Country Profile: Ghana

Ghana is a multiethnic country located in West Africa, bordered by the Gulf of Guinea to the south. With a population of over 34 million, it is one of the most stable democracies in the region, boasting a rich history of gold trade and colonial resistance. The economy is characterized as a lower-middle-income economy with significant exports in gold, oil, and cocoa. Governed as a presidential republic, Ghana actively promotes regional stability and participates in international affairs.

Geography

Ghana is situated in Western Africa, bordered by Côte d'Ivoire to the west, Burkina Faso to the north, and Togo to the east. The total land area of the country is approximately 238,533 sq km, with a coastline of 539 km along the Gulf of Guinea. The terrain consists primarily of low plains, with the highest point being Mount Afadjato at 885 m. Ghana's tropical climate varies from warm and dry along the southeast coast to hot and humid in the southwest.

Area: 238,533 sq km
Population Distribution: Concentrated primarily in the southern half of the country
Climate: Tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons

People and Society

Ghana has an estimated population of 34,589,092 (2024), composed of diverse ethnic groups, including Akan (45.7%) and Mole-Dagbani (18.5%). English is the official language, while various local languages are widely spoken. The population is predominantly Christian (71.3%), followed by Muslims (19.9%). The median age in Ghana is relatively young, at 21.4 years.

Population: 34.6 million (2024)
Urbanization Rate: 59.2% of the population lives in urban areas (2023)
Life Expectancy: 70.1 years (2024)
Literacy Rate: 76.5% (2021)

Economy

Ghana's economy is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, heavily reliant on exports of gold, cocoa, and oil. The GDP in purchasing power parity was estimated at $243.124 billion for 2024, with a real GDP growth rate of 5.7%. The economy faces challenges, including inflation and fiscal reforms, but is gradually stabilizing due to recent IMF assistance.

GDP (PPP): $243.124 billion (2024)
GDP Growth Rate: 5.7% (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate: 3.1% (2024)
Percentage of Agriculture in GDP: 20.7% (2024)

Government

Ghana operates as a presidential republic with a unicameral legislature. The capital, Accra, serves as the political and administrative center. The country features a mixed legal system combining English common law and customary law. Ghana gained independence from the UK on March 6, 1957, and has maintained a stable political environment since its return to democracy in the early 1990s.

Independence: March 6, 1957
Number of Regions: 16
Chief of State: President John Dramani Mahama (since January 7, 2025)

Military and Security

The Ghana Armed Forces include the Army, Air Force, and Navy, with an active personnel count of approximately 15,000-20,000. Military expenditures are modest, accounting for 0.4% of GDP. Ghana has a history of peacekeeping missions and continues to enhance its military capabilities to address regional threats.

Military Expenditure: 0.4% of GDP (2024)
Active Military Personnel: 15,000-20,000
Major Peacekeeping Deployments: 875 in Lebanon (2025)

Energy

Ghana's energy sector is primarily fueled by fossil fuels, with significant contributions from hydroelectric sources. The country has made strides in electricity generation, with an installed capacity of 5.519 million kW in 2023, ensuring that about 85.1% of the population has access to electricity.

Electricity Access: 85.1% of the population (2022)
Installed Generating Capacity: 5.519 million kW (2023)
Petroleum Production: 176,000 bbl/day (2023)

Environment

Ghana faces several environmental challenges, including deforestation, water pollution, and land degradation. The country participates in various international environmental agreements aimed at addressing climate change, biodiversity, and sustainable development.

Urban Population: 59.2% (2023)
Total Renewable Water Resources: 56.2 billion cubic meters (2022)

Transportation

Ghana has a developing transportation infrastructure that includes 11 airports and a railway network extending 947 km. The country is strategically located with key ports such as Tema and Takoradi facilitating trade and movement.

Airports: 11 (2025)
Railways: 947 km (2022)
Merchant Marine: 52 vessels (2023)

Communications

The communications sector in Ghana is characterized by a high mobile subscription rate, with around 33.4 million mobile cellular subscriptions representing 120 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants as of 2022.

Internet Users: 70% of the population (2023)
Fixed Telephone Subscriptions: 320,000 (2023)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	34,589,092 (2024 est.)
Area	238,533 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$243.124 billion (2024)
Unemployment Rate	3.1% (2024)
Electricity Access	85.1% (2022)
Life Expectancy	70.1 years (2024 est.)
Military Expenditure (%)	0.4% of GDP (2024)
Literacy Rate	76.5% (2021 est.)
Urban Population	59.2% (2023)
Railways	947 km (2022)