Teaching Students About Ghana on the Map of Africa

As educators, one of our primary goals is not only to impart knowledge but to broaden the perspectives of our students and encourage them to become global citizens. One way we can achieve this is by teaching them about different countries and cultures around the world. One country that is worth highlighting and teaching students about is Ghana, located on the western coast of Africa.
First and foremost, it is essential to introduce Ghana to students by pointing it out on a map of Africa. Teachers can make use of different types of maps such as physical or political maps to help students get a better understanding of the country’s location and how it relates to other countries in Africa. Students can also explore other countries that share borders with Ghana, such as Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, and Togo.
Once students have familiarised themselves with Ghana’s location, the next step is to teach them about the country’s rich culture and history. One of the fascinating aspects of Ghana’s culture is its cuisine. Introducing students to popular Ghanaian dishes such as fufu, jollof rice, kenkey, and banku is an excellent way to spark students’ curiosity and interest in the country’s culture. Additionally, Ghana is home to many top-rated tourist attractions such as the Cape Coast Castle, Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, and Mole National Park, which can help students understand the country’s history and ecology better.
Furthermore, Ghana has a strong music and dance culture that is worth introducing to students. Some popular Ghanaian musical instruments include the kora, xylophone, and akadum. Students can also learn about the country’s traditional dances such as adowa, agbadza, and kpanlogo. By learning about the country’s music and dance culture, students gain a holistic understanding of Ghana’s culture and its significance in West Africa.
It is also important to explore Ghana’s history, specifically its role in the transatlantic slave trade. Cape Coast Castle, for example, was one of the main trading centres for enslaved Africans. Other significant historical events that shaped Ghana’s history include the Ashanti empire and Ghana’s fight for independence in 1957.
To wrap up the lesson, students can engage in activities that test their comprehension and understanding of Ghana. Some activities can include creating a travel brochure highlighting Ghana’s attractions, writing essays or poems about Ghana’s culture, or even cooking and sharing Ghanaian dishes with classmates.
In conclusion, teaching students about Ghana on the map of Africa can help broaden their worldview, increase cultural awareness and appreciation, and encourage them to become global citizens. By incorporating different aspects of Ghanaian culture such as food, music, dance, and history, students can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the country and its significance in Africa and the world.