114-403: John Dramani Mahama ( / m ə ˈ h ɑː m ə / ; born 29 November 1958) is a Ghanaian politician who served as President of Ghana from 24 July 2012 to 7 January 2017. He previously served as Vice President of Ghana from January 2009 to July 2012, and took office as president on 24 July 2012, following the death of his predecessor, John Evans Fiifi Attah Mills . A member of
228-744: A Ghanaian Akan subgroup who live in Eastern Suriname and west of French Guiana and speak the Ndyuka language , a sub-language of the Akan language . They were shipped as imported labourers slaves from the Gold Coast (modern-day Ghana) to Suriname about 300 years ago to work on Dutch-owned plantations. Ndyukas or Aukans are subdivided into the Opu , who live upstream of the Tapanahony River of southeastern Suriname, and
342-485: A Special National Delegates Congress on 30 August 2012 and endorsed President John Dramani Mahama as its 2012 presidential candidate. President Mahama, the sole candidate of the party, polled 2,767 votes, representing 99.5% of total votes cast, to pick the slot for the party. Mahama had stated that his administration was deeply committed to continuing the Better Ghana Agenda started under President Mills. Mahama won
456-556: A bachelor's degree in history in 1981 and a postgraduate diploma in communication studies in 1986. As a student, he was a member of Commonwealth Hall (Legon). He also studied at the Institute of Social Sciences in Moscow in the Soviet Union , specializing in social psychology; he obtained a postgraduate degree in 1988. After completing his undergraduate education, Mahama taught history at
570-482: A disparity in earnings, receiving a daily average of 6,280 cedis compared to 8,560 cedis received by men, according to the Ghana Living Standards Survey. Women are flourishing in teaching professions. Early 1990s' data showed that about 19 % of the instructional staff at the nation's three universities in 1990 was female. Of the teaching staff in specialized and diploma-granting institutions, 20%
684-624: A group of related ethnic groups native to the Gold Coast. The ethnogenesis of Ghanaians is traced back to nomadic migration from Nubia along the Sahara desert then south to the Gold Coast, and the Ghanaian ethnogenesis taking place on the Ghanaian Gold Coast region from the 10th to 16th century AD. Early Ghanaians were involved in a lucrative trade with gold bars and other natural minerals to
798-467: A growing level of international influence and connectedness. The word Accra is derived from the Akan word Nkran meaning "ants", a reference to the numerous anthills seen in the countryside around Accra. The name specifically refers to soldier ants , and was applied to both the town and people by the Twi speakers. The name of Accra in the local Ga language is Ga or Gaga , the same name as that of
912-663: A large Parliament complex, Nkrumah decided to build landmarks such as Independence Square, the State House, and the Organisation of African Unity building, and to refurbish Christianborg Castle. Nkrumah decided to leave the Atlantic coastal region undeveloped so as to not detract attention from the Community Centre or Independence Square, lending both spaces symbolic significance. The Nkrumah plan did not emphasize order nearly as much as
1026-651: A mandate to support the Secretary-General in his efforts to generate momentum and commitment to achieve the SDGs by 2030, the SDG Advocates have been working to promote the universal sustainable development agenda, to raise awareness of the integrated nature of the SDGs, and to foster the engagement of new stakeholders in the implementation of these Goals. Mahama sought a second full term at the December 2016 general election . He
1140-471: A march on Christiansborg Castle , Accra, on 28 February 1948. Their plan was to hand a petition to the colonial governor demanding they receive their pay and benefits. Before reaching the castle, the veterans were fired upon, after being ordered by the colonial police chief to disperse. Three of the leaders of the demonstration were killed, including Sergeant Nii Adjetey , who now has a memorial in Accra, leading to
1254-634: A military coup: "When I look back on my life it's clear to me that this moment marked the awakening of my consciousness. It changed my life and influenced all the moments that followed." Mahama received an honorary doctorate in the field of Public Administration , from the Ekiti State University of Nigeria , formerly affiliated to the Obafemi Awolowo University in "recognition of his politico-socio economic development of Ghana and Africa at various stages of his political career." Later
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#17330855689931368-401: A national level. Ghanaian music incorporates several distinct types of instruments, including talking drums , the atenteben and koloko lute, the atumpan, and log xylophones used in asonko music. The most well-known genre to come from Ghana is highlife . Highlife originated in the late 19th century and early 20th century. In the 1990s, a new genre of music, hiplife , was created through
1482-417: A paltry 3,181 representing 1.1%. A third contestant, Dr Kwabena Duffuor , a former Finance Minister of Finance , pulled out of the race on the eve of the elections on Friday, 12 May 2023, making it a two horse race between John Mahama and Bonsu . Mahama is married to Lordina Mahama (née Effah, 6 March 1963). Mahama has five children named Shafik, Shahid, Sharaf, who formerly played for Rostocker FC as
1596-556: A population of 284,124 inhabitants, and the larger Greater Accra Region , 3,245 km (1,253 sq mi), had a population of 5,455,692 inhabitants. In common usage, the name "Accra" often refers to the territory of the Accra Metropolitan District as it existed before 2008, when it covered 199.4 km (77.0 sq mi). This territory has since been split into 13 local government districts : 12 independent municipal districts (total area: 179.0 km ) and
1710-694: A professional training course for Overseas Public Relations Staff, organized by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tokyo . He also participated in a management development course organized by Plan International (RESA) in Nairobi , Kenya . Mahama was first elected to the Parliament of Ghana in the 1996 elections to represent the Bole/Bamboi Constituency for a four-year term. In April 1997, Mahama
1824-557: A senior presidential advisor during Ghana's Third Republic under Hilla Limann who was overthrown in 1981 by Jerry Rawlings . Mahama had his primary education at the Accra Newtown Experimental School (ANT1) before going to boarding school at Achimota Primary School . He completed secondary school at Ghana Secondary School ( Tamale , Northern region ). He proceeded to the University of Ghana , Legon , receiving
1938-576: A striker, Jesse and Farida. He is a Christian , born and raised a Presbyterian but is now a member of the Assemblies of God , Ghana by marriage. His family is multi-faith, consisting of Christians and Muslims . Being a staunch campaigner for sustainability, he has a keen interest in environmental affairs, particularly the problem of single-use plastic waste pollution in Africa, which he committed himself to addressing during his tenure as vice president. Over
2052-749: A study as a visiting scholar at Johns Hopkins University , Baltimore , United States. He is also a Bill Gates Fellow. He was awarded the Great Cross of the National Order of Benin , the highest award in Benin, by President Yayi Boni . In February 2017, Mahama received the 2016 African Political Leader of the Year Award from the African Leadership Magazine in South Africa . In October 2022, Mahama
2166-701: A viable business and not a subsistence activity. This has translated into his passion to see the Savanna Accelerated Development Authority (SADA) create new opportunities for people living in the Savanna areas of the country, which includes the three Northern Regions, and the Volta Region. Even on official assignments outside of country, Mahama likes to take advantage of opportunities to visit agricultural establishments and update himself on current trends and developments. He also takes keen interest in
2280-652: A weaker second rainy season occurs in October. Rain usually falls in short intensive storms and causes local flooding in which drainage channels are obstructed. Very little variation in temperature occurs throughout the year. The mean monthly temperature ranges from 25.9 °C (78.6 °F) in August (the coolest) to 29.6 °C (85.3 °F) in March (the hottest), with an annual average of 27.6 °C (81.7 °F). The "cooler" months, which are summer months tend to be more humid than
2394-799: Is dominated by association football represented by the Ghana Premier League and the Ghana national football team . The rich culture in Ghana led to the annual festival held at the capital region, Greater Accra at the James Town township which is celebrated along with the Homowo festival. This new festival called Chale Wote has caught the eyes of many who seek to experience the true Ghanaian culture and festival for themselves. In Ghanaian society polygyny – marriages in which men are permitted to have more than one wife at
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#17330855689932508-406: Is fervent in its stance that the social and economic well-being of women, who compose slightly more than half of the nation's population, cannot be taken for granted. The Council sponsored a number of studies on women's work, education, and training, and on family issues that are relevant in the design and execution of policies for the improvement of the condition of women. Among these considerations
2622-454: Is present in 1.1% of the population. The inhabitants of Ghana possessing Ghanaian passports are 20 million persons, including an additional 3‒4 million persons abroad. Ghana has a diverse population that reflects its colorful history and the peoples who have populated the region from ancient times to the present, with the historic amalgam of the main groups forming the basis of Ghana's current demographics. Native West Africans make up 98% of
2736-504: Is subject to the authority of a different household head, and because spouses are always members of different lineages, each is ultimately subject to the authority of the senior men of his or her lineage. The wife, as an outsider in the husband's family, would not inherit any of his property, other than that granted to her by her husband as gifts in token appreciation of years of devotion. The children from this matrilineal marriage would be expected to inherit from their mother's family. Today,
2850-518: Is the Greater Accra Region 's economic and administrative hub, and serves as the anchor of the larger Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA), which is inhabited by about 4 million people, making it the thirteenth-largest metropolitan area in Africa . In 2020, the Globalization and World Cities Research Network think tank designated Accra as a "Gamma −" level global city , indicating
2964-543: Is the saddest day in our nation's history. Tears have engulfed our nation and we are deeply saddened and distraught and I'm personally devastated, I've lost a father, I've lost a friend, I've lost a mentor and a senior comrade. Ghana is united in grief at this time for our departed president. As a result of his elevation to the presidency, Mahama made political history by becoming the first Ghanaian head of state to have been born after Ghana's declaration of independence on 6 March 1957. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) held
3078-538: The 1948 Accra riots . In the Fry/Treavallion plan, a reorganization of the CBD was called for, as well as the development of the coastal region of the city. To reorganize the CBD, the planners decided to superimpose a tight street grid north of Fort Ussher. To the east of this newly organized CBD, the planners hoped to preserve a broad, open space for a restaurant, country club, and polo and cricket fields. Additionally,
3192-558: The Accra Metropolitan District , is led by a Metropolitan Chief Executive who is appointed by the President of the Republic of Ghana . The Mayor of Accra is Mohammed Adjei Sowah , who was appointed by President Nana Akufo-Addo and approved unanimously by the AMA on 23 March 2017. The Ablekuma South sub-metropolitan district covers an area of 6 km (2.3 sq mi) and is bordered by
3306-692: The Bank of Ghana are also located in Accra. The city is also a transportation hub, home to the Kotoka International Airport , and railway links to Tema , Sekondi-Takoradi and Kumasi . Accra has become a location for national and international business conferences, such as the BarCamp Ghana series, organised by GhanaThink Foundation. Owing to its location in the Dahomey Gap , where the Gulf of Guinea and
3420-668: The Bilo , who live downstream of that river. They further subdivide themselves into 14 matrilinear kinship groups called lo . Ghana's cultural diversity is most evident in cuisine, arts, literature, heritage, music, dance, clothing, and sports. Kente is a Ghanaian ceremonial cloth traditionally used as the national costume. Kente is hand-woven on a horizontal treadle loom in strips measuring about 4 inches wide, which are sewn together into larger pieces of cloth. Cloths come in various colours, sizes and designs, which have different meanings, and are worn on important social occasions. During
3534-478: The British Gold Coast ended before the Fry/Treavallion plan was enacted. When Kwame Nkrumah became Ghana's first post-independence Prime Minister in 1957, he created his own plan for Accra's development. Instead of creating spaces to serve the elite, Nkrumah sought to create spaces to inspire pride and nationalism in his people and people throughout Africa. Rather than creating ornamental fountains and
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3648-521: The December 2012 general election with 50.70% of the total valid votes cast and a 3% winning margin beating his nearest rival, Nana Akufo-Addo of the main opposition New Patriotic Party , who polled a close 47.74%. This was just barely enough to win the presidency without the need for a runoff. In addition, Mahama won the majority of valid votes cast in eight out of Ghana's ten administrative regions. Thirteen African Heads of State, one Prime Minister, two vice-presidents and 18 government delegations across
3762-549: The Ga people and a cognate with Nkran . The word is sometimes rendered with the nasalised vowels as Gã or Gãgã . Historian Carl Christian Reindorf confirmed this etymology, proposing a link between the martial qualities and migratory behaviour of the local ants and those of the Ga people. The link between the ethnonym and ants was explicitly reflected in the recognition of anthills as sacred places. Often ringed by sacred fences ( aklabatsa ),
3876-528: The National Democratic Congress (NDC) , he was Member of Parliament for Bole Bamboi from 1997 to 2009 and served as Deputy Minister for Communication between 1997 and 1998 before becoming the substantive Minister for Communications in 1998. Mahama is the first vice president to take over the presidency from the death of his predecessor, John Evans Atta Mills , and is the first head of state of Ghana to have been born after Ghana's independence. He
3990-596: The Portuguese in 1471; these Ghanaian states were among the wealthiest on the African continent from the 17th century onwards, following successful further expansion of lucrative Ghanaian gold bars trading to the Dutch , Prussian and Scandinavians from the 16th century through to the 20th century. Early Ghanaians established a number of powerful kingdoms and empires from the 10th to 17th century, some of which became great powers in
4104-714: The Savanna Region . Mahama was born on Saturday, 29 November 1958 in Damongo , an area in present-day West Gonja District . His father, Emmanuel Adama Mahama , a wealthy rice farmer and teacher , was the first Member of Parliament for the West Gonja constituency and the first Regional Commissioner of the Northern Region during the First Republic under Ghana's first president, Kwame Nkrumah . Mahama's father also served as
4218-631: The secondary school level for a few years. Upon his return to Ghana after studying in Moscow , he worked as the Information, Culture and Research Officer at the Embassy of Japan in Accra between 1991 and 1995. From there he moved to the anti-poverty non-governmental organisation (NGO) Plan International 's Ghana Country Office, where he worked as International Relations, Sponsorship Communications and Grants Manager between 1995 and 1996. In 1993, he participated in
4332-583: The "City of Accra". Formed from the merger of distinct settlements around British Fort James , Dutch Fort Crêvecoeur (Ussher Fort) , and Danish Fort Christiansborg as Jamestown , Usshertown , and Christiansborg respectively, Accra served as the capital of the British Gold Coast between 1877 and 1957 and has since transitioned into a modern metropolis. The capital's architecture reflects this history, ranging from 19th-century colonial architecture to modern skyscrapers and apartment blocks. Accra
4446-423: The 13th century, Ghanaians developed their unique art of adinkra printing. Notable Ghanaian authors include novelists Ayi Kwei Armah ( The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born ), Ama Ata Aidoo ( Our Sister Killjoy: or Reflections from a Black-eyed Squint ) and J. E. Casely Hayford , author of Osiris Rising . In addition to novels, other literary genres such as theatre and poetry have been well developed at
4560-417: The 2012 and 2016 Ghanaian presidential elections, signed a peace pact to ensure peace before, during, and after the 7 December elections. Akufo-Addo won the election with 51.6% of the vote. In August 2021, Mahama began a tour dubbed 'Thank you tour' in Ghana to thank Ghanaians for voting in the 2020 presidential election. He visited Upper West , Upper East , North East , Northern and Savannah regions in
4674-676: The Ablekuma Central and Ablekuma North Municipal Assemblies, and the Ashiedu Keteke sub-metropolitan district. It includes 5 electoral areas: Korle Gonno, Korlebu, Chorkor, Mamprobi, and New Mamprobi. Communities within the Okaikoi South sub-metropolitan district include Darkuman, New Fadama, Kaneshie, Bubiashie, and Avenor. The sub-metro has 8 electoral areas namely Awudome, Goten, Kaatsean, Mukose, Bubuashie, Bubui, Avenor and Kaneshie. The Ashiedu Keteke sub-metropolitan district covers
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4788-602: The Accra Metropolitan District, 199.4 km (77.0 sq mi), as it existed before 2008, is now divided into 13 separate local government districts, all governed as municipal assemblies with their own town hall and a municipal executive appointed by the president of the republic. Each municipal assembly is responsible for most local services, such as local planning and refuse collection. The reduced Accra Metropolitan District (also referred to as City of Accra), 20.4 km (7.9 sq mi), once comprised
4902-828: The African Servant Leadership Award while the Institute of Public Relations recognized Mahama with a prize for his leadership acumen and technocratic flair. In 2013, the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) conferred on Mahama the Africa Award for Excellence in Food Security and Poverty Reduction. In March 2016, University of Aberdeen held a special convocation to confer an honorary degree of Doctors of Laws (LLD) on President John Mahama. Mahama has also attended numerous conferences and won many fellowships, including
5016-544: The Atlantic Ocean coast runs parallel to the prevailing moist monsoonal winds, Accra features a very marginal tropical wet and dry climate ( Köppen climate classification : Aw ) that borders on a hot semi-arid climate ( Köppen climate classification : BSh ). The average annual rainfall is about 730 mm, which falls primarily during Ghana's two rainy seasons. The chief rainy season begins in April and ends in mid-July, whilst
5130-916: The British James Fort , Osu near the Danish fort of Christiansborg (now Osu Castle ), and Ussherstown near the Dutch Ussher fort . Tourist attractions include the National Museum of Ghana , the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences , the National Archives of Ghana and Ghana's central library, the National Theatre , the Accra Centre for National Culture, and Jamestown Lighthouse . The Parliament , Supreme Court of Ghana , Black Star Square and
5244-400: The British planners intended to build large numbers of public squares, fountains, and ornamental pools and statues throughout the city, as well as a vast Parliament Complex in the city centre. Lastly, the Fry/Treavallion plan included plans to make the coastal region an extension of the exclusive European neighbourhood of Victoriaborg, and to create a recreational preserve for the elite. However,
5358-527: The Central Business District (CBD) and as such the hub of major commercial activities within the Metropolis. Major markets include Makola, Agbogbloshie, and Kwasiodwaso. There are 8 electoral areas namely Ngleshie, Mudor, Kinka, Nmlitsagonno, Amamomo, Korle Wonkon, and Korle Dudor. Ledzekuku Municipal District The Ledzekuku Municipal District, with its administrative capital at Teshie , covers an estimated area of 31.3 km (12.1 sq mi). Krowor Municipal District The Krowor Municipal District
5472-408: The Chairperson of the West African Caucus until 2011 . He was also a member of European and Pan African Parliaments' Ad hoc Committee on Cooperation. In 2005, Mahama became the Minority Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs. He is a member of the UNDP Advisory Committee on Conflict Resolution in Ghana. On Wednesday, 7 January 2009, Hon. John Dramani Mahama was sworn into office as the Vice-President of
5586-451: The Fry/Treavallion plan did; whereas the British plan strove to lessen crowding in the commercial district and help relieve the overcrowding of neighbourhoods bordering the CBD, the Nkrumah plan allowed for continued compression of commercial establishments into the CBD, as well as increased migration into Jamestown. The modern city is centered on the original British, Danish, and Dutch forts and their surrounding communities: Jamestown near
5700-451: The Ghana Armed Forces. On 7 January 2017, Nana Akufo-Addo took office as President. Accra Accra ( / ə ˈ k r ɑː / ; Ga : Ga or Gaga ; Twi : Nkran ; Ewe: Gɛ; Dagbani : Ankara ) is the capital and largest city of Ghana , located on the southern coast at the Gulf of Guinea , which is part of the Atlantic Ocean . As of 2021 census, the Accra Metropolitan District , 20.4 km (7.9 sq mi), had
5814-409: The Gold Coast after it won independence. Currently, the most significant immigrant populations in Ghana are Africans from other countries on the continent, Asians ( Indians and Chinese ), some of them Europeans (Britons, Portuguese , Dutch , French, Italians , Latin Americans, Poles, Scandinavians , and Germans ), and Middle Easterners, particularly Lebanese and Syrians. The Ghanaian nationalism
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#17330855689935928-402: The Gold Coast, which refused to cooperate with the colonial authorities and which led to the achievement of Ghanaian independence and the opposition to the 1951 Constitution , in which Nkrumah was incarcerated together with his collaborators. On 8 February 1951, the first elections in the history of the Gold Coast were held; Nkrumah's win was confirmed on 12 February 1951. Ghanaian nationalism
6042-403: The Lartehs refer to them as Nkran (ants). Nkran was later corrupted by the Danes to Akra, then to present-day Accra. Nkran in the Ga language is Gaga , thus they also started calling themselves Ga. Due to the sheer numbers of the Ga immigrants, the indigenous Lartehs relocated to the Akuapem ridge. Initially, Accra was not the most prominent trading centre; the trade hubs of the time were
6156-418: The Lost Decades of Africa , was published by Bloomsbury on 3 July 2012. The most promising son of an affluent government minister, he spent his childhood shuttling in his father's chauffeur -driven cars, from his elite boarding school Achimota School in Accra to his many homes . He recalls in its first chapter the day in 1966 when he learned of the ousting of Ghana's founding president, Kwame Nkrumah , in
6270-476: The NCWD stressed family planning, child care, and female education as paramount. In 2007, the government of Ghana took legal proceedings to prosecute men who abuse their women. In 1966, Nkrumah was deposed, after which Ghana entered a period of military rule. On 31 December 1981, the regime led by Flight lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings installed the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC), of which he became chairman. In 1992, Rawlings retired from
6384-577: The Paramount Chief of the Buwaa Traditional Area in the Upper West Region. Ghanaian people The Ghanaian people are a nation originating in the Ghanaian Gold Coast . Ghanaians predominantly inhabit the Republic of Ghana and are the predominant cultural group and residents of Ghana, numbering 34 million people as of 2024, making up 85% of the population. The word "Ghana" means "warrior king". An estimated diaspora population of 4 million people worldwide are of Ghanaian descent. The term ethnic Ghanaian may also be used in some contexts to refer to
6498-650: The Republic of Ghana with John Evan Atta Mills as President. He also served as the Chairman of the National Economic Management Team, the Armed Forces Council of Ghana, the Decentralisation and Implementation Committee and the Police Council of Ghana in this capacity. In line with Ghana's constitution , Mahama became President of Ghana on 24 July 2012 on the death of his predecessor, John Atta Mills . In July 2012, he became Ghana's first president to have served at all levels of political office (Ghanaian and Pan-African MP , Deputy Minister, Minister , vice-president and President). He said in parliament upon being sworn in: This
6612-421: The Swedes) and their other forts to the British. The Netherlands was the last to sell out, in 1871. In 1873, after decades of tension between the British and Ashantis , the British captured Kumasi , destroying portions of the city. The British then captured Accra in 1874, and in 1877, at the end of the second Anglo-Asante War , Accra replaced Cape Coast as the capital of the British Gold Coast . This decision
6726-417: The Transport, Industry, Energy, Communications, Science and Technology Committee of Parliament. Mahama served as the Deputy Minister of Communications between April 1997 and November 1998. During his tenure as Minister for Communications, Mahama also served as the Chairman of the National Communications Authority, in which capacity he played a key role in stabilising Ghana's telecommunications sector after it
6840-407: The city began to expand to accommodate the new residents. Victoriaborg was formed in the late 19th century as an exclusively European residential neighbourhood, located to the east of the city limits of the time. The boundaries of Accra were further stretched in 1908, after a bubonic plague epidemic. This expansion entailed the creation of a native-only neighbourhood, intended to accommodate members of
6954-404: The city to maintain its infrastructure or improve public works. This did not change until the governorship of Sir Frederick Gordon Guggisberg during which period the three separate settlements (Osu, La and Jamestown) merged to become modern Accra. Guggisberg's administration laid out the present grid networked neighbourhoods of Tudu, Adabraka and Asylum Down. Among the achievements of Guggisberg
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#17330855689937068-580: The city, and an insulation effect can give rise to a local increase in air temperature of several degrees. This occurs most notably in the Accra Newtown sports complex areas. The administration of Accra occurs at two levels. Strategic initiatives, such as the urban transportation project, are coordinated between district authorities, while local administration is carried out by local government authorities, which are responsible for most local services, such as local planning, local roads and refuse collection within their area of jurisdiction. The former territory of
7182-407: The coast. The maximum wind speed record in Accra is 107.4 km/h (58 knots). Strong winds associated with thunderstorm activity often cause damage to property by removing roofing material. Several areas of Accra experience microclimatic effects. Low-profile drainage basins with a north–south orientation are not as well ventilated as those oriented east–west. Air is often trapped in pockets over
7296-439: The coastal areas. Drainage infrastructure is particularly at risk, which has profound implications for people's livelihoods, especially in informal settlements. Inadequate planning regulation and law enforcement, as well as perceived corruption in government processes, lack of communication across government departments and lack of concern or government co-ordination with respect to building codes are major impediments to progressing
7410-600: The combination of highlife, Afro-reggae, dancehall and hip hop . Hiplife is the most popular Ghanaian music, followed by the other genre of Ghanaian music, highlife . Ghanaian dance is globally well known and performed worldwide. The dances are varied and may involve complex and co-ordinated movement of the arms, torso, hips, feet and head, performed to different Ghanaian music forms for entertainment, celebrating at festivals, and other occasions. Some popular dances include Adowa and Azonto . Other traditional dances from Ghana are Kpanlogo , Klama and Bamaya. Sports in Ghana
7524-415: The course of his career, Mahama has written for several newspapers and other publications both locally and internationally. As a Parliamentarian , Mahama wrote Mahama's Hammer , a semi-regular column in a Ghanaian newspaper. His essays have also been published in the Daily Graphic , Ebony , Huffington Post , the Louisville Courier-Journal , the New York Times and The Root . Additionally, he
7638-516: The development of Accra's drainage infrastructure, according to the Climate & Development Knowledge Network . As Accra is close to the equator , the daylight hours are practically uniform during the year. Relative humidity is generally high, varying from 65% in the midafternoon to 95% at night. The predominant wind direction in Accra is from the WSW to NNE sectors. Wind speeds normally range between 8 and 16 km/h. High wind gusts occur with thunderstorms , which generally pass in squalls along
7752-430: The entirety of Accra until the Ledzokuku, Krowor, La Dadekotopon, Ablekuma North, Ablekuma Central, Ablekuma West, Ayawaso East, Ayawaso North, Ayawaso Central, Ayawaso West, Okaikwei North, and Korley Kottey districts were carved out as separate municipal districts between 2008 and 2019. Accra Metropolitan District (City of Accra) The Accra Metropolitan District is one of the 13 local government districts that contains
7866-502: The first Constitution of Ghana ; the British monarch ceased to be head of state , and Ghana became a republic . Approximately 5 % of Ghanaian citizens live in rural areas and 95 % in urban areas. The rate of urbanization estimated for the period 2010–2015 is 4 % per annum, one of the highest among developing countries . Ghanaian Arabs are Ghanaians and citizens of Arab origin or descent. Ghanaian Arabs are mainly from Lebanon , Syria and Arab Maghreb . Ghana has
7980-416: The first phase. He met Chiefs and Queens, religious leaders and also interacted with the media. On Saturday 14 May 2023, John Mahama won and was confirmed during the NDC presidential primary as the candidate of the opposition National Democratic Congress to contest in the 2024 General elections. He polled 297,603 votes representing 98.9% and his closest contender, the former Kumasi Mayor Kojo Bonsu , polled
8094-413: The historic centre and the primary central business district (CBD) of Accra. To promote efficiency in the administrative machinery and also meet the ever-pressing demands for amenities and essential services, the district is divided into the Ashiedu Keteke, Okaikoi South, and Ablekuma South sub-metropolitan districts. The Accra Metropolitan Assembly, which governs the City of Accra within the boundaries of
8208-565: The incumbent president Nana Akufo-Addo who unseated Mahama in a 2016 election, capitalizing on an economy that was slowing due to falling prices for gold, oil and cocoa exports. He won the National Democratic Congress primaries by securing an overwhelming 213,487 votes representing 95.23 percent of the total valid votes cast with the other six contenders managing with about 4 percent of the votes. On 4 December 2020, Mahama and incumbent President Nana Akufo-Addo, who he faced both in
8322-1215: The largest Arab population in western Africa. Ghanaian Indians are Ghanaians and citizens of Indian origin or descent. Many Ghanaian Indians are descendants of those who migrated from India following India's partition in 1947. There are 3–4 million Ghanaians in the diaspora . Ghanaian Australians are dual citizens with Australia and residents of Ghanaian origin and descent. More than 50% of all Ghanaian-born Australians live in Sydney , New South Wales . Ghanaian Americans are dual citizens with America and residents of Ghanaian origin and descent. Ghanaian Canadians are dual citizens with Canada and residents of Ghanaian origin and descent. Ghanaian British are dual citizens with Britain and residents of Ghanaian origin and descent. Ghanaian New Zealanders are dual citizens with New Zealand and residents of Ghanaian origin and descent. An estimated 45,000 people of Ghanaian descent reside in Nigeria. Ghanaian South Africans are dual citizens with South Africa and residents of Ghanaian origin and descent. Ndyuka (also spelled "Djuka") or Aukan or Okanisi sama, are
8436-411: The military and set up the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and was subsequently elected for two terms as president. In 2002, John Agyekum Kufuor succeeded Rawlings as Ghanaian head of state until the year 2008. Kufuor was replaced as Ghanaian head of state by John Atta Mills until 2012. In 2013, John Dramani Mahama succeeded Mills as the Republic of Ghana President and Commander-in-Chief of
8550-641: The name Akan , one of a few words in which [g] corresponds to [k] in Akan. Ga also gave its name to the Ga districts surrounding Accra. The spelling Accra was given to Nkran by Europeans . An earlier spelling used by the Danes was Akra. The main Ga group known as the Tumgwa Were led by Ayi Kushie arrived by sea. When the Guan ( Lartehs ) on the coast saw them on their canoes at sea, they looked like ants. Hence,
8664-456: The native population as a means of relieving congestion problems in the overcrowded city centre. Adabraka was thus established to the north of the city. One of the most influential decisions in the history of the city was that of building the Accra-Kumasi railway in 1908. This was to connect Accra, the country's foremost port at that time, with Ghana's main cocoa -producing regions. In 1923,
8778-462: The opportunities for simplifying and making tasks easier with the use of information and communications technology , and considers the ICT industry one of the sectors that can play a significant role in economic transformation and job creation. Mahama is the elder brother of Ghanaian businessman Ibrahim Mahama who owns Dzata Cement. Mahama's first book, a memoir called My First Coup d'État: Memories from
8892-418: The percentage of women in polygynous marriages in Ghana's rural areas (23.9%) is almost double that of women in Ghana's urban areas (12.4%). The age group with the most women in polygynous marriages is 45–49, followed by the 15–19 age group and the 40–44 group. Rates of polygynous marriages decrease as education level and wealth level increase. During 2008–2012, the national literacy rate for women aged 15–24
9006-636: The population. There is also a new population of Asians , Middle Easterners , Europeans and other recent immigrants . To obtain Ghanaian nationality , one must be naturalized after seven years of Ghana Card permanent residency . The Asians , Middle Easterners and Europeans who have lived in Ghana for most of their lives have acquired Ghanaian citizenship, which is granted without any discrimination. Two thirds, or 67%, of Ghanaians speak English. There are more than 100 ethnic groups, each with its own distinct language. However, languages that belong to
9120-572: The ports at Ada and Prampram , along with the inland centres of Dodowa and Akuse . The Dutch built the nearby outposts of Ussher Fort while the British and the Swedes built James Fort and Christiansborg castles, respectively. By the 17th century, Portugal, France and Denmark, had constructed forts in the city. Britain gradually acquired the interests of all other countries beginning in 1851, when Denmark sold Christiansborg (which they had acquired from
9234-458: The railway was completed, and by 1924, cocoa was Ghana's largest export. The colonial era heavily influenced the shape that Accra took during this period. For example, the segregation of European and African neighbourhoods was mandated by law until 1923, and all new buildings were required to be built out of stone or concrete. Despite these regulations, European settlers in the Gold Coast were very hesitant to invest any large amount of money into
9348-471: The reduced Accra Metropolitan District (20.4 km ), which is the only district within the capital to be granted city status. This territory of 199.4 km contained 1,782,150 inhabitants at the 2021 census, and serves as the capital of Ghana, while the district under the jurisdiction of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly proper (20.4 km ) is distinguished from the rest of the capital as
9462-499: The rural areas have large productivity in agricultural produce. According to a 2005 Y-DNA study, indigenous Ghanaians in Ghana carry 61% E1b1a . Indigenous Ghanaians also belong to paternal lineages at 2.2% E1a . Indigenous Ghanaians in Ghana are 1.1% E1b1b clade bearers, a haplogroup that is most common in North Africa and the Horn of Africa . West Eurasian haplogroup R1b
9576-613: The same difference (39.7% vs. 43.6%). As of 2011, women made up 66.9% of economically active population in Ghana. Within the informal sector, women usually work in personal services. There are distinct differences in artisan apprenticeships offered to women and men, as well. Men are offered a much wider range of apprenticeships, such as carpenters, masons, blacksmiths, mechanics, painters, repairers of electrical and electronic appliances , upholsters, metal workers, car sprayers, etc. In contrast, most female artisans are involved in either hairdressing or dressmaking. Women generally experience
9690-526: The same ethnic group are usually mutually intelligible. There are nine language family groups and 11 languages from these groups are officially sponsored by the government: Akuapem Twi , Asante Twi , Ewe , Fante , Ga , Dangme , Dagbani , Nzema ,ahanta language(ahantas) Dagaare , Gonja and Kasena . During the colonial era, a number of Europeans intermarried with Africans and had offspring, who include such notable Gold Coasters as Carel Hendrik Bartels and James Bannerman . Most European settlers left
9804-541: The same field, which can be linked to restricted professional networks for women because of lingering traditional familial roles. Feminist organizing has increased in Ghana as women seek to obtain a stronger role in the nation's democratic government. In 2004, a coalition of women created the Women's Manifesto for Ghana , a document that demands economic and political equality as well as reproductive health care and other rights. The National Council for Women and Development (NCWD)
9918-417: The same time – has been traditionally practised, especially among well-to-do Ghanaian men. Among matrilineal groups, such as the Akan , married women continued to reside at their maternal homes. Meals prepared by the wife would be carried to the husband at his maternal house. In polygynous situations, visitation schedules would be arranged. The separate living patterns reinforced the idea that each spouse
10032-702: The same university passed a resolution to name its Faculty of Management Science after him. The Cuban government, recognising Mahama's relentless advocacy for the Cuban cause, namely for the lifting of the 50-year economic embargo on the communist country and for the freedom of the detained Cuban five by the United States government, conferred on him the Friendship Medal. The General Council of Assemblies of God , Ghana honoured Mahama with its Daniel Award. The Graduate School of Governance and Leadership also awarded him
10146-503: The tall red mounds dotting Accra's hinterland were seen as microcosms of human community and as nodal points between the known world and the world of the dead. The Gas used the reference to the invasive species of dark-red swarming ants to connote the military prowess of the Gas and their ancient conquest of Guang speakers residing in the Accra Plains. The name Ga is actually a cognate of
10260-409: The timespan of 2008–12, there were 4% more females enrolled in preschool than males. Net enrolment and attendance ratios for primary school were both about the same for males and females, net enrollment standing at about 84% and net attendance at about 73 %. Enrolment in secondary school for females was slightly lower than for males (44.4% vs. 48.1%), but female attendance was higher by about
10374-502: The valid votes cast compared to Akufo-Addo's 53.5%. In December 2016, he was part of the ECOWAS mediation team to resolve the post-election political impasse in The Gambia between the defeated incumbent, Yahya Jammeh and declared winner, Adam Barrow . In February 2019, Mahama was confirmed as the candidate of the opposition National Democratic Congress to contest in the 2020 elections,
10488-403: The warmer months, which are winter and spring months. As a result, during the warmer months and particularly during the windy harmattan season, the city experiences a breezy "dry heat" that feels less warm than the "cooler" but more humid rainy season. As a coastal city, Accra is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and sea level rise, with population growth putting increasing pressure on
10602-520: The west African region. By 1902, the kingdoms had been annexed by the United Kingdom to the Gold Coast colony following a series of Anglo-Ghanaian conflicts in the 19th century. Ghanaians gained their independence from British colonial rule in 1957, and renamed their sovereign state "Ghana (Warrior King)" because the various Ghanaian kingdoms were a warrior-based society according to contemporary and historical historiography. The Republic of Ghana
10716-539: The world attended his inaugural ceremony at the Black Star Square in Accra on 7 January 2013, when Mahama was sworn in to begin his own four-year term. After his investiture, the opposition New Patriotic Party led by its 2012 presidential candidate, Nana Akufo-Addo , running mate, Mahamudu Bawumia and the party chairman, Jacob Otanka Obetsebi-Lamptey , challenged the election results , alleging irregularities, malpractices, omissions and violations. The petition
10830-484: The years following World War II , the neighbourhoods of Ridge and Cantonments were planned as low-density developments for Europeans, while many rural migrants settled in neighbourhoods which had not yet been incorporated into Accra's municipal boundary, such as Nima and surrounding areas. Thus, the development of these neighbourhoods was unregulated by the government, creating a crowded and jumbled shanty-town landscape. Another area of Accra that took shape at this time
10944-419: Was 83.2%, only slightly lower than that for males of the same age group (88.3%). However, literacy rates fluctuate across Ghana country and socioeconomic statuses. By regions of Ghana , literacy rates for females range from 44% to 81%. Women living at the highest socioeconomic status exhibit the highest literacy rates at 85%, while only 31% of women living at the lowest socioeconomic status are literate. Over
11058-639: Was a featured speaker at the TEDx Great Pacific Garbage Patch Conference in Santa Monica . Mahama is also a devotee of Afrobeat music , especially that of Fela Kuti . Apart from his hobby of reading, Mahama also has a passionate interest in innovation particularly the use of technology in agriculture being a farmer himself. In particular, he is interested in finding the most effective ways to improve agricultural productivity and works to encourage more young people to see farming as
11172-585: Was again re-elected in 2004 for a third term. From 2001 to 2004, Mahama served as the Minority Parliamentary Spokesman for Communications. In 2002, he was appointed the Director of Communications for the NDC . That same year, he served as a member of the team of International Observers selected to monitor Zimbabwe 's Parliamentary Elections. As an MP , he was a member of Standing Orders Committee as well as
11286-634: Was appointed Deputy Minister of Communications. He was promoted to the post of Minister of Communications in November 1998, serving in that post until January 2001, when the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) handed over power to the New Patriotic Party 's government. In 2000, Mahama was re-elected for another four-year term as the Member of Parliament for the Bole/Bamboi Constituency. He
11400-749: Was carved out of the Ledzokuku-Krowor Municipal District in 2018. Its administrative capital is Nungua . La Dadekotopon Municipal District The La Dadekotopon Municipal District, with its administrative capital at La, was carved out of the Accra Metropolitan District in 2012. The Kotoka International Airport, Airport City, Accra Mall, and the US Embassy are located within the district, which covers an area of 32 km (12 sq mi). Other communities within this district include Cantonments, Labone, and Burma Camp. Ablekuma North Municipal District The Ablekuma North Municipal District
11514-683: Was deregulated in 1997. As a minister, he was a founding member of the Ghana AIDS Commission , a member of the implementation committee of the 2000 National Population Census and a deputy chairman of the Publicity Committee for the re-introduction of the Value Added Tax (VAT). Continuing to expand his interest and involvement in international affairs, in 2003, Mahama became a member of the Pan-African Parliament , serving as
11628-889: Was elected Chairperson of the African Union 's (AU's) High-Level African Trade Committee (HATC). On 21 January 2016, on the occasion of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Mahama became co-chair of the Sustainable Development Goals Advocates group which consists of 17 eminent persons assisting the UN Secretary-General in the campaign to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that world leaders unanimously adopted in September 2015. With
11742-457: Was elected after December 2012 election to serve as full-time President. He contested re-election for a second term in the 2016 election , but lost to the New Patriotic Party candidate Nana Akufo-Addo , in 2016. This made him the first President in the history of Ghana to not have won a second term. A member of the Gonja ethnic group in the Savanna Region of Ghana, Mahama hails from Bole in
11856-487: Was eligible for a second full term since he ascended to the presidency with only six months remaining in Mills' term. In Ghana, a vice president who ascends to the presidency is allowed to run for two full terms in his own right if more than half of his predecessor's term has expired. He was defeated by main opposition leader Akufo-Addo in a rematch from four years earlier, and conceded defeat on election night. Mahama polled 44.4% of
11970-451: Was female; elsewhere, corresponding figures were 21% at secondary-school level; 23% at middle-school level, and as high as 42% at primary-school level. Women also dominated the secretarial and nursing professions in Ghana. When women were employed in the same line of work as men, they were paid equal wages, and they were granted maternity leave with pay. However, women in research professions report experiencing more difficulties than men in
12084-547: Was heard by nine justices of the Supreme Court of Ghana . After eight months of hearing, the Court on 29 August 2013, dismissed the petition by a majority opinion. Mahama is one of Africa's most-followed leaders on the social networking sites, Twitter and Facebook . In May 2013, he stated that all of West Africa is under the threat of Islamist militancy. On 30 March 2014, he was elected to preside over ECOWAS . On 26 June 2014, he
12198-479: Was honored by Liberty University with a Global Leadership and Economic Impact Award in Virginia , USA. This award was to celebrate him for governing wisely, “advocating and achieving a consistent track record on economic development, women’s participation in education, and enhancing economic growth.” In March 2024, Mahama was conferred with the chieftaincy title, Kuoro Sabinwero Wajia I by Kuoro Abu Diyaka Sukabe Ninia,
12312-617: Was initiated in organisation with the Ghanaian nationlist movement, the Big Six and through the Gold Coast Aborigines' Rights Protection Society ; then strikes and mass riots were formed on the streets of the Gold Coast by its natives for Gold Coast independence, the colonial governor at the time, the Earl of Listowel , proclaimed Gold Coast's independence on 6 March 1957. Nkrumah became the first prime minister . On 1 July 1960, Nkrumah drew up
12426-561: Was made because Accra had a drier climate relative to Cape Coast. Until this time, the settlement of Accra was confined between Ussher Fort to the east and the Korle Lagoon to the west. As the newly established Gold Coast's administrative functions were moved to Accra (1877), an influx of British colonial administrators and European settlers grew around the Christiansborg (modern Osu , Ministries, Ridge, Labone, and Cantonments) began, and
12540-448: Was never followed through, it illustrated the British vision of how Accra should develop. In 1948, Ghana remained a colony of Great Britain following World War II. The chief of Osu Alata, Nii Kobina Bonney III, had set up a boycott of European goods across the country due to the rise of prices for essential commodities. At the same time, veterans of the war were fighting for their benefits and promised pay. Unarmed ex-servicemen organized
12654-507: Was suspended by the Ghanaian government during the time of World War II , but was resumed in 1945. The Ghanaians allied with the Allies in World War II. The Fifth Pan-African Congress held in October 1945, served to form the support for the liberalization of Ghanaian colonial domination on 4 August 1947. On 12 June 1949, Kwame Nkrumah , formed the first governing party in the history of
12768-428: Was the first African country to gain independence from European colonial rule. More than 90% of the Ghanaian citizens in Ghana live in urban areas —a figure higher than the world average. The rate of Ghana's population growth is at the world average. Most Ghanaians move to urban areas seeking well-paid jobs. Ghanaians have high level of education in science, technology , mathematics and vocational studies. However,
12882-515: Was the building of a bridge across the Korle Lagoon in 1923, which increased settlement at Korle Bu, Korle Gonno and Chokor, to the west of the lagoon. Guggisberg also oversaw the building of a major hospital (Korle-Bu) and secondary school (Achimota). Such improvements led to an increase in Accra's population due to the migration of rural dwellers into the city, and the immigration of increasing numbers of British businessmen and administrators. In
12996-473: Was the central business district (CBD). More administrative buildings were built on High Street, forming a massive judicial/administrative complex. Additionally, the expansion of the economy led to many more commercial buildings being built in the CBD. In 1944, Accra's city planner Maxwell Fry devised a town plan, which was revised in 1958 by B.D.W. Treavallion and Alan Flood. Although the Fry/Trevallion plan
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