Accra is a prosperous metropolis originally founded by the Ga peoples before the 16th century but now the cosmopolitan capital city of Ghana at the center of the world (just above the equator on the Greenwhich Mean), which is home to people from all over the country, the region, and indeed the world. The Portuguese, Scandinavians, Dutch, and British left their mark after years of colonization. Now Ghana boasts a rich and diverse culture which is an amalgamation of native and European traditions. The country’s coast is lined with the remains of fortresses and castles that range from different styles and built in different periods for different purposes, most significantly the trade in gold and slaves. Today Accra stands not only as Ghana’s governing capital, but also as Ghana’s cultural capital as it is home to the National Museum of Ghana, the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences, the National Archives of Ghana, the National Theatre, Ghana's central library and Christianborg Castle, the seat of government, built by the Danes in the 17th century, and the University of Ghana at Legon, the country’s first research institution.




Ghana is a predominantly rural country with striking, large and historically rich urban centers such as Accra, the capital city and home to a quarter of the country’s population, and Kumasi, the capital of the ancient Asante Empire.This beautiful land boasts: a long and varied coast line dotted with the castles and forts that mark the encounter with European trading nations; the Volta River and its spectacular lake, the largest man-made lake in the world created by the Akosombo Dam and a symbol of Ghana’s industrial progress; a rich forest region which grows most of the world’s cocoa and the staple foods for the country; and a vast savannah land with architectural monuments reminiscent of the history and culture of the neighboring Sahel countries to the North.

Culturally Ghana is a land of diverse festivals, music, and traditional dances. There is hardly any community or clan which lacks an occasion to celebrate annually. Many festivals include thrilling parades of Chiefs and Queen Mothers in procession in decorated palanquins, shaded by traditional umbrellas, and supported by drummers and warriors discharging ancient muskets. Music is central to the way of life and there are three main types: ethnic or traditional music, normally played during festivals and at funerals; "highlife" and “hiplife” music, which is a blend of traditional and jazz music or hiphop; and choral music, which is performed in concert halls, churches, schools and colleges.



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