Country Profile: Ghana
Ghana is a multiethnic country located in Western Africa, bordered by the Gulf of Guinea and neighbors Côte d'Ivoire and Togo. As of 2025, Ghana has a population of approximately 35.3 million people, rich in cultural diversity and resources, with a stable democratic governance structure. The economy is largely driven by the export of gold, oil, and cocoa, but faces challenges such as inflation and debt management. Nonetheless, Ghana is recognized for its active participation in regional stability and international affairs.
Geography
Ghana features a diverse landscape characterized by mostly low plains with a dissected plateau in the south-central region. The country experiences a tropical climate, varying from warm and dry along the southeast coast to hot and humid in the southwest and hot and dry in the north. The highest point is Mount Afadjato at 885 meters, while the Atlantic Ocean marks its lowest elevation.
- 238,533 sq km total area
- 55.4% of land used for agriculture (2023 est.)
- 30.7% of the country is forested (2023 est.)
- 11,000 sq km of water area
- 539 km of coastline
People and Society
Ghana's population, estimated at 35.3 million people in 2025, is made up of various ethnic groups, with the Akan being the largest at 45.7%. English is the official language, and the majority of the population practices Christianity, followed by Islam. The nation has made significant advances in health and education, although challenges remain in maternal mortality and access to clean drinking water.
- 71.3% of the population identifies as Christian (2021 est.)
- 59.2% urban population (2023)
- 37.4% of the population is aged 0-14 years (2024 est.)
- 3.51 children born/woman (2025 est.)
- 70.1 years life expectancy at birth (2024 est.)
Economy
Ghana has a lower-middle-income economy, largely reliant on exports of gold, oil, and cocoa. The country has faced macroeconomic challenges but is currently focusing on fiscal reforms and restructuring its public debt. Industrial production has shown growth, alongside significant contributions from agriculture and services.
- $82.825 billion GDP (2024 est.)
- 3.1% unemployment rate (2024 est.)
- $7,100 GDP per capita (2024 est.)
- 22.8% inflation rate (2024 est.)
- 20.7% agriculture's contribution to GDP (2024 est.)
Government
Ghana operates as a presidential republic with a unicameral Parliament. The country gained independence in 1957 and has a legal system that mixes English common law and customary law. Governance includes a President elected for a four-year term, with the most recent election held in 2024, resulting in John Dramani Mahama assuming office.
- 16 regions administratively divided
- 276 seats in Parliament
- 18 years is the minimum voting age
- 7 December 2028 is the expected date for the next election
Military and Security
The Ghana Armed Forces are composed of the Army, Air Force, and Navy, supplemented by the Ghana Police Service. Ghana has been active in international peacekeeping missions and is committed to enhancing its military capabilities, particularly in border defense and maritime security.
- 0.4% of GDP is allocated to military expenditures (2024 est.)
- 15-20,000 active military personnel (2025 est.)
- 875 personnel deployed in Lebanon for UNIFIL (2025)
- 639 million cubic meters of natural gas production (2023 est.)
Energy
Ghana's energy sector includes a growing focus on electrification, with about 85.1% of the population having access to electricity as of 2022. The energy mix is composed mainly of fossil fuels and hydroelectric sources.
- 5.519 million kW installed generating capacity (2023 est.)
- 19.534 billion kWh electricity consumption (2023 est.)
- 61.5% of installed capacity from fossil fuels (2023 est.)
- 176,000 bbl/day of petroleum production (2023 est.)
Environment
Ghana faces significant environmental issues, including deforestation, water pollution, and inadequate access to clean water. The nation is a party to several international environmental agreements aimed at addressing climate change and biodiversity.
- 30.7% of land is forested (2023 est.)
- 56.2 billion cubic meters total renewable water resources (2022 est.)
- 20.822 million metric tons of CO2 emissions (2023 est.)
Transportation
Ghana’s transportation infrastructure consists of various means including air, rail, and sea transport. The majority of urban areas are served by a well-connected road network, and the country has a significant merchant marine fleet.
- 11 airports (2025)
- 947 km of railway (2022)
- 4 major ports including Tema and Takoradi (2024)
Communications
Ghana has seen a significant rise in mobile phone subscriptions and internet usage, emphasizing fixed and mobile telecommunication services as vital components of its infrastructure.
- 39.1 million mobile cellular subscriptions (2024 est.)
- 70% of the population has internet access (2023 est.)
- 269,000 fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2024 est.)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 35,336,133 (2025 est.) | |
| Area | 238,533 sq km | Total area |
| GDP | $82.825 billion USD | 2024 estimate |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.1% | 2024 estimate |
| Energy Consumption per Capita | 10.493 million Btu | 2023 estimate |
| Birth Rate | 27.09 births/1,000 | 2025 estimate |
| Life Expectancy | 70.1 years | 2024 estimate |
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