Ghana is well endowed with natural resources such as gold, timber and cocoa and is one of the wealthier nations in the region.

It has emerged as one of the most attractive places in West Africa to do business with one of the highest-ranking indicator tallies from the U.S.-Based Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC)-Particularly in the areas of good governance, economic freedom, anti-corruption, the rule of law and human rights Ghana has become a premier destination for foreign direct investment.

Country Profile

The Republic of Ghana lies on a low plateau ranging between 500 and 1,000 ft. (150 to 300 m) above sea level. The Volta River feeds off its White and Black tributaries and has been dammed at Akosombo to form the vast Lake Volta stretching 250 miles (400 km) inland and covers 3.5% of the land area.

English is the official language, but 75 native languages and dialects are also spoken. The Akan cultural group (consisting of the Asante , Fante, and Brong) forms 40% of the population.

About 38% adhere to ethnic beliefs while Christianity (43%) dominates in the south and the Muslim faith (12%) remains strong in the far north.

Business Activity

Agriculture

Cocoa, coffee, rice, cassava (tapioca), peanuts, corn, shear nuts, bananas, timber.

Industries

Mining, lumbering, light manufacturing, aluminum smelting, food processing.
Natural Resources
Gold, timber, industrial diamonds, bauxite, manganese, fish, rubber.

Exports

$4.2 billion (est. 2007): gold, cocoa, timber, tuna, bauxite, aluminum, manganese ore, diamonds.

Imports

$8 billion (est. 2007): capital equipment, petroleum, consumer goods, food, and intermediate goods.

Major Trading Partners

UK, US, Netherlands, Nigeria, China, Belgium, France.

Source: Les de Villiens, Africa 2009, Ninth Edition (A publication of The Corporate Council on Africa and Business Books International)