 The people and geography of Ghana in many ways reflect the vast diversity of the African continent. The south consists of lush tropical jungle and coastal plains which give way to open savannah in the northern region. Near the Burkina Faso border, the climate resemples the hot, arid deserts of North Africa. The Ashanti, one of the great Sub-Saharan civilizations, make their home in central Ghana by the shores of Lake Volta--one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world. The Northern Region is home to the big game more often associated with countries like Kenya and Tanzania. Elephants, baboons, buffalo, antelope, warthogs, and the occasional big cat live in the savannah and thrive in Mole National Park. Altogether, five major ethnic groups speak 50 different languages. As Ghana was the first African colony to gain independence from Great Britain in 1957, the people have really strived to develop a national culture which is uniquely African.
Ghana represents a great "first step" into Africa. It is easily accessible to new travelers to the continent and the Ghanaian people are well known among as being some of the most hospitable people in the world. Ghanaians tend to take life at a relaxed pace, viewing time as a series of events rather than a matter of calendars, hours, or minutes. Visitors quickly fall in love with the goegraphic and cultural beauty, and many make a point to return many times during their life.
ELI partners with local organizations in rural and urban areas throughout Ghana to create unique volunteer and internship programs designed to give participants a cultural understanding of this incredible country.
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