About Ghana, West Africa

Basic history and facts:

• Formerly known as Gold Coast

• Colonized by the British

• Independence: March 6, 1957

• Capital: Accra

• Regions: 16 (similar to the U.S. States)

• Population: Over 29 million (World Bank, 2018)

• First President: Kwame Nkrumah

• Official language: English

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Educational system​:

• Six (6) years of primary education. Primary education comprises Elementary and Middle school

• Three(3) years of Junior High School (JHS)

• Three (3) years of Senior High School (SHS, Similar to U.S. Senior  High)

• 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:

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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.