The empire of Wagadugu was originally located about 500-miles north of Tamale. Nestled between the Senegal and Niger rivers, the region flourished as traders from around the continent and beyond exchanged goods and currency for some of the area's abundant resources. And until the Portuguese arrived in the late-15th Century, the Ghana oversaw one of the most prosperous corners of Africa. Ghana, after all, translates into Warrior King. And the rulers of Wagadugo adopted the name in succession until colonization.

    Diogo d'Azambuja completed the construction of Elmina Castle during the reign of Portugual's King John II in 1481. The castle was the first, permanent piece of European infrastructure in West Africa – the first of much more to come. Over the next four centuries, the region accommodated more foreign outposts than anywhere else in the world. The Dutch, French, and English followed the Portuguese in sequence – each filling their ships with resources and slaves from the Gold Coast.

    In 2007, modern Ghana celebrated 50-years of democratic independence. An incredible achievement to be sure – given what it had overcome in breaking the shackles of mercantilism and colonization. How appropriate, then, that the continent will gather on Ghana's doorstep for the biannual African Nations Cup. Visitors will gather in four cities – each distinct and culturally important to makeup of the country.

    Accra, the capital since 1877, will be absolutely overrun with football fans and revelers over the next three weeks. It won't be the first time. When The Black Stars qualified for the 2006 World Cup, the city of 2-million inhabitants was thrown into the dark of an extended power outage.

    The name Accra is derived from the word Nkran, meaning ants, in reference to the large anthills on the outskirts. Much of its economy is driven by government and administrative offices; although there is a large manufacturing sector as well. As a matter of fact, Accra is among the most modern, wealthy, and developed urban centres in Africa.

The Ohene Djan Stadium, which will host many of the Group A fixtures as well as the Final on 10 February, can accommodate 44,000 spectators. It is also the home ground of Accra Hearts of Oak – winners of 19 Ghana league titles and one African Champsionhip.

    The most decorated side in Ghanaian football, however, is Asante Kotoko. Winners of 20 league titles and two African Championships, Asante play in Kumasi's Baba Yara Stadium. The 44,000-capacity all-seater is also home to the national team.

    Located near Lake Bosomtwe in Ghana's rainforest region, Kumasi is appropriately known as the Garden City. About 1.5-million people call it home; and many are employed in the resource sector. The area is rich in gold deposits and also exports cocoa and hardwood. Eighty per-cent of Kumasi's population is Christian will the remaining 20 per-cent are Muslim.

    The religious demographic is exactly the opposite in Tamale. Its Dagomba inhabitants are predominantly Islamic. Home to slightly more than 300,000 people, it is the northernmost host city of the tournament. Rolling blackouts are common. And many of the houses are built of mud and topped with grass roves.

    The Tamale Stadium, built for the competition, can contain 21,000 fans. It is also the home ground of Real Tamale United. The club's only piece of silverware was the 1998 Ghana Telecom Gala.

    Similar in size to Tamale, Sekondi-Takoradi serves as Ghana's primary seaport and industrial centre. With roughly 335,000 residents, it is the third-largest city in the country. Many of the traveling football fans will be sure to spend at least an afternoon on one of Sekondi-Takoradi's world-famous beaches.

    When they're not, they can probably be found inside the 21,000-capacity Sekondi-Takoradi Stadium. Sekondi Hasaacas FC play out of the ground and have won a single league title and one FA Cup.