobra, puff adder, and pythons which don’t bite but squeeze the victim to death.
Cobras are famed for their high-speed movement with a standing head position.
The dangerous puff udder is claimed to be capable of throwing venom at it target over a dozen feet ahead.
First country to gain independence
Ghana was the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to hain it’s independence.
The country gained its independence on March 6, 1957 under the guidance great Pan-Africanist Kwame Nkrumah.
During his reign, Nkrumah was able to establish global campaign that helped liberate the rest of Africa from European colonialism.
Nkrumah was deposed by the military in 1966 and since then Ghana has had 12 regime changes out of which 7 of them have been military.
Cocoa beans
Ghana produces the second most cocoa beans in the world after Ivory Coast.
Cocoa is among the world’s most loved beverages.
Chocolate, a product of cocoa, is also one of the world’s most loved snacks.
Chocolate bars, chocolate cakes, chocolate sweets, and chocolate creams are without doubt some of the tastiest snacks.
Kofi Annan
Kofi Annan is Africa’s renowned diplomat known for his role as UN Secretary-General.
During his tenure, Annan transformed the UN from a largely moribund organization into a transparent, accountable, and forthright world organization.
After retiring from the UN, Annan successfully engineered a peace effort in Kenya which was on the brink of civil war due to fraudulent and disputed elections.
READ ALSO: Zambia: Interesting facts about country that hosts world’s largest waterfalls
Elmina Castle
The Elmina Castle is the oldest European building withing the sub-Saharan Africa.
The building was built in 1482 by the Portuguese and named Elmina which means the gold mines due to thw abundant supply of gold found on yhe shores of the Atlantic ocean.
Also, the castle was at the center of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade as the castle was used to store slaves.
Video
Do you have a story you would like us to publish? Please reach us through [email protected] or call/SMS +254 731 469269
