Ghana Neighbouring Countries and West African Neighbors
Ghana’s Sidekicks Moving Up
Ghana’s got some buddies along its borders, and we’re talkin’ about Cote d’Ivoire, Togo, and Burkina Faso. Let’s check out what these neighbors bring to the table and how they stack up around Ghana.
Ivory Coast: Cocoa & Culture Galore
Head west, and you’ll stumble into Cote d’Ivoire, also known as Ivory Coast. Famous for its top-notch cocoa and rich vibes, this land shares a border running 720 clicks long with Ghana. Both are tight-knit in ECOWAS, making sure they’ve got each other’s backs economically and security-wise (Oxford Business Group).
| Country | Border Length (km) | Stand-out Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Cote d’Ivoire | 720 | Cocoa and culture |
Togo: Trade & Tribes
Swing east, and you’ll find Togo lining up with Ghana. Their border stretches a massive 1,098 kilometers. These two have got a pretty smooth sailin’ relationship, trading and interacting seamlessly. Togo’s got bustling border towns and trade routes where the action never stops.
| Country | Border Length (km) | Stand-out Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Togo | 1,098 | Trade and hangouts |
Burkina Faso: Savannahs & Stability
Up north, Ghana cozies up with Burkina Faso. Their border’s a neat 549 kilometers long (National Geographic Kids). The land here is all about the savannah, crucial for farming and movement. These two are all about keeping the peace and making sure things are cool up north.
| Country | Border Length (km) | Stand-out Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Burkina Faso | 549 | Savannah spread |
Ghana’s spot next to these pals plays a key part in keeping things rollin’ on the economic and political front. If you’re curious about other nearby places, check out what’s happening with ecuador’s neighbors or what Guinea’s got goin’ on.
Ghana’s Borders and Geography
Ghana is like an intricate puzzle piece, beautifully fitting between its neighbors and the Gulf of Guinea. Its natural features and borders create unique relationships with the countries around it.
Northern Border with Burkina Faso
Up north, Ghana cozies up to Burkina Faso, tracing a shared line that wanders about 374 miles (World Atlas). This isn’t just any line; it’s lined with the swishing River Oti and Black Volta, doing their thing in marking where Ghana ends and Burkina Faso begins.
Here’s the low-down on that border with Burkina Faso:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Length of Border | 374 miles |
| Major Rivers | River Oti, Black Volta |
Curious about how Ghana rubs elbows with its other neighbors? Dive into our tales about Ghana’s neighboring countries.
Southern Border along the Gulf of Guinea
Swing south and Ghana sweeps into the Gulf of Guinea, flaunting its pick of the Atlantic Ocean. This coastline? It’s Ghana’s stage for trade, travel, and a lively marine life that can grab anyone’s attention.
The southern strip is a mix of sandy shores, buzzing ports, and fishing folks that add flair to Ghana’s culture and cash flow. The Gulf of Guinea? It’s a big chapter in Ghana’s geo-story.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Border with Gulf of Guinea | Southern coastline |
| Lazy Coastal Stretch | Quite a spread |
| Life by the Sea | Trade, Fishing |
Wanna peek at more of Ghana’s geography games? Check out how it jives with neighbors like Nigeria or get some solid travel tips to Ghana.
Ethnic Diversity in Ghana
Akan Tribe
Ghana buzzes with over 50 ethnic groups, with the Akan tribe being the head honcho, making up around 45% of the bunch. This group splits into various subcultures, like the Ashanti, Fante, and Akuapem, each boasting unique customs, languages, and traditions. The Akan folks are kind of a big deal, famous for their vibrant festivals, art, and traditional crafts.
Akan Sub-Groups
| Sub-Group | Population Share (%) |
|---|---|
| Ashanti | 19 |
| Fante | 14 |
| Akuapem | 12 |
Harmony Among Ethnic Groups
Ghana’s diverse crowd has turned into a national treasure. Even with so many groups, the place thrives on peace and living together joyfully. Land here is practically a communal affair, with about 80% managed through customary regimes, leaving the state to own just 20% (Land Links).
What really keeps the peace in Ghana is the open-armed cultural practices and the deep respect each group has for one another. Everyone’s sticking to their own traditions and languages, but there’s a vibe of unity that goes beyond just ethnic labels. This shared spirit of nationality shines bright during communal fiestas and other gatherings.
If you’re a map enthusiast or just plain curious, you’ll wanna peep at our piece on Ghana’s Borders and Geography. And if wandering further is your thing, have a gander at France’s Neighboring Countries.
In short, Ghana’s ethnic fabric, led by the mighty Akan tribe, and the happy mingling of different groups, make up a beautiful, lively cultural mosaic of the nation.
Notable Figures from Ghana
Ghana’s got a ton of history and culture, and it’s no wonder the place has produced some folks who’ve shaped the world. One standout is Kofi Annan, who wowed many with his work at the United Nations.
Kofi Annan
Meet Kofi Annan: a proud Ghanaian diplomat who didn’t just stand by but stepped up as the UN Secretary-General from 1997 to 2006. He was the first from sub-Saharan Africa to nab this top gig and is well praised for pushing the agenda on peace and development globally.
Contributions to the United Nations
Annan was all about action during his time, driving efforts to make the world a safer and fairer place. Big on his list was the creation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), tackling issues like poverty, hunger, and disease head-on. His leadership wasn’t just about policies; it was about rallying countries to face these challenges together Commonwealth.
But Annan didn’t stop there. He was always championing human rights and stepping up to address conflicts worldwide. His dedication to fostering peace saw him and the UN awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2001, not a small feat by any measure World Atlas.
Annan’s legacy? It’s something that still resonates in Ghana and places beyond. His tireless efforts in the UN continue to shape how nations interact and protect human rights.
Want to dive deeper into Ghana’s vibrant past and its game-changing figures? Check out our reads on ecuador neighbouring countries and eritrea neighbouring countries.
Lake Volta in Ghana
Lake Volta is a standout in Ghana, being the largest artificial lake on the planet and a key part of the country’s geography and economy.
Largest Artificial Lake
Born in the 1960s when the Volta River was blocked by a dam, Lake Volta is entirely within Ghana (GlobalEdge). This giant lake sprawls over about 8,502 square kilometers (or if you prefer, 3,283 square miles), securing its spot among the largest man-made lakes globally.
| Lake Volta Stats | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Ghana |
| Year Made | 1960s |
| Total Area | 8,502 sq km (3,283 sq miles) |
Importance and Location
Nestled mostly in Ghana’s eastern section, Lake Volta is like a multi-tool. It’s vital for making electricity, moving things around, and watering crops. Thank the Akosombo Dam for its creation—it cranks out hydroelectric power that’s crucial for Ghana.
Beyond its electrical and irrigation contributions, Lake Volta is a watery highway boosting trade and travel around the area. It doesn’t just fuel the economy, though. On a cultural level, it’s where communities come together, sharing and relying on its bounty, weaving a tapestry between various ethnic groups.
Anyone curious about Ghana’s terrain and its surroundings would do well to zoom in on Lake Volta. For further dives into geographical standouts, check out our article on another country’s geography and neighboring features.
Ghana’s Relations with Neighbors
Getting the lowdown on Ghana’s relations with its neighbors is key to understanding where it stands on the geopolitical chessboard. Over time, Ghana’s been chill with its nearby countries, keeping things friendly and smooth.
Stable Relations with Togo
On the east, Ghana’s got Togo—a neighbor they’ve managed to vibe with pretty well. They’ve been teaming up on a bunch of diplomatic and economic stuff to keep things good. They’ve really hit it off in areas like trade, keeping the borders safe, and working on infrastructure projects. This teamwork has nailed down some pretty solid ties (Oxford Business Group).
| What They’re Up To | What’s Going Down |
|---|---|
| Trade | Deals to keep swapping goods smoothly |
| Security | Teaming up to stop border baddies |
| Infrastructure | Working together on roads and railways |
Improved Ties with Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire
Ghana’s also been getting closer with Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire. These guys are pretty big players when it comes to keeping the region stable and the economy ticking. They’ve ramped up diplomacy and business partnerships, rolling out the welcome mat for stronger connections.
Nigeria, being a major economic buddy, has been on the same page with Ghana about trade, security in the region, and investments. Over in Côte d’Ivoire, they’ve been working to sort out past border beefs and get trade moving in the fast lane.
| Who’s Who | What’s Cooking |
|---|---|
| Nigeria | Business, Keeping Peace, Investments |
| Côte d’Ivoire | Trading, Border Peace, Building Stuff |
Ghana’s friendly neighborly relations show how serious it is about keeping the regional peace and boosting economic teamwork. Want to know more about other countries and their neighbors? Check out georgia neighbouring countries and germany neighbouring countries.