Facts About Ghana

Hello! Since English is Ghana’s official language, that’s how many will greet you if you visit. However, did you know that there are over 80 languages spoken throughout the country? Learn more interesting facts about Ghana here. 

View of fishing boats along the shoreline

5 Facts About Ghana

Here are some other facts about Ghana: 

Map of Ghana

Where Is Ghana?

Ghana is located in West Africa and on the Gulf of Guinea. The country shares borders with Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire and Togo.  

Key Challenges in Ghana & Our Response

Ghana is known as the “golden child” of Africa and features a vibrant and unique culture. However, it’s also a place many impoverished children and families call home. These children suffer the damaging consequences of poverty. 

Abuse, Trafficking & Violence Put Children at Risk 

Child abuse and trafficking are consistent threats throughout many countries like Ghana. Close to 90% of children regularly experience violent discipline. Thousands of children are exploited through hazardous work [/blog/child-labor-facts/] in the cocoa industry. And thousands of children are living — and sometimes working — on the streets. 

Our Response: Protecting Children Through Intervention & Training 

Compassion prioritizes the protection of the children we serve. We train our staff and volunteers to see and respond to the warning signs of abuse and violence, ensuring they know how to intervene quickly.  

We also train parents on their children’s rights and teach children to use their voices to stand up for themselves and others. 

Malnutrition & Lack of Medical Care Threaten Children 

Throughout Africa, the lack of proper nutrition, vitamins and medical care for moms threaten babies from the womb. In fact, recent data shows that sub-Saharan Africa has the highest infant mortality rate in the world at 27 deaths per 1,000 live births. 

Our Response: Providing Medical Care & Nutrition Support to Moms & Babies 

Compassion partners with local churches to care for mothers and babies through our Survival programs. These programs offer expecting moms access to critical health services and support like vitamins, nutrition support and checkups. 

Our Survival programs also cover the cost of delivery and provide emotional support for families as they go through childbirth. This support continues throughout a child’s first year of life, ensuring they have what they need to thrive from the start.

Our Impact in Ghana

Compassion has been working in Ghana for nearly two decades. Throughout this time, we’ve helped release thousands of children from poverty through child sponsorship.

96,678

children served (and counting).

412

churches serving.

18

years of serving.
A woman uses a saw to cut a piece of wood.

One Gift Changed This Ghanian Family's Life

When Joseph’s carpentry business stalled and his wife suffered health issues, he feared he wouldn’t be able to feed his family. But one gift from his daughter’s sponsor changed everything. 

A young man wearing a hat smiles for the camera while he paints a wall.

Sponsor Letters Inspire Children to Achieve Their Dreams

Children all around the world, including in Ghana, receive messages from their sponsors that inspire them to dream big. See what these children have to say about the encouragement they’ve received.

Fight Child Poverty: Give Right-Now Care & Eternal Hope

Nutritious food. Medical care. Protection from harm. Hope. These are just some of the critical, right-now needs of children living in poverty. Help us fight child poverty by meeting these needs and sharing the lasting hope of the gospel. 

Sponsor a Child

By sponsoring a child, you empower a local church to share the gospel by meeting the needs of a child’s body, mind and spirit. Through sponsorship, you’ll help deliver medical care, hygiene training, education, malnutrition monitoring and so much more to a child in need. 

Pray

Jeremiah 33:3 says that if we call on God, he will answer us. When we lift up children living in poverty, God hears us, and we can trust he’s working on their behalf. Join us in praying daily for children living in poverty by becoming a prayer partner.

Donate

Children living in poverty face many challenges, from a lack of medical care to dangerous living conditions. You can provide immediate support by donating to fulfill a right-now need.