Ghana has a rich animal resource. Animal species include lion, leopards, antelope, elephants, buffalo, chimpanzee, wild hogs, and hyenas. Among the reptiles are found snakes ranging from pythons, cobras, horned and puff adders, and green mambas. Crocodile, the endangered manatees, and otters are found in rivers and lagoons. The hippopotamus is found in the Volta River. Oceans and rivers are rich in fish and other life forms. A variety of bird species includes nightjars, vultures, snake birds, kingfishers, eagles, cuckoos, hornbills, parrots, etc.

The coastal savannas in the southeastern plains of Ghana around Accra consist of a mixture of scrubs and tall grass. The forest zone has tall trees of various heights. The evergreen forests are found in the extreme southwest. There is a dense forest zone that has gradually decreased to less than 8000 square miles and includes reserve forest.

The northern Savannah is a third vegetation type where rainfall is very low and there are periods of intense drought.