On this day in 1957, Ghana became the first sub-Saharan country to gain independence from colonial rule. Their new flag incorporated the Pan-African, an ideology of political unity between all who live in Africa, colours of red, yellow, green and black. Many other African countries followed suit.
Interesting facts about Ghana:
– Until its independence, Ghana was known as the Gold Coast. It was renamed Ghana, meaning “Warrior King,” to reflect the ancient Ghana Empire.
– While over 100 ethnic groups are present in Ghana, there are six main groups: the Akan, the Ewe, the Ga-Adangbe, the Mole-Dagbani, the Guan and the Gurma.
– 52 separate languages and hundreds of dialects are spoken in Ghana.
– The country is about equal parts sandy desert, shrubby savannah, and lush rainforest.
– The Volta River was dammed in the 1960s and created Lake Volta, one of the Earth’s largest artificial lakes.
– Ghana is known for its butterflies. Kakum National Park is home to over 600 species of butterfly.
– Agriculture accounts for about 20% of its gross domestic product and employs more than half of the workforce.
– Ghana is the world’s second-largest producer of cocoa beans, used in chocolate products. Neighbouring Côte d’Ivoire is the first.
– As of April 2019, Ghana is Africa’s largest and the world’s 8th largest producer of gold. Gold accounts for nearly half (49%) of all of Ghana’s exports.
– Ghana boasts of having the largest open-air market in West Africa, where people go to buy clothes, fabric as well as garments. Kejetia Market has 11,000 stalls and over 40,000 people working there.
– In Ghana, it is traditional to take life at a relaxed pace and view time as a series of events rather than a matter of hours or minutes.
– For many in Ghana, the day of the week a child is born on will compose part of their name.
– Funerals are often uplifting occasions in Ghana, where it is widely believed that death is the beginning of an afterlife. A tradition has emerged within this culture of “proverb coffins” (abebuu adekai), which pay tribute to the occupant with a personalised design.
– Ghana is often described as a land of festivals, music and traditional dances
Happy independence day Ghana
English 
Dansk