Ghana Current Status
Ghana is a country of more than 20 million people in the low-lying plains of northwest Africa (ABC-CLIO). Ghana’s official language is English although many other native African languages are also spoken there. Ghana’s religious makeup is part Christian, part Islam and a small part Ewe (a native religion). Christianity was brought over from the Westerners and is the predominant religion, whereas Islam came from the northern part of Africa (ABC-CLIO). The government does not sponsor one specific religion.
Ghana has a constitutional democracy much like the United States. The president of Ghana had been John Kufuor, who was the president from 2001-2008 via a electoral victory by the people. He had to step down in 2008 because of term limits. John Atta Mills was then elected and is still the current president (ABC-GLIO). Three primary products are and have been timber, gold, and cocoa. The people of Ghana are allowed to engage in free trade, but many experts say that this has hurt the economy, and has been the cause for many job losses (US Department of State). Tourists are welcomed. If planning to visit Ghana soon, consider ecotourism, which is going to see vegetation and the natural reserves. Also, you could visit a wildlife preserve, such as Mole National Park, in the West Gonja District (ABC-CLIO).
Ghana’s approach to foreign policy is very laid out. The country intends to cooperate with other nations that will cooperate with, have mutual respect, and practice noninterference with internal affairs (Country Studies). Ghana has been a member of the United Nations since 1945. Ghana and the United States are on good terms, with The Ghana military having been trained on occasion by their US counterparts and some people of Ghana educated in the US. The USA, Great Britain, Nigeria, Togo, and Burkina Faso are all allies of Ghana (Outdoor Land).
In conclusion, Ghana is in good shape in these times. They are doing fine with their government, with no corruption in how officials are elected or major protests. Ghana also has a good economy, focusing still on the three main exports, timber, gold, and cocoa. And lastly, their foreign policy is calm and collected, with no wars currently and none about to break out. Ghana currently has a strong and structure nation, and hopes to have it stay that way in years to come.
Works Cited
ABC-CLIO. “Ghana.” ABC-CLIO: World Geography. 2009. 4 May 2009 <http://ntesx01-lic.nths.net:2105/Countries/Display.aspx?regionid=-1&countryid=73&pagetypeid=0>.
I used this to find out about Ghana’s government and parts about their foreign policy. This is also where I started my research because it had a little bit of information on everything Ghana.
Country Studies. “Foreign Relations.” Country Studies. 2009. U.S. Library of Congress. 4 May 2009 <http://countrystudies.us/ghana/107.htm>.
I used the Coutry Studies web site to find out about foreign relations.
Outdoor Land. “Who are Ghana’s Allies?” Outdoor Land. 2009. 4 May 2009 <http://www.outdoorland.info/General-Africa-Middle-East/498.htm>.
I used this web site to find out who Ghana’s allies are.
US Department of State. “Background Note: Ghana.” US Department of State. Mar. 2009. 4 May 2009 <http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2860.htm>.
This US Department of State web site was used to find out what restrictions Ghana put on the people of its country.
