Moving to Ghana: visas, cost of living & immigrant guide

5 facts — expand for details.

Population

29,340,248

Population - note

Note: Estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS

this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected

Population Growth Rate

2.19%

Urban Population

51.900000

Population in Major Urban Areas

ACCRA (capital) 2.573 million; Kumasi 2.019 million

10 facts — expand for details.

Age Structure

38.200000

Median Age

20.700000

Birth Rate - births/1,000 population

32

Death Rate - deaths/1,000 population

7.53

Total Fertility Rate - children born/woman

4.12

Contraceptive Prevalance Rate - female 12-49

23.5%

Contraceptive Prevalence Rate - female 12-49

23.5%

Mean Age for Mother's First Birth (age 25-49)

21.8

Mother's mean age at first birth

21.8

Sex Ratio at Birth - male/female

1.030000

Net Migration Rate - migrant(s)/1,000 population

-2.23

Ethnic Groups

Black African 98.5% (major tribes - Akan 44%, Moshi-Dagomba 16%, Ewe 13%, Ga 8%, Gurma 3%, Yoruba 1%), European and other 1.5%

Language Note

The official language of Ghana is English. There are movements to make several local languages official as well. The Twi dialect of Akan is the language most commonly used on a daily basis to communicate between ethnic groups. Most Ghanaians are at least bilingual.

Nationality Noun

Ghanaian(s)

6 facts — expand for details.

Literacy - total population

57.9%

Literacy - male

82.7%

Literacy - female

67.1%

Literacy Definition

Age 15 and over can read and write

Education Expenditures - percent of GDP

8.1%

Total School Life Expectancy - (primary to tertiary)

12.000000

12 facts — expand for details.

Life Expectancy at Birth

65.320000

Infant Mortality Rate

39.700000

Infant Mortality Rate - total deaths/1,000 live births

39.700000

Maternal Mortality Rate - deaths/100,000 live births

350

Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population

.09

Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population

.9

Health Expenditures - percent of GDP

4.8%

Major Infectious Diseases - degree of risk

very high

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

4.4%

Drinking Water Source - percent of urban population improved

92.500000

Sanitation Facility Access - percent of urban population improved

19.900000

Underweight - percent of children under five years

14.3%

4 facts — expand for details.

Economic Overview

Ghana has a market-based economy with relatively few policy barriers to trade and investment in comparison with other countries in the region, and Ghana is endowed with natural resources.

Ghana's economy was strengthened by a quarter century of relatively sound management, a competitive business environment, and sustained reductions in poverty levels, but in recent years has suffered the consequences of loose fiscal policy, high budget and current account deficits, and a depreciating currency.

Agriculture accounts for about 20% of GDP and employs more than half of the workforce, mainly small landholders.

Gold, oil, and cocoa exports, and individual remittances, are major sources of foreign exchange.

Expansion of Ghana’s nascent oil industry has boosted economic growth, but the fall in oil prices since 2015 reduced by half Ghana’s oil revenue.

Production at Jubilee, Ghana's first commercial offshore oilfield, began in mid-December 2010.

Production from two more fields, TEN and Sankofa, started in 2016 and 2017 respectively.

The country’s first gas processing plant at Atuabo is also producing natural gas from the Jubilee field, providing power to several of Ghana’s thermal power plants.

As of 2018, key economic concerns facing the government include the lack of affordable electricity, lack of a solid domestic revenue base, and the high debt burden.

The AKUFO-ADDO administration has made some progress by committing to fiscal consolidation, but much work is still to be done.

Ghana signed a $920 million extended credit facility with the IMF in April 2015 to help it address its growing economic crisis.

The IMF fiscal targets require Ghana to reduce the deficit by cutting subsidies, decreasing the bloated public sector wage bill, strengthening revenue administration, boosting tax revenues, and improving the health of Ghana’s banking sector.

Priorities for the new administration include rescheduling some of Ghana’s $31 billion debt, stimulating economic growth, reducing inflation, and stabilizing the currency.

Prospects for new oil and gas production and follow through on tighter fiscal management are likely to help Ghana’s economy in 2018.

Industries

Mining, lumbering, light manufacturing, aluminum smelting, food processing

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$4,300.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

3.5%

9 facts — expand for details.

GDP - Gross Domestic Product (PPP)

$164,840,000,000 (USD)

GDP Per Capita

$4,300.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

3.5%

GDP - official exchange rate

$37,680,000,000 (USD)

GDP - composition, by end use

• consumption: 65.4% Investment in fixed
• capital: 26.2% Investment in
• inventories: 0.9% Exports of goods and
• services: 35% Imports of goods and
• services: -45.5%

GDP by Sector- agriculture

20.7%

GDP by Sector- Industry

27.7%

GDP by Sector- services

51.6%

Industrial Growth Rate

5%

5 facts — expand for details.

Inflation Rate

10.9%

Exchange Rate per US Dollar

cedi (GHC)

Currency Name and Code

Cedi (GHC)

Fiscal Year

Calendar year

Commercial Bank Prime Lending Rate

27%

7 facts — expand for details.

Labor Force

10,560,000

Unemployment Rate

11%

Major Industries

Mining, lumbering, light manufacturing, aluminum smelting, food processing

Agriculture Products

Cocoa, rice, coffee, cassava (tapioca), peanuts, corn, shea nuts, bananas; timber

Population Below Poverty Line

28.5%

Child Labor - # of children ages 5-14

1,806,750

Child Labor - % of children ages 5-14

34%

3 facts — expand for details.

Labor Force By Occupation- agriculture

56%

Labor Force By Occupation- industry

15%

Labor Force By Occupation- services

29%

4 facts — expand for details.

Annual Budget

$5,518,000,000 (USD)

Public Debt (% of GDP)

80.1%

Budget Surplus or Deficit - percent of GDP

-9.5%

Taxes and other revenues - percent of GDP

23.2%

6 facts — expand for details.

Full Country Name

Republic of Ghana

Country Name

Ghana

Former Name

Gold Coast

Etymology- history of name

Named for the medieval West African kingdom of the same name but whose location was actually further north than the modern country

Independence

6 March 1957 (from the UK)

National Holiday

Independence Day, 6 March (1957)

10 facts — expand for details.

Government Type

Presidential republic

Constitution

• History: Several previous; latest drafted 31 March 1992, approved and promulgated 28 April 1992, entered into force 7 January 1993
• Amendments: Proposed by Parliament; consideration requires prior referral to the Council of State, a body of prominent citizens who advise the president of the republic; passage of amendments to "entrenched" constitutional articles (including those on national sovereignty, fundamental rights and freedoms, the structure and authorities of the branches of government, and amendment procedures) requires approval in a referendum by at least 40% participation of eligible voters and at least 75% of votes cast, followed by at least two-thirds majority vote in Parliament, and assent of the president; amendments to non-entrenched articles do not require referenda; amended 1996

Legal System:

Mixed system of English common law and customary law

Executive Branch:

• chief of state: President John Dramani MAHAMA (since 7 January 2025)
• head of government: President John Dramani MAHAMA (since 7 January 2025)
• cabinet: Council of Ministers; nominated by the president, approved by Parliament election/appointment
• process: president and vice president directly elected on the same ballot by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 4-year term (eligible for a second term); the president is both chief of state and head of government most recent election
• date: 7 December 2024
• election results: 2024: John Dramani MAHAMA elected president in the first round; percent of vote- John Dramani MAHAMA (NDC) 56.5%, Mahamudu BAWUMIA (NPC) 41%, other 2.5% 2020: Nana Addo Dankwa AKUFO-ADDO reelected president in the first round; percent of vote - Nana Addo Dankwa AKUFO-ADDO (NPP) 51.3%, John Dramani MAHAMA (NDC) 47.4%, other 1.3% (2020) expected date of next
• election: 7 December 2028

Legislative Branch:

• Description: Unicameral Parliament (275 seats; members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote to serve 4-year terms)
• Elections: Last held on 7 December 2020 (next to be held in December 2024)
• Election Results: Percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party (preliminary) - NPP 137, NDC 137, independent 1;
• Composition: men 235, women 40, percent of women 14.5%

Judicial Branch:

• office: Chief justice appointed by the president in consultation with the Council of State (a small advisory body of prominent citizens) and with the approval of Parliament; other justices appointed by the president upon the advice of the Judicial Council (an 18-member independent body of judicial, military and police officials, and presidential nominees) and on the advice of the Council of State; justices can retire at age 60, with compulsory retirement at age 70
• Subordinate courts: Court of Appeal; High Court; Circuit Court; District Court; regional tribunals

Regions or States:

16 regions; Ahafo, Ashanti, Bono, Bono East, Central, Eastern, Greater Accra, North East, Northern, Oti, Savannah, Upper East, Upper West, Volta, Western, Western North

Political Parties and Leaders:

• All Peoples Congress or APC [Hassan AYARIGA]
• Convention People's Party or CPP [Onsy Kwame NKRUMAH, acting]
• Ghana Freedom Party or GFP [Akua DONKOR]
• Ghana Union Movement or GUM [Christian Kwabena ANDREWS]
• Great Consolidated Popular Party or GCPP [Henry Herbert LARTEY]
• Liberal Party of Ghana or LPG [Kofi AKPALOO]
• National Democratic Congress or NDC [John Dramani MAHAMA]
• National Democratic Party or NDP [Nana Konadu Agyeman RAWLINGS]
• New Patriotic Party or NPP [Nana Addo Dankwa AKUFO-ADDO]
• People's National Convention or PNC [Janet NABIA]
• Progressive People's Party or PPP [Paa Kwesi NDUOM]
• United Front Party or UFP [Dr. Nana A. BOATENG]
• United Progressive Party or UPP [Akwasi Addai ODIKE]
• Note: Ghana has more than 20 registered parties; included are those which participated in the 2020 general election

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Citizenship Criteria:

• birth: No Citizenship by descent
• only: At least one parent or grandparent must be a citizen of Ghana Dual citizenship
• recognized: Yes Residency requirement for
• naturalization: 5 years

Capital Name

Accra

Capital - geographic coordinate

5 33 N, 0 13 W

Capital Time Difference

UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

4 facts — expand for details.

International Organization Participation:

• ACP
• AfDB
• ATMIS
• AU
• ECOWAS
• EITI (compliant country)
• FAO
• G-24
• G-77
• IAEA
• IBRD
• ICAO
• ICC (national committees)
• ICCt
• ICRM
• IDA
• IFAD
• IFC
• IFRCS
• ILO
• IMF
• IMO
• IMSO
• Interpol
• IOC
• IOM
• IPU
• ISO
• ITSO
• ITU
• ITUC (NGOs)
• MIGA
• MINURSO
• MONUSCO
• NAM
• OAS (observer)
• OIF
• OPCW
• UN
• UNAMID
• UNCTAD
• UNESCO
• UNHCR
• UNHRC
• UNIDO
• UNIFIL
• UNISFA
• UNMIL
• UNMISS
• UNOCI
• UNOOSA
• UNSOM
• UNWTO
• UPU
• WCO
• WFTU (NGOs)
• WHO
• WIPO
• WMO
• WTO

International Law Organization Participation:

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Diplomatic Representation from US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador Virginia E. PALMER (since 16 June 2022)
• Embassy: No. 24, Fourth Circular Road, Cantonments, Accra, P.O. Box 2288, Accra
• Mailing Address: 2020 Accra Place, Washington DC 20521-2020
• Telephone: [233] (0) 30-274-1000
• Email: ACSAccra@state.gov
• Website: https://gh.usembassy.gov/

Diplomatic Representation in the US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador Alima MAHAMA (since 7 July 2021)
• Chancery: 3512 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008
• Telephone: [1] (202) 686-4520
• FAX: [1] (202) 686-4527
• Email: info@ghanaembassydc.org
• Website: https://ghanaembassydc.org/
• Consulate(s) General: New York

8 facts — expand for details.

Geographic Location

Africa

Geographic Coordinates

8 00 N, 2 00 W

Total Area

92,098 Square Miles 238,533 Square Kilometers

Land Area

87,850 Square Miles 227,533 Square Kilometers

Water Area

4,247 Square Miles 11,000 Square Kilometers

Land Boundaries

1,301 Miles 2,094 Kilometers

Border Countries

Burkina Faso 549 km, Cote d'Ivoire 668 km, Togo 877 km

Coastline

335 Miles 539 Kilometers

6 facts — expand for details.

Terrain

Mostly low plains with dissected plateau in south-central area

Highest Point

880 Meters

Highest Point Location

Mount Afadjato 880 m

Lowest Point Location

Atlantic Ocean 0 m

Natural Resources

Gold, timber, industrial diamonds, bauxite, manganese, fish, rubber, hydropower

Irrigated Land

119 Square Miles 309 Square Kilometers

Time Zone

UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

5 facts — expand for details.

Climate

Ghana's climate is tropical with temperatures between 21°C and 32°C (70°F and 90°F).

Rainy seasons extend from April to July (heavy rains) and from September to November (light rains).

Annual rainfall exceeds 200 centimeters on the coast, decreasing inland.

Accra’s annual rainfall averages about 76 centimeters, low for coastal West Africa.

The southern part of the country is humid most of the year, but the north can be very dry.

It is coolest from May until October.

In December the harmattan, a dry dusty wind from the Sahara, covers the country, and lasts through February.

The desert wind reduces humidity, and early mornings and nights are relatively cool.

Visibility during the harmattan can be poor, as the air is filled with fine dust.

Terrain

Mostly low plains with dissected plateau in south-central area

Location

Western Africa, bordering the Gulf of Guinea, between Cote d'Ivoire and Togo

Total Area

92,098 Square Miles 238,533 Square Kilometers

Border Countries

Burkina Faso 549 km, Cote d'Ivoire 668 km, Togo 877 km

Environment - Current Issues

• Recurrent drought in the north severely affects agricultural activities
• deforestation
• overgrazing
• soil erosion
• poaching and habitat destruction threatens wildlife populations
• water pollution
• inadequate supplies of potable water

Environment - International Agreements

Party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands Signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation

4 facts — expand for details.

Exports

$7,326,000,000 (USD)

Imports

$10,180,000,000 (USD)

Major Exports

Gold, cocoa, timber, tuna, bauxite, aluminum, manganese ore, diamonds

Major Imports

Capital equipment, petroleum, foodstuffs

Top Export Partners

Netherlands 14.6%, UK 9.7%, US 6.9%, Germany 6.4%, France 5.7%, Nigeria 4.7%, Belgium 4.4%, Italy 4.1%

Top Import Partners

Nigeria 20.8%, UK 7%, US 6.4%, China 6%, Italy 6%, Cote d'Ivoire 6%, Germany 4.6%

Export Partners

Netherlands 14.6%, UK 9.7%, US 6.9%, Germany 6.4%, France 5.7%, Nigeria 4.7%, Belgium 4.4%, Italy 4.1%

Import Partners

Nigeria 20.8%, UK 7%, US 6.4%, China 6%, Italy 6%, Cote d'Ivoire 6%, Germany 4.6%

2 facts — expand for details.

Country Description

Ghana is a developing country on the west coast of Africa.

The capital is Accra.

Tourist facilities are available in the population centers of the greater Accra region, Kumasi in the Ashanti region, and in the Cape Coast area of the Central region.

They are limited in the more remote areas of the country.

English is the official language.

Safety & Security

Due to the potential for violence, U.S. citizens should avoid political rallies and street demonstrations and stay aware of their safety at all times.

There are a number of ongoing chieftaincy disputes in Ghana that generally involve competition over limited resources.

Several of these disputes have erupted into violence and unrest during recent years, most notably in Yendi in the Northern Region and Bawku in the Upper East Region.

Visitors should exercise caution when traveling in these areas and remain alert to outbreaks of unrest.

Travelers should also be aware that the standards of construction are often lower than those found in the United States.

These lower standards have contributed to building collapses, fires, and reports of electrical shock, including the death of a Westerner from electrocution at the Stellar Lodge in Takoradi (Ghana's Western Region).

2 facts — expand for details.

Crime

Pick-pocketing, purse-snatching, and various types of scams are the most common forms of crime confronting visitors.

Travelers have reported these types of theft at crowded markets, beaches, parks, and tourist attractions.

Incidences of violent crime, such as armed robbery, are on the rise, including reports of armed robberies in expatriate residential and shopping areas, specifically the Osu and Ablekuma/Dzorwulu neighborhoods after 10 p.m.

Victims who resist attackers run a high risk of serious physical injury.

Take security measures, such as traveling in groups and avoiding travel at night.

Avoid travel in communal taxis.

Travelers who limit their display of jewelry and handle their cash discreetly reduce their vulnerability to crime.

Pay close attention to those around you or following you, particularly after exchanging money, making a purchase, or withdrawing money from an ATM.

Travelers should carry limited amounts of cash and only photocopies of key documents.

Thefts of both luggage and travel documents occur at Kotoka International Airport in Accra and in hotels across Ghana.

All U.S. citizens should ensure that documents are kept secure at all times (including when leaving the airport) and that baggage is never left unattended.

Travelers should be wary of all offers of unsolicited assistance at the airport unless from uniformed porters or officials.

All permanent staff at the airport are issued current ID cards bearing their name and photograph.

ID cards without a photograph are not valid.

Travelers who are met at the airport should confirm the identity of their driver, either by requesting proper identification or otherwise verifying that the driver is an official from an organization or a hotel.

There have been increasing incidences of impostors who approach travelers before the main arrivals area claiming to be the traveler's driver or contact.

The impostor will have obtained the traveler's name from the board displayed by the official driver in the arrivals area outside the airport.

The impostor then attempts to extort money from the traveler once the traveler is in the impostor's vehicle.

Use of credit cards in Ghana should be avoided if possible, as a growing number of travelers have been victims of credit card fraud.

In recent years, U.S. citizens have reported substantial financial losses from questionable transactions involving gold and other precious metals.

The Government of Ghana maintains strict regulations on these natural resources.

All agents must be licensed and all transactions must be certified.

(See Special Circumstances below.) Perpetrators of business fraud often target foreigners, including U.S. citizens.

Such fraud schemes are now prevalent throughout West Africa, including Ghana.

U.S. citizens frequently consult the Embassy regarding questionable business offers sent from Ghana.

These are scams and typically begin with an unsolicited communication (usually by e-mail) from an unknown individual who describes a situation that promises quick financial gain, often by assisting in the transfer of a large sum of money or valuables out of the country.

A series of "advance fees" must be paid in order to conclude the transaction, such as fees to open a bank account or to pay certain taxes.

In fact, the final payoff does not exist; the purpose of the scam is simply to collect money from the victim.

The Embassy has also received reports of fraudulent charities soliciting contributions through the Internet or direct mail.

If you receive such business offers or charity requests, carefully check them out before you commit any funds, provide any goods or services, or undertake any travel.

Check with the U.S.

Embassy in Ghana at telephone (233)-(030)-274-1443/1449 for an assessment of the offer's credibility.

Another type of fraud is committed by persons claiming to live in Ghana or traveling to Ghana on business, and who profess friendship or romantic interest over the Internet.

Once a relationship has been

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in Ghana, you are subject to its laws.

Foreign laws and legal systems can be significantly different than our own and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law.

Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses.

In some places you may be taken in for questioning if you don't have your passport with you.

In some places, it is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings.

In some places, driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail.

These criminal penalties will vary from country to country.

There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States, and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods.

Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States.

If you break local laws in Ghana, your U.S. passport won't help you avoid arrest or prosecution.

It's very important to know what's legal and what's not wherever you go.

Persons violating Ghanaian laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.

Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Ghana are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

The use of illegal drugs procured in Ghana may have life-threatening consequences.

There have been several deaths of U.S. citizens resulting from the use of narcotics procured locally.

While some countries will automatically notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested in a foreign country, that might not always be the case.

To ensure that the United States is aware of your circumstances, request that the police and prison officials notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as you are arrested or detained overseas.

Languages The official language of Ghana is English.

There are movements to make several local languages official as well.

The Twi dialect of Akan is the language most commonly used on a daily basis to communicate between ethnic groups.

Most Ghanaians are at least bilingual.

2 facts — expand for details.

Medical Facilities

Medical facilities in Ghana are limited, particularly outside Accra, the capital.

Travelers should carry adequate supplies of any needed prescription medicines, along with copies of their prescriptions, the generic name of the drugs, and a supply of preferred over-the-counter medications.

Documentation of Yellow fever vaccination is required upon arrival from all countries.

Motor vehicle accidents, drownings, and water-related accidents due to Ghana's rough surf have been reported by U.S. citizens.

Muggings, and other violent attacks, as well as the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases - including HIV - are health and safety concerns that have been reported by U.S. citizens and can be at least partially mitigated by using common-sense safety precautions.

Traffic Safety

While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

The information below concerning Ghana is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Primary roads are generally paved and well maintained.

However, some side roads within major cities and many roads outside of major cities are in poor condition.

The road from Accra to the central region tourist area of Cape Coast continues to be the site of many accidents.

Travel in darkness, particularly outside the major cities, is extremely hazardous due to poor street lighting and the unpredictable behavior of pedestrians, bicyclists and farm animals, particularly goats and sheep.

Aggressive drivers, poorly maintained vehicles, and overloaded vehicles pose serious threats to road safety.

Another hazard is pedestrians who intentionally bump vehicles and pretend to be hit.

They then attempt to extort money from the vehicle occupants.

Scams of this nature most commonly occur in congested urban areas.

The safety standards of the small private buses that transit roads and highways are uncertain.

Travelers are encouraged to consider this when making travel arrangements.

Armed robbers have targeted travelers following their arrival at Kotoka airport.

An increasingly used tactic is to deliberately cause a minor road traffic accident to make a car stop, and to then rob the occupants.

If your car is hit by another car it is best to drive to the nearest police station to sort out the incident.

Otherwise, all drivers, particularly at night, should remain vigilant, and drive with doors locked.

There has been an increase in incidents of highway robbery on the road from Kintampo to Tamale in the Brong Ahafo and Northern regions.

Travelers along this route should exercise due caution.

Travelers are routinely stopped at police checkpoints throughout Ghana, and vehicles and passengers may be searched.

Drivers must possess an international driver's license (available from AAA and the American Automobile Touring Alliance).

Foreign nationals should carry documentation of their status, such as a passport and a visa.

7 facts — expand for details.

Airports - total

10

Airports with Paved Runways

7

Railways

588 Miles 947 Kilometers

Roadways- total

68,049 Miles 109,515 Kilometers

Roadways- paved

8,623 Miles 13,878 Kilometers

Waterways

803 Miles 1,293 Kilometers

Ports and Terminals

Takoradi, Tema

3 facts — expand for details.

Pipelines: Gas

245 Miles 394 Kilometers

Pipelines: Oil

130 Miles 210 Kilometers

Pipelines: Refined Products

224 Miles 361 Kilometers

7 facts — expand for details.

Telephones

267,400

Cell Phones

7,604,000

Internet Users

650,000

Internet Country Code

.gh

Internet Hosts

41,082

Broadcast Media

• State-owned TV station, 2 state-owned radio networks
• several privately owned TV stations and a large number of privately owned radio stations
• transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are accessible
• several cable and satellite TV subscription services are obtainable

Telephone System

• assessment: Primarily microwave radio relay; wireless local loop has been installed; outdated and unreliable fixed-line infrastructure heavily concentrated in Accra
• Domestic: Competition among multiple mobile-cellular providers has spurred growth with a subscribership of more than 80 per 100 persons and rising
• International: Country code - 233; landing point for the SAT-3/WASC, Main One, and GLO-1 fiber-optic submarine cables that provide connectivity to South Africa, Europe, and Asia; satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); microwave radio relay link to Panaftel system connects Ghana to its neighbors

12 facts — expand for details.

Electricity Consumption- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

5,702,000,000

Electricity Exports- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

249,000,000

Electricity Imports- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

435,000,000

Electricity Production- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

6,746,000,000

Natural Gas Consumption - Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

120,000,000

Natural Gas Imports- Cubic Meters (cu m)

830,000,000

Natural Gas Production- Cubic Meters (cu m)

50,000,000

Natural Gas Reserves- Cubic Meters (cu m)

22,650,000,000

Oil Consumption- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

61,590

Oil Imports- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

32,060

Oil Production- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

7,433

Oil Reserves- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

660,000,000

2 facts — expand for details.

Anthem History

Music adopted in 1957, lyrics adopted in 1966; the lyrics were changed twice, in 1960 when a republic was declared and after a 1966 coup

Anthem Lyrics English

God bless our homeland Ghana, And make our nation great and strong, Bold to defend forever The cause of Freedom and of Right.

Fill our hearts with true humility Make us cherish fearless honesty, And help us to resist oppressors' rule With all our will and might evermore.

Hail to thy name, O Ghana To thee we make our solemn vow; Steadfast to build together A nation strong in Unity; With our gifts of mind and strength of arm, Whether night or day, in the midst of storm, In every need whate'er the call may be, To serve thee, Ghana, now and evermore.

Raise high the flag of Ghana, And one with Africa advance; Black star of hope and honor, To all who thirst for liberty; Where the banner of Ghana free flies, May the way to freedom truly lie Arise, arise, O sons of Ghanaland, And under God march on forevermore.