About Ghana

Ghana is in West Africa. It´s capital city Accra is located in the south of the country on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Ghana has a tropical climate and because of it`s proximity to the equator, there are two seasons, the dry and the rainy season. On an average, there are temperatures between 28 and 32 degrees, while it is warmer in the north than the south.

Ghana has a very diverse landscape with forests, savannah, bush and grassland. In Ghana, traditional and modern forms of society are united. Thus, there is a parliamentary democracy, but there are also regional kings and chiefs who have much influence. There is religious freedom. Besides Muslims and Christians there are many animists.

Ghana’s official language is English but there are about 80 different languages and dialects, depending on ethnicity and regional location. Approximately 50% of the 24 million inhabitants are under 16 years old. For them, school is compulsory for eleven years.

The about 240,000 sq km expansive land is divided into 10 regions. The largest one occupies about 1/3 of the total area of the country and is called Northern Region with it´s capital Tamale. Due to the long dry season from November to June, the vegetation consists of grasslands, bush land, robust trees and dry savanna. The northern part of Ghana is least influenced by the European culture and simpler and more traditional than the South. Many people live with their family communities in traditional round houses with thatched roofs. From village to village, there are different languages and dialects.

The village of Nalerigu is located about three hours north of Tamale. Nalerigu is known by the Baptist Medical Center, one to the country’s best-known hospitals.