Climate and Biomes

Ghana's climate is tropical and mainly influenced by West Africa’s

monsoon seasons. The climate is generally warm with varying temperatures. The
northern part of the country typically has one monsoon like season, which begins
in May and lasts until September. Ghana has five main geographical regions
which all experience five varied types of climates. These regions are spilt into
northern region and northern coast, eastern coast, west coast, southern region,
and the central region. Generally, the country has a tropical, warm, and humid
climate. The two major biomes in Ghana are tropical high forest and Savannas or
Grasslands. The southern half of the country mainly consists of closed forest
while the northern half consists of the Grasslands, Savannahs, and woodland
vegetation. Nearly two thirds of land is covered by Savannahs, and Grassland.
Ghana most commonly has a tropical climate thanks to its close proximity to the
equator and relatively low elevations. The entire country lies below 1,000m from
the sea. Daytime temperatures are high throughout the year, approaching 30°C
on most days, and humidity can be very high, especially along the coastlines and
near the seas.

Diagram of the Biomes in Ghana.

 In Ghana the natural Vegetation mostly consist of tall Guinea grass, and
various species of low-lying trees, such as the shea butter tree, various species
of acacia in the Savannahs and baobabs, which hold most of the water in the
dryer regions of Ghana. Ghana consists of six vegetation zones. Sahara, Sahel,
Savannah and the The Rain Forest Zone. Ghana has a National Flower called
the Impala Lily. In Ghana’s Climate various flowers grow; Taro, also known
as the ‘Elephant Ear Flower,’ Tropical Hibiscus, Caladium, Jasmines,
Bromeliad and many more. Ghana’s agriculture is varied and include Coca,
palm oil, rubber and citrus which are the major money-making crops.

Ghana is relatively rich in animal life, although it has been reduced by

hunting and the spread of large human settlements, such as cities. Some large
mammals include lions, leopards, hyenas, antelope, elephants, buffalo, wild
hogs, chimpanzees, and many species of monkeys. However, some of the
diversity has reduced by human hunting, poaching, and spread of human
settlement. Some other animals are African Bush Elephant, Mongoose, African
Civet, African Giant Snail, Patas Monkey, Hippo, Hippos can be found in the
Wechiau Sanctuary in Ghana along the Volta River, Aardvark, which has a
huge population native to Ghana. The National animal of Ghana is the Tawny
Eagle. This bird was chosen as a symbol of protection and strength. Two
tawny eagles appear on the country's flag, where they are seen with observant
eyes as they are watching for signs of trouble.
 Ghana, threats to wildlife
Ghana’s wildlife is under extensive threat from an increase in illegal
poaching and trafficking. The most targeted animals in Ghana are Reptiles. In
Ghana one of the threats to wildlife is habitat loss due to new infrastructure
being built. The main animals who endangered are the African white-backed
Vulture, Pangolin, and Krokosua Squeaking Frog. Ghana joined CITES in
1976, which since 1990 has prohibited Ghana from importing and exporting
commercial ivory. This ban also prohibited illegal poaching and hunting.

Agriculture
Agriculture is an important part of Ghana's economy and contributes to
roughly 20% of the GDP. Ghana's agriculture is grown in a traditional way using
rainwater. Maize, millet, cowpeas, groundnuts, yam, and rice are some of the
main crops that are cultivated in the northern parts of Ghana. Challenges faced
by the agriculture sector in Ghana is poor infrastructure, high transport costs,
poor roads to farms.

Biodiversity
There are around a total of 3,600 species of flora in the country
representing the three major taxonomic groups. There is only one known
gymnosperm, the West African cycad or Encephalartos barteri, which is
indigenous to Ghana.