CapitalAccra
Population35,336,133
Area238,533 km²
GDP per capita$7,100
LanguagesAsante, Ewe, Fante, Boron, Dagomba, Dangme, Dagarte, Kokomba, Akyem, Ga, other
Currencycedis
Life Expectancy70.1 yr
Governmenta presidential republic
Introduction
Background
Ghana is a diverse nation endowed with abundant natural resources and is recognized as one of the most stable and democratic nations in West Africa. The region has been populated for several millennia, although details about its earliest inhabitants remain sparse. By the 12th century, the gold trade began to flourish in the Bono (Bonoman) state, located in present-day southern Ghana, which marked the beginning of the Akan people's ascendancy in regional power and affluence. Starting in the 15th century, the Portuguese, followed by various other European nations, arrived and vied for trading privileges. Several kingdoms and empires arose in the region, among which the Kingdom of Dagbon in the northern area and the Asante (Ashanti) Empire in the southern region were the most formidable. By the mid-18th century, Asante had evolved into a well-structured state with significant wealth, supplying enslaved individuals for the Atlantic slave trade and receiving firearms in exchange, which enabled its territorial expansion. The Asante resisted the growing British presence along the coast, engaging in a series of conflicts throughout the 19th century before ultimately succumbing to British authority. In 1957, Ghana emerged as the first Sub-Saharan nation in colonial Africa to achieve independence, resulting from the amalgamation of the British Gold Coast colony and the Togoland trust territory, with Kwame NKRUMAH becoming its inaugural leader.
Ghana experienced multiple coups before Lt. Jerry RAWLINGS seized power in 1981 and prohibited political parties. Following the approval of a new constitution and the re-establishment of multiparty politics in 1992, RAWLINGS won presidential elections in both 1992 and 1996, but was barred from seeking a third term in 2000 due to constitutional limits. John KUFUOR of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) succeeded him and was re-elected in 2004. John Atta MILLS of the National Democratic Congress emerged victorious in the presidential election of 2008 and assumed the presidency. Upon MILLS's death in 2012, his vice president, John Dramani MAHAMA, was constitutionally positioned to succeed him and subsequently secured the presidency in the 2012 elections. In 2016, Nana Addo Dankwa AKUFO-ADDO of the NPP defeated MAHAMA, marking the third occasion in which Ghana's presidency transitioned between parties since the restoration of democracy. AKUFO-ADDO was re-elected in 2020. In recent times, Ghana has actively engaged in fostering regional stability and is significantly involved in international matters.
Geography
Area
land
227,533 sq km
water
11,000 sq km
total
238,533 sq km
Climate
tropical climate; relatively warm and drier along the southeastern coast; hot and humid in the southwestern region; hot and arid in the northern part
Terrain
predominantly flat plains, with a fragmented plateau located in the south-central region
Land use
other
13.9% (2023 est.)
forest
30.7% (2023 est.)
agricultural land
55.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 20.7% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 11.9% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 22.8% (2023 est.)
Location
Located in Western Africa, adjacent to the Gulf of Guinea, situated between Côte d'Ivoire and Togo
Coastline
539 km
Elevation
lowest point
Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point
Mount Afadjato 885 m
mean elevation
190 m
Irrigated land
360 sq km (2013)
Map references
Africa
Land boundaries
total
2,420 km
border countries
Burkina Faso 602 km; Côte d'Ivoire 720 km; Togo 1,098 km
Maritime claims
contiguous zone
24 nm
territorial sea
12 nm
continental shelf
200 nm
exclusive economic zone
200 nm
Natural hazards
dry and dusty harmattan winds from the northeast occur between January and March; occurrences of drought
Geography - note
Lake Volta ranks as the largest artificial lake globally (constructed reservoir) by surface area, covering 8,482 square kilometers (3,275 square miles); this lake was formed following the completion of the Akosombo Dam in 1965
Natural resources
gold, timber, industrial diamonds, bauxite, manganese, fish, rubber, hydropower, petroleum, silver, salt, limestone
Area - comparative
slightly less extensive than Oregon
Geographic coordinates
8 00 N, 2 00 W
Population distribution
the population is mainly situated in the southern portion of the nation, with the densest populations along or near the Atlantic coastline, as illustrated in this population distribution map
Major watersheds (area sq km)
Atlantic Ocean drainage
Volta (410,991 sq km)
Major rivers (by length in km)
Mouth of the Volta River (shared with Burkina Faso [s]) - 1,600 km
note: [s] after the country name indicates the river source; [m] after the country name indicates the river mouth
People & Society
Literacy
male
81.3% (2021 est.)
female
72.1% (2021 est.)
total population
76.5% (2021 est.)
Languages
Asante 16%, Ewe 14%, Fante 11.6%, Boron (Brong) 4.9%, Dagomba 4.4%, Dangme 4.2%, Dagarte (Dagaba) 3.9%, Kokomba 3.5%, Akyem 3.2%, Ga 3.1%, other 31.2% (2010 est.)
Religions
Christian 71.3% (Pentecostal/Charismatic 31.6%, Protestant 17.4%, Catholic 10%, other 12.3%), Muslim 19.9%, traditionalist 3.2%, other 4.5%, none 1.1% (2021 estimate)
Sex ratio
at birth
1.03 male(s)/female
0-14 years
1.02 male(s)/female
15-64 years
0.93 male(s)/female
total population
0.96 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
65 years and over
0.81 male(s)/female
Birth rate
27.09 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Death rate
5.73 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Median age
male
20.6 years
total
21.6 years (2025 est.)
female
22.3 years
Population
male
17,278,776
total
35,336,133 (2025 est.)
female
18,057,357
Nationality
noun
Ghanaian(s)
adjective
Ghanaian
Tobacco use
male
5.4% (2025 est.)
total
2.8% (2025 est.)
female
0.3% (2025 est.)
Urbanization
urban population
59.2% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization
3.06% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Age structure
0-14 years
37.4% (male 6,527,386/female 6,400,245)
15-64 years
58.2% (male 9,690,498/female 10,444,197)
65 years and over
4.4% (2024 est.) (male 684,189/female 842,577)
Ethnic groups
Akan 45.7%, Mole-Dagbani 18.5%, Ewe 12.8%, Ga-Dangme 7.1%, Gurma 6.4%, Guan 3.2%, Grusi 2.7%, Mande 2%, other 1.6% (2021 estimate)
Child marriage
men married by age 18
2.4% (2022)
women married by age 15
3.3% (2022)
women married by age 18
16.1% (2022)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio
70.8 (2025 est.)
youth dependency ratio
63.2 (2025 est.)
potential support ratio
13.1 (2025 est.)
elderly dependency ratio
7.6 (2025 est.)
Physician density
0.27 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP)
4.2% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget)
7.4% of national budget (2022 est.)
Net migration rate
-0.15 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Hospital bed density
0.7 beds/1,000 population (2015 est.)
Total fertility rate
3.51 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Drinking water source
improved: rural
rural: 74.1% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total
total: 88.4% of population (2022 est.)
improved: urban
urban: 98.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural
rural: 25.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total
total: 11.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban
urban: 1.6% of population (2022 est.)
Education expenditure
Education expenditure (% GDP)
2.9% of GDP (2022 est.)
Education expenditure (% national budget)
13.2% national budget (2022 est.)
Infant mortality rate
male
34.5 deaths/1,000 live births
total
30.5 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
female
27.8 deaths/1,000 live births
Population growth rate
2.12% (2025 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
1.73 (2025 est.)
Population distribution
The population is primarily located in the southern region of the nation, with the densest populations situated along or close to the Atlantic coastline, as illustrated in this population distribution map
Life expectancy at birth
male
68.4 years
female
71.8 years
total population
70.1 years (2024 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio
234 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Sanitation facility access
improved: rural
rural: 55.3% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total
total: 73.1% of population (2022 est.)
improved: urban
urban: 85.7% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural
rural: 44.7% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total
total: 26.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban
urban: 14.3% of population (2022 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita
beer
0.53 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine
0.05 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
total
1.59 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits
0.39 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols
0.61 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Major urban areas - population
3.768 million Kumasi, 2.660 million ACCRA (capital), 1.078 million Sekondi Takoradi (2023)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
10.9% (2016)
Mother's mean age at first birth
22.1 years (2022 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
53.4% (2022 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
12% (2022 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
male
12 years (2022 est.)
total
12 years (2022 est.)
female
12 years (2022 est.)
Environment
Climate
tropical; warm and relatively arid along the southeastern coastline; hot and humid in the southwest region; hot and arid in the northern area
Land use
other
13.9% (2023 est.)
forest
30.7% (2023 est.)
agricultural land
55.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 20.7% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 11.9% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 22.8% (2023 est.)
Urbanization
urban population
59.2% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization
3.06% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Methane emissions
other
28.1 kt (2019-2021 est.)
waste
134 kt (2019-2021 est.)
energy
164.9 kt (2022-2024 est.)
agriculture
166.7 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually
3.538 million tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled
13.3% (2022 est.)
Environmental issues
drought conditions in the north; deforestation; excessive grazing; erosion of soil; poaching and destruction of habitats; pollution of water sources; insufficient access to safe drinking water
Total water withdrawal
municipal
299.6 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
industrial
95 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural
1.07 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
total emissions
20.822 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas
7.366 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from coal and metallurgical coke
107,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids
13.349 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
43.4 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Total renewable water resources
56.2 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
International environmental agreements
party to
Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified
Marine Life Conservation
Government
Flag
description: consists of three equal horizontal stripes in red (top), yellow, and green, with a prominent five-pointed black star located in the center of the yellow stripe
meaning: red symbolizes the blood sacrificed for independence, yellow represents the nation’s mineral resources, and green signifies its forests and natural bounty; the black star is considered the guiding star of African liberation
history: incorporates the colors associated with the Pan-African movement
Capital
name
Accra
etymology
the term comes from the Akan word nkran, translating to "ant," which may reference the nickname that indigenous forest inhabitants assigned to the Nigerian tribes who migrated to the region in the 16th century
time difference
UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
geographic coordinates
5 33 N, 0 13 W
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Citizenship
citizenship by birth
no
citizenship by descent only
at least one parent or grandparent must be a citizen of Ghana
dual citizenship recognized
yes
residency requirement for naturalization
5 years
Constitution
history
multiple previous constitutions; the most recent was drafted on 31 March 1992, approved and enacted on 28 April 1992, and became effective on 7 January 1993
amendment process
initiated by Parliament; any proposal must first be referred to the Council of State, composed of distinguished citizens who offer counsel to the president; amendments to "entrenched" constitutional provisions (including those addressing national sovereignty, fundamental rights and freedoms, governmental structures, and amendment processes) require a referendum with at least 40% voter participation and a minimum of 75% of the votes cast in favor, followed by a two-thirds majority in Parliament and the president's consent; modifications to non-entrenched provisions do not necessitate a referendum
Country name
former
Gold Coast
etymology
named after a tribal leader who governed a significant portion of the area before the 13th century, although his realm was located northwest of present-day Ghana; the previous designation, Gold Coast, originated from the gold discovered by Portuguese explorers in the late 15th century
conventional long form
Republic of Ghana
conventional short form
Ghana
Independence
6 March 1957 (from the UK)
Legal system
a hybrid system combining English common law and customary law
Government type
a presidential republic
Judicial branch
highest court(s)
Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and 13 justices)
subordinate courts
Court of Appeal; High Court; Circuit Court; District Court; regional tribunals
judge selection and term of office
the chief justice is appointed by the president after consulting with the Council of State (a small advisory group of distinguished citizens) and with Parliament's approval; other justices are selected by the president based on recommendations from the Judicial Council (an independent 18-member body consisting of judicial, military, and police officials, along with presidential appointees) and the Council of State; justices may retire at the age of 60, with mandatory retirement at 70
Executive branch
cabinet
Council of Ministers; appointed by the president, subject to Parliament's approval
chief of state
President John Dramani MAHAMA (since 7 January 2025)
election results
2024: John Dramani MAHAMA won the presidency in the first round; vote percentages - John Dramani MAHAMA (NDC) 56.5%, Mahamudu BAWUMIA (NPC) 41%, others 2.5%
2020: Nana Addo Dankwa AKUFO-ADDO secured reelection as president in the first round; vote percentages - Nana Addo Dankwa AKUFO-ADDO (NPP) 51.3%, John Dramani MAHAMA (NDC) 47.4%, others 1.3% (2020)
head of government
President John Dramani MAHAMA (since 7 January 2025)
most recent election date
7 December 2024
election/appointment process
the president and vice president are elected directly on the same ballot by an absolute-majority popular vote, which may occur in two rounds if necessary, for a term of four years (eligible for a second term); the president functions as both the head of state and the head of government
expected date of next election
7 December 2028
National holiday
Independence Day, 6 March (1957)
National color(s)
red, yellow, green, black
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites
2 (both cultural)
selected World Heritage Site locales
Forts and Castles, Volta, Greater Accra, Central and Western Regions; Asante Traditional Buildings
Political parties
All Peoples Congress or APC
Convention People's Party or CPP
Ghana Freedom Party or GFP
Ghana Union Movement or GUM
Great Consolidated Popular Party or GCPP
Liberal Party of Ghana or LPG
National Democratic Congress or NDC
National Democratic Party or NDP
New Patriotic Party or NPP
People's National Convention or PNC
Progressive People's Party or PPP
United Front Party or UFP
United Progressive Party or UPP
Legislative branch
term in office
4 years
number of seats
276 (all directly elected)
electoral system
plurality/majority
legislature name
Parliament
scope of elections
full renewal
legislative structure
unicameral
most recent election date
12/7/2024
expected date of next election
December 2028
percentage of women in chamber
14.5%
parties elected and seats per party
National Democratic Congress (NDC) (183); New Patriotic Party (NPP) (88); Other (4)
National anthem(s)
title
"God Bless Our Homeland Ghana"
history
music adopted in 1957, with lyrics adopted in 1966; the lyrics were revised twice, once in 1960 upon the declaration of a republic and again following a coup in 1966
lyrics/music
unknown/Philip GBEHO
National symbol(s)
black star, golden eagle
Administrative divisions
16 regions: Ahafo, Ashanti, Bono, Bono East, Central, Eastern, Greater Accra, North East, Northern, Oti, Savannah, Upper East, Upper West, Volta, Western, Western North
Diplomatic representation in the US
FAX
[1] (202) 686-4527
chancery
3512 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone
[1] (202) 686-4520
chief of mission
Ambassador Victor Emmanuel SMITH (since 19 September 2025)
consulate(s) general
New York
email address and website
[email protected]
https://washington.mfa.gov.gh/
Diplomatic representation from the US
embassy
No. 24, Fourth Circular Road, Cantonments, Accra, P.O. Box 2288, Accra
telephone
[233] (0) 30-274-1000
mailing address
2020 Accra Place, Washington DC 20521-2020
chief of mission
Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Rolf OLSON (since 29 May 2025)
email address and website
[email protected]
https://gh.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
ACP, AfDB, ATMIS, AU, C, ECOWAS, EITI (compliant country), FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINURSO, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS (observer), OIF, OPCW, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNHRC, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNISFA, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNOOSA, UNSOM, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
International law organization participation
has not presented a declaration of jurisdiction to the ICJ; acknowledges the jurisdiction of the ICCt
Economy
Budget
revenues
$11.684 billion (2022 est.)
expenditures
$19.102 billion (2022 est.)
Exports
Exports 2021
$23.901 billion (2021 est.)
Exports 2022
$25.52 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2023
$25.365 billion (2023 est.)
Imports
Imports 2021
$25.967 billion (2021 est.)
Imports 2022
$26.329 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2023
$26.024 billion (2023 est.)
Industries
aluminum smelting, food processing, cement, small commercial shipbuilding, petroleum, mining, lumbering, light manufacturing
Labor force
13.928 million (2024 est.)
Public debt
Public debt 2016
73.4% of GDP (2016 est.)
Remittances
Remittances 2021
2.4% of GDP (2021 est.)
Remittances 2022
2.8% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2023
3% of GDP (2023 est.)
Exchange rates
Currency
cedis (GHC) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2019
5.217 (2019 est.)
Exchange rates 2020
5.596 (2020 est.)
Exchange rates 2021
5.806 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2022
8.272 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2023
11.02 (2023 est.)
Debt - external
Debt - external 2023
$29.241 billion (2023 est.)
Economic overview
An economy classified as lower-middle income in West Africa; it is a significant exporter of gold, oil, and cocoa. The economy faces macroeconomic challenges after nearly forty years of continuous growth, but has made recent advancements in debt restructuring, fiscal reforms, financial stability, and controlling high inflation under the IMF credit facility program for 2023-26.
Unemployment rate
Unemployment rate 2022
3.1% (2022 est.)
Unemployment rate 2023
3.1% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate 2024
3.1% (2024 est.)
Exports - partners
Switzerland 24%, UAE 18%, India 8%, South Africa 7%, China 7% (2023)
Imports - partners
China 30%, Netherlands 8%, India 5%, USA 5%, Russia 5% (2023)
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2022
$6,700 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023
$6,800 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2024
$7,100 (2024 est.)
Real GDP growth rate
Real GDP growth rate 2022
3.8% (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2023
3.1% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2024
5.7% (2024 est.)
Agricultural products
cassava, yams, plantains, maize, oil palm fruit, taro, rice, oranges, pineapples, cocoa beans (2023)
Exports - commodities
gold, crude petroleum, cocoa beans, manganese ore, cocoa paste (2023)
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, cars, plastics, plastic products, footwear (2023)
Current account balance
Current account balance 2021
-$2.541 billion (2021 est.)
Current account balance 2022
-$1.741 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2023
$1.407 billion (2023 est.)
Taxes and other revenues
12.3% (of GDP) (2022 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate)
$82.825 billion (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption
84.1% (2024 est.)
government consumption
4.8% (2024 est.)
investment in inventories
0.2% (2024 est.)
investment in fixed capital
9.8% (2024 est.)
exports of goods and services
35.3% (2024 est.)
imports of goods and services
-34.1% (2024 est.)
Population below poverty line
23.4% (2016 est.)
Average household expenditures
on food
39.1% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco
0.4% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022
31.3% (2022 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023
38.1% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2024
22.8% (2024 est.)
Industrial production growth rate
7.1% (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022
$223.043 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023
$230.046 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024
$243.124 billion (2024 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
male
5.5% (2024 est.)
total
5.4% (2024 est.)
female
5.3% (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2021
$9.917 billion (2021 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022
$5.205 billion (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023
$3.624 billion (2023 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
industry
28.8% (2024 est.)
services
43.9% (2024 est.)
agriculture
20.7% (2024 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%
1.6% (2016 est.)
highest 10%
32.2% (2016 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2016
43.5 (2016 est.)
Energy
Coal
exports
21 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports
52,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
consumption
51,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum
total petroleum production
176,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves
660 million barrels (2021 est.)
refined petroleum consumption
96,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Electricity
exports
2 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports
48.449 million kWh (2023 est.)
consumption
19.534 billion kWh (2023 est.)
installed generating capacity
5.519 million kW (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses
2.796 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Natural gas
imports
639.204 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
production
3.116 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
consumption
3.755 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
proven reserves
22.653 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Electricity access
electrification - rural areas
71.6%
electrification - urban areas
95%
electrification - total population
85.1% (2022 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023
10.493 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
solar
0.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
fossil fuels
61.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity
37.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste
0.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Communications
Internet users
percent of population
70% (2023 est.)
Broadcast media
a state-owned television network, two state-owned radio channels; numerous privately operated television stations and a significant quantity of privately owned radio outlets; broadcasts from various international media organizations are available; several subscription services for cable and satellite television can be accessed
Internet country code
.gh
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions
269,000 (2024 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
(2024 est.) less than 1
Telephones - mobile cellular
total subscriptions
39.1 million (2024 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
114 (2024 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
total
223,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
1 (2023 est.)
Transportation
Ports
large
0
small
1
medium
1
key ports
Saltpond, Sekondi, Takoradi, Tema
very small
2
total ports
4 (2024)
ports with oil terminals
3
Airports
11 (2025)
Railways
total
947 km (2022)
narrow gauge
947 km (2022) 1.067-m gauge
Heliports
7 (2025)
Merchant marine
total
52 (2023)
by type
general cargo 8, oil tanker 3, other 41
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
9G
Military & Security
Military - note
The main responsibilities of the military include border defense, support for internal security, peacekeeping efforts, and safeguarding the nation's territorial waters, especially its offshore oil and gas facilities; it has gained from collaborations with international partners like the UK and the US, as well as experience from participating in various global peacekeeping operations.
In recent years, Ghana has bolstered its Army and increased its presence in the northern regions to secure its vulnerable borders, disrupt smuggling networks, and counteract threats from the terrorist group Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), a coalition of al-Qa'ida-affiliated militant organizations that is significantly active in Burkina Faso and has executed attacks in Côte d'Ivoire and Togo; Ghana has also been working to enhance the Navy's capabilities to defend its maritime interests and address challenges such as piracy and illegal fishing (2025).
Military deployments
875 in Lebanon (UNIFIL); 725 (plus approximately 275 police) in South Sudan (UNMISS); 670 in Sudan (UNISFA) (2025).
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2020
0.4% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021
0.5% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022
0.4% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023
0.4% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2024
0.4% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military and security forces
Ghana Armed Forces (GAF): Army, Air Force, Ghana Navy
Ministry of Interior: Ghana Police Service (2025).
Military service age and obligation
Ages 18-27 are eligible for voluntary military service; there is no conscription (2025).
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
The military's arsenal consists of a combination of older (predominantly Soviet-era) equipment and some newer supplies from countries such as China, Japan, Jordan, Türkiye, the UK, and the US; the government has pledged to increase funding for the procurement of equipment, including armor, mechanized units, and special forces capabilities for the Army, light attack aircraft for the Air Force, and more advanced coastal patrol vessels for the Navy (2025).
Military and security service personnel strengths
estimated 15-20,000 active Armed Forces (2025)
Transnational Issues
Refugees and internally displaced persons
IDPs
4,937 (2024 est.)
refugees
17,334 (2024 est.)
Space
Space agency/agencies
Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute (GSSTI; founded in 2011) (2025)
Space program overview
features an emerging space program that emphasizes Earth observation, education in space science, and telecommunications; aims to leverage remote sensing (RS) technology for applications in agriculture, natural resource management, weather forecasting, and national security; currently depends on international imagery for its analyses but aspires to cultivate its own RS satellite capabilities; has formed partnerships with China, Japan, and several regional nations, notably South Africa; collaborating with Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, Sudan, and Uganda on a satellite initiative aimed at monitoring climate variations across Africa; is a member of the African Space Agency; involved as a collaborator in the Square Kilometer Array radio telescope (2025)
Key space-program milestones
2017 - launched its inaugural satellite (GhanaSat-1), a nanosatellite for technology demonstration and remote sensing, constructed by a university in Gabon with support from Japan and deployed from the International Space Station; established the Ghana Radio Astronomy Observatory
2024 - unveiled a national space policy
