

About Ghana, West Africa
Basic history and facts:
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Formerly known as Gold Coast
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Colonized by the British
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Independence: March 6, 1957
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Capital: Accra
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Regions: 16 (similar to the U.S. States)
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Population: Over 29 million (World Bank, 2018)
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First President: Kwame Nkrumah
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Official language: English
Educational system:
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Six (6) years of primary education. Primary education comprises of Elementary and Middle school
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Three (3) years of Junior High School (JHS)
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Three (3) years of Senior High School (SHS, Similar to U.S. Senior High)
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Four (4) years of a College or a University.

Four Challenges for Needy Students in Ghana
1
Cost of tuition and housing:
With monthly incomes as low as $85 for those without a college degree, many families with low socioeconomic status cannot fund their children’s higher education.
2
Disparities in access to education between rural and urban regions:
Students may have to travel hundreds of miles from their homes and support systems to obtain a college education.
3
Limited access to federal/government and private student loans:
Students and their families are unable to get student loans because they lack formal employment required to secure them.

4
Lack of educational materials, learning supplies, and technology resources:
Even the most basic laptop is beyond reach for many students.