The Republic of Ghana (once known as the Gold Coast) is a country in West Africa. About 34.6 million people live there. Its capital city is Accra. Ghana is located in West Africa, next to the Gulf of Guinea, between Côte d’Ivoire and Togo.
Because Ghana is close to the Equator, it has a very warm and tropical climate. The eastern coast is warm and quite dry. The southwest is hot and humid. The northern part of Ghana is hot and dry. Lake Volta, one of the world’s largest artificial lakes, stretches across eastern Ghana.
Most Ghanaians can go to primary and secondary school. Ghana has a 6-year primary school system. There are 6 public universities and 10 private universities.
Ghana has many natural resources. Its main exports include gold, timber, cocoa, and diamonds. Ghana has one of the strongest economies in Africa.
Ghana used “Cedi” as its money, but in July 2007, the “Ghana Cedi” became the new currency. One Ghana Cedi is worth 1000 old Cedi. Today, about 4 Ghana Cedi equals 1 US dollar.
Wildlife in Ghana
Ghana has a wide variety of animals. Some of these animals are now protected because their numbers are decreasing. Ghana’s land ecosystems have many different species. This includes 221 types of amphibians and reptiles. There are also 724 bird species and 225 mammal species. About 93 mammal species live in Ghana’s savanna areas.
The high forest uplands in Ghana are especially rich in animal life. For example, 83% of all butterfly species found in Ghana live here. The different layers of the forest and small climate differences create many homes for specific animals.
Some animals are found only in Ghana. These include three species of frogs: Hyperolius baumanni, Hyperolius fusciventris, and Hyperolius sylvaticus. Also, the lizard Agama sylvanus is found only in Ghana’s Bia Forest Reserve and Atwema Range Forest Reserve. Ghana also has many unique butterflies, with over 20 species found only there.
Ghana is home to 84 known amphibian species. These include 78 frogs, 5 toads, and caecilians. Threatened species in Ghana include four types of marine turtles and three types of crocodiles. There are also seven threatened bird species, including four found only in the Upper Guinea forest.
Important birds like hornbills, parrots, and birds of prey (like eagles) are common in Ghana. Out of 728 bird species in Ghana, 498 live there all year. Another 176 are regular seasonal migrants, with 100 coming from the Palaearctic ecozone.
Ghana is important for many vulnerable, threatened, endangered, or near-extinct mammal species. These include primates like chimpanzees and red colobus monkeys. Also, big cats like lions and leopards, and elephants live here. Ghana is on the path of major bird migration routes. There are also rare land birds, such as the Yellow-Necked Picarthes.
Animals of Ghana
Main Industries in Ghana
Medium close up image of David Kebu Jnr holding cocoa beans drying in the sun. (10703178735)
Cocoa beans drying in the sun.
Ghana is rich in natural resources like minerals, oil, and precious metals. It has a growing digital economy and a mixed economy. Ghana is considered an emerging market with strong economic growth.
Ghana has an economic plan called “Ghana Vision 2020.” This plan aims for Ghana to become the first developed country in Africa between 2020 and 2029. It also hopes to be a newly industrialized country between 2030 and 2039.
The Bank of Ghana started using the Chinese Yuan Renminbi in 2013. It is used alongside the national Ghana cedi for trade. This is due to Ghana’s large gold reserves and economic ties with China.
The state-owned Volta River Authority and Ghana National Petroleum Corporation produce most of Ghana’s electricity. The Akosombo Dam, built in 1965 on the Volta River, along with Bui Dam and Kpong Dam, provide hydropower. The Government of Ghana also plans to build a second nuclear power plant in Africa.
Ghana produces high-quality cocoa. It is the second-largest producer of cocoa in the world. It was expected to become the largest producer in 2015.
Languages Spoken in Ghana
Ghana has eleven languages that are officially supported by the government. Four are Akan languages: Asante Twi, Akuapem Twi, Mfantse, and Nzema. Two are Mole-Dagbani languages: Dagaare and Dagbanli. The other languages are Ewe, Dangme, Ga, Gonja, and Kasem.
English is the official language of the state. It is widely used for communication across different language groups.
National Symbols of Ghana
The coat of arms shows two animals: the tawny eagle (a large bird living in savannas and deserts) and the lion (a big cat). It also features a ceremonial sword, a castle on a sea, a cocoa tree, and a mine shaft. These represent Ghana’s mineral wealth. A five-pointed black star with a gold rim stands for Ghana’s gold and the guiding star of the Ghanaian people. The motto “Freedom and Justice” is also on the coat of arms.
The flag of Ghana has three horizontal bands (strips) of red (top), gold (middle), and green (bottom).
All three bands are the same height and width. The middle gold band has a five-pointed black star in its center. The red band stands for the blood shed to gain independence. The gold represents Ghana’s mineral wealth. The green symbolizes Ghana’s rich tropical rainforests and natural resources.
Source: Ghana facts for kids Kids Encyclopedia Facts
articlesforchristians 
Comments on: "Facts about Ghana for Children" (2)
[…] Facts about Ghana for Children […]
[…] Facts about Ghana for Children […]