African Library Project Spotlight on Ghana January, 2016
Jul 19, 2015
• History: Was a first stop for European trading – focus on gold and slaves• Independence: First Sub-saharan nation to gain independence from the Europeans in 1957• Ethnic groups: Ghana is home to over 100 different ethnic groups. About 47 unique local
languages are spoken although English is the official language.• Literacy rate: One of the highest in Africa; Overall (72%), Men (78%), Women (65%)• Resources: Ghana is the world’s second largest exporter of cocoa. Rich in many other natural
resources, Ghana is also recognized for its oil, timber, electricity, diamonds, bauxite, and manganese
• Challenges: Ghana has severe sanitation and transportation issues.
Ghana Facts