Ghana
Study in GHANA with YES Abroad!
Ghana, known officially as The Republic of Ghana, located on the coast of West Africa, visibly blends tradition with modernization in everyday life. Ghana declared its independence from Britain in 1957 and is now a secular democracy, full of varied ethnic groups and religions. The largest population of Ghanaians is Akan, but there are significant numbers of people with Mole Dagbon, Fante, Ga, Ewe, and Ga-Dangme backgrounds. While the population is predominantly Christian, nearly 18 percent of the population is Muslim. There are about 79 languages and dialects spoken in Ghana, all of which are constantly evolving and mixing with one another, although the official language remains English.
The two major cities, Accra and Kumasi, are bustling with people dressed in both traditional and Western attire. The packed, colorful Makola Market, in the heart of Accra, offers everything from fish, to furniture, to shoes, while the vast, vibrant Kumasi Market is open to traders from all over West Africa.
Although the typical cuisine varies by the region, Ghanaians tend to cook simply yet flavorfully. Rice is a staple throughout most of Ghana and is often accompanied by rich stews and lentils, chicken, fish, plantains, and yams. The climate is tropical equatorial, with temperatures on average around 80 degrees Fahrenheit and heavy rain seasons. The geography mostly consists of low plains and plateaus in the south-central regions.
Most host communities are urban or suburban, and while some host families may own a car, the most common forms of transportation include cars, buses, mini-busses, car, tro-tro, taxis, car services, and walking. Students typically commute anywhere between 10 and 60 minutes each way by bus, mini-bus, or tro-tro to their host schools.
Learn more about being a YES Abroad student in Ghana:
