On 6 March 1957 Ghana became the first sub-Saharan African country to become independent from colonial rule. Kwame Nkrumah, a man of extraordinary importance in the process of African decolonization, was the leader in Ghana’s independent struggle and subsequently became the first President of the newly-formed nation. Ghana is now one of the most stable countries in Africa, nurturing a political system based on the rule of law, consolidation of democratic institutions, respect for human rights and press freedom.
 
Between 1992 and 2004, there were four General elections in Ghana that were recognized by international observers as fair and transparent. The election in 2000 marked a peaceful transition of government from one civilian rule to another. The opposition party, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), led by John Agyekum Kufuor defeated John Atta Mills of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Kufuor went on to win re-election in 2004 and was then confirmed to rule for another four - year term. In the ensuing election held in 2008 and won by John Atta Mills, John Kufour could not run for re-election because of constitutional provision that barred people from contesting after two terms in office. Ghana’s economy is experiencing a favorable period, having recorded (in the last few years) good macroeconomic performance. During this period, the economy recorded an average growth rate of 5%, moderate inflation, stable exchange rate, pursued development-oriented policies and supported and enhanced the private sector. In terms of international politics, Ghana continues to play an active role in all multilateral forums. Its forces are actively involved in United Nations peacekeeping activities in a significant way, especially in African countries.In 2006-2007, Ghana was elected member of two new United Nations bodies, the Peace Building Commission and the Human Rights Council, where it obtained the highest number of votes. Even in Regional organizations, Ghana plays an important role, particulary, in the African Union and the Economic Commission of West African States (ECOWAS).
  
Historically, Ghana has close links with European countries, especially the United Kingdom (former colonial power). The United States remain a privileged partner, while lately the country has intensified its relationship with China, India, Japan, South Korea and Malaysia. Since Ghana is a model of stability and democracy throughout the continent, US President Barack Obama chose the country for its first visit to Africa. The visit was considered to be of high symbolic value, since Obama is the first American president of African ancestry. With regards to Italy, Ghana has a strong interest in extending and deepening relations with our country. There is a certain harmony on the big issues that are the focus of the international fora: the topics for consideration include the pursuit of peace and security, respect for the rule of law, the safeguard of human rights, North-South cooperation and economic development of Africa. The strengthening of relations between the two countries was given a big boost by the official visit to Italy of the former President of Ghana, John Kufuor, in October  2006. It was an event of exceptional importance, because it was the first official invitation extended to a Head of State of Ghana by the Italian President Napolitano. Ghana is grateful to Italy for the construction of the Akosombo Dam on the Volta River, in the 1960s and the cancellation of bilateral debt, completed in June 2005, for a total of 33.87 million Euros. We should not forget that Italy boasts a well-integrated Ghanaian community, which has about 30,000 people, mostly residents in Emilia-Romagna, Veneto and Friuli. In this framework, the Minister of Internal Affairs (Roberto Maroni) has visited Ghana in early 2010.