Republic of Ghana
Ghana boasts Kakum National Park, famous for its canopy walk and rich biodiversity.
Flora and Fauna
Ghana is home to a diverse range of ecosystems, from coastal wetlands to northern savannas, including tropical rainforests and inland wetlands. These environments support wildlife such as the African elephant, chimpanzee, and the endangered pygmy hippopotamus. Mole National Park is one of the country’s largest wildlife reserves and is known for its populations of elephants, antelope, and other species.
The country’s plant life is equally diverse. Cocoa, central to Ghana’s economy, provides livelihoods for many farming families. Other important plants include mahogany, oil palm, and baobab trees, which support both the environment and local communities. Maize (Zea mays) is the most important staple food crop, widely cultivated and forming the basis of traditional dishes such as kenkey and banku. Along the coastline, mangroves play a crucial role in protecting against erosion and supporting marine biodiversity.
National Flora and Fauna
Ghana has no officially declared national flora or fauna. On the Coat of Arms, a cocoa tree represents agriculture, two Tawny Eagles symbolise strength, and a lion represents Ghana’s link with the Commonwealth, as the country was formerly known as the Gold Coast under British colonial rule. The Parliamentary Mace, topped with an eagle, continues to serve as a symbol of authority in Ghana’s Parliament, reflecting these heraldic traditions today.
Issued 1957: Gold Coast, Independance Definitive series - 6 penny, Queen Elizabeth II, Cocoa Farmer and Cocoa tree (Theobroma cacao).
Issued 1957: Ghana Independance series - 2½ penny, Dr. Kwame Nikrumah, Map of Africa and Palm-nut Vulture (Gypohierax angolensis).
Issued 1967-69: First Independence Definitive series – 1 new pesewa (np), Maize (Zea mays).
Issued 1967-69: First Independence Definitive series – 4 new pesewa, Rufous-crowned Roller (Coracias naevius) with national flag.
Issued 1967-69: First Independence Definitive series – 2 new pesewa, The Ghana Mace with eagle finial and national flag.
Issued 1982: Flora and Fauna series - 20 pesewa, African Clawless Otter (Aonyx capensis).
Issued 1982: Butterfly series - 20 pesewa, Blue-spot Commodore butterfly (Precis westermanni).
Issued 1988-90: Definitive overprint surcharge - ₵20.00 (cedis), Ashanti weight (Scorpion) (Parabuthus sp..)
Issued 1988-90: Definitive overprint surcharge – ₵50.00 (cedis), Banded jewel fish (Hemichromis fasciatus) & Map.
Issued 1991: Definitive series – ₵200 (cedis), Leucodon Cowrie (Callistocypraea leucodon).
Issued 1991: Definitive series – ₵400 (cedis), Giant African Land Snail (Achatina achatina).
Issued 1995: Definitive series – ₵3000 (cedis), Sabah Monodactylus fish (Monodactylus sabae).
Issued 1995: Definitive series – ₵400 (cedis), Becker's creamy yellow glider butterfly (Cymothoe beckerii).
Issued 1995: Definitive series – ₵500 (cedis), Small Striped Swordtail butterfly (Graphium policenes).
Issued 1995: Definitive series – ₵1000 (cedis), African long-tailed hawk (Urotriorchis macrourus).
Issued 1995: Definitive series – ₵2000 (cedis), Swordfish (Xiphias gladius).
Issued 1997: Definitive series – ₵800 (cedis), African Map Butterfly (Cyrestis camillus).