We have compiled a list of the most interesting and intriguing facts about the fascinating country of Ghana!
1. The word ‘Ghana’ means ‘Warrior King’ in Mande (a language spoken all over Western Africa).
2. There is only one natural lake in Ghana – Lake Bosumtwe – a meteorite impact crater formed over a million years ago. It is believed to be a very sacred lake and when you die this is where your soul will come to say goodbye to the God Asase Ya.
3. Maybe to make up for their lack of natural lakes, Ghana is home to the world’s biggest man-made lake. Lake Volta – which is over 320 miles across!
4. Ghana is where ‘fantasy coffins’ originated. Extraordinary artistic coffins are made to send people off to the afterlife, designs will be based around the interests and lifestyles of the departed.
5. By naming your child John in Ghana you can be giving them a head start on the political ladder. All of the elected and instated presidents, since 1992, have been named John.
6. The currency in Ghana is Cedi. The word Cedi means Cowry Shells. Cowry Shells used to be used as currency all across West Africa. It seems that living nearer the coast could have been a great financial investment.
7. When meeting a group of people in Ghana, it is good manners to begin shaking hands with the person on the right and move to the left, not the other way around.
8. Often before marriage in Ghana a dowry is still paid to the Bride’s family. Before the ceremony, the Bride’s family will make a list of the items the Groom’s family must bring and each item will be checked before the wedding goes ahead.
9. The official language of Ghana is English, but it is completely surrounded by French-speaking countries; The Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, and Togo.
10. Ghana is home to the fastest man in the world – backward. Ferdie Adoboe holds the world record for the fastest 100 yards backward sprint – which he completed in 12.7 seconds. This claim to fame saw him become the answer to a trivial pursuit question in 1984. Now that is when you know you have made it!
If you think Ghana could be an interesting place to visit, then we’d love to hear from you.
View our Ghana trips which will connect you with this amazing country.
Watch a video about Ghana.