Meet Ghana, a Participant in Expo 2027 Belgrade

The Republic of Ghana, located on the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa, is among the participants at Expo 2027 Belgrade — the first International Exhibition in the Western Balkans. Ghana boasts a fascinating history and a vibrant musical and sporting culture.

Serbia and Ghana have enjoyed traditionally strong and friendly relations since 1959. Diplomatic communication between the two countries has remained at a high level. Serbia (then part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia) supported Ghana’s struggle for independence from the very beginning, as part of its anti-colonial policy. Ghana gained its independence in 1957.

Expo 2027 Belgrade will present an excellent opportunity for Ghana to further strengthen bilateral ties and showcase its rich culture to a global audience.

“We are extremely proud that the number of African countries participating in Expo 2027 continues to grow. This Expo in Belgrade will offer them the opportunity to present their rich cultural and sporting potential. We are especially pleased to welcome friendly Ghana, a country we are confident will bring our central theme to life in the best possible way,” said Dušan Borovčanin, CEO of Expo 2027 Belgrade.

Ghana debuted at the Expos in 1967 in Montreal and became a Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) member in 2007. At the 2017 Specialised Expo in Astana, Ghana won a Silver Award for its thematic development.

Games and dances are integral parts of the cultural life of this cocoa-producing country, which is also one of the fastest-growing economies in West Africa. Among the most popular traditional games are Ampe (a rhythmic jumping game primarily played by girls), Pilolo, and Oware (a strategic board game well-known throughout the region). Notable traditional dances include Adowa (of the Ashanti people), Kpanlogo (of the Ga people), Bamaya (from the Northern region), and Agbadza (of the Ewe people). These dances are typically performed with traditional drums such as the Atumpan and Fontomfrom, as well as string instruments like the Kora and Seperewa.

Football is by far the most popular sport in Ghana. The country has produced numerous global stars, such as Michael Essien, a former Chelsea midfielder and one of the best in his position during his prime; Samuel Kuffour, a former Bayern Munich defender; Asamoah Gyan; André Ayew; Sulley Muntari; and Stephen Appiah. Serbian football fans will especially remember Abedi Pele, one of Africa’s greatest players of all time, who played for Olympique Marseille against Red Star Belgrade in the 1991 European Cup Final, as well as Richmond Boakye, a former and much-loved Red Star striker.

Ghana is the third most successful nation in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations, having won the prestigious tournament four times. The country has also hosted the event on multiple occasions. Besides football, Ghana has also achieved success in boxing and athletics, particularly in sprinting and marathon.

Expo 2027 Belgrade will be held from May 15 to August 15, 2027, under the theme "Play for Humanity: Sport and Music for All." The event will feature participation from over 120 countries and is expected to attract more than four million visitors, making it the largest event Serbia has ever hosted.