Ghana the Country at a Glance

GHANA COUNTRY PROFILE:

“Ghana is considered one of the more stable countries in West Africa since its transition to multi-party democracy in 1992. Formerly known as the Gold Coast, Ghana gained independence from Britain in 1957, 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.

PRESIDENT: NANA AKUFO-ADDO

Nana Akufo-Addo won the presidential election in December 2016, tapping into an electorate fed up with a sputtering economy and ready for change. The erudite 72-year-old human rights lawyer won 53.8% of the vote, according to the country's election agency, and incumbent John Mahama conceded defeat after a hotly contested race that was seen as a test of the country's democracy in a region plagued by dictators and coups. President Akufo-Addo won re-election in December 2020, again defeating John Mahama.

MEDIA:

Ghana enjoys a high degree of media freedom, and the private press and broadcasters operate without significant restrictions. Radio is Ghana's most popular medium, although it is being challenged by increased access to TV. Some key dates in Ghana's history:

and develop the gold trade.

trade gold with the various Akan states.

region.

becomes highly organised.

the Gold Coast.

Coast becomes effective.

veterans during a protest march demanding compensation for their war service. It becomes a milestone in Ghana's struggle for independence.

in black sub-Saharan Africa to shake off colonial rule, inspiring liberation struggles around the continent. Kwame Nkrumah becomes prime minister.

predominantly a one-party state.

growing economies.

international ruling on a maritime border dispute involving oilfields.”

• 12th Century - Various states established by the Akan people emerge
• 1482 - Portuguese and later other European states set up posts to
• 1500s - Slave trade: Slavery overtakes gold as the main export in the
• 1600s - Dutch, English, Danish, and Swedish settlers arrive; slave trade
• 1642 - The Portuguese relinquish their territory to the Dutch and leave
• 1807 - British dominance: British ban on slave trade from the Gold
• 1874 - The Gold Coast is officially proclaimed a British crown colony.
• 1948 - Rioting after British colonial police kill three World War Two
• 1957 - Independence for the state now called Ghana, the first country
• 1964-1992 - Military rule: Succession of destabilizing coups, Ghana is
• 1992 - New constitution, multi-party system is restored.
• 2007 - Major off-shore oil discovery announced.
• 2010 - Offshore oil production starts, fueling one of Africa's fastest-
• 2017 - Ghana and Ivory Coast set up a commission to implement an

EXTERNAL LINKS

Ghana in Brief** Fast Facts about Regional Economic Roadmap to Investing

Source: BBC Chanel – January 2023

External Links (QR codes vers L3)

• Ghana** Overview** in Ghana**
• Ghana trade Global Competitiveness Corruption Index
• Statistics Summary Competitiveness Report 2020*** 2023
• Report 2019
• PwC Doing Business
• & Investing in
• Ghana
• ** GIPC Public Relation Documents
• *** Special Edition (How Countries are Performing on the Road to Recovery)