World · permanent entity record · GH

Ghana

Thirty-second orientation

Ghana at a glance

Capital: Accra; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Population: 35,064,272; World Bank, World Development Indicators · observation year 2025
Area: 238,533 sq km; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Nationality / demonym: noun: Ghanaian(s); adjective: Ghanaian; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Government: presidential republic; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
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.); CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04

Independently structured milestones · not a complete national history

Ghana through time

1957-03-08
Admitted to the United Nations
Ghana became a member of the United Nations.
United Nations, Member States · source checked 2026-09-04

Source history · changed fields only

Changes since the final CIA profile

Field	Maintained Almanac value	Final CIA profile
Population	35,064,272World Bank, World Development Indicators · observation year 2025	total: 35,336,133 (2025 est.) male: 17,278,776 female: 18,057,357CIA World Factbook · as of 2026-01-20

A difference may reflect a newer observation, a revised estimate, or a different source definition. This table reports the values and dates; it does not manufacture a trend.

World Development Indicators · latest available observation

People, economy, and access

Observation years vary by measure. Each row identifies the series and year instead of presenting unlike dates as one current snapshot.

Gross domestic product: $114.2 billion; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator NY.GDP.MKTP.CD · observation year 2025 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator NY.GDP.MKTP.CD. Underlying providers: National statistical authorities, central banks, OECD national accounts, and World Bank staff estimates. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Gross domestic product per person: $3,257; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator NY.GDP.PCAP.CD · observation year 2025 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator NY.GDP.PCAP.CD. Underlying providers: National statistical authorities, central banks, OECD national accounts, and World Bank staff estimates. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Life expectancy at birth: 65.7 years; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator SP.DYN.LE00.IN · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator SP.DYN.LE00.IN. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, national statistical offices, and Eurostat. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Urban population: 58.9%; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS · observation year 2025 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, World Urbanization Prospects. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Access to electricity: 91.9%; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS. Underlying providers: World Bank ESMAP, Tracking SDG 7. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
People using the internet: 72.2%; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator IT.NET.USER.ZS · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator IT.NET.USER.ZS. Underlying providers: International Telecommunication Union. Retrieved 2026-09-08.

World Development Indicators data are provided under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0). The linked indicator metadata identifies the underlying statistical providers.

Maintained profile

Capital: Accra; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04The nation set and displayed federal short name follow the current State Department independent-states register, dated August 11, 2026.
Area: 238,533 sq km; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04Final CIA source data preserved by a community mirror after the Factbook was retired; the mirror is not the issuing authority.
Population: 35,064,272; World Bank, World Development Indicators · observation year 2025World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator SP.POP.TOTL. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, national statistical offices, and Eurostat. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Currency: cedis (GHC); CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04Currency label extracted from the Factbook exchange-rate field.
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.); CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04Factbook language listing reproduced without inferring official status beyond the source wording.
Nationality / demonym: noun: Ghanaian(s); adjective: Ghanaian; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04The source’s noun and adjective forms are retained. These are language labels, not evidence of any individual person’s citizenship.
Government: presidential republic; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
UN membership: 1957-03-08; United Nations, Member States · as of 2026-09-04
Continent: Africa; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Continental label standardized from the archived profile region “Africa.”
Coastline: 539 km; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Climate: tropical; warm and comparatively dry along southeast coast; hot and humid in southwest; hot and dry in north; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
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 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Flag colors: red, yellow, green, black; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Colors extracted from the flag description in the preserved final CIA profile.
National symbol: black star, golden eagle; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Highest point: Mount Afadjato · 2,904 ft (885 m); CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Lowest point: Atlantic Ocean · 0 ft (0 m); CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
NATO membership: Not a member; NATO, What is NATO? · as of 2026-09-06Membership status is reported from the organization's current member list as of the stated date.
BRICS membership: Not a member; BRICS Brazil, About the BRICS · as of 2026-09-06Membership status is reported from the organization's current member list as of the stated date.

Preserved public-domain record · not maintained current data

Final CIA World Factbook profile

This is the preserved historical baseline from the Factbook’s final public snapshot. It is presented as the CIA stated it, not as a current Standard American Almanac finding. Current, independently maintained facts appear above when available.

CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · profile updated 2026-01-20 · pinned source record · commit d81154954b8b

Introduction1 fields

Background: Ghana is a multiethnic country rich in natural resources and is one of the most stable and democratic countries in West Africa. Ghana has been inhabited for at least several thousand years, but little is known about its early inhabitants. By the 12th century, the gold trade started to boom in Bono (Bonoman) state in what is today southern Ghana, and it became the genesis of the Akan people's power and wealth in the region. Beginning in the 15th century, the Portuguese, followed by other European powers, arrived and competed for trading rights. Numerous kingdoms and empires emerged in the area, among the most powerful were the Kingdom of Dagbon in the north and the Asante (Ashanti) Empire in the south. By the mid-18th century, Asante was a highly organized state with immense wealth; it provided enslaved people for the Atlantic slave trade, and in return received firearms that facilitated its territorial expansion. The Asante resisted increasing British influence in the coastal areas, engaging in a series of wars during the 19th century before ultimately falling under British control. Formed from the merger of the British colony of the Gold Coast and the Togoland trust territory, Ghana in 1957 became the first Sub-Saharan country in colonial Africa to gain its independence, with Kwame NKRUMAH as its first leader. Ghana endured a series of coups before Lt. Jerry RAWLINGS took power in 1981 and banned political parties. After approving a new constitution and restoring multiparty politics in 1992, RAWLINGS won presidential elections in 1992 and 1996 but was constitutionally prevented from running for a third term in 2000. John KUFUOR of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) succeeded him and was reelected in 2004. John Atta MILLS of the National Democratic Congress won the 2008 presidential election and took over as head of state. MILLS died in 2012 and was constitutionally succeeded by his vice president, John Dramani MAHAMA, who subsequently won the 2012 presidential election. In 2016, Nana Addo Dankwa AKUFO-ADDO of the NPP defeated MAHAMA, marking the third time that Ghana’s presidency had changed parties since the return to democracy. AKUFO-ADDO was reelected in 2020. In recent years, Ghana has taken an active role in promoting regional stability and is highly integrated in international affairs.; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Geography19 fields

Location: Western Africa, bordering the Gulf of Guinea, between Cote d'Ivoire and Togo; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Geographic coordinates: 8 00 N, 2 00 W; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Map references: Africa; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Area: total : 238,533 sq km land: 227,533 sq km water: 11,000 sq km; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Area - comparative: slightly smaller than Oregon; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Land boundaries: total: 2,420 km border countries (3): Burkina Faso 602 km; Cote d'Ivoire 720 km; Togo 1098 km; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Coastline: 539 km; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm continental shelf: 200 nm; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Climate: tropical; warm and comparatively dry along southeast coast; hot and humid in southwest; hot and dry in north; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Terrain: mostly low plains with dissected plateau in south-central area; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Elevation: highest point: Mount Afadjato 885 m lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 190 m; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Natural resources: gold, timber, industrial diamonds, bauxite, manganese, fish, rubber, hydropower, petroleum, silver, salt, limestone; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Land use: agricultural land: 55.4% (2023 est.) arable land: 20.7% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 11.9% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 22.8% (2023 est.) forest: 30.7% (2023 est.) other: 13.9% (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Irrigated land: 360 sq km (2013); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Major rivers (by length in km): Volta river mouth (shared with Burkina Faso [s]) - 1,600 km note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: Volta (410,991 sq km); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Population distribution: population is concentrated in the southern half of the country, with the highest concentrations on or near the Atlantic coast, as shown in this population distribution map; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Natural hazards: dry, dusty, northeastern harmattan winds from January to March; droughts; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Geography - note: Lake Volta is the world's largest artificial lake (manmade reservoir) by surface area (8,482 sq km; 3,275 sq mi); the lake was created after the Akosombo Dam was completed in 1965; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

People and Society36 fields

Population: total: 35,336,133 (2025 est.) male: 17,278,776 female: 18,057,357; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Nationality: noun: Ghanaian(s) adjective: Ghanaian; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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.) note: English is the official language; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 70.8 (2025 est.) youth dependency ratio: 63.2 (2025 est.) elderly dependency ratio: 7.6 (2025 est.) potential support ratio: 13.1 (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Median age: total: 21.6 years (2025 est.) male: 20.6 years female: 22.3 years; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Population growth rate: 2.12% (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Birth rate: 27.09 births/1,000 population (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Death rate: 5.73 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Net migration rate: -0.15 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Population distribution: population is concentrated in the southern half of the country, with the highest concentrations on or near the Atlantic coast, as shown in this population distribution map; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Urbanization: urban population: 59.2% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 3.06% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Major urban areas - population: 3.768 million Kumasi, 2.660 million ACCRA (capital), 1.078 million Sekondi Takoradi (2023); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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 65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2024 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Mother's mean age at first birth: 22.1 years (2022 est.) note: data represents median age at first birth among women 25-49; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Maternal mortality ratio: 234 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Infant mortality rate: total: 30.5 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.) male: 34.5 deaths/1,000 live births female: 27.8 deaths/1,000 live births; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 70.1 years (2024 est.) male: 68.4 years female: 71.8 years; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Total fertility rate: 3.51 children born/woman (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Gross reproduction rate: 1.73 (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Drinking water source: urban: 98.4% of population (2022 est.) rural: 74.1% of population (2022 est.) total: 88.4% of population (2022 est.) urban: 1.6% of population (2022 est.) rural: 25.9% of population (2022 est.) total: 11.6% of population (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Health expenditure: 4.2% of GDP (2021) 7.4% of national budget (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Physician density: 0.27 physicians/1,000 population (2023); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Hospital bed density: 0.7 beds/1,000 population (2015 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Sanitation facility access: urban: 85.7% of population (2022 est.) rural: 55.3% of population (2022 est.) total: 73.1% of population (2022 est.) urban: 14.3% of population (2022 est.) rural: 44.7% of population (2022 est.) total: 26.9% of population (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 10.9% (2016); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Alcohol consumption per capita: total: 1.59 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) beer: 0.53 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) wine: 0.05 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.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Tobacco use: total: 2.8% (2025 est.) male: 5.4% (2025 est.) female: 0.3% (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 12% (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Currently married women (ages 15-49): 53.4% (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Child marriage: women married by age 15: 3.3% (2022) women married by age 18: 16.1% (2022) men married by age 18: 2.4% (2022); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Education expenditure: 2.9% of GDP (2022 est.) 13.2% national budget (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Literacy: total population: 76.5% (2021 est.) male: 81.3% (2021 est.) female: 72.1% (2021 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 12 years (2022 est.) male: 12 years (2022 est.) female: 12 years (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Environment11 fields

Environmental issues: drought in north; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; poaching and habitat destruction; water pollution; inadequate potable water; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Climate: tropical; warm and comparatively dry along southeast coast; hot and humid in southwest; hot and dry in north; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Land use: agricultural land: 55.4% (2023 est.) arable land: 20.7% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 11.9% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 22.8% (2023 est.) forest: 30.7% (2023 est.) other: 13.9% (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Urbanization: urban population: 59.2% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 3.06% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Carbon dioxide emissions: 20.822 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.) from consumed natural gas: 7.366 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Particulate matter emissions: 43.4 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Methane emissions: energy: 164.9 kt (2022-2024 est.) agriculture: 166.7 kt (2019-2021 est.) waste: 134 kt (2019-2021 est.) other: 28.1 kt (2019-2021 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 3.538 million tons (2024 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 13.3% (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Total renewable water resources: 56.2 billion cubic meters (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Government23 fields

Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Ghana conventional short form: Ghana former: Gold Coast etymology: named for a tribal chieftain who ruled a large part of the region prior to the 13th century, even though his territory was northwest of modern-day Ghana; the former name, Gold Coast, came from the gold that Portuguese explorers discovered in the region in the late 15th century; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Government type: presidential republic; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Capital: name: Accra geographic coordinates: 5 33 N, 0 13 W time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: the name derives from the Akan word nkran, meaning "ant," and may refer to the nickname local forest dwellers gave to the Nigerian tribes who settled in the area in the 16th century; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Legal system: mixed system of English common law and customary law; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Constitution: history: several previous; latest drafted 31 March 1992, approved and promulgated 28 April 1992, entered into force 7 January 1993 amendment process: proposed by Parliament; consideration requires prior referral to the Council of State, a body of prominent citizens who advise the president of the republic; passage of amendments to "entrenched" constitutional articles (including those on national sovereignty, fundamental rights and freedoms, the structure and authorities of the branches of government, and amendment procedures) requires approval in a referendum by at least 40% participation of eligible voters and at least 75% of votes cast, followed by at least two-thirds majority vote in Parliament, and assent of the president; amendments to non-entrenched articles do not require referenda; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
International law organization participation: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Executive branch: chief of state: President John Dramani MAHAMA (since 7 January 2025) head of government: President John Dramani MAHAMA (since 7 January 2025) cabinet: Council of Ministers; nominated by the president, approved by Parliament election/appointment process: president and vice president directly elected on the same ballot by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 4-year term (eligible for a second term); the president is both chief of state and head of government most recent election date: 7 December 2024 election results: 2024: John Dramani MAHAMA elected president in the first round; percent of vote- John Dramani MAHAMA (NDC) 56.5%, Mahamudu BAWUMIA (NPC) 41%, other 2.5% 2020: Nana Addo Dankwa AKUFO-ADDO reelected president in the first round; percent of vote - Nana Addo Dankwa AKUFO-ADDO (NPP) 51.3%, John Dramani MAHAMA (NDC) 47.4%, other 1.3% (2020) expected date of next election: 7 December 2028; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Legislative branch: legislature name: Parliament legislative structure: unicameral number of seats: 276 (all directly elected) electoral system: plurality/majority scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 4 years most recent election date: 12/7/2024 parties elected and seats per party: National Democratic Congress (NDC) (183); New Patriotic Party (NPP) (88); Other (4) percentage of women in chamber: 14.5% expected date of next election: December 2028; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Judicial branch: highest court(s): Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and 13 justices) judge selection and term of office: chief justice appointed by the president in consultation with the Council of State (a small advisory body of prominent citizens) and with the approval of Parliament; other justices appointed by the president on the advice of the Judicial Council (an 18-member independent body of judicial, military and police officials, and presidential nominees) and on the advice of the Council of State; justices can retire at age 60, with compulsory retirement at age 70 subordinate courts: Court of Appeal; High Court; Circuit Court; District Court; regional tribunals; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Victor Emmanuel SMITH (since 19 September 2025) chancery: 3512 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 686-4520 FAX: [1] (202) 686-4527 email address and website: info.washington@mfa.gov.gh https://washington.mfa.gov.gh/ consulate(s) general: New York; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Rolf OLSON (since 29 May 2025) embassy: No. 24, Fourth Circular Road, Cantonments, Accra, P.O. Box 2288, Accra mailing address: 2020 Accra Place, Washington DC 20521-2020 telephone: [233] (0) 30-274-1000 email address and website: ACSAccra@state.gov https://gh.usembassy.gov/; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Independence: 6 March 1957 (from the UK); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
National holiday: Independence Day, 6 March (1957); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Flag: description: three equal horizontal bands of red (top), yellow, and green, with a large five-pointed black star centered in the yellow band meaning: red stands for the blood shed for independence, yellow for the country's mineral wealth, and green for its forests and natural wealth; the black star is said to be the lodestar of African freedom history: uses the colors of the Pan-African movement note: similar to the flag of Bolivia, which has a coat of arms centered in the yellow band; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
National symbol(s): black star, golden eagle; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
National color(s): red, yellow, green, black; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
National anthem(s): title: "God Bless Our Homeland Ghana" lyrics/music: unknown/Philip GBEHO history: music adopted 1957, lyrics adopted 1966; the lyrics were changed twice, in 1960 when a republic was declared and after a 1966 coup; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Economy32 fields

Economic overview: West African lower-middle income economy; major gold, oil and cocoa exporter; macroeconomic challenges following nearly four decades of sustained growth; recent progress in debt restructuring, fiscal reforms, financial stability, and curbing runaway inflation under 2023-26 IMF credit facility program; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $243.124 billion (2024 est.) $230.046 billion (2023 est.) $223.043 billion (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Real GDP growth rate: 5.7% (2024 est.) 3.1% (2023 est.) 3.8% (2022 est.) note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Real GDP per capita: $7,100 (2024 est.) $6,800 (2023 est.) $6,700 (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
GDP (official exchange rate): $82.825 billion (2024 est.) note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 22.8% (2024 est.) 38.1% (2023 est.) 31.3% (2022 est.) note: annual % change based on consumer prices; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 20.7% (2024 est.) industry: 28.8% (2024 est.) services: 43.9% (2024 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 84.1% (2024 est.) government consumption: 4.8% (2024 est.) investment in fixed capital: 9.8% (2024 est.) investment in inventories: 0.2% (2024 est.) exports of goods and services: 35.3% (2024 est.) imports of goods and services: -34.1% (2024 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Agricultural products: cassava, yams, plantains, maize, oil palm fruit, taro, rice, oranges, pineapples, cocoa beans (2023) note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Industries: mining, lumbering, light manufacturing, aluminum smelting, food processing, cement, small commercial ship building, petroleum; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Industrial production growth rate: 7.1% (2024 est.) note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Labor force: 13.928 million (2024 est.) note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Unemployment rate: 3.1% (2024 est.) 3.1% (2023 est.) 3.1% (2022 est.) note: % of labor force seeking employment; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24): total: 5.4% (2024 est.) male: 5.5% (2024 est.) female: 5.3% (2024 est.) note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Population below poverty line: 23.4% (2016 est.) note: % of population with income below national poverty line; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 43.5 (2016 est.) note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Average household expenditures: on food: 39.1% of household expenditures (2023 est.) on alcohol and tobacco: 0.4% of household expenditures (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 1.6% (2016 est.) highest 10%: 32.2% (2016 est.) note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Remittances: 3% of GDP (2023 est.) 2.8% of GDP (2022 est.) 2.4% of GDP (2021 est.) note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Budget: revenues: $11.684 billion (2022 est.) expenditures: $19.102 billion (2022 est.) note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Public debt: 73.4% of GDP (2016 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Taxes and other revenues: 12.3% (of GDP) (2022 est.) note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Current account balance: $1.407 billion (2023 est.) -$1.741 billion (2022 est.) -$2.541 billion (2021 est.) note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Exports: $25.365 billion (2023 est.) $25.52 billion (2022 est.) $23.901 billion (2021 est.) note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Exports - partners: Switzerland 24%, UAE 18%, India 8%, South Africa 7%, China 7% (2023) note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Exports - commodities: gold, crude petroleum, cocoa beans, manganese ore, cocoa paste (2023) note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Imports: $26.024 billion (2023 est.) $26.329 billion (2022 est.) $25.967 billion (2021 est.) note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Imports - partners: China 30%, Netherlands 8%, India 5%, USA 5%, Russia 5% (2023) note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, cars, plastics, plastic products, footwear (2023) note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $3.624 billion (2023 est.) $5.205 billion (2022 est.) $9.917 billion (2021 est.) note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Debt - external: $29.241 billion (2023 est.) note: present value of external debt in current US dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Exchange rates: cedis (GHC) per US dollar - 11.02 (2023 est.) 8.272 (2022 est.) 5.806 (2021 est.) 5.596 (2020 est.) 5.217 (2019 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Energy7 fields

Electricity access: electrification - total population: 85.1% (2022 est.) electrification - urban areas: 95% electrification - rural areas: 71.6%; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Electricity: installed generating capacity: 5.519 million kW (2023 est.) consumption: 19.534 billion kWh (2023 est.) exports: 2 billion kWh (2023 est.) imports: 48.449 million kWh (2023 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 2.796 billion kWh (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 61.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) solar: 0.6% 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.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Coal: consumption: 51,000 metric tons (2023 est.) exports: 21 metric tons (2023 est.) imports: 52,000 metric tons (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Petroleum: total petroleum production: 176,000 bbl/day (2023 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 96,000 bbl/day (2023 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 660 million barrels (2021 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Natural gas: production: 3.116 billion cubic meters (2023 est.) consumption: 3.755 billion cubic meters (2023 est.) imports: 639.204 million cubic meters (2023 est.) proven reserves: 22.653 billion cubic meters (2021 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Energy consumption per capita: 10.493 million Btu/person (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Communications6 fields

Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 269,000 (2024 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2024 est.) less than 1; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 39.1 million (2024 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 114 (2024 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Broadcast media: state-owned TV station, 2 state-owned radio networks; several privately owned TV stations and a large number of privately owned radio stations; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are accessible; several cable and satellite TV subscription services are obtainable; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Internet country code: .gh; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Internet users: percent of population: 70% (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 223,000 (2023 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 1 (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Transportation6 fields

Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: 9G; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Airports: 11 (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Heliports: 7 (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Railways: total: 947 km (2022) narrow gauge: 947 km (2022) 1.067-m gauge; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Merchant marine: total: 52 (2023) by type: general cargo 8, oil tanker 3, other 41; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Ports: total ports: 4 (2024) large: 0 medium: 1 small: 1 very small: 2 ports with oil terminals: 3 key ports: Saltpond, Sekondi, Takoradi, Tema; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Military and Security7 fields

Military and security forces: Ghana Armed Forces (GAF): Army, Air Force, Ghana Navy Ministry of Interior: Ghana Police Service (2025) note: the GAF also has a Medical Service/Corps; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Military expenditures: 0.4% of GDP (2024 est.) 0.4% of GDP (2023 est.) 0.4% of GDP (2022 est.) 0.5% of GDP (2021 est.) 0.4% of GDP (2020 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Military and security service personnel strengths: estimated 15-20,000 active Armed Forces (2025) note: over the past decade, Ghana has sought to increase the size of the GAF, particularly the Army, which has added a number of new units; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the military's inventory is a mix of older (mostly Soviet-era) and some newer armaments from such suppliers as China, Japan, Jordan, Türkiye, the UK, and the US; the government has committed to an increase in funding for equipment acquisitions, including armor, mechanized, and special forces capabilities for the Army, light attack aircraft for the Air Force, and more modern coastal patrol vessels for the Navy (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Military service age and obligation: 18-27 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2025) note: as of 2024, women comprised approximately 15% of the military; Ghanaian women first began serving in the late 1950s; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Military deployments: 875 Lebanon (UNIFIL); 725 (plus about 275 police) South Sudan (UNMISS); 670 Sudan (UNISFA) (2025) note: since sending a contingent of troops to the Congo in 1960, the military has been a regular contributor to African- and UN-sponsored peacekeeping missions; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Military - note: the military’s primary missions are border defense, assisting with internal security, peacekeeping, and protecting the country’s territorial waters, particularly its offshore oil and gas infrastructure; it has benefited from cooperation with foreign partners, such as the UK and the US, and experience gained from participation in multiple international peacekeeping missions in recent years, Ghana has expanded the Army and reinforced its presence in the northern part of the country to shore up porous borders, interdict smuggling routes, and counter threats from the terrorist organization Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), a coalition of al-Qa'ida linked militant groups which has a considerable presence in Burkina Faso and has conducted attacks in Cote d'Ivoire and Togo; Ghana has also made efforts to increase the Navy's capabilities to protect its maritime claims and counter threats such as piracy and illegal fishing (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Space3 fields

Space agency/agencies: Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute (GSSTI; established 2011) (2025) note: the GSSTI is eventually slated to become the Ghana Space Agency; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Space program overview: has nascent space program focused on Earth observation, space science education, and telecommunications; seeks to exploit remote sensing (RS) technology for agriculture, natural-resource management, weather forecasting, and national security; relies on foreign imagery for analysis but seeks to develop its own RS satellite capabilities; has established cooperative relationships with China, Japan, and a number of regional states, particularly South Africa; working with Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, Sudan, and Uganda on a satellite to monitor climate changes in the African continent; member of the African Space Agency; partner in the Square Kilometer Array radio telescope (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Key space-program milestones: 2017 - first satellite (GhanaSat-1), a technology demonstration/remote sensing nanosatellite built by a Gabonese university with assistance from Japan and released from the International Space Station; established Ghana Radio Astronomy Observatory 2024 - released a national space policy; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Transnational Issues1 fields

Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees: 17,334 (2024 est.) IDPs: 4,937 (2024 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

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Ghana at a glance

Ghana through time

Admitted to the United Nations

Changes since the final CIA profile

People, economy, and access

Maintained profile