Ghana - History and Demographics

The Portuguese were the first European colonizers arriving in the area in 1471. The Gold Coast was so named because it was an important source of gold. The Portuguese set up a trading post in Cape Coast to protect their trade from European competitors. It still stands today and is a tourist attraction. There were 30 forts and castles built to protect Portuguese interests from other Europeans and pirates. In the late 17th century, there was a shift from being a gold exporting and slave importing economy to being a major local slave exporting economy. In 1807, Britain began a campaign to stop the international slave trade. In 1808, the United States outlawed the importation of slaves, though the effort was not successful until the 1860’s. Britain became the dominant European power in the late 19th century with their desire to eliminate the slave trade, and Ghana became a British colony. The British presence helped with stability. In 1957, Britain granted Ghana independence. Corruption in the ruling party became an obstacle to economic growth. There was a military coup in 1966 that promised to restore the democratic government. Coups would continue for many years with economic strife and other issues. In 1992, the government was under international and domestic pressure and allowed for a 258-member assembly representing geographic districts. A new constitution was introduced in 1993. Social reforms began to be instituted in 2003 such as a meal-a-day program in the poorest areas. Ghana is currently experiencing a stable democracy.

Bountiful Children in Ghana

Bountiful Children started helping communities in Ghana in 2016. 24% of the population live below the national poverty level. Chronic malnutrition affects more than one million children in Ghana.