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DISCOVER GHANA

FACTS:

SIZE: 239,538 square kilometers (92,100 sq. mi.)
POPULATION: 17.5 million
CAPITAL: Accra
LANGUAGE: English is the official language. Indigenous languages spoken are Akan, Ga, Ewe, and Hausa.
RELIGION: Christian, Islam, and other African traditional religions.
CURRENCY: CEDI=100 pesewas. Foreign currencies are freely exchanged at Forex Bureaux or banks.
SEASONS: Two main seasons: dry and wet. The dry season is from November to March; the wet season from April to October. Temperatures are between 21-38 degrees centigrade, (69.8-100.4 degrees Fahrenheit).
PRINCIPAL CITIES: Accra, the capital, has a population of 2.5 million. Kumasi, with 1.5 million people, is the capital of the Ashanti region. Sekondi-Takoradi has an artificial harbor; it is the first modern port built in Ghana. Other major cities include Tamale, Tema, and Cape Coast.

REGIONS

GREATER ACCRA REGION
This is the capital of Ghana and the center of the nation's cultural, financial, and legal institutions. Accra is a bustling modern metropolis offering a variety of historical and cultural sites.
Attractions:
- National Museum
- National Arts Center
- The W.E.B. Dubois Home and Gravesite
- Makola market
- Artist Alliance Gallery
- Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Mausoleum
- University of Ghana


VOLTA REGION
This is a region of great geographical interest. It is known for its contrasting landscapes from the Keta lagoon basin, below sea level, to Mt. Afadjato. The capital Ho, is a large agricultural center for cocoa, tobacco, and teak.
Attractions:
- Volta Lake
- Ada Beach Resort
- Keta Lagoon
- Tafi Monkey Reserve
- Lipke Caves
- Wli Waterfalls

EASTERN REGION
Koforidua is the capital of this region. It is a region that offers a richly varied landscape of tropical forest, rivers and lakes.
Attractions:
- Boti Falls
- Aburi Botanical Gardens
- The Akonedi Shrine
- The Akosombo Dam

CENTRAL REGION
West of Accra, Cape Coast is the capital of the central region. This region is famous for its ancient forts, castles, and beautiful coconut palm shaded beaches.
Attractions:
- Cape Coast Castle
- Elmina Castle
- Fort St. Jago
- Kakum-Assin Attandanso Nature Park
- Brenu Beach
- University of Cape Coast

WESTERN REGION
The twin city of Sekondi-Takoradi is the location where Ghana's principal exports of bauxite, cocoa, coffee, timber, and manganese are shipped to world markets. There are also beautiful beaches, historic forts, and villages on stilts.
Attractions:
- Busua Pleasure Beach
- Fort San Sebastian
- Nzulezo Stilt Village
- Nkroful, Dr Nkrumah Birthplace

BRONG AHAFO REGION
This is a region with extensive rainfall and rich productive soil. Hence its designated name is the "Breadbasket" of Ghana.
Attractions:
- Kintampo Waterfalls
- Buabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary

ASHANTI REGION
The Ashanti region is known for its ancient royalty and has one of the richest goldmines in the world. Kumasi, the capital, has been dubbed the "Garden City" because of its treelined roads and gardens.
Attractions:
- Royal Mausoleum of Ashanti Kings
- Armed Forces and Prempeh H. Museums
- Kumasi Cultural Center
- Ntonso, Adinkra Cloth Village
- Bonwire, Kente Cloth Village
- Lake Bosomtwi
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

NORTHERN REGION
Tamale, the capital, is the fourth largest city in Ghana. It is accessible by road and air from Accra with a varied mix of cultures and religions.
Attractions:
- Mole National Park
- Larabanga Mosque

UPPER EAST REGION
The capital city, Bolgatanga, lies 810 km north of Accra. It is a region with a mixture of rich indigenous architecture and culture.
Attractions:
- Bolga Handicrafts Market
- Oracle of Tongo
- Paga Crocodile Pond

UPPER WEST REGION
The capital, Wa, lies 895 km from Accra and is situated with a vast savanna grassland.
Attractions:
- Wa Naa's Sovereign Palace
- Gbelle Game Reserve