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CHI Home >> Work & Travel Abroad >> Teach in Ghana | |
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Ghana
Programs Available: Overseas English Tutor
Overview | History | Customs | Culture | Sightseeing | Expenses | Support | Map Overview:Ghana is an independent republic with a democratic government which lies on the Gulf of Guinea and forms part of the West African Region. The capital city is Accra. Other major towns are Kumasi and Tamale and the ports of Cape Coast, Tema and Takoradi. Once a center of the slave trade, Ghana was also the first modern African country to win its independence - giving it a head start in nation-building. The people of Ghana are well educated, as the country has good schools, a thriving press and one of the highest economic growth rates on the continent. The mining industry in Ghana is the key sector in the economy with the principle minerals produced being gold and diamonds.
Since Ghana is only a few degrees north of the equator, the only seasonal changes are distinct wet and dry seasons. The best time to visit is during the December-February dry season, when day temperatures are in the 80s-90s and nights in the 70s. The worst time to visit is April-June, when it's the rainiest. The eastern coastal belt is warm and comparatively dry, the southwest corner has the highest humidity and rainfall, while the north is frequently hot and dry. Ghana occupies the pinnacle spot in Pan-African history having hit the torch for African Emancipation and became home in famous Pan-Africanist such as W. E. B. Du Bois and George Pad more. Population: 19.7 million History:Evidence of settlements along the Ghanaian coast dates back some 40,000 years, but it wasn't until the late 15th century, with the arrival of the Portuguese, that a written history of the area came into being. Today, there are more than 50 distinct ethnic groups within its borders, but most are descended from four main groups: the Mole-Dagbani - Islamic people in northern Ghana; the Ga-Adangbe - who settled in the east around Lake Volta; the Ewe - based in the same area as the Ga-Adangbe; and the Akan - the largest group, who are concentrated in the center of the country. All of these groups traded kola nuts, ivory and, especially, gold with other ancient societies in West and North Africa.
Although Europeans acquired slaves in neighboring Togo, Benin and Nigeria, it wasn't until the end of the 1600s, when Britain began to wrest control of the coast from the Portuguese, that the main export of Ghana switched from gold to human beings. Some of the old forts, such as those in Cape Coast and Elmina, were converted to slave dungeons, and thousands passed through them on their way to the New World. The slave trade was finally abolished in the mid-1800s, but Ghana remained a British colony. In 1957, Ghana became the first colonized African country to achieve independence, led by the charismatic Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. Nkrumah's example inspired many nationalist movements across the continent. But over time he became increasingly repressive and was overthrown by his countrymen. Following Nkrumah's departure, a series of coups led to the rise and fall of several corrupt and authoritarian regimes. One coup leader was different, however. Flight Lt. Jerry Rawlings led one uprising and then amazed observers by carrying out his promises and stepping down within six months. Corruption continued unabated, however, and Rawlings mounted another coup in 1981. This time he held power until stepping down peacefully in 2000. In his 19-year term, Rawlings moved the government from a military dictatorship to a parliamentary democracy and strengthened the economy, providing Ghana with a reasonably good foundation. Customs:Greetings
A handshake is a popular way of greeting in Ghana, especially among males. When you shake hands, apply the same hand pressure as is offered. When you are shaking hands with a number of people, start from the extreme right and proceed towards the left. Use of the Left Hand The left hand has limited functions in Ghana. In fact the use of the left hand for certain activities is considered an anathema. That is one reason why, when men of Ghana wear traditional cloth, they throw the fabric over the left hand. In particular, avoid receiving or giving, gesticulating in speech, waving at a person or pointing things out with the left hands. If you are naturally left handed, you can avoid public embarrassment of complications by keeping something (e.g. your guide book, camera, souvenir etc.) in the left hand. Dress Code Ghanaians consider it respectful to dress decently for social functions, especially for visits to the palaces. It is considered disrespectful to attend such functions in dirty clothes, T-shirts, or messy hair. Our old folks are also not very happy to see a woman or lady dressed in shorts or trousers (slacks). When sitting in the presence of eminent people or elders, please do not sit cross-legged. If you are wearing a hat or cap, remove it when speaking with an elderly person. Visitors are held in very high esteem in Ghanaian society and visitors are expected to exhibit an acceptable standard of dressing and decorum. Culture:Food Soups, which are more like sauces, are the mainstay of Ghanaian cuisine. They're usually fairly thick broths and are eaten with a starch. Popular stews include groundnut, garden egg, fish, bean leaf and forowe, a fishy brew with tomatoes. Other main courses are jollof rice, a paella-like dish with meat; kyemgbuma, crabs with cassava dough, meat and potatoes; and gari foto, eggs, onions, dried shrimp and tomatoes accompanied by gari (coarse manioc flour). Another ubiquitous staple is fufu, which consists of cassava, yam, plantain or manioc that has been cooked, pureed and mashed into a ball. Kelewele, a spicy dessert of fried plantains seasoned with chili pepper and ginger, is a popular street-stall item, as is askenkee, a cool, white, nonalcoholic beverage made of corn. Pito (millet beer) is the alcohol of choice in the north, while palm wine is more popular in the south. Tribes The Ashanti tribe of the Akan is the largest tribe in Ghana and one of the few matrilineal societies in West Africa. Once renown for the splendor and wealth of their rulers, they are most famous today for their craft work, particularly their hand-carved stools and fertility dolls and their colorful kente cloth. Kente cloth is woven in bright, narrow strips with complex patterns; it's usually made from cotton and is always woven outdoors, exclusively by men. The Ewi also weave kente cloth, and their more geometrical patterns contain symbolic designs handed down through the ages. Kente cloth is only worn in the southern half of the country and is reserved mainly for joyous occasions. Religion Ghana has the highest percentage of Christians in West Africa, but the belief in traditional animist religions is still extremely common. Though each ethnic group has its own set of beliefs, there are some common threads. Though they all accept the existence of a Supreme Being (as well as reincarnation), the Creator is considered to be too exalted to be concerned with the affairs of humans. There are a host of lesser deities whose moods can be swayed through sacrifices, and ancestors are often deified as well. There are no great temples or written scriptures; beliefs and traditions are handed down through word of mouth. Sightseeing:Accra The capital of Ghana, Accra (pronounced ah-CRA) is a pleasant coastal city of 2 million people. The city's most popular shopping center is the Makola Market, a good spot to buy fabric. For more exotic items, seek out the Timber Market in the neighborhood known as Ushertown.
If you want to escape the noise and hustle of the city, there are pretty beaches nearby. Kokrobite, in particular, is charming. Try a pineapple from one of the peddlers on the beach or buy one of the succulent local lobsters fresh from the fishing boats. The tiny oceanside village also has some of the country's liveliest drum and dance performances. Atlantic Coast Travelers rave about the coastal area west of Accra, which boasts old slave-trading forts and fishing villages, a new nature reserve and low prices. Here, along a 155-mile stretch of sand, you can visit 15 forts and castles and actually sleep in several, quite cheaply. Some 37 miles west of Accra, the village of Senya Beraku boasts some great beaches and friendly folk. Its big attractions are Fort Good Hope (1706), where you can shack up cheaply for the night, and the surfing beaches at nearby Fete. Kakum Nature Reserve This national park is constantly improving. Monkeys, elephants, antelope, leopards, warthogs and water buffalo roam 230 square miles of protected forest. Although park facilities are still limited, there is a good restaurant at the entrance, where you can spot animals while you dine. An aerial walkway has been built through the rain-forest canopy, offering treetop views.
Kumasi The ancient capital of the Ashanti kingdom, Kumasi is still the heart of Ashanti country and the site of West Africa's largest cultural centre, the palace of the Ashanti king. To add to the appeal, it's surrounded by rolling green hills and has a vast central market as vibrant as any in Africa. Manhyia Palace is the seat of the highest Ashanti ruler. Local kings have never lived in luxury, and visitors are surprised by how sparse and unpretentious the palace is. The current king lives directly behind the old palace, and if you bring a gift and enquire politely, you may be able to meet him. Lake Volta Created by the damming of the Volta River in 1966, Lake Volta is one of the world's largest man-made lakes. Sometimes called "Volta Lake," it stretches more than 325 miles and offers fishing and cruises. The dam, near the village of Akosombo, was a monumental project that was fraught with problems but now provides electricity for much of the country. Don't take pictures of the dam, it's illegal! Mole National Park In northwest Ghana, Mole National Park sees relatively few people, which is what makes the wildlife viewing (lions, elephants, impalas, etc.) special. The best way to see the park is on one of the guided treks led by park rangers. While in the area, be sure to see the Larabanga Mosque. It's said to be the oldest building in Ghana and is famous for its distinctive architecture, with projecting wooden posts. Expenses:Ghana is among Africa's costlier destinations, though travel here is still very cheap by western standards. There are foreign exchange bureaus (Forex) in all the major towns and cities, but many outside Accra won't accept traveler's cheques. Forex bureaus tend to give better rates for large-denomination bills than banks do, but otherwise bank rates are slightly better. A few banks give cash withdrawals against Visa and MasterCard, minus a commission and a fee for the approval telex.
Getting Around Ghana There are several bus lines in Ghana. The most popular national bus line is the Intercity STC Coaches. This bus line services most of the larger cities in Ghana. It is pretty reliable, gets you there relatively fast, and is probably the safest method of travel. An example of STC prices: from Accra to Cape Coast (about 175 miles) is about $2. There are also different sized minibuses and taxis that will take you anywhere you are willing to pay to go. Taxis are abundant in the cities and towns. Their prices are reasonable, however, if you are spending a lot of time in Ghana, sharing taxis with others is much more economical. Simply tell the driver that he can pick others along the way and your price should be reduced substantially. A shared taxi from Accra to Cape Coast is around $10 - $12, or $35 if traveling alone. If you hire a car and driver, a tip ("dash") is expected. Dining A cheap meal will cost between $1 - $3, while a more moderately priced meal is between $3 and $10. Tipping is only customary in nice restaurants (10%). Support During Your Placement:We will be available to give you any support, advice, or guidance you may need with any issues. There will always be an emergency number for you to contact. Our aim is to ensure that you have a happy and successful experience during your stay in Ghana.
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The
terrain is diverse. The coast has palm-lined beaches amid many natural harbors. There are thick forests (and gold reserves)
in the center of the country. Lake Volta, surrounded by lush hills and waterfalls, dominates the eastern part of the country.
In the north, dry grasslands and rolling hills make up the landscape. Ghana is bordered by Cote d'Ivoire to the west,
Burkina Faso to the north, Togo to the east and the Gulf of Guinea to the south.
It
was gold that lured Portuguese explorers to Ghana's coast in 1471. They built dozens of forts along the coast, leasing small
slices of land from local chiefs and securing access to the region's profitable gold trade. A European power struggle
between the 15th and 19th centuries started with the Portuguese who built Elmina Castle in 1482. They were followed by the
Dutch, Swedes, Danes, Prussians and the British looking for fortunes in gold and ivory.
Greeting is an important social function that marks an open heart and mind. It also expresses one's concern for
the other. Refusing or failing to greet another person may indicate that you either harbor ill will or do not care for the
other's welfare. Do not forget that the smile is also a form of greeting.
Black
Star Square (also known as Independence Square) includes a memorial to three people who were shot during the struggle for
independence. At the W. E. B. Du Bois Center, you can see the grave of the U.S.-born civil-rights leader, as well as a
library devoted to his philosophy of pan-Africanism. The Osu Castle houses the nation's government - be aware that
photographing it is illegal. After a hard day of sightseeing, stop by the Osu Night Market for good food and a
lively atmosphere. Or catch some music at one of the city's equally lively nightclubs.