• Total prison population: 11,624 prisoners
• Crime trend: Up 61% in 2000–2001

Crime rates

Several former government ministers are being tried on corruption charges. Street crime can be a problem in Accra and at tourist attractions.

• Annual defense budget: $30m

GHANAIAN ARMED FORCES

• Army: No main battle tanks (5000 personnel)
• Navy: 6 patrol boats (1000 personnel)
• Air force: 19 combat aircraft (F-27, F-28) (1000 personnel)
• Nuclear capability: None

Ghana has a history of coups and military involvement in politics. The civilian component of the armed forces is being increased in order to bring the military more firmly under civil control, and membership of quasipolitical associations has been banned. The 5000-strong army has been deployed to assist in UN and ECOWAS operations.

• Gross National Product (GNP): $5.5bn

Score card

• World GNP ranking: 112th
• GNP per capita: $270
• Balance of payments: –$33m
• Inflation: 26.7%
• Unemployment: 20%

Exports

Imports

Economic performance indicator

Strengths

Relatively well-developed industrial base. Second-largest gold producer in Africa – Ashanti Goldfields Company: multinational active in 12 African countries. Cocoa production accounts for around 14% of world total. Steady economic growth during 1990s.

Weaknesses

High budget deficits and debt repayments; the cedi has generally declined in value since devaluation in 1983. Foreign investment largely restricted to gold mining. High inflation levels. Underdevelopment in north. High unemployment.