A place is so many things. It’s the people, the architecture, the sounds of the city, the smells and tastes of the food and more.
But, is Ghana really the center of the world? Well, Ghana is practically at the center of the world, being both close to the equator and on the Greenwich Meridian which represents 0° longitude.
This was formally announced at the World Mediterranean Forum (2018) by the then Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Mrs Catherine Abelema Afeku.
Our unique geographical position
Though in Ghana, the meridian line enters the sea and touches no other solid surface till it reaches Antarctica, Ghana’s unique geographical position is worth exploring.
Nature has provided the country with an enduring landmark close to the seashore at Tema in the Greater Accra Region where the zero line of longitude exists in the form of a small rock, the Greenwich rock.
It is said that almost a century ago, sailors stopped work to observe some rituals when their ships crossed the zero line. Now, faith-based tourism attracts tourists to the Tema Meridian Presby Church which is located directly on the Greenwich Meridian with the sole aim of praying in a church located at the center of the world.
Interesting, right?
To mark this revealing fact, a monument has recently been unveiled at a site in Tema, specifically Hole Seven of the Tema Country Golf Club Ghana, where the Greenwich Meridian runs southward through the ocean to meet the equator at the center of the world making Ghana closest to the centre.
Press says projects are underway to construct a tower comparable to other world landmarks.
The 611km distance makes Ghana the closest country to the center of the world.
So fun fact? Ghana really is the center of the World!
Ghana’s history and the Doors of no Return
Named after the Medieval West African Ghana Empire, Gold Coast was renamed Ghana and was the first African country to gain its independence on 6th March 1957.
Although it isn’t fun to admit, history tells that about one tenth of the total slave trades that occurred happened on the Gold Coast which became a British protectorate in the later part of the 19th century.
Evidence? One of the most famous castles in Ghana’s dark episode of slavery is the Cape Coast Castle. The small dungeons which housed up to 1000 slave males and 500 slave females prior to transportation still exist.
After passing through the door of no return into awaiting slave ships, 10-15% of slaves died before arrival due to very harsh travel conditions. Now under the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board, the castle is a well-visited historical site telling true tales of old.
Rich Potential at the center of the world
A dark past gave way to a future brimming with sunshine. While Ghana is considered to be among the least developed countries in the world, it is rated as one fastest-growing economy in Africa and is ripe for business investment for tourists looking to settle and start a life.
In 2020, purchasing power parity for Ghana was 2.3 LCU per international dollar. Though the cost of living is steadily rising in Ghana, this means the general cost of living in Ghana is low as compared to other countries.
Ghana is a popular expat destination in West Africa, offering a blend of history, traditions and modernity.
Tropical landscape and tourist sites at the center of the world
With Ghana, you get beautiful hinterland, sunny beaches, rich culture, lively cities, welcoming locals, wildlife and easy access to all parts of the country.
From Kakum National Park in the South to Mole National park in the North, from the twin waterfalls in the East to the largest artificial lake in the World, Lake Volta, there are beautiful places almost everywhere in Ghana.
Conclusion
Just recently, Ghana became the center of attraction for the African Diaspora and much of the world as it commemorated 400 years of the transatlantic slave trade. Hundreds including celebrities across the globe visited the country to mark the ‘Year of Return’ and to explore, learn and appreciate their roots.
Boasting of a rich cultural heritage, tropical landscape with beautiful sites of land and water, mouth watering food, rich mineral resources, peace, political stability and a warm embrace, Ghana is certainly a stop worth exploring.
It is also the star of Africa; the best place to begin your tour of the African continent.
Ghana is the center of the World.
Good day! I simply wish to offer you a big thumbs up for the great information you have right here on this post. I am returning to your blog for more soon.
There’s more into Ghana which we must dig in