Ghana, a nation with a rich historical tapestry, is divided into 16 administrative regions. The origins of this division trace back to 1956 when the Gold Coast Legislative Council established the first 10 regions, each representing a historical province of the colony.
Following Ghana’s independence in 1957, the number of regions has doubled to 16.
The purpose of this article is to offer a comprehensive overview of each of Ghana’s 16 regions, providing readers with key facts, major cities and landmarks, population statistics, cultural highlights, natural features, main economic activities, and more for every region.
The primary goal is to impart a broad understanding of the diversity encapsulated within Ghana’s regions – showcasing their distinct identities, characteristics, and contributions to the nation as a whole.
This comprehensive guide leaves no stone unturned, covering everything one needs to know about the regions that collectively constitute modern-day Ghana.
From the coastal savanna of Greater Accra to the open woodlands of Brong Ahafo and the highlands of the Volta Region, readers are invited to explore the varied terrain, culinary traditions, attractions, and heritage unique to each part of the country.
The format of the guide is designed for easy reference, allowing readers to delve into details about specific regions or read through all 16, gaining a holistic appreciation for Ghana’s regional geography and cultures.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Ghana or seeking to deepen your knowledge, this guide offers intriguing insights into the fabric of this West African nation, making it an invaluable resource for understanding the diverse tapestry that makes up Ghana’s regional landscape.
The 16 Regions In Ghana With Their Capitals And More.
The following are the 16 regions in Ghana with their capital cities:
| Region | Capital |
|---|---|
| Ashanti | Kumasi |
| Brong-Ahafo | Sunyani |
| Central | Cape Coast |
| Eastern | Koforidua |
| Greater Accra | Accra |
| Northern | Tamale |
| Upper East | Bolgatanga |
| Upper West | Wa |
| Volta | Ho |
| Western | Sekondi-Takoradi |
| North East | Nalerigu |
| Oti | Dambai |
| Savannah | Damongo |
| Bono East | Techiman |
| Ahafo | Goaso |
| Western North | Wiawso |
1. The Ashanti Region
Situated in the central part of Ghana, the Ashanti Region stands as one of the most populous regions in the country.
The Population Of the Ashanti Region
The Ashanti Region has a total population of about 5.5 million people.
Capital City Of The Ashanti Region
Kumasi, serving as the capital city of the Ashanti Region, holds the esteemed title of Ghana’s cultural city.
Area Of Land Of The Ashanti Region
The Ashanti Region occupies an area of about 25000 square kilometers of land.
Subdivisions In The Ashanti Region
The region is divided into 27 districts.
What’s The Ashanti Region Known For?
With a history and culture tracing back to the 17th century, the Ashanti Region is renowned for its cultural heritage.
The region takes pride in its contributions to Ghana’s cultural tapestry, notably through the production of Kente cloth, the symbolism of Adinkra symbols, and the vibrant celebration of festivals such as Akwasidae and several others.
2. The Brong-Ahafo Region
Located on the mid-Western side of Ghana, the Ashanti Region stands as one of the most populous regions in the country.
With its vast expanse, it is divided into twelve districts, solidifying its status as the second-largest region in Ghana.
Area Of Land
The region covers an area of about 40,000 square kilometers of land with over 2. 5 million population
The Capital City Of The Brong Ahafo Region
The capital city of the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana is Sunyani.
What’s The Bring Ahafo Region Known For In Ghana?
Renowned for its fertile soil conducive to agriculture, the Ashanti Region is celebrated for its agricultural productivity. Additionally, the region boasts a notable attraction, the Boabeng Fiema Monkey Sanctuary, adding to its allure.
3. The Central Region
The Central Region can be found in the southern part of Ghana. The region is divided into 20 districts.
The Capital City And The Area Of Land Of The Central Region Of Ghana
Cape Coast is the capital city of the region and the region covers an area of about 10,000 square kilometres of land.
The Population And What The Central Region Is Known For
The region has a population of about 2.2 million people and it is known for its beautiful beaches and historical castles such as the Cape Coast Castle which was used as a slave trading site.
There are popular festivals such as Fetu Afahye and the Akwambu festival.
4. The Eastern Region
You can find the Eastern Region of Ghana in the southeastern part of the country with 21 districts.
The Capital City And Area Of Land Of The Eastern Region Of Ghana
The capital city of the Eastern Region is Koforidua and the region covers an area of about 20,000 square kilometers of land.
Population And What The Eastern Region Is Known For?
The Eastern Region has a population of about 3.1 million people and the region is known for beautiful waterfalls such as the Boti Falls and the Akaa Falls.
There are popular Festivals like Akwasidae and Apoo festivals.
5. The Greater Accra Region
The Greater Accra Region is located along the Atlantic coast of Ghana. It contains Ghana’s capital city Accra, which is also the country’s largest city.
With a population of over 4 million people, Greater Accra is the second most populous region in Ghana.
Some major cities in the Greater Accra Region include Tema, Kasoa, Ningo Prampram, Ledzokuku-Krowor, La Dade Kotopon, Adentan, Ashaiman, and Madina.
These cities help contribute to Greater Accra’s vibrant economy, which is focused on manufacturing, financial services, transportation, tourism, and more.
As the capital city, Accra is the center of business and politics in Ghana. The economy of Greater Accra benefits from Ghana’s major seaport and international airport located in the region.
Many major companies and industries have headquarters or offices in Accra. Tourism is also an important industry, with attractions like beaches, historic sites, national parks, and museums.
Culturally, Greater Accra reflects Ghana’s diversity. Traditional ceremonies and festivals are still celebrated, while Accra has also emerged as a hub for arts, music, nightlife, shopping, and dining.
The blend of modern urban centers and traditional neighborhoods makes Greater Accra a microcosm of Ghana as a whole.
The Capital City And The Area Of Land Of The Greater Accra Region
Accra is the capital city of the region and it’s also the capital city of Ghana. It covers an area of about 3000 square kilometers of land.
Population And What Greater Accra Region Is Known For.
The region has a population of about 5.6 million people and it is known for its beautiful beaches, and historic landmarks which include the Osu Castle and the Independence Square.
It’s also known for its vibrant nightlife and the celebration of the Homowo Festival.
6. The Northern Region
The Northern Region can be found in the Northern part of the country and it’s one of the largest Region in terms of land area. The region has eighteen districts.
The Capital City And Area Of Land Of The Northern Region Of Ghana
The capital city of the region is Tamale and it covers an area of about 70,000 square kilometers of land.
Population And What The Northern Region Of Ghana Is Known For
The region has a population of about 2.5 million and it is popular for its unique cultural heritage and diverse wildlife reserves such as the Mole National Park and several others.
7. The Upper East Region
The Upper East Region can be found in the North Eastern part of the country. It has 15 districts.
Area Of Land And Population Of The Upper East Region Of Ghana
The region covers an area of about 9000 square kilometers with a population of about 1.3 million people.
The Capital City And What The Upper East Region Is Known For
The capital city of the Upper East Region is Bolgatanga and the region is known for its exceptional architecture which is the traditional round houses popularly known as ” Tongo”. The region is popular for crafts such as basket weaving and pottery.
8. The Upper West Region
The Upper West Region can be found in the Northwestern side of Ghana with eleven districts.
Area Of Land And Population Of The Upper West Region Of Ghana
The region covers an area of about 19000 square kilometers of land with a population of about 800,000.
Capital City And What The Region Is Known For
The capital city of the Upper West Region is Wa and the region is popular for its unique culture, and stunning landscapes such as Wa-Na Rock, and Gbele Resource Reserve.
9. The Volta Region
The Volta Region can be found in the Eastern side of Ghana with 25 districts.
The Capital City And Area Of Land Of The Volta Region Of Ghana
Ho is the capital city of the region and it covers an area of about 20,000 square kilometers of land.
Population And What The Volta Region Of Ghana Is Known For
The region has about 2.1 million people and it is known for its nice landscape, beaches, and waterfalls. They also celebrate popular festivals such as the Agbamevor and the Hogbetsotso festival.
10. The Western Region
The Western Region can be found in the southwestern part of Ghana with 23 districts.
Area Of Land And Population Of The Western Region Of Ghana
The region covers an area of about 24,000 square kilometers of land with about 2.4 million people.
Capital City And What The Western Region Of Ghana Is Known For
Sekondi Takoradi is the capital city of the Western Region of Ghana and it is known for beautiful landscapes and beaches, rainforest, and mineral resources. They are also known for celebrating Fetu Afahye and Kundum Festivals.
11. The Bono Region
You can locate the Bono Region in the central side of Ghana with 12 districts.
Area Of Land And Capital City Of The Bono Region Of Ghana
The region has an area of about 12000 kilometers tres of land with Sunyani as its capital city.
Population And What The Region Is Known For
The region has a population of about 1. 2 million people and it is known for its cultural heritage, and beautiful landscapes such as the Bui National Park and the Tano River.
12. The Bono East Region
The Bono East Region can be found in the central part of the country with 11 districts.
Area Of Land And Population Of The Bono East Region Of Ghana
The region covers an area of about 14,000 square kilometers of land with a population of about 1.1 million.
The Capital City And What The Bono East Region Is Known For
Techiman is the capital city of the region and the region is known for beautiful landscapes such as the Kintampo waterfalls and the Mole National Park and several others.
13. The Ahafo Region
You can locate the Ahafo region in the Central part of Ghana. It is the newest region in Ghana which was carved out of the Brong Ahafo region in 2019.
Area Of Land And Population Of The Ahafo Region Of Ghana
The region covers an area of about 6000 square kilometers of land with a population of about 50,000 people.
Capital City And What The Ahafo Region Of Ghana Is Known For
Goaso is the capital city of the region and the region is popular for beautiful landscapes like the Kintampo waterfalls and Tano River.
14. The North East Region
The North East Region is situated in the northeastern part of Ghana. It is the second newest region created which was also carved out of the Northern region.
Area Of Land And Population Of The North East Region Of Ghana
The region covers an area of about 10,000 square kilometers of land with a population of about 600,000 people.
Capital City And What The North East Region Of Ghana Is Known For
Nalerigu is the capital city of the region and the region is popular for beautiful landscapes such as the Mole National Park and the Gambaga scarp.
15. The Savannah Region
You can find the Savannah Region in the Northern part of the country. It is also a new region carved out of the Northern region of Ghana.
Area Of Land And Population Of The Savannah Region
The region covers an area of about 37,128 square kilometers of land with a population of about 700,00/ people.
Capital City And What The Savannah Region Of Ghana Is Known For
Damongo is the capital city of the Savannah Region of Ghana and it is popular for diverse wildlife species like lions, baboons, and more.
16. The Oti Region
You can locate the Oti Region in the eastern part of Ghana and it is also part of the new regions created in 2019.
Area Of Land And Population Of The Oti Region Of Ghana
The region covers an area of about 25,000 square kilometers with a population of about 600,000 people.
Capital City And What The Oti Region Is Known For
The capital city of the region is Dambai. The region is known for its landscapes like Kyabobo National Park and the Oti River
Frequently Asked Questions
Accra is the capital city of Ghana.
The former capital city of Ghana is Cape Coast in the Central Region of Ghana.
In A Nutshell
Ghana, situated in West Africa, stands as a vibrant democratic state, comprising 16 distinct regions.
Each region unfolds its unique features, encompassing diverse landscapes, capitals, festivals, culture, history, traditions, language, and more.
Whether you are a cultural enthusiast, nature lover, historian, or adventure seeker, Ghana offers a haven for everyone. The rich tapestry of this West African nation beckons exploration and discovery.
In our exploration, we delve into the details of the sixteen regions in Ghana, shedding light on their capitals, districts, land area, population, and other significant facets that contribute to the diverse and dynamic character of this West African nation.
