World Happiness Report for Ghana 2024
- Overall Happiness Rank Ghana: 120
- Happiness Score Ghana:4.289
Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.
What is the Happiness Index?
The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.
How is the Happiness Index Calculated?
The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.
In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:
- GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
- Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
- Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
- Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
- Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
- Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.
These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.
What Does the Happiness Index Affect?
The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:
- Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
- Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
- Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
- Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.
By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.
Short information
- Abbreviation of Ghana. GH.
Ghana is a country located in West Africa.
It has a democratic political structure and a diverse cultural heritage.
Its economy is significant as it is one of the largest producers of gold and cocoa in the world.
Three interesting facts about Ghana:
- It was the first African country to gain independence from colonial rule.
- It is known for its vibrant music and dance traditions, particularly the highlife and hiplife genres.
- Ghana is home to many historical sites, including the Cape Coast Castle and the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Asante Traditional Buildings.
Ghana – A Comprehensive Overview
Early History and Ancient Civilizations:
Ghana’s history dates back to ancient times when various ethnic groups, including the Akan, Ga-Dangme, and Ewe, inhabited the region. The area was home to several powerful kingdoms and empires, such as the Ashanti Empire, which dominated parts of present-day Ghana and neighboring regions from the late 17th to the late 19th century.
Colonial Period:
In the late 15th century, Portuguese traders arrived on the coast of present-day Ghana, establishing trading posts and forts. Over time, the British gained control of the region, and in 1867, it became a British colony known as the Gold Coast. The colonial period was marked by economic exploitation, cultural suppression, and resistance from local rulers and populations.
Independence and Modern Era:
Led by Kwame Nkrumah and the Convention People’s Party, Ghana gained independence from British rule on March 6, 1957, becoming the first sub-Saharan African country to achieve independence. In the decades following independence, Ghana experienced periods of political instability, military coups, and economic challenges. However, since the early 1990s, Ghana has made strides towards democratic consolidation and economic growth.
Current Political Situation:
Ghana is a unitary presidential constitutional democracy with a multi-party system. The current president is Nana Akufo-Addo, who took office in 2017. Recent elections have been generally considered free and fair, reflecting Ghana’s strong democratic tradition in the region.
International Relations:
Ghana maintains cordial relations with its neighbors and is an active member of the African Union and other regional organizations. The country has been a significant contributor to peacekeeping missions and has played a mediating role in regional conflicts. Ghana also has strong economic and diplomatic ties with major powers like the United States, China, and the European Union.
Human Development and Economy:
Ghana’s economy is driven by agriculture, mining, and services. Major exports include cocoa, gold, and oil. The country has made progress in human development, with improvements in education, healthcare, and poverty reduction. However, challenges remain, including income inequality, unemployment, and infrastructure gaps.
Cultural Highlights:
Ghana boasts a rich cultural heritage, with diverse ethnic groups and traditions. The country is known for its vibrant music, dance, and art forms, such as Kente cloth weaving and wood carving. The predominant religions are Christianity and Islam, with a significant minority practicing traditional African religions.
Challenges and Opportunities:
Some of the key challenges facing Ghana include economic diversification, youth unemployment, corruption, and environmental sustainability. However, the country’s political stability, natural resources, and strategic location present opportunities for continued growth and development. Addressing issues like infrastructure development, education reform, and good governance will be crucial for Ghana’s long-term prosperity.
Main facts
Location
Ghana is a country located in West Africa, bordering the Gulf of Guinea. It is situated along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean and shares borders with Togo to the east, Burkina Faso to the north, and Côte d’Ivoire to the west.
Map References
Ghana is a part of the West African region and is located on the continent of Africa.
Area – Comparative
With an area of 238,535 sq km, Ghana is slightly smaller than the U.S. state of Oregon.
Land Boundaries and Border Countries
Ghana shares land borders with the following countries:
- Burkina Faso: 602 km
- Côte d’Ivoire: 720 km
- Togo: 1,098 km
Coastline
Ghana has a coastline stretching 539 km along the Gulf of Guinea in the Atlantic Ocean.
Maritime Claims
Ghana claims the following maritime zones:
- Territorial sea: 12 nautical miles
- Exclusive economic zone: 200 nautical miles
- Continental shelf: 200 nautical miles or to the edge of the continental margin
Climate
Ghana has a tropical climate with two main seasons: a dry season (November to March) and a rainy season (April to October). Temperatures are generally warm, ranging from 21°C to 32°C, with cooler temperatures in the north.
Terrain
The terrain of Ghana is predominantly low plateaus, with rolling plains and elevated areas in the east and west. The Volta River Basin and its tributaries dominate the central and southern regions, while the northern regions are characterized by higher elevations and savanna grasslands.
Elevation Extremes
The highest point in Ghana is Mount Afadjato, with an elevation of 885 meters, located in the Akwapim-Togo Ranges. The lowest point is the Gulf of Guinea, at sea level.
Natural Resources
Ghana’s major natural resources include gold, timber, industrial diamonds, bauxite, manganese, fish, rubber, hydropower, petroleum, silver, salt, and limestone.
Major Bodies of Water
The principal bodies of water in Ghana include:
- Volta River (shared with Burkina Faso)
- Lake Volta (the largest artificial lake in the world by surface area, created by the Akosombo Dam on the Volta River)
- Oti River (a tributary of the Volta River, shared with Togo and Benin)
- Pra River
- Tano River
Natural Hazards
The primary natural hazards affecting Ghana include:
- Droughts
- Flooding (particularly in the northern regions)
- Coastal erosion
- Deforestation
Geography – Notes
Ghana is considered a gateway to West Africa due to its strategic location along the Gulf of Guinea. The country’s diverse geography, ranging from coastal lowlands to savanna and semi-desert regions in the north, contributes to its rich biodiversity and agricultural potential.
- Forest Area (% of land area): 41.20%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
- Co2 Emissions: 16,67. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
- Agricultural Land( %). 69.00%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
- Geographic Coordinates: 7.946527-1.023194.
- Capital: The capital of Ghana is Accra
- Major Cities:
- Accra – Population: 2.27 million
- Kumasi – Population: 1.73 million
- Tamale – Population: 594,298
- Sekondi-Takoradi – Population: 445,205
- Population: 30,792,608
- Area(Km2): 238533
- Population Density( P/Km²):137. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
- Calling Code:233
- Official Language(s):Ghana is Twi (Akan) 47.5%, English 16.6%, Dagbani 11.2%, Ewe 7.8%, Ga 5.7%, Akuapem Twi 5.2%, Dagaare 1.7%, Buli 1.5%, Malayalam 1.4% (2010 est.)
- Currency: GHS
Main Economic Indicators
Ghana has a lower middle-income economy driven by services and an emerging manufacturing sector. The economy has been hampered by high public debt, rising inflation, and a depreciating currency. The government is implementing policies to restore fiscal discipline, promote industrialization, and attract foreign investment.
Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)
2021: 10% (Source: World Bank)
2022: 33.9% (Source: Ghana Statistical Service)
Credit Ratings
Fitch: B- (Negative Outlook)
Moody’s: Caa1 (Stable Outlook)
Standard & Poor’s: B- (Negative Outlook)
GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin
Agriculture: 17.7%
Industry: 33.5%
Services: 48.8%
Key Agricultural and Industrial Products
Agricultural: Cocoa, rice, cassava, peanuts, corn, shea nuts, bananas, timber
Industrial: Mining, light manufacturing, aluminum, food processing, cement, small commercial ship building
Labor Force
Total Labor Force: 12.9 million (2021 est.)
Comparative Ranking: 45th globally
Current Account Balance
2021: -$2.8 billion (3.2% of GDP)
2022: -$3.6 billion (est. 3.8% of GDP)
Comparative Ranking: 161st globally
Exports and Imports
Total Exports (2021): $14.7 billion
Key Export Partners: Switzerland, India, United Arab Emirates, South Africa, China
Main Exports: Gold, crude petroleum, cocoa beans, aluminum, timber
Total Imports (2021): $13.9 billion
Key Import Partners: China, United States, India, United Arab Emirates, Belgium
Main Imports: Machinery, transport equipment, petroleum, plastic materials, iron and steel
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold
Foreign Exchange Reserves (March 2023): $6.6 billion
Gold Reserves (March 2023): 8.7 million troy ounces
- GDP (Current US$):$66,983,634,224. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
- Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 12.60%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
- Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 55.40%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
- Gasoline Price. $0.92. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
- Minimum wage. $0.27. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
- Unemployment Rate (%): 4.33%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.
Social Indicators
1. National Identity
Noun: Ghanaian(s)
Adjective: Ghanaian
2. Ethnic Groups
Major ethnic groups and their percentages:
– Akan (47.5%)
– Mole-Dagbon (16.6%)
– Ewe (13.9%)
– Ga-Dangme (7.4%)
– Gurma (5.7%)
– Others (8.9%)
3. Religions
Main religious affiliations and their percentages:
– Christian (71.2%)
– Muslim (17.6%)
– Traditional (5.2%)
– Other/None (6%)
4. Age Structure
Distribution of population across age groups:
– 0-14 years: 37.8%
– 15-64 years: 58.5%
– 65 years and over: 3.7%
5. Dependency Ratios
– Total dependency ratio: 71.3%
– Youth dependency ratio: 65.8%
– Elderly dependency ratio: 5.5%
6. Median Age
Median age: 21.8 years
– Male: 21.6 years
– Female: 22.1 years
7. Lifestyle Indicators
– Obesity rate: 10.9% of the adult population
– Alcohol consumption: 2.8 liters of pure alcohol per capita per year
– Tobacco use: 4.4% of adults aged 15 and over
- Life Expectancy at Birth: 63.8. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
- Literacy Rate (% of adults): 76.6%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
- Birth Rate:29.41. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
- Death Rate:8. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
- Fertility Rate: 3.87. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
- Internet Users (% of population): 45.9%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
- Urban Population: 17,249,054. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
- Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):36.10%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.
Infrastructure and Services
Military and Security Forces
The Ghana Armed Forces consist of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Notable units include the Airborne Force and the Presidential Guard Regiment. The Ghana Police Service is responsible for internal security, assisted by local authorities and auxiliary forces.
Military Expenditures
Ghana’s military spending as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:
- 2022: 0.8%
- 2021: 0.6%
- 2020: 0.6%
- 2019: 0.5%
- 2018: 0.4%
Ghana ranks 126th globally in military expenditure.
Personnel Strengths
Total active-duty military personnel: 15,500
- Army: 11,000
- Navy: 2,300
- Air Force: 2,200
Additional security forces include the 27,000 personnel of the Ghana Police Service.
Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions
Ghana’s military equipment includes main battle tanks, armored personnel carriers, artillery pieces, and multi-role fighter aircraft. Recent acquisitions have focused on enhancing air and maritime capabilities, including Chinese and Brazilian aircraft and offshore patrol vessels.
Military Service Age and Obligation
Voluntary military service is open to Ghanaian citizens aged 18-25. There is no compulsory military service obligation.
Military Deployments
Ghana contributes personnel to several UN peacekeeping missions, including in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Mali (MINUSMA), and South Sudan (UNMISS). It also has troops deployed as part of the ECOWAS Mission in The Gambia (ECOMIG).
Strategic Military Notes
Ghana’s defense strategy emphasizes regional security and stability, particularly within the ECOWAS framework. The military plays a key role in peacekeeping operations and counterterrorism efforts in West Africa. Ghana is a partner in the US National Guard State Partnership Program and a member of the African Union’s African Standby Force.
- Armed Forces Size: 16000. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
- Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 0.14
- Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 67.80%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.