Ghana

Ghana is a coastal country with savanna and forest areas, and is home to a rich animal population, including lions, hyenas, leopards, elephants, chimpanzees and buffalo, as well as pythons, cobras, hippopotamuses, parrots and eagles. The port is part of the heartbeat of the economy and the fishermen build their huts along the beach right to the water’s edge. The coastline provides food and livelihood. 

Ghana is a colourful country, made up of many ethnic groups and cultural life is closely linked to traditional chieftaincy. Each headdress and fabric pattern has a unique story to tell. 
Cultural expression is part of the heart of Ghana, with wonderful galleries filled with paintings, sculpture, woven baskets and wall hangings that are breathtaking in their huge size and brilliant colours. The stories of the past are told through art, music and dance; however, stories written by children was a new phenomena.

Ducere is proud to present the Ghana African Children’s Stories collections in collaboration with Australian Ambassador Sally G. Cowal, Senior Vice-President of Global Health, American Cancer Society; Children of the Light; Ministry of Education; Interior Ministry and the Accra Metro Education Unit, Mrs Raymonda Quarshie; and students of Mamprobi North ‘4’ and Mamprobi South ‘1’ primary schools and Immaculate Conception RC Basic School.

Ghana’s education system is renowned as one of the best in Africa. School is free and compulsory, and students in the latter years of secondary school have the choice between either vocational studies or university preparatory classes. Approximately 75 per cent of the country is literate and over 95 per cent of children are currently enrolled in school, making Ghana’s enrolment rates one of the highest in Africa.

The enthusiasm and respect Ghanaian children have for their schools and learning is reflected in Margaret Quaye’s story. She wrote:

Precious, together with other students in the school, helped make the school better and won a lot of awards for the school. The headmaster was very proud of her and her efforts.