INTRODUCTION

Ghana , officially called the Republic of Ghana, is a sovereign multinational

state and unitary presidential constitutional democracy, located along the Gulf of Guinea and

Atlantic Ocean, in the sub region of West Africa. Spanning a land mass of 238,535 km2,

Ghana is bordered by the Ivory Coast in the west, Burkina Faso in the north, Togo in the east

and the Gulf of Guinea and Atlantic Ocean in the south. The word Ghana means "Warrior

King" in Mande.

Ghana has a population of approximately 27 million from a variety of ethnic and religious

groups. Its varied geography includes savannahs, forests, springs, cave systems, mountains,

estuaries, and nature reserves. Ghana's 560-kilometre (350-mile) coast is dotted by culturally

significant castles, forts, and harbours. Prior to colonisation by the British Empire in the

early-20th century, Ghana was the site of numerous kingdoms and empires, the most

powerful being the Kingdom of Ashanti. In 1957, it became the first sub-Saharan African

nation to declare independence from European colonisation.[15][16][17]

Ghana's economy is the ninth-largest on the Africa continent by purchasing power

parity and nominal GDP. Ghana is a major producer of petroleum and natural gas, with the

continent's fifth largest oil reserves and sixth largest natural gas reserves. It is one of the

world's largest gold and diamond producers, and is projected to be the largest producer

of cocoa in the world as of 2015. Ghana's growing economic prosperity and democratic

political system has made it a regional power in West Africa.

It is a member of the Non-Aligned Movement, the Economic Community of West African

States (ECOWAS) and the Group of 24 (G24).

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SOCIETY & CULTURE

The People:

There are over 100 ethnic groups living in Ghana. The largest are Akan, Moshi-Dagbani,

Ewe, and Ga. The Ashanti tribe of the Akan are the largest tribe and one of the few societies

in West Africa where lineage is traced through the mother and maternal ancestors. Once

famous for the luxury and wealth of their rulers, they are now better known for their

craftwork such as hand-carved stools, fertility dolls, and ‘kente’ cloth. Kente cloth is made

cotton and is woven in bright, narrow strips with complex patterns. 

The Family:

Family is a very strong bond in Ghana and is the primary source of identity, loyalty and

responsibility. Family obligations take precedence over pretty much everything else in life.

Individuals achieve recognition and social standing through their extended family. 

An interesting cultural variation among the Akan, or Ashanti and Fanti people, is that

affiliation within the clan is through women. Mothers have a higher status as in their point of

view people get their blood from mothers. 

It is important for Ghanaians to maintain dignity, honour, and a good reputation. The entire

family shares any loss of honour, which makes the culture a collective one. In order to protect

this sense of face there is a need to maintain a sense of harmony; people will act with

decorum at all times to ensure they do not cause anyone embarrassment. 

Hierarchy:

Ghanaian society is hierarchical. People are respected because of their age, experience,

wealth and/or position. Older people are viewed as wise and are granted respect. In a group

one can always see preferential treatment for the eldest member present. With respect comes

responsibility and people expect the most senior person to make decisions that are in the best

interest of the group.

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SOCIAL ETIQUETTES

Conduct:

Individual conduct is seen as impacting their entire family, social group, and community; therefore everyone is expected to be respectful, dignified, and observant in public settings and in most aspects of life.

Meeting& Greeting Etiquette:

1. Traditional or native greetings vary among the various ethnic groups.

2. With foreigners the most common greeting is the handshake with a smile.

3. When shaking hands between themselves Ghanaians will hold the right hand in the

normal manner but will then twist and click each other’s middle finger. Unless you are

experienced it is best to stick to a normal handshake!

4. Address Ghanaians by their academic, professional, or honorific title and their surname.

5. As a sign of respect, males over the age of 30 may be addressed as "pah-pah" while

women of the same age may be called "mah-mee". People over the age of 50 may be

referred to as "nah-nah".

6. Always greet people from right to left, always with your right hand. Remember that your palms are always properly aligned for greeting people when going right-to-left. Always follow this order, regardless of the age or gender or status of the people you are greeting. This will seem very awkward when you enter a room where everyone is lined up on the left wall because you will have to walk past everyone to start greeting from the furthest person. 

7. Never make derogatory remarks about any religious, political or ethnic group or behaviour. Ghana is tolerant and respectful of all its diverse tribes, religions and customs. 

8. Always use your right hand to give and receive items, and to eat. In this culture, your left hand is considered your 'toilet hand'. It is a common practice to give money with your right hand while at the same time receiving your purchase into the same hand. 

9. Always greet people first when you enter an area. Otherwise, you may wonder why people are just looking at you when you enter a room. They are waiting for you to offer a greeting, which will be received with a big smile and a warm reply. 

10. Remember to share. People in Africa do not live the independent lives of Western cultures. Sharing food and sharing stories are two of the best ways to join this culture of

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interdependence. It is acceptable to give small amounts of money ($2 maximum) to children or the disabled, but usually not to beggars. 

11. You should not be wasteful. Africa is a land where every little thing has value. Your guide will never ask you for anything, but throwing away just a piece of paper that has a blank side would be a painful sight for him to see. (Notice how small the rubbish cans are in homes and hotels.) Feel free to offer anything that has no value to you to any person anywhere. 

12. Direct, “let’s get to business” conversation is considered rude. Always exchange pleasantries and inquire about family before beginning to transact any business. Even if you are just purchasing an orange. 

13. Realize that starting times for events are not exact. An event will usually not begin until at least one hour after the noted starting time. We call it "Africa time", and if you arrive at the posted starting time, people will jokingly say you are following "European time". 

14. Knowing just a couple words of the local language makes a huge impact. Learn to say 'Thank you' (may da say) and 'How are you' (wohote sane) etc..

Invitations:

1. Asking a person to a social event (e.g. a bar or a restaurant) implies that the person offering the invite will be paying for everything. Inviting a person out and then expecting them to pay for themselves is considered extremely rude.

2. When a foreigner is invited to visit a home or community, the guest is expected to bring a gift, commonly a bottle of Schnappsor Kasapreko gin which is available in any shop.

3. It is not common for a woman to be seen in the public wearing unusual clothing.

Special Occasions:

1. Naming ceremonies and marriages are marked by family ceremonies. Seasonal festivals serve to bring people together in a spectacular fashion.

2. When attending funerals, weddings, or naming ceremonies women, including foreign women, must cover their heads with a hat or simple black cloth wound around the head.

3. A man must not have his head covered.

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Gift Giving Etiquette:

1. Gifts need not be expensive; the thought is more important than the value.2. If invited to dinner at a Ghanaian’s home, you are not expected to bring a gift.However, a

gift for the children is always a nice touch as it shows a concern for family.3. Gifts should be given using the right hand only or both hands. Never use the left hand.4. Gifts should be wrapped, although there are no cultural taboos concerning paper colour.5. Gifts are not always opened when received.6. When a foreigner is invited to visit a home or community, the guest is expected to bring a

gift, commonly a bottle of Schnappsor Kasapreko gin which is available in any shop.

Other General Etiquettes:

1. It is unacceptable for women, particularly young foreign women, to wear revealing

clothing. Women's clothing that would be acceptable in the West (shorts, low-cut

strapped tops, etc.) is not socially acceptable in Ghanaian society.

2. Similarly it is unacceptable for foreign men to be shirtless in public and unacceptable for

Ghanaian men to a lesser degree. Ghanaian social norms are sometimes difficult to

establish as younger adults are generally much less inhibited about wearing revealing

clothing or being shirtless, while older Ghanaian citizens may find such apparel to be

insulting. A general rule is to dress conservatively unless in the company of people of

one's own gender or age with whom one is well-acquainted.

3. Drinking alcohol and smoking in public are serious faux pas and should be avoided.

Public intoxication to any degree is generally viewed with extreme disapproval. Such

activities are perfectly acceptable in a local bar though. When drinking alcohol it is a

common custom to pour the last few drops on the ground as a libation for the gods.

4. People who decline from drinking alcohol may accept an alcoholic drink with gratitude,

raise it to their lips without drinking, and then pour it on the ground. Raising the glass to

the lips signifies gratitude and pouring the drink away is thus a socially acceptable

alternative for those who do not drink. This custom permits non-drinking Ghanaians to

join social events without offending those present by refusing a drink.

5. Taking photographs of people unknown to the photographer must be conducted with the

same level of consideration as in one's own country. Most Ghanaians are happy to pose

for pictures, as it is considered polite.

6. When in rural areas and small villages, a visit to the local chief is the first stop you should

make. When in the presence of the chief, remove your hat, keep your hands out of your

pockets and do not cross your legs. When invited to greet the chief, approach just short of

where they are seated and bow slightly. Do not offer your hand unless the chief invites

you for a handshake. Always be sure to bring a small gift. Usually a bottle of schnapps is

perfect. 

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BUSINESS ETIQUETTES

General facts:

1. Business language: English is the official language used in business environments. Having some knowledge of local languages can also be helpful.

2. Hours of business: Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.3. Greetings: Handshakes are the norm in professional settings. Always address people

using their title unless told otherwise.4. Dress: Formal suits generally work in most corporate environments.5. Gifts: While gifts are not necessary, they are generally welcome. Gifts need not be

expensive as the thought is more important than the value of the item. Gifts should be given using the right hand or both hands.

6. Gender equality: Women are gradually gaining more equality in the work place. However, female representation at senior management level remains fairly low.

Business Meeting and Greeting:

1. Handshakes are the most common means of greeting.2. It’s generally common to wait for a woman to extend her hand first.3. Take time to enquire about people’s health, family and jobs. To rush a greeting is

extremely rude.4. Maintain eye contact during the greeting.5. Titles are important. Use the honorific title plus any academic or professional title and the

surname.6. Wait until invited before moving to a first-name basis. The younger generation will tend

to do so rapidly.7. Business cards are exchanged without formal ritual.8. Present and receive business cards with two hands or the right hand, never with the left.

Communication Style:

1. Ghanaians are more indirect communicators. This means they take care not to relay information in any way that could cause issues, whether that be giving someone bad news, turning down an invitation, refusing a request or any other such matter.

2. Ghanaians always want to protect their own and others’ face as well as maintain harmonious relationships. As a result they tend to use proverbs, wise sayings, analogies readily. This allows ideas or messages to be convened in a manner that does not seem so blatant. In fact people who are viewed as wise frequently speak in proverbs.

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3. Silence is a common means of communication. If someone is uncomfortable with a question or do not think the asker will appreciate response, they will say nothing rather than make the other person uncomfortable.

Business Meetings

1. Initial meetings are really all about finding out about one another and if a personality fit allows for future, more business specific meetings. One should therefore expect to spend quite a good deal of time in relationship and rapport building. Do not be surprised is business is not really discussed much at all. 

2. First meetings may also tend to be a little stiffer and formal although once a rapport has been built this will soon dissipate. It is important to maintain a polite and somewhat reserved demeanour. 

3. Hierarchy is respected so the most senior person is greeted first. He/she may be the spokesperson for the group or may deputise key stakeholders to speak. 

4. Ghanaians have a keen sense of humour and enjoy telling jokes. However until you have understood their sense of humour it is best to refrain from telling jokes yourself.

5. If a Ghanaian teases you take it good-naturedly. For the most part, this shows they are becoming more relaxed with you. 

Dining Etiquette:

1. Ghanaians enjoy entertaining in their homes and you should accept any invitation as a sign of friendship.

2. Dress well; Ghanaians place a lot of emphasis on how people dress. You may need to remove your shoes.

3. Greet elders of heads of family first.4. Ghanaians table manners are relatively formal.5. Wait to be told where to sit.6. A washing basin will be brought out before the meal is served; use it to wash your

hands.7. Food is generally served from a communal bowl.8. Do not begin eating until the eldest male does.9. Eat from the section of the bowl that is in front of you. Never reach across the bowl to

get something from the other side.10. If you do not want to eat with your hands then ask for utensils.11. If you use your hands then scoop the food with the thumb and first two fingers of the

right hand. Do not use your left hand.

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Dos and Don’ts of Business in Ghana:

1. Do address seniors and those with academic or professional titles. Hierarchy is an important part of Ghanaian business culture.

2. Don’t expect to get down to business at the first meetings. Ghanaian people enjoy getting to know their colleagues on a personal level before beginning any formal business proceedings.

3. Don’t use the left hand when offering gifts to a business associate.4. Do leave a time buffer between meetings. The concept of time is flexible in Ghana and

meetings tend to overrun. 5. Don't embarrass a business contact at a meeting. Ghanaians value the concept of

"maintaining face" and avoid uncomfortable situations.

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INTERNATIONAL TRADE:

President John Dramani Mahama on Monday stated that the establishment of a Ghana Export and Import Bank (EXIM) would move the country from import-dependent to a large-scale exporterThe top 20 product groups contributed to 83.75% of total imports of Ghana in 2008. Major supplier countries to Ghana were China, Nigeria, India, USA, Belgium, Japan, UK, South Africa, Italy and Germany in the year 2008. Top 10 supplier countries constituted 62.6% share in Ghana’s Total Imports in 2008.

Exports in Ghana increased to 3151 USD Million in the fourth quarter of 2014 from 2977.10 USD Million in the third quarter of 2014. Exports in Ghana averaged 1842.05 USD Million from 2003 until 2014, reaching an all time high of 4118.30 USD Million in the first quarter of 2012 and a record low of 565.06 USD Million in the first quarter of 2003. Exports in Ghana is reported by the Bank of Ghana.

Ghana's main exports are gold, cocoa beans and timber products. Others include crude petroleum,tuna, aluminum, manganese ore, diamonds and horticulture. It's main exports partners are Netherlands, Burkina Faso, South Africa and United Kingdom.

Rank in Global Imports

of Ghana's in 2008

Description

Ghana's Global Imports Value in

2008 (USD Million)

% Share of

Product Group in Ghana's Global Imports

Year 2008

%age Change

in Global Imports

of Ghana 2008/ 2007

Major Supplier Countries

(Top 3 suppliers in

2008)

Supplier Country's

%age Share in Ghana's

Global Imports of

Product Group

%age Change

in Imports

from Major

Supplier 2008/ 2007

- All products    9057.687 100 24China 11.71 31.59Nigeria 8.73 57.3India 8.7 23

1Vehicles other than railway,

1272.7 14.05 13USA 21.19 44.29Germany 10.44 -22.96

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GHANA’S GLOBAL IMPORTS:

tramwaySouth Korea 10.22 27.08

2Mineral fuels, oils, distillation products, etc

1252.53 13.83 38

Nigeria 60.68 56.3Congo 21.42 39.43

Côte dIvoire 11.45 26.89

3Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, etc

1121.74 12.38 28China 13.88 98.29USA 13.12 22.08Belgium 11.41 24.06

4Electrical, electronic equipment

906.66 10.01 35Sweden 21.74 110.08China 16.96 49.71UK 7.64 -7.33

5 Cereals 464.29 5.13 71Canada 38.14 133.79Thailand 28.45 89.77USA 9.09 11.97

6

Salt, sulphur, earth, stone, plaster, lime and cement

319.09 3.52 33

Indonesia 24.36 -14.93Togo 20.57 22.31

Spain 9.1 153.41

7Articles of iron or steel

317.22 3.5 45

China 28.91 71.48

South Africa 18.27 123.17

USA 7.37 22.94

8 Iron and steel 282.46 3.12 31China 31.21 63.92Ukraine 19.3 46.51India 9.29 10.25

9Plastics and articles thereof

270.51 2.99 -2

Republic of Korea

15.2 18.64

USA 10.23 -14.93China 10.22 -6.81

10Miscellaneous chemical products

195.19 2.15 36Netherlands 23.37 317.08

China 20.44 55.27France 8.23 132.34

11Rubber and articles thereof

139.26 1.54 9China 21.35 -11.98Japan 16.18 28.63Belgium 6.7 5.02

12

Paper & paperboard, articles of pulp, paper and board

127.1 1.4 21

China 10.95 8.45Morocco 9.02 53.32

India 8.98 30.06

13Meat and edible meat offal

125.31 1.38 31

Brazil 29.45 107USA 15.74 2.23

Netherlands 12.18 92.44

14 Fertilizers 119.07 1.31 49 Russian Federation

18.77 73.68

10

Norway 18.73 596.66USA 11.39 228.33

15

Animal,vegetable fats and oils, cleavage products, etc

119.03 1.31 39

Malaysia 52.55 61.98Indonesia 26.07 47.2

Singapore 7.57 8.59

16

Dairy products, eggs, honey, edible animal product nes

113.73 1.26 46

New Zealand 41.46 76.55

Netherlands 13.21 172.1

Belgium 11.9 5.55

17Pharmaceutical products

112.69 1.24 42India 36 36.31Belgium 12.03 97.7USA 9.17 149

18Optical, photo, technical, medical, etc apparatus

110.86 1.22 -3Egypt 21.28 83.67China 16.7 -42.9Germany 12.89 -53.89

19Sugars and sugar confectionery

110.39 1.22 -14

Brazil 71.27 -12.78China 6.89 31.58

South Africa 6.8 19.01

20

Inorganic chemicals, precious metal compound, isotopes

106.03 1.17 26

Australia 33.83 11.06Belgium 13.28 40.73

USA 9.65 111.82

Source : www.focusafrica.gov.in & www.tradingeconomics.comIndia's Export of Principal Commodities to Ghana:

Dated: 19/7/2015Values in US$ Million

Total Exports 2013-14 = US $ 831.48Total Exports 2014-15 = US $ 680.39

Top 15 Exported Commodities are as follows:

Sr.No. Commodity 2013 - 2014 2014 - 2015

1 Iron & Steel 76.14 56.36

2 Aluminium 11.26 8.46

3 Electrical Machines & Equipment 44.79 40.16

4 Minerals, Fuels, Oils & products 72.65 7.92

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5 Nuclear Reactors, Boilers & related machines 65.01 58.15

6 Plastic & articles 43.04 32.33

7 Rubber & articles 15.87 12.78

8 Apparel & Clothing 46.73 40.77

9 Beverages 48.14 36.28

10 Cereals 31.65 16.89

11 Cotton 11.99 12.35

12 Pharmaceutical products 153.93 172.70

13 Coffee, Tea & Spice items 1.36 1.72

14 Meat & Edible Meat items 4.65 2.27

15 Printed books, papers and other related items 22.06 11.66

Source: Department of Commerce; Export Import Data Bank Version 7.2

India's Import of Principal Commodities from Ghana:

Dated: 19/7/2015Values in US$ MillionTotal Imports 2013-14 = US $ 370.56Total Imports 2014-15 = US $ 1,257.60

Top 8 Imported Commodities are as follows:

Sr. No. Commodity 2013-2014 2014-2015

1 Cocoa & Cocoa products 33.55 24.68

2 Edible Fruits & Nuts 88.21 69.44

3 Iron & Steel 6.90 12.27

4 Lead & related products 6.01 4.82

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5 Natural & Cultural pearls, Semi precious &

precious Stones, Imitation Jewellery, etc.

151.06 1047.80

6 Oil seeds & Grains 20.01 16.16

7 Wood & Wood articles 40.10 59.59

8 Electrical machinery & equipment 1.12 0.24

Source: Department of Commerce; Export Import Data Bank Version 7.2

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CONCLUSION:

“India should export Fishing equipment & Aqua culture equipment to Ghana”

Ghana is Located on the west coast of Africa, it has a coastline that is almost 550 kilometres long. It is also home to Africa’s largest manmade lake, Lake Volta, while the Volta River basin is the largest in the country.

India has been exporting Fishing tackles (fishing equipment) to Western Europe, UK, U.S.A, Canada, South America, Far East like Japan, Taiwan, etc.

But India is not exporting fishing equipment to Ghana.

Almost 75 % of the local produce of fish in Ghana is consumed, as the per capita fish consumption is 25 kg every year.

Ghana has a wide coastline and most of the people do fishing hence there are lot of prospects for fishing and aqua culture. Hence equipment can be exported.

List of fishing equipment which India can export to Ghana:-

1. Fish Hooks2. Floats and Weights3. Bait and Lures4. Fishing rods 5. Fishing reels6. Fish catching tools

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