H.E. Gina Ama Blay
Ambassador from the Republic of Ghana in Germany
All visitors to Ghana must possess a valid national passport.
A national of any member state of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) visiting Ghana may, however, produce a travel certificate in lieu of a passport.
ECOWAS members are: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cote d'Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo.
The Director
Ghana Immigration Service
Private Mailbag, Ministries Post Office
Accra, Ghana
I warmly welcome you to the website of the Embassy of the Republic of Ghana in the Federal Republic of Germany. In addition to Germany, the Embassy is concurrently accredited to the Republics of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. As you explore this site, you will discover more about Ghana and understand why it is often described as a ‘model democracy’ in Africa.
Here, you will find useful information about Ghana, her history, people, culture, geography, politics, tourism and economy as well as her enabling business environment which makes her one of the ideal investment destinations in Africa.
In addition to information on our consular services, there is an array of quick links to other relevant state institutions which you may explore. Ghana’s beautiful, diverse and colourful tourism attractions also await you.
There are currently Ghana Honorary Consul offices in Hamburg, Hannover and Munich which provide consular services (Business Visas and related services) in those areas. We are in the process of appointing new Honorary Consuls for Dortmund and Frankfurt. However, clients who require consular services in cities other than those mentioned above will be served in Berlin.
It is an honour for us in the Embassy to work towards deepening Ghana’s bilateral relations with the Federal Republic of Germany and the countries of concurrent accreditation as well as serving you in the best way possible. Therefore, I encourage you to feel free to send in comments, questions and/or suggestions/ideas on how to improve upon our services.
You are most welcome to explore Ghana here!
Gina Ama Blay
Excellency
H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo
President of the Republic of Ghana
Embassy of Ghana
Stavangerstrasse 17 & 19
10439 Berlin, Germany
| Tel.: | +49 30 54 71 49-0 |
| Fax: | +49 30 44 67 40 63 |
| E-Mail: | chancery@ghanaemberlin.de |
| E-Mail: | consular@ghanaemberlin.de |
Opening Hours:
Chancery Section: 9.00hrs-15.00hours
Consular Section: Mondays - Thursday
Submission - 09.30 hours - 12.30 noon
Collection - 13.30 hours - 14.30 hours
The Consular section is closed on Fridays
Prior to independence on March 6, 1957, Ghana was called the Gold Coast. The earliest Europeans to set foot on the land were the Portuguese in the 15th century (1471). On their arrival, they found so much gold between the rivers Ankobra and the Volta that they named the area “da Mina”, meaning “The Mine”. In 1482, the Portuguese built the first castle in the Gold Coast at Elmina to enhance their trading activities especially in gold and slaves. By 1598, the Dutch also arrived in the Gold Coast to trade. They built forts along the coastal areas, notable among them being the Dutch fort at Komenda. In 1637, they captured the Elmina castle from the Portuguese and in 1642 captured Fort St. Anthony in Axim.
Many other European traders came to the Gold Coast to trade. These included the British, Danes and Swedes. The European traders built several forts along Ghana’s coastlines. In 1872, the Dutch lost interest in the coast and ceded their forts free to the British thus ended a period of Dutch occupation lasting 274 years. By 1874, the British who were then the only Europeans in the Gold Coast established the crown colony that brought the coastal states under its effective political control.
Ghana gained independence from colonial rule on 6th,March1957, thus making it the first country in Africa, South of the Sahara to regain independence from colonial rule.
Christianborg Castle is unique among the castles and forts along the coast of Ghana as it served as Government House during various periods in the 19th and 20th centuries and continues to play that role today. The building of the first lodge in the 17th century at Osu is attributed to the Swedish African company in 1657. The Swedish headquarters at Carolusburg Castle, Cape Coast was captured by the Danish Guinea company led by Heinddrick Caerlof who himself was formerly Swedish Africa Company’s Commanding Director. This resulted in all Swedish establishments including Osu lodge passing into the hands of the Danish Africa Company, Caerlof defected to the Dutch in 1659. The Danish Commander of Carolusburg was tricked into believing that Denmark had been conquered. He therefore sold Caroluburg to the Dutch and with it the former Swedish establishments including Osu lodge. The Ga Paramount Chief Okaikoi, disgusted with their trickery, asked the Dutch to leave Osu. In 1661, Jost Cramer, Danish government of Fredericksborg, near Cape Coast, acquired land from chief Okaikoi for 3,200 gold florins. The Danes built a stone fort to replace the earthen lodge and named it Christianborg (Christian’s fortress) after the former King of Denmark, Christian IV who had died in 1648.
Ghana’s foreign policy objectives are geared towards good neighbourliness, the promotion and protection of Ghana’s interests for a just and equitable international economic system and social order, for the promotion of respect for international law and treaty obligations, settlement of international disputes by peaceful means as well as adherence to the principles enshrined in the charters of the organisations of which Ghana is a member state. A founding member of the OAU, now the AU, Ghana is also a member of the UN, the Commonwealth, ECOWAS and the ACP Group, to name only but a few.
A decentralized central government administration has been fostered at local government level where there are 10 Regional Co-coordinating Councils, 110 Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies which serve to involve grassroots participation in the formulation and implementation of government policies and the general development of their areas of jurisdiction.
Ghana’s system of government is a multiparty constitutional democracy founded on elections by open and free universal adult suffrage. All Ghanaians above 18 years are eligible to vote into office an Executive President for a maximum of two four-year terms. A 230-member Parliament is also elected to unlimited four-year terms.
The main arms of Government are the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary each of which is independent of the other.
There exists by constitutional provision Council of State that advises the President. Council membership is by both election and appointment. There is also a Cabinet which is chaired by the President. By constitutional provision, a majority of Cabinet members must be appointed from among members of Parliament (The Legislature).
By constitutional provision, in the absence of the President, the Vice-President acts in his stead and in the absence of both the President and the Vice President, the Speaker of the House of Parliament takes over the mantle of State.
Ghana has a pluralistic and highly independent media. There are over 50 newspapers, most of which appear daily, except Sundays and some holidays. Two (2) of the press houses that publish these newspapers are state-owned enterprises. There are twenty-three (23) approved television stations, among which is the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), the state-owned station with a national coverage. Some 125 frequency modulation (FM) stations and a number of cable television companies.
The current Parliament is the Third parliament of the Fourth Republic of Ghana, which came into being in 1992. Parliament is presided over by a Speaker elected by Parliament. A First Deputy Speaker and a Second Deputy Speaker who are both members of the House, but not from the ruling party assist the Speaker in the discharge of his duties.
Civil law in Ghana is based on the English Common Law doctrines of precedents, equity and general statutes. Ghanaian customary law is however the basis of most personal, domestic and contractual relationships. Criminal law is based on the 1960 Criminal Procedure Code, derived from amended English Criminal Law.
The Superior Court of Judicature comprises the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, High Court, Regional Tribunals and Inferior Courts, which include Circuit Courts, Circuit Tribunals, Magistrate Courts, Community Tribunals and other designated courts as may be prescribed by law.
H.Excellency Gina Ama Blay
Ambassador from the Republic of Ghana in Germany
Rich mineral resources such as gold, diamonds, manganese, limestone, bauxite, iron ore as well as various clays and granite deposits. Ghana is the second larges producer of gold in Africa.
Extensive forests, which are arguably, the best managed in West Africa (with 252) permanent forest reserves in the rain forest zone alone. In total about 11% of Ghana is occupied by forests. Ghana is the second largest producer of cocoa in the world. It is also the third largest producer of timber and the second largest exporter of wood and wood products in Africa; Rich marine fishing resources (tuna and game fishing); Beautiful landscape, inviting sunshine, pristine beaches, exotic wildlife and exciting national parks and game reserves; Rich culture and tradition and a world acclaimed warmth and hospitality of its people; Large oil deposits have been discovered in the Western Region of the country.
All visitors to Ghana must possess a valid national passport.
A national of any member state of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) visiting Ghana may, however, produce a travel certificate in lieu of a passport.
ECOWAS members are: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cote d'Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo.
The Director
Ghana Immigration Service
Private Mailbag, Ministries Post Office
Accra, Ghana
Please, Read more
The Republic of Ghana
Flag
“I decided on the three colours of red, gold & green because of the geography of Ghana. Ghana lies in the tropics and blessed with rich vegetation. The colour Gold was influenced by the mineral rich nature of our lands and Red commemorates those who died or worked for the country's independence. Then the five pointed lone star which is the symbol of African emancipation and unity in the struggle against colonialism.“
For more Information about the History of Ghana Flags:
http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/history/flag_history.php
All visitors to Ghana must possess a valid national passport.
A national of any member state of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) visiting Ghana may, however, produce a travel certificate in lieu of a passport.
ECOWAS members are: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cote d'Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo.
The Director
Ghana Immigration Service
Private Mailbag, Ministries Post Office
Accra, Ghana
Please, Read more
The Republic of Ghana
Flag
Ghana, the closest landmark to the centre of the world, is located on the west coast of Africa, about 750 km north of the equator on the Gulf of Guinea, between the latitudes of 4-11.5◦ north and longitude 3.11° West and 1.11° East. Tema, the industrial city, which is adjunct to Accra, the capital city of Ghana, is on the Greenwich Meridian (zero line of longitude). Ghana is bounded on the north by Burkina Faso, on the west by La Cote D'lvoire, on the east by Togo and on the south by the Gulf of Guinea.
Ghana, formerly called the Gold Coast, became independent from British colonial rule on March 6, 1957. It was the first black African colony to achieve independence. The period between the 15th and 19th centuries witnessed a power struggle for the country amongst European nations for fortunes in gold and ivory, following the advent of the Portuguese who discovered gold in 1471 and built Elmina castle in 1482. The other Europeans were the Dutch, Swedes, Danes, Prussians and the British. The battle for control and supremacy over the land culminated in the building of many forts and castles, which were used not only as trading posts but also as dungeons for the infamous slave trade. It is significant to note that out of the about forty-three (43) forts and castles in West Africa, thirty-three (33) are in Ghana alone. Out of these about twenty five (25) are in good condition, including Elmina and Cape Coast Castles and Fort St Jago, all three of which are recognised by UNESCO as World Heritage Monuments.
The country has therefore held and continues to hold out a lot of attractions notably:
The country has a total land area of 238,537 km2 (92,100 sq. miles) and stretches 672 km north-south and 536 km east-west. . The coastal area consists of plains and numerous lagoons near the estuaries of rivers. The land is relatively flat and the altitude is generally below 500m, with more than half of the country below 200m. The Volta River basin dominates the country's river system and includes the 8,480km2 Lake Volta (the largest artificial lake in the world), formed behind the Akosombo hydroelectric dam. In the north, vegetation is predominantly savanna, while the south has rain forest interspersed with savanna.
Ghana has a tropical climate. The temperature is generally 21-32°C (70-90°F). There are two rainy seasons, from March to July and from September to October, separated by a short cool dry season in August and a relatively long dry season in the south from mid-October to March. Annual rainfall in the south averages 2,030 mm but varies greatly throughout the country, with the heaviest rainfall in the southwestern part.
All visitors to Ghana must possess a valid national passport.
A national of any member state of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) visiting Ghana may, however, produce a travel certificate in lieu of a passport.
ECOWAS members are: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cote d'Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo.
The Director
Ghana Immigration Service
Private Mailbag, Ministries Post Office
Accra, Ghana
Please, Read more
Capital: Bolgatanga
Upper East Region is savannah, interrupted by the Tongo Hills near Bolgatanga (Bolga). The dry season is from November to April. During the rainy season, June to August, the landscape becomes a lush green plain. Architecture varies from viilage to village due to the ethnic mix and house painting photo opportunities. Bolga market is a hive of activity; local women wear colourful clothing and headgear quite distinct from other regions. There are customs entry points at Paga and Kulungugu on the Burkina Faso border. At Paga, 'sacred' crocodiles are enticed from the lake for a meal and photo shoot. There is also a nearby slave village complete with its slave graveyard, rock feeding troughs and drumming stones. At Navrongo, a 100-year old French Catholic Church made from mud is enriched with wall paintings and frescos, and complete with a Virgin Mary grotto. Resaurants, bars and accomdation are available in Bolga.
Capital: Koforidua
Eastern Region is distinct with its picturesque highlands, rainforest and waterfalls. The man-made lake Volta runs along its eastern border. The region is ideal for walking trips, angling, and canoeing and cultural activities. Nsawam is the mango and pineapple plantations center of Ghana. Papillion Antimachua, the largest butterfly in Africa is found in Atewa-Atwirebu Forest near Kibi. Esen-Epam Forest Reserve has the tallest tree in West Africa, reported to be 107 meters high. Koforidua is the regional administration, commercial and educational center. Aburi Botanical Gardens has a worldwide collection of plants.
Capital: Tamale
Northern Region is noted for its traditional African scenery. The land is mainly savannah and the population, mostly Muslim, is sparse on the plains. Tamale, with a population of about 300,000, is a mixture of cultures and religions. On Damba festive days, the king and rich chiefs ride on decorated horses. The major rivers are Black Volta and White Volta that flow into lake Volta. Salaga was a slave-trading centre. The region's markets are full of cotton and local fabrics. Yendi is the royal town of the Dagomba people. In Mole national park there is a motel, swimming pool, bar and restaurant. Larabanga mosque is Ghana's oldest mosque built in 1421 and nearby is Larabanga mystery stone that neither man nor machine can move.
Capital: Accra
Greater Accra Region is the smallest region in Ghana and is home to Accra, the capital city of Ghana. Accra, established 1877, has a population of over two million. In addition to Accra, the commercial centre and Tema seaport, three other rural districts contribute to sustaining the region. Accra was one of the earliest European settlements in West Africa; today it is a sprawling city with districts of tree-lined avenues and modern buildings. There are beautiful beaches, world-class hotels, international restaurants, museums and monuments. Shopping and nightlife are found along the high street. Kotoka international Airport is five km from Accra. Tema seaport is the country's foremost commercial port with the deepest harbour in West Africa.
Capital: Sekondi-Takoradi
Western Region has idyllic beaches, historic forts and coastal villages with richly painted fishing fleets and Nzulezo, a unique village on stilts. The region shares its border with la Cote d'Ivoire to the west. There are oil palms, coconut groves, rubber estates, citrus farms and cocoa plantations. Its many forts and castles bear witness to the slave trade. Ankasa National park provides easy access to a rainforest. Kundum Festival takes place during August/ September. The twin-city capital, Sekondi-Takoradi, Ghana's third largest city has the nation's most modern harbour. Nkroful, 83 km west of Takoradi, is the birthplace of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the first President of Ghana.
Capital: Sunyani
Brong Ahafo Region is the 'bread basket' of Ghana. The region produces crops such as cocoa, cutton, cola nuts and tobacco. There is also a substantial timber industry. In the south the vegetation is mainly forest reserves with over one hundred hardwood species. Bui national park has elephants, leopards, buffaloes, a variety of monkeys and a herd of hippopotamus. Archaeological digs in Begho, Hani and Kintampo towns have uncovered ancient settlements. Apoo and Kwafie festivals take place in November. Yeji has a ferry terminus and a lake crossing point. There is an airport, accommodation and restaurants in Sunyani. In the villages of Boabeng-Fiema a religious taboo exists whereby the Mona and Colobus monkeys are considered sacred. Kintampo Falls are especially spectacular in the rainy season.
Capital: Cape Coast
Cape Coast, the capital of the central region is world famous for its slave forts and castles - St. George's Castle (Elmina Castle), Cape Coast Castle and Fort St. Jago - designated by the UNESCO as world Heritage Monuments. Central region has magnificent beaches and rainforests as well as a rich culture of chiefs, traditional durbars and festivals.
Capital: Kumasi
Ashanti Region is famous for cultural pomp and pageantry, it is the ancient kingdom of Asante founded in 1695 by King Osei Tutu. Adae and Akwasidae festivals take place when his subject’s honour the Ashanti King attired in all his gold and traditional regalia. Carried resplendent on a colourful palanquin and shaded with canopies, the king is paraded in the royal courtyards, accompanied by drumming, horn blowing and dancing. Kumasi is a sprawling city set in a forest belt with rolling hills. It is also home to the largest street market in West Africa. Agriculture, logging and mining are the major industries. Ashanti Goldfields at Obuasi is the world's richest goldmine. There are many intriguing shrines in the region. Kumasi has a choice of restaurants, excellent accommodation and a vibrant nightlife.
Capital: Wa
Upper West Region shares its northern border with Burkina Faso with two customs entry points at Hamale and Kapulima. Cattle raising and agriculture are the main sources of income. The seat of the Wa Naa paramount chief is a magnificent 19th century palace in Wa. Local architecture is a combination of African and Islamic styles. Villages consist of traditional round mud huts connected by mud walls where communal life exists today much as it has for generations. At Wa there is tourist accomodation. Gbelle Game Reserve is 17 km south of Tumu where a four-wheel drive vehicle is essential.
Capital: Ho
Volta Region shares its border with Togo to the east and lake Volta, the largest man-made lake in the world to the west. At Ho there are hotels, guesthouses and restaurants. Amedzofe is one of the most scenic locations in Ghana with its three summits, Adaklu, Gami and Kabakaba, reaching 900 metres above sea level. There are monkey sanctuaries and villages where monkeys enjoy total freedom. The highest waterfall in Ghana is Wli Falls at 60 metres. Mount Afadzato the highest montain at 1000 meters stands on the Togo border. On the coast, Keta town sits strategically on a sandbank while Keta Lagoon provides excellent opportunities for fishing and bird watching. Cape St. Paul lighthouse is the oldest in Ghana and there is a customs entry point at Aflao on the Togo border.