An Overview of Ghana’s History, Culture, and Language for Volunteers Going to Ghana on a Brigade
Ghana became a Global Brigades partner country in 2011 where Global Brigades worked alongside community leaders and the Ministry of Health to complement Programming in Central America at the time. Ghana's Programming currently focuses on healthcare, economic development, and clean water.
To learn more about Ghana, please review the following videos and information below:
A Brief History of Ghana- Early History: Ghana was known as the "Gold Coast" due to its gold exports, and European powers established trading posts and forts along the coast from the 15th to 18th centuries.
- Political Turmoil: Ghana gained independence in 1957 under Kwame Nkrumah, but his socialist government was overthrown in a military coup in 1966 due to corruption and economic issues, which lead to a period of instability.
- Modern-Day Ghana: Today, Ghana is a democratic republic with a growing economy, driven by agriculture and agri-business initiatives, with expected GDP growth and stable inflation.
The Culture of Ghana
- Ghana is located in West Africa. It has a diverse terrain and a long coastline along the Gulf of Guinea.
- Ghana means "Warrior King," and this meaning is reflected in Ghana's national symbols, including the coat of arms and national flag.
- Ghana has a population of over 30 million people, with various ethnic groups and languages spoken across the country.
The Language of Ghana
- Ghana’s official language is English.
- The video below covers basic vocabulary and phrases that will help you communicate effectively in Ghana, including some common Ghanaian slang words and phrases that you may hear or use during your Brigade.