GHANA

Ghana The Republic of Ghana was formerly called the Gold Coast due to its abundant endowment in Gold. Ghana lies north of the equator between latitude 4º45'N and 11º11'N longitude 30 W and 0º 30'E. IT covers an area of 239,460 sq. km (92,000 sq. miles) with a distance from North to South stretching 672km (420 miles) and East to West along its coast line measuring 560 km (348 miles). Ghana is bordered by Cote d'Ivoire on the west.

Burkina Faso to the North and Togo to the East. One can see Benin and Nigeria further east. On the South stretches the coastline along the Gulf of Guinea (Atlantic Ocean).

The population of Ghana is about 18.9 million. Ghana is divided into 10 regions, namely Greater Accra, Ashanti, Western, Northern, Central, Eastern Brong Ahafo, Volta, Upper East and Upper West.

There are about 60 different ethnic languages. However, English is the official language with Twi, Fanti, Ga, Ewe, Hausa, Dagoba and Nzema widely spoken.

Ghana's currency is the cedi (¢) which is made up of 100 pesewas. The cedi denomination comes of 1000, 2000 and 5000 notes and 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 in coins.

The electricity in Ghana is a 200/240 volts. Electric outlet accepts either 2 or 3 prolonged plugs or convectors. Water is safe from the tap. Bottled mineral water is also available for purchase.

As the climate is warm and tropical throughout the year, light and washable cotton or casual wear is recommended.

Airlines that fly into Ghana are Ghana Airways, KLM, British Airways, Lufthansa, Alitalia, South African Airways, Egypt Air, Ethiopia Airlines etc.

FESTIVALS IN GHANA

There are over two hundred festivals, which is celebrated each year in Ghana. Among them are Adae and Akwasiddae, Dzwuwu, Apoo, Ngmayem, Dipo, Aboakyer/Antelope, Kundum, Fetu Afahye, Kobine, Odwira, and Sasabobrim and many others.

However, one of the most interesting festivals is AKWASIDAE FESTIVAL of the Ashantis. The Akwasidae festival is celebrated every 42 days in Ghana.

The Ashantis belive in the dead. Each time that a king dies, his stool ("chair") is sent to a special place where it is kept. It is the duty of the Asantehene , the Ashanti King to purify at every 42 days the stools of the dead kings. The festival starts on Friday and it is called Adaefofie. It continues on Saturday and this is called Memeneda Dapaa. Both Friday and Saturday celebrations are performed behind close doors and the public cannot participate.

However, on Sunday, the king sits in state at a big durbar where the public is invited and anyone can shake hands for the first time with the king of Ashanti. All the chiefs and traditional people of Ashanti come to the durbar to pay allegiance to the king. This Sunday gathering is called the AKWESIDAE FESTIVAL.

For the year 2000, the following are the dates for the festival:
February 6, March 19, April 30, June 11, July 23, September 3, October 15, and November 26.

Join Silicon Travel & Tours at one these Festivals.