Where is Ghana Located?

by countryaah · Published December 10, 2020 · Updated December 19, 2024

Where is Ghana located on the map? Ghana is an independent nation located in Western Africa. Check out the following images to see location of Ghana on maps.

Ghana Location in World Map

Ghana is in West Africa. It’s red on the map.

Location Information of Ghana

Ghana is located in West Africa, bordered by Côte d’Ivoire to the west, Burkina Faso to the north, Togo to the east, and the Atlantic Ocean to the south. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and vibrant economy. Ghana was the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence from colonial rule in 1957, and it has since become one of the most stable democracies on the continent. Its strategic position along the Gulf of Guinea has historically made it an important trade center, and today it remains a key player in regional and international affairs.

Latitude and Longitude

Ghana is situated between 4° and 11° N latitude and 3° and 1° W longitude. This places it just a few degrees north of the Equator, giving it a tropical climate and a geographical position that provides access to both the Atlantic Ocean and the rest of West Africa.

Capital City and Major Cities

Accra (Capital City)

Accra is the capital and largest city of Ghana. It is located on the Gulf of Guinea and serves as the country’s political, economic, and cultural center. With a population of over 2 million people, Accra is a bustling metropolis that blends modern infrastructure with traditional Ghanaian culture.

Independence Square: Also known as Black Star Square, it is a key landmark in Accra. It commemorates Ghana’s independence from British colonial rule in 1957 and hosts national events, including the Independence Day celebrations.
Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park: Dedicated to the first President of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah, the park features a mausoleum and a museum that showcases the life and legacy of this influential leader in Ghana’s history.
Makola Market: This busy market is the heart of Accra’s commercial life, where locals sell a wide variety of goods, including clothing, crafts, food, and electronics.
Labadi Beach: Located close to the city center, Labadi Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Accra, known for its relaxed atmosphere, music, and traditional Ghanaian dances.

Kumasi

Kumasi is the capital of the Ashanti Region and the second-largest city in Ghana. It is located in the central part of the country and has historically been the seat of the powerful Ashanti Empire. Today, Kumasi is an important cultural and commercial hub.

Manhyia Palace: The residence of the Ashanti King, this palace is a historical and cultural symbol of the Ashanti Kingdom. Visitors can explore the museum inside to learn about the Ashanti history and monarchy.
Kumasi Central Market: The largest open-air market in West Africa, it is a vibrant and bustling location where a variety of local products, including textiles, crafts, and food, are sold.
Kumasi Zoo: A popular destination for locals and tourists, the Kumasi Zoo houses a variety of animals, including lions, monkeys, and various species of birds.

Takoradi

Takoradi, along with the nearby Sekondi, forms the twin-city complex known as Sekondi-Takoradi in the Western Region. Takoradi is a key port city and has seen rapid growth due to the oil industry in the country.

Takoradi Beach: Known for its calm waters and natural beauty, the beaches in Takoradi are great for relaxation and various water sports.
Western Region Waterfalls: The region is also known for its scenic waterfalls, such as Bia Falls and Nzulezo Water Village, where traditional stilted houses are built over the water.

Tamale

Tamale is the capital city of the Northern Region of Ghana. Located in the northern part of the country, it serves as an important administrative and commercial center for the northern provinces.

Tamale Central Market: A busy market where visitors can find a variety of goods, from local crafts to fresh produce.
Mole National Park: Located near Tamale, it is one of the country’s most important wildlife reserves, known for its diversity of animal species, including elephants, buffalo, and antelopes.

Time Zone

Ghana operates on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) throughout the year. The country does not observe Daylight Saving Time. The time zone is consistent year-round, with no seasonal changes. This makes it easier for international visitors to plan travel and communicate with people in Ghana, especially for those coming from countries in Europe or the Americas.

Climate

Ghana has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The country’s climate is affected by its proximity to the Equator, which means that it enjoys warm temperatures year-round. However, the coastal areas, interior, and northern regions all experience different weather patterns due to their geographical features.

Coastal and Central Regions

Wet Season: The wet season typically lasts from April to October, with the heaviest rains occurring in June and July. The coastal areas, including Accra, have relatively moderate temperatures and high humidity during this period.
Dry Season: The dry season runs from November to March and is characterized by warmer temperatures and lower humidity. The harmattan winds from the Sahara Desert can also affect the northern regions, bringing cooler and drier conditions.

Northern Regions

Wet Season: The northern parts of Ghana, such as Tamale and Kumasi, experience a longer wet season, from May to September. The rainy season is less intense than in the southern coastal regions but still affects agriculture.
Dry Season: The dry season in the north is typically hotter than in the south, and it can also be dusty during the harmattan season, especially from December to February.

Economic Status

Ghana has one of the most stable economies in West Africa, with strong growth prospects in various sectors, including agriculture, oil, mining, and services. The country is classified as a lower-middle-income economy by the World Bank, but its economy is diverse and has shown resilience despite challenges such as fluctuations in commodity prices and public debt.

Key Economic Sectors

Agriculture: Agriculture is a significant part of Ghana’s economy, employing a large portion of the population. The country is known for producing and exporting crops such as cocoa, cashews, gold, and timber. Ghana is one of the world’s leading producers of cocoa beans, and the crop remains central to the country’s economy.
Oil and Gas: In recent years, oil production has become an important driver of Ghana’s economy. The country began commercial oil production in 2010, and the sector has continued to grow, with offshore oil fields contributing significantly to export revenues.
Mining: Ghana is a leading producer of gold, and the mining sector remains one of the largest contributors to the country’s GDP. The country is also known for its reserves of bauxite, manganese, and diamonds.
Services: The services sector, particularly banking, telecommunications, and retail, has expanded in recent years, making it one of the fastest-growing sectors in the country.
Manufacturing: Although manufacturing plays a smaller role in Ghana’s economy compared to agriculture and services, it is growing, especially in areas like food processing, textiles, and construction materials.

Challenges and Opportunities

Ghana faces challenges such as unemployment, poverty, infrastructure development, and public debt. However, the country also has significant opportunities in renewable energy, tourism, agriculture (especially value-added products), and technology.

Tourist Attractions

Ghana is a beautiful country with a rich history and diverse landscapes that attract thousands of tourists every year. From bustling cities and historic slave trade forts to serene beaches and wildlife reserves, Ghana has something for everyone.

Cape Coast Castle

Located in the town of Cape Coast, this UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most important historical landmarks in Ghana. The castle, originally built by the British, was used during the transatlantic slave trade as a holding point for slaves before they were shipped to the Americas. Today, the castle serves as a museum and a memorial to the victims of slavery.

Kakum National Park

Kakum National Park, located in the central part of the country, is one of Ghana’s most famous wildlife reserves. The park is known for its tropical rainforest and the famous Canopy Walkway, a series of suspended bridges that offer a unique view of the forest.

Mole National Park

As Ghana’s largest wildlife reserve, Mole National Park offers safaris and wildlife viewing opportunities, with animals such as elephants, lions, and antelopes in their natural habitats. The park is located in the northern part of the country and is a major destination for eco-tourism.

Lake Volta

Lake Volta is one of the largest artificial lakes in the world and is a major feature in the eastern part of the country. The lake is popular for water sports and recreational activities, and visitors can explore its many islands.

The Wli Waterfalls

Located in the Volta Region, the Wli Waterfalls are the highest waterfalls in West Africa, with a height of about 60 meters. The falls are surrounded by lush forest, and visitors can enjoy trekking through the scenic landscapes.

Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens

U.S. citizens wishing to travel to Ghana for tourism or business must obtain a visa before entering the country. Travelers are required to have a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining after their expected departure date. The visa application process can be done through the Ghana Embassy or Consulate in the U.S. U.S. citizens can also apply for a tourist visa online.

Distance to New York City and Los Angeles

New York City to Accra: The distance from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Kotoka International Airport (ACC) in Accra is approximately 5,100 miles (8,200 kilometers). Flight times are typically around 10 to 11 hours.
Los Angeles to Accra: The distance between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Kotoka International Airport (ACC) is about 6,200 miles (10,000 kilometers), with a flight time of approximately 13 to 14 hours.

Ghana Facts

Size	239,537 km²
Residents	29.76 million
Languages	English (official language) and around 40 other languages and dialects
Capital	Accra
Longest river	Volta
Highest mountain	Mount Afadjato (885 m high)
Currency	Cedi