Stability key to prosperity for this fertile African nation

The vast natural resources of Ghana once earned it the title of "The Gold Coast" from its British occupants. Now, after celebrating 50 years of independence from colonial powers - the West African coastal country basks in a golden age of prosperity.

A politically stable nation by regional comparison, Ghana's high caliber education programs and well-organized civil service system has drawn the attention of surrounding nations who see the country as a model for future development.

"Over the past five decades, Ghana has experienced a lot of growth; it has undergone great changes and has become a strong example for other countries in the region," says Ean Adgai, Minister Counselor of the Ghanaian Embassy in Beijing.

Leading not only by example but by action as well, Ghana's New Patriot Party, under the leadership of President John Kufuor, has played a major role in preserving the harmony of the surrounding regions by stationing peacekeeping troops in Cote d'Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone and DR Congo.

Ghana's heavy political investment in the surrounding area can be attributed to Kufuor, who, in 2007, took his involvement a step further after accepting the position as the Chairperson for the African Union.

The adoption of a new constitution in 1992 helped catalyze the growth and stability Ghana is now experiencing by solidifying political guidelines and allowing multi-party elections.

"We have had peaceful transitions from one ruler to another for quite some time now," Adgai says. "There have been no political upheavals and this has helped the country stay together and remain stable."

The stability has fared well for the nation of 23 million people, with peaceful times presenting the opportunity to establish businesses and grow solid economic roots.

Its capital, Accra, is a city that has been teeming with traders since its colonial days and is well-known for being the world's largest exporter of Cocoa. Ghana also exports large amounts of gold, diamonds, bananas, pineapples, lumber and aluminum.

Ghana's sub-Saharan landscape is comprised of lush savannah plains and thick rain forests, providing a perfect environment for rich deposits of nutrients to accrue.

With such alluring natural mineral deposits and fertile soils, it is not surprising to see that investors worldwide have begun probing Ghana's intrinsic wealth.

"The political stability has contributed greatly to Ghana developing economically; it has entered into an age where investments have become very sound," Adgai says.

The discoveries of off-shore oil deposits in 2007 have further cemented Ghana's bright economic future.

With over 60 different ethnic groups and 52 spoken languages, English being the official language, Ghana's culture can be defined as a melting pot of diversity, a cultural coalition.

March 6 of every year, Ghanaians come together and celebrate their independence from the colonial power of Britain. They hold a massive parade in Accra where school children, voluntary organizations, and security forces march through the Black Star Square.

Adgai describes 2007 as Ghana's Golden Jubilee - a 12-month-long celebration that marks their 50th year of independence.

"It signified the birth of a new nation," he says. "The nation of Ghana."

Todd Balazovic

(China Daily 04/04/2008 page19)