Ghana 2006

Ghana 2006

In 2006, Ghana was located in West Africa and bordered by Ivory Coast to the west, Burkina Faso to the north, Togo to the east, and the Gulf of Guinea to the south. The population of Ghana in 2006 was estimated to be around 22 million people with a majority Akan ethnicity. English was the official language but many Ghanaian citizens also spoke a variety of local languages such as Twi and Ewe. The main religion is Christianity with a strong presence of Islam in some areas.

According to constructmaterials, Ghana had been an independent nation since 1957 after centuries of foreign rule. Despite this, poverty levels were relatively high and inequality was widespread compared to other countries in Africa. In 2006, Ghana’s economy was largely dependent on its exports of agricultural products as well as minerals made by major corporations such as AngloGold Ashanti and Newmont Mining Corporation. There were some efforts to diversify its economy by encouraging foreign investment but with limited success. The healthcare system was also inadequate with poor access to basic medical care for much of the population as well as relatively high rates of infant mortality and malnutrition compared to other countries in Africa.

Yearbook 2006

Ghana. According to CountryAAH, major public holidays in Ghana include Independence Day (March 6) and New Year (January 1). The government began to pay damages to a couple of thousand people who have been subjected to abuse during previous military dictatorships. These are relatively small amounts to each, a total of just over SEK 10 million, and the remuneration is mainly symbolic; a recognition of the injustices they have been exposed to. The payments were made on the recommendation of the National Reconciliation Commission appointed in 2002.

Transport Minister Richard Anane was dismissed in October following criticism from the Ombudsman’s institution. He was suspected of abuse of position after paying over SEK 700,000. to his mistress in the United States, a sum he could hardly afford legally.

November

Prosecutors stop – accusing the president of political interference

November 17

The prosecutor of the country’s special unit to fight corruption, Martin Amidu, is leaving. He accuses President Nana Akufo-Addo of political interference, which the government denies. Amidu claims that Akufo-Addo tried to pressure him to shelve a highly critical investigation into the government’s plans for how it intends to place the lion’s share of Ghana’s future royalty revenues for gold mining. The government claims it wants to take advantage of the high gold price and the investment plan could help Ghana overcome the economic difficulties caused by the corona pandemic. Ghana, Africa’s largest and the world’s seventh gold producer, goes to the polls in early December.

Ex-cup leader dies

November 12

Former President and Couple Jerry Rawlings dies. The charismatic lieutenant Rawling shaped Ghana’s policies from the 1979 coup until he resigned as democratically elected president in 2001 (see Modern History).

October

MP shot in his constituency

October 9

An MP belonging to the governing party NPP is shot dead by unknown perpetrators who open fire on the car at a roadblock. The Member of Parliament had been on an election tour of his own constituency when the act took place. Parliamentary and presidential elections are to be held on 7 December.

September

Separatists attack police station

September 25

A group calling itself the Homeland Study Group Foundation (HSGF) is storming two police stations in eastern Ghana. An attacker was shot dead by police and 31 separatists were arrested. The attacks take place in the cities of Aveyime and Mepe in the Volta region. HSGF sets up roadblocks in the area and demands that the government come to the negotiating table. The group strives for an independent state which they call Västra Togoland. HSGF has been active since the 1970s and proclaimed on paper an independent nation in 2019. The background to the conflict can be traced to the colonial era when eastern Ghana belonged to Germany. After World War I, the territory went to Britain and went under the name British Togoland. Upon independence, British Togoland became part of present-day Ghana.

The economy is shrinking during the corona pandemic

16 September

For the first time in 37 years, the country’s economy is shrinking. During the second quarter of the year, the decline was 3.2 percent. The reason is mainly the restrictions that were introduced to slow down the spread of covid-19. The restrictions have now been lifted but many companies have continued to stay closed. The manufacturing industry and the tourism industry have suffered severely during the pandemic. The virus has so far infected 45,000 people in Ghana, of which 294 have died.

Ghana Map with Surrounding Countries

Ghana Overview

In 1957, Britain granted Ghana’s Gold Coast independence, and soon after, the country became a republic. The state of Ghana is located in West Africa, bordered on the west by Côte d’Ivoire, on the north by Burkina Faso and on the east by Togo.

Area: 238,540 km²

Population: 29,340,248 (estimate 7/2020)

Capital: Accra

Language: English (official language), Asante, ewe, Fante

Religion: The largest religion is Christianity 69%, Islam 16%

Form of government: Republic