Akwaaba
Welcome to a country with a reputation for being the most friendly in Africa, with un-spoilt beaches, natural attractions and wildlife, a country that has a rich ethnic diversity, abundant historical legacies, a strong cultural heritage and traditions. The popular word for welcome in Ghana is ‘Akwaaba’ which is expressed sincerely to all visitors throughout the country. Visitors to Ghana will be greeted by a sense of history and met with exceptional hospitality that has been associated with its people for years.
Orientation
The Republic of Ghana is located in West Africa. It is bordered by three countries. In the north by Burkina-Faso, east by Togo, west by La Cote d’Ivoire and the Gulf of Guinea to the south. The country is the closest to the Equator (approximately 500km). And the Greenwich Meridian Line passes through the city of Tema. Ghana occupies a total land area of 239,460 sqkm and stretches for 672km from north to south and 550km from east to west. A large portion of the country is relatively flat and lies below an altitude of 150m, except for the high regions of the Akuapim and Kwahu Ranges that are above 700m.
Climate
Ghana has a tropical climate, normally warm to hot all year round, with an average temperature range of between 210 C and 320 C. However, the temperature in the mountainous districts of the Akuapem-Togo Mountains like Aburi and Amedzofe and the top of the Kwahu Scarp are relatively cooler and comfortable at their highest temperatures.
The climate of Ghana, like the rest of West Africa is controlled by two continental air masses, The south- west monsoon that brings the rains, and the north- easterlies, that blows from the Sahara Desert, known locally as the ‘harmattan’. This causes hot days but relatively cool nights and low humidity.
There are two rainy seasons from March to July and September to October November to March is the dry and hot season. The rainfall pattern is attributed to the shape of the coastline that runs parallel to the incoming rain bearing winds, together with the cold offshore ocean currents, which squeeze the moisture out of the winds before reaching the mainland. This has created two broad geographic zones. The southern and central regions are moist and support a cover of lush rainforest and grassland. And the northern zone has a drier savannah environment.
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