What is the terrain and geography like in Ghana?
A major feature of the country’s geography is the Volta Lake, the world’s largest manmade lake (8,900 square kilometers), which extends from the Akosombo Dam (completed in 1966) in southeastern Ghana to the town of Yapei, 520 kilometers to the north. The dam generates electricity for all of Ghana as well as some exports to neighboring countries. The lake also serves as an inland waterway and is a potentially valuable resource for irrigation and fish farming.
Ghana's climate is tropical with temperatures between 21°C and 32°C (70°F and 90°F). Rainy seasons extend from April to July (heavy rains) and from September to November (light rains). Annual rainfall exceeds 200 centimeters on the coast, decreasing inland. Accra’s annual rainfall averages about 76 centimeters, low for coastal West Africa. The southern part of the country is humid most of the year, but the north can be very dry.
It is coolest from May until October. In December the harmattan, a dry dusty wind from the Sahara, covers the country, and lasts through February. The desert wind reduces humidity, and early mornings and nights are relatively cool. Visibility during the harmattan can be poor, as the air is filled with fine dust.
Ghana's climate is tropical with temperatures between 21°C and 32°C (70°F and 90°F). Rainy seasons extend from April to July (heavy rains) and from September to November (light rains). Annual rainfall exceeds 200 centimeters on the coast, decreasing inland. Accra’s annual rainfall averages about 76 centimeters, low for coastal West Africa. The southern part of the country is humid most of the year, but the north can be very dry.
It is coolest from May until October. In December the harmattan, a dry dusty wind from the Sahara, covers the country, and lasts through February. The desert wind reduces humidity, and early mornings and nights are relatively cool. Visibility during the harmattan can be poor, as the air is filled with fine dust.
Geographic Location | Africa |
Total Area |
92,098 Square Miles 238,533 Square Kilometers |
Land Area |
87,850 Square Miles 227,533 Square Kilometers |
Water Area |
4,247 Square Miles 11,000 Square Kilometers |
Land Boundaries |
1,301 Miles 2,094 Kilometers |
Irrigated Land |
119 Square Miles 309 Square Kilometers |
Border Countries | Burkina Faso 549 km, Cote d'Ivoire 668 km, Togo 877 km |
Coastline |
335 Miles 539 Kilometers |
Geographic Coordinates | 8 00 N, 2 00 W |
Terrain | mostly low plains with dissected plateau in south-central area |
Highest Point | 880 Meters |
Highest Point Location | Mount Afadjato 880 m |
Lowest Point Location | Atlantic Ocean 0 m |
Natural Resources | gold, timber, industrial diamonds, bauxite, manganese, fish, rubber, hydropower |
Time Zone | UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) |