The southern region of Ghana is covered with dense rain forest, partially cleared to plant cocoa, coffee, banana, and oil palm trees. Wide savannahs extend to the North. The subsoil is rich in gold, diamonds, manganese, and bauxite. The main environmental problems are desertification in the north-west, and deforestation in the South.

You can find out more about Ghanaian and other rain forests in our Tropical rain forest section.

The massive Kujani Game Reserve in the Digya National Park (south-west of Lake Volta) is Ghana's largest protected area and is known for its varied wildlife. On the other side of the lake is the Mole Game Reserve, a popular place with tourists and another area where animals can live and breed in a protected environment.

Listen to the sounds of Ghana's insects at night with this audio clip. To listen to the clip, your computer may need to have special audio software. You can download audio software for free at realaudio.com: