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CLIMATE
OVERVIEW
Ghana has a tropical climate, however temperatures
tend to vary depending on the season and elevation.
With the exception of the northern part of the coun-
try, there are two rainy seasons, the first from April to
July and the second from September to November.
The north’s rainy season spans from April to Sep-
tember. Annual rainfall ranges from about 1,100 mm
(about 43 in) in the north to about 2,100 mm (about
83 in) in the southeast. A dry desert wind referred
to as the Harmattan blows from the northeast from
December until March, lowering the humidity levels
and resulting in hot days and cool nights in the north;
these effects in the south are felt in January. In gen-
eral, the majority of Ghana experiences the highest
temperatures in March, and the lowest in August.
Culture
Ghanaian culture puts an emphasis on individual
conduct and behaviour and this has a direct impact
on society and family. Everyone aims to be hospita-
ble, kind-hearted and respectful in public gatherings
as well as towards other walks of life.
Ghanaians are very cheerful people and love to
celebrate festivals and events throughout the year.
Celebrations such as Christmas and Carnival are
celebrated on a large scale and have the capability
of bringing a whole tribe or clan together.
In the tribal culture, the major decisions regarding any
custom and other tribal matters are taken by leaders
and chiefs. Factors like formal education, member-
ship in professional associations, and ethnic affiliation
decide the importance of a person in society.
As far as the status of women is concerned, women
can expect to travel within the country without any
problem. Ghana is an extremely safe country as is
reflected in its “treat one as you would like to be
treated” common value.
The celebration of festivals is an integral part of
Ghanaian culture. Several notable rites and rituals
that are performed throughout the year include child-
birth, rites of passage, puberty, marriage and death.
Ghana culture is never complete without mention-
ing its music, which is an integral part of the Ghana
traditions. Highlife music is the traditional and ethic
music which is played during festivals and funerals,
and the choral music which is performed in schools,
National Specialties
The basic diet consists of a starchy staple eaten
with a soup or stew. Forest crops, such as plantain,
cassava, cocoyam (taro), and tropical yams, are
dominant in the south. Corn and rice are also
very significant staple foods in Ghana, especially
among the Ga people. The country’s national dish
is fufu, ground plantain or tubers mixed with cassava.
Soup ingredients include common vegetables and
usually fish, plus, inevitably, hot peppers. Palm nut
and peanut soups are special national favourites.
A fine destination for family chillout holidays