Level: JHS (Basic 7 – 9) | Subject: Social Studies | Topic: Ghana’s Physical Geography – Location, Physical Features, and Climate | Curriculum: Ghana NaCCA / GES
Understanding Ghana’s physical geography – where it is, what the land looks like, and what the climate is – is the foundation for understanding everything else about the country: its agriculture, its economy, its people, and its relationship with the rest of the world.
Location of Ghana
Geographical Location
Ghana is located in West Africa, on the Gulf of Guinea (Atlantic Ocean). It lies between latitudes 4°N and 11°N, and between longitudes 3°W and 1°E. The Prime Meridian (0° longitude) passes through Ghana, specifically through the town of Tema, making Ghana one of very few countries in the world that sits on both the Prime Meridian and close to the Equator.
Ghana’s Borders
- North: Burkina Faso
- East: Togo
- West: Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
- South: Gulf of Guinea (Atlantic Ocean)
Size and Population
- Area: Approximately 238,533 km²
- Population: Over 33 million (Ghana Statistical Service)
- Capital city: Accra (seat of government)
- Largest city: Accra
- Second city: Kumasi (the Ashanti regional capital and commercial hub of the interior)
Administrative Regions of Ghana
Ghana is currently divided into 16 administrative regions following the creation of six new regions in 2019 from the former 10 regions.
| Region | Regional Capital |
|---|---|
| Greater Accra | Accra |
| Ashanti | Kumasi |
| Western | Sekondi-Takoradi |
| Western North | Sefwi Wiawso |
| Central | Cape Coast |
| Eastern | Koforidua |
| Volta | Ho |
| Oti | Dambai |
| Bono | Sunyani |
| Bono East | Techiman |
| Ahafo | Goaso |
| Northern | Tamale |
| Savannah | Damongo |
| North East | Nalerigu |
| Upper East | Bolgatanga |
| Upper West | Wa |
Physical Features of Ghana
Relief and Topography
Ghana’s landscape is generally low-lying, with an average elevation of about 190 metres above sea level. The terrain varies from coastal plains to plateaus, river basins, and highland areas.
Major Landforms
| Landform | Description and Location |
|---|---|
| Coastal plains | A narrow strip of lowland along the southern coast, extending from the Volta mouth westward. Includes Accra plains – relatively flat, dry, and scrubby. |
| Akan lowlands | South-western region; relatively low, drained by the Pra, Ankobra, and Tano rivers. Rich forest cover. |
| Ashanti uplands | The central spine of Ghana; forms the main watershed. Kumasi is located here. Elevation of 150-300m. |
| Voltaian basin | A large low-lying area in the centre-east; drained by the Volta River system. Lake Volta occupies much of this. |
| Brong-Ahafo plateau | Transitional zone between forest and savanna. Fertile farmland. |
| Northern plains | Flat to gently rolling terrain in the north; savanna vegetation; prone to drought. |
| Akwapim-Togo ranges | A range of hills running north-east from near Accra into Togo. Contains Ghana’s highest point, Mount Afadjato (885m) in the Volta Region. |
Major Rivers of Ghana
| River | Key Facts |
|---|---|
| Volta River | Ghana’s most important river. Drains about 70% of Ghana’s land area. The Akosombo Dam on the Volta created Lake Volta – one of the world’s largest man-made lakes by surface area. |
| Pra River | Important river in the south; flows through rich forest and mining areas; severely affected by galamsey. |
| Ankobra River | Located in the south-west; also affected by illegal mining. |
| Tano River | Western Ghana; flows into the sea near the border with Côte d’Ivoire. |
| Oti River | Northern tributary of the Volta; flows through the Oti and Volta regions. |
Lake Volta
Lake Volta was created by the construction of the Akosombo Dam, which was completed in 1965 under President Kwame Nkrumah. The lake generates hydroelectric power (about 1,020 MW), which supplies electricity to Ghana and is exported to neighbouring countries. Lake Volta is also an important fishing resource and supports transportation in the Volta basin. Its surface area of approximately 8,502 km² makes it one of the largest man-made reservoirs in the world.
Climate of Ghana
General Climate
Ghana has a tropical climate. It is warm throughout the year, with temperatures typically ranging from 21°C to 32°C. There is no true “winter” season as experienced in temperate countries.
Climate Zones in Ghana
| Zone | Location | Rainfall Pattern | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wet semi-equatorial | South-western Ghana (Western Region) | Two rainy seasons; high annual rainfall (over 2000mm) | Dense rainforest; highest rainfall in Ghana |
| Moist semi-deciduous | Forest belt (Ashanti, Brong-Ahafo, parts of Eastern) | Two rainy seasons; moderate-high rainfall | Main cocoa growing area |
| Coastal savanna | Greater Accra, parts of Volta coast | Relatively dry despite southern location | Accra unusually dry; caused by cold Benguela current |
| Dry sub-humid | Middle belt (parts of Brong-Ahafo, Northern) | Single rainy season (April-October) | Transition zone between forest and savanna |
| Dry savanna | Upper East, Upper West, Northern Regions | Single short rainy season; long dry season | Harmattan winds Dec-Jan; prone to drought |
Practice Questions: Ghana’s Physical Geography
1. Ghana’s highest point, Mount Afadjato (885m), is located in which region?
Reveal Answer
2. The Akosombo Dam was completed in which year?
Reveal Answer
3. Which country borders Ghana to the north?
Reveal Answer
4. How many administrative regions does Ghana currently have?
Reveal Answer
5. Why is the Greater Accra coastline unusually dry despite being in the south of Ghana?
Reveal Answer
Next Social Studies topics: Population, Agriculture, and Ghana’s Economy | Africa and the World: Map Reading and Continental Geography