Ghana History, Language and Culture
History of Ghana
Ghana's history is rooted in the powerful empires and kingdoms that once dominated West Africa. The ancient Ghana Empire (unrelated to modern Ghana) flourished from the 6th to the 13th century in what is now Mauritania and Mali, controlling vast trade routes for gold and salt. Centuries later, the region that is now Ghana became home to influential kingdoms like the Ashanti Empire and the Dagbon Kingdom, known for their advanced political systems, military strength, and thriving trade networks in gold, kola nuts, and slaves. European contact began in the 15th century, with the Portuguese establishing trade, followed by the Dutch, British, and others, who built forts along the coast to control the lucrative trade in gold and later slaves.
During the colonial period, the British consolidated their control over the Gold Coast, as Ghana was then called. By the late 19th century, the Ashanti Empire was subdued through a series of wars, and the northern territories were added, creating the British colony of the Gold Coast in 1901. The colony became an economic hub for cocoa, gold, and timber exports. Resistance to colonial rule grew in the early 20th century, with figures like Dr J.B. Danquah and Kwame Nkrumah leading nationalist movements. The United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) and later Nkrumah's Convention People's Party (CPP) became instrumental in pushing for self-governance. By the mid-20th century, the struggle for independence was in full swing, setting the stage for Ghana to become the first sub-Saharan African country to achieve independence in 1957.
Did you know?
• The Teshie suburb in Accra is renowned for its fantasy coffin workshops. Artisans craft coffins in various shapes, such as cars, mobile phones, and shoes, reflecting the deceased's profession, interests, or aspirations.
• The cedi, the country's currency, is named after a sea shell that was once used as currency.
• In 1991, Ghanaian athlete Ferdie Ato Adoboe set a world record by running 100 meters backwards in 12.7 seconds.
Ghana Culture
Religion in Ghana
Pentecostal/Charismatic (31.6%), Muslim (19.9%), Protestant (17.4%), Catholic (10%), Other Christian denominations (12.3%), Traditional African Religious (3.2%), Others (5.6%).
Social Conventions in Ghana
Ghanaian social conventions are deeply rooted in respect, hospitality, and community values. Greetings are an essential part of social interaction, with handshakes and pleasantries often exchanged before discussing business or personal matters.
The use of the right hand is important for gestures like eating, shaking hands, or handing over items, as the left hand is traditionally considered impolite for such actions.
Always ask for consent before photographing people, especially in rural areas or traditional settings. Some may expect a small tip or fee, while others may decline for personal or cultural reasons.
While Ghanaians are generally warm and welcoming, tourists should remain vigilant to avoid falling victim to scams.
Language in Ghana
Ghana's official language is English. It is used in government administration, education, business, and as a common medium of communication across the country.
While English is the lingua franca, Ghana is home to over 70 languages and dialects, reflecting its rich cultural diversity. The most widely spoken ones include Twi, Fante, Ewe, Ga-Dangme, Hausa, and Dagbani. Learning a few basic phrases in Twi or Ewe can help you build rapport with locals.
