The Gold Coast is a former British colony in west Africa known today as the republic of Ghana. A lot of gold was found between the rivers of Ankobra and the Volta region by the Portuguese which made them name the place MINA.
Ghana, officially the Republic of Ghana is a country in the West Africa. It spans the gulf of Guinea and the Atlantic ocean to the south. It shares borders with Ivory coast in the west, Burkina Faso in the north, and Togo in the east. The country is the second most populated in west Africa. Its largest city is Accra which is the country’s capital. Other major cities are; Kumasi, Tamale, Takoradi, Cape coast etc.
LANGUAGE AND ETHNIC GROUPS OF THE GOLD COAST
With English as their official language, Twi, Ga and the Ewe language is the three most common languages that is widely used by all Ghanaians. Apart from English, Twi is understood by all and also spoken by visitors as it is the first language any Ghanaian will teach with ease.
The Gold Coast, officially known as the republic of Ghana has about Ten ethnic groups. The Ewe being one of their ethnic groups have been said to have their origin from the southwestern part of Nigeria. The are located in the Volta region of Ghana and from the Gbe ethnic group. They speak Ewe language which belongs to the Gbe family. However, the Ewes are known for hunting, farming, fishing and producing their traditional cloth called KENTE.
Akan is another ethnic group in Ghana who primarily live in the southern and central part of Ghana. They are one of the largest ethnic group in Ghana and the speak Twi/Fante as their local dialect. It is believed that the migrated from the Sahara desert and Sahel region of Africa. They are also known for their rich corn food called Fante kenkey( Fante donoko) which can be served with any sauce, fish or meat, and grinded pepper.
THEIR CULTURE
Ghana is known and celebrated for is history and culture. Its culture differs from one ethnic group to another. Their culture lays emphasis on individuals conduct and behaviour which in turn has direct impact on its society and family. Do you know that in Ghana, when a baby is born, he or she is named after the day of its birth.
Another interesting thing about their culture is when someone dies. He or She is being celebrated one week after death and it is called ONE WEEK MOURNING. Its said that the celebration is done in other to put their ancestors in a place of reverence with the community. Ghanaians also have selected colours like RED, BLACK and WHITE which the use during their burial ceremonies. This cloths are usually in a particular design and backgrounds.
Above all, Ghanaians are hospitable and cheerful people who have welcoming attitude towards visitors, and also loves to celebrate all the major festivals and events around the year. Because of this attitude, people get to feel comfortable around them.
In conclusion, Ghana is a beautiful country with great people. A place I enjoyed security, good health services and good education as a student. If you are a lover of history and nature, you should visit Ghana because you will get to learn a lot from their great museum of KWEME NKRUMAH and slave historical site and also enjoy the beauty of nature from the different beaches in the country.
Sylvia Hogan
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EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE