Who are the people?
There are more than 75 ethnic groups in Ghana. Rural Ghanaians generally live with their extended families in a cluster of huts that provides shelter and symbolizes the closeness they feel to each other. In a spirit of cooperation, extended family members share work responsibilities and resources as they support themselves through farming.
English is the official language of Ghana and is taught in the country’s schools, but each ethnic group also has its own dialect. About 70 percent of Ghanaians work in agriculture. Many farmers produce only enough crops to feed their own family. They do not have adequate income to purchase clothes or schoolbooks.

Ghanaians value children and want to have as many children as possible. A large family means more hands to help on the farm and guarantees that parents will be cared for in their old age.

Primary and middle school education is both free and compulsory for children in Ghana. Ghana's education system is considered one of the best in sub-Saharan Africa.

Those who do not own or rent farmland work as day laborers, competing for a limited number of jobs paying very low wages that cover the cost of food and little else.
There are more than 75 ethnic groups in Ghana. Rural Ghanaians generally live with their extended f

Country Comparison	Ghana	United States
Population	21.6 million	295.4 million
Land Mass	89,166 sq. miles	3,537,439 sq. miles
Life Expectancy	57 years	78 years
Infant Mortality Rate (per 1,000)	68	7
Literacy Rate	54%	97%
Primary School Enrollment	61%	92%
Access to Safe Water	79%	100%
Average Annual Income (GNI per capita)	$380	$41,400

Religion

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What is it like to live there?
Once a British colony, the West African nation of Ghana gained independence in 1957. Its territory stretches 341 miles along the Atlantic Ocean. The rainy season lasts from May to July, with a minor wet season in September and October.

Ghana is rich in natural resources and ranks among the world’s leading producers of cacao. Other industries include forestry, mining, and fishing. Hyenas, antelopes, and chimpanzees are among the types of wildlife found in Ghana. Parks provide protection for animals with dwindling populations.

Marriages in Ghana are arranged by the families of the bride and groom with the couple’s consent. Girls usually marry between the ages of 19 and 23. Boys often wait until they are 25 or older.

In Ghana, most babies are delivered at home, so official birth certificates frequently are not available. Parents often will not remember a child’s specific birthday. Instead, they recall that their son or daughter was born during a certain season or special event.
Once a British colony, the West African nation of Ghana gained independence in 1957. Its territory
Ghana Projects
With the support of generous donors like you, World Vision is partnering with families throughout Ghana to build brighter futures filled with hope for their children.

Many activities are under way to help meet immediate needs and promote lasting changes that will strengthen communities and move families toward self-reliance.

Overall program goals include:

• Upgrading classroom facilities so children have a better place to learn.
• Conducting immunization campaigns to protect children from polio and other deadly and debilitating diseases.
• Teaching mothers about hygiene, nutrition, and disease prevention to equip them to better care for their children.
• Drilling and constructing wells to provide families with safe, clean water.
• Helping families launch small businesses that will increase income.
• Training farmers in new agricultural techniques and cultivation methods that can increase their crop production.
• Offering vocational classes in tailoring, soap-making, beadwork and carpentry.
• Organizing camps and Bible clubs for sponsored boys and girls.

• Pray that your sponsored child might be open to God’s love and grace.
• Ask God to guide your sponsored child as he or she learns, grows, and moves toward a future full of hope and possibilities.
• Pray for God to protect the health of your sponsored child and his or her family.

Please click here to peruse online picture folders of children from this country.