As the first black African country to gain independence from European rule, the Republic of Ghana today is a country relatively free of internal conflicts with a population that includes many diverse ethnic and religious groups. The former British colony known as Gold Coast has achieved this in part due to a reasonable constitution and a strong educational system that has bridged ethnic and religious divides. Bordered by Cote d’Ivoire and Togo in West Africa and with a coastline along the Gulf of Guinea, Ghana has substantial natural resources. Lake Volta in eastern Ghana is the largest artificial lake in the world, and provides electrical power from the Akosombo Dam on the Volta River.

Ghana’s independence in 1957 was followed by a time of corruption and a series of military coups. A new constitution in 1992, however, established a democratic government and Ghana has transitioned successfully to a democratic system. Gold, prominent in Ghana’s political and economic past, continues its economic influence today. Ghanaian cocoa production, second only to Cote d’Ivoire, timber products, and recently discovered oil reserves are also generating income. This well-run country is often used as an economic and political model for reform in Africa.

Christian missionary work began in Ghana in 1828. Today about 63% of Ghanaians call themselves Christians, yet many are nominal in their faith. A dual spirituality influenced by traditional African religions challenges much of the church. The strong Muslim presence in the north of Ghana has launched an aggressive outreach to the rest of the country and is making serious inroads. Current economic struggles have put people in need and many are open to receiving the gospel of Jesus Christ. Ghanaians under the age of 15, representing over 40% of the nation’s population, are spiritually open and when reached could have a profound impact on the Ghanaian church.