Ghana

After coups and mismanagement, from the early 1980's onwards Ghana recovered to become - by African standards -something of a success story, enjoying relatively stable economic and political conditions.

Although some parts of the north have experienced ethnic violence over issues such as land rights, Ghana has escaped the large-scale civil conflicts that have engulfed other parts of Africa.

Ghanaian women and children

The country now plays a signficant peacekeeping role, and in that capacity has deployed troops to conflicts in Ivory Coast, Liberia, Sierra Leone and D.R. Congo. Former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan is Ghanaian.

Ghana's economy is largely agricultural. Its the world's second largest exporter of cocoa, a crop on which the economy is dependent. The country has large natural and mineral resources, and gold production is significant.

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Area (size): 92,000 square miles (a little smaller than UK). Capital City: Accra

Population: 24 million, comprising Akan (45%), Mole-Dagbon (15%), Ewe (12%), and other ethnic & tribal groups.

Languages: English (official, minority); African languages (majority) include Akan (Ashanti), Ewe, and many others.

Religion: Christian majority (comprising Pentecostal, Protestant & Roman Catholic); Muslim minority; indigenous beliefs.

Christians in Ghana

There has been considerable church growth in Ghana, especially in the south, while missionary efforts have also brought significant numbers of people to Christ in tribal and Muslim northern areas.

As in many other parts of Africa, mature Christian leadership in churches and society in general is an ongoing need.