Katie+L

=**Ghana - Differences between north and south**= There are many differences between northern and southern Ghana. Mainly in climate and geography but also cultural differences too. Different languages, food, and arts are found in northern and southern Ghana. To the north Ghana borders Burkina Faso while in the south of Ghana borders the Atlantic Ocean.

North
In northern Ghana it is mostly large savannahs and desert and is dryer than Ghana’s southern region. The north has two rainy seasons and the rest of the year it is dry and hot. The rainy seasons come from April to June and from September to November. Even thought the official language of Ghana is English there are many African languages spoken and accepted. In the north people usually speak different languages that are part of the Gur family. Some of these are Dagbane, Gonja, Bimoba, Nawuri, amd Konkomba. The main Bur language is Dagbane. Other cultural differences are with social events. In the north, marriage is a public celebration that involves different rituals then found in the south. For example the bride is kidnapped before the wedding. Polygamy is accepted too. The death ceremony is also a major event and can last up to several days. Arts are different in north Ghana too. Metal workings are common like iron and brass. Weaving is a common craft in Ghana and in the north and south it isn’t much different except for the colors and patterns. For women’s clothing in the north it is usually a cloth wrap while men wear larger smock or simple cotton gowns. The foods in the north and south are not the same but some things are commonly eaten like fried plantain, beans stew, fish stew, fufu, yam and palava sauce.

South
In southern Ghana the land is mostly forest and jungles with savannas along the coast. Sandy beaches also cover the coast line. The climate is warm and wet and there are also two rainy seasons that are mostly the same but the south’s rainy seasons last for a month or two longer. The south is where Ghana’s larger cities are like Accra, Ghana’s capital, and Kumasi, Ghana’s second largest city. Southern Ghana is where the more urban areas are. The main African languages spoken in the south is from the Kwa family. Southern traditions are very different for the norths. For southern Ghanaians marriage isn’t a large public celebration like it is in the north. One of the most important celebrations is when a girl becomes a woman. There are many rituals like bathing the girl in oils and it ends with a large feast. Clothing is similar for women; they wear cloth wraps or long cotton skirts. For men’s traditional clothing they wear colorful cloth worn over a shoulder with a pair of lose cotton shorts for pants. Arts are the similar with weaving and metal work but music is also very important in the south. Drums are the most important musical instrument and are made by one piece of wood covered with a skin. On the coast of Ghana there is a very famous historical site. It is the Elimin Castle. The Portuguese built it in 1482 as a slave trading stop. North and south Ghana have many similarities and differences and they make Ghana a unique and special country of West Africa.

Works Cited "Culture in Ghana." __Ghana__. 3 Feb. 2009 . "Ghana." __MSN Encarta__. 3 Feb. 2009 . "Ghana." __The Africa Guide__. 3 Feb. 2009 . "Travel & Destination." 2008. 3 Feb. 2009 .