Nature's Wonders

Introduction:

At a first glance at the environment in Ghana, it may strike you as being very similar to the United States. The roads, stores, and cars don’t seem all that different. However, when we give it a closer look, it is easy to notice the little characteristics that make Ghana unique. In this article I discuss how Ghanaians have adapted to and made use of their surroundings. 

What makes this environment special or different?:

For starters, how often do you notice the trees outside of your house or on the side of the road? We pass by every day and don’t even think twice about the tall evergreen pine trees. In Ghana many locals share a similar experience— but in their case, they're passing by palm trees! Palm trees can be found all over the country, shooting straight up with their luxuriant hammock-like leaves. They surrounding many homes, and the leaves and flowers form clusters outside. They are not the big prickly bushes many of us are used to seeing. Each one is full of giant leaves that can cover windows if not trimmed. Smaller bushes have beautiful rainbows of flowers.

What parts of this environment help people to live here?:

With a combination of Ghana’s intense sun, sporadic rainfall, and natural resources, agriculture is hardly an issue. What grows on palm trees? Coconuts!

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