Ghana is a country located in West Africa, known for its rich cultural heritage, beautiful natural landscapes, and historic landmarks. The country is divided into 16 regions, each with its unique features and attractions that make it a fascinating destination for tourists. From the bustling capital city of Accra to the serene beaches of the Central Region, and the lush rainforests of the Western Region, Ghana has something to offer for everyone. In this list, we will provide brief descriptions of each of the 16 regions in Ghana, highlighting some of the key features and attractions that make them worth a visit. Whether you are interested in history, culture, wildlife, or just want to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the country, there is sure to be a region in Ghana that will capture your imagination.
#1
Ashanti Region
The Ashanti Region is located in the central part of Ghana, and is named after the Ashanti people who have been the dominant ethnic group in the area for centuries. The region is known for its rich cultural heritage, including the colorful kente cloth and the famous Ashanti golden stool, which is believed to hold the spirit of the Ashanti nation. The regional capital, Kumasi, is the second-largest city in Ghana and is home to the historic Manhyia Palace, which served as the seat of the Ashanti kings for over 300 years. Other major attractions in the region include the beautiful Lake Bosomtwe, the Bonwire Kente Weaving Village, and the Kejetia Market, one of the largest open-air markets in West Africa. The Ashanti Region is also known for its delicious cuisine, which includes dishes such as fufu and light soup, banku and okro soup, and jollof rice.
#2
Ahafo Region
The Ahafo Region is located in the central part of Ghana, and was created in 2019 as part of a government initiative to decentralize power and promote local development. The region is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including rolling hills, lush forests, and scenic waterfalls. It is also home to several wildlife reserves, such as the Bui National Park, where visitors can see elephants, hippos, and other wildlife in their natural habitats. The regional capital, Goaso, is a bustling town that serves as a hub for trade and commerce in the area. Other major attractions in the Ahafo Region include the ancient caves at Yabraso, the beautiful Tano River, and the picturesque town of Hwidiem, which is known for its rich cultural heritage and traditional festivals. Despite being one of the newest regions in Ghana, the Ahafo Region has a rich history and culture that makes it a fascinating destination for visitors.
#3
Bono Region
The Bono Region is located in the central part of Ghana, and was created in 2019 as part of a government initiative to promote local development and decentralize power. The region is known for its rich cultural heritage, which includes traditional music and dance, colorful festivals, and historic sites such as the Kintampo Waterfalls. The regional capital, Sunyani, is a bustling town with a vibrant market and plenty of restaurants and cafes serving delicious local cuisine. Other major attractions in the Bono Region include the Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary, where visitors can see hundreds of monkeys in their natural habitat, and the beautiful Lake Bosomtwe, which is believed to be the site of an ancient meteorite impact. The Bono Region is also home to several wildlife reserves, including the Bui National Park, where visitors can see elephants, hippos, and other animals in their natural habitats.
#4
Brong-Ahafo Region
The Brong-Ahafo Region was a former administrative region in Ghana, which was split into the Ahafo and Bono regions in 2019. The region was known for its diverse geography, including rolling hills, forests, and grasslands, as well as its rich cultural heritage. The regional capital, Sunyani, was a bustling town with a vibrant market and plenty of restaurants and cafes serving delicious local cuisine. The region was also home to several wildlife reserves, such as the Bui National Park, where visitors could see elephants, hippos, and other animals in their natural habitats. Other major attractions in the Brong-Ahafo Region included the Kintampo Waterfalls, the Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary, and the beautiful Lake Bosomtwe. Despite being split into two separate regions, the Brong-Ahafo Region's legacy continues to be felt in the rich cultural traditions and natural beauty of the area.
#5
Central Region
The Central Region is located in southern Ghana, and is known for its rich cultural heritage, beautiful beaches, and historic landmarks. The regional capital, Cape Coast, is home to several historic sites, including the Cape Coast Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that served as a major hub of the transatlantic slave trade. Other notable landmarks in the region include the Elmina Castle, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Kakum National Park, which features a canopy walkway that offers stunning views of the rainforest canopy. The Central Region is also home to several picturesque beaches, such as the popular Brenu Beach and the serene Bojo Beach. The region is known for its vibrant festivals and traditional music and dance, such as the annual Fetu Afahye Festival, which celebrates the region's rich cultural heritage.
#6
Eastern Region
The Eastern Region of Ghana is located in the south-eastern part of the country, and is known for its picturesque landscape, rich cultural heritage, and historical landmarks. The region is home to several scenic attractions, such as the Aburi Botanical Gardens, which features a vast collection of plant species and a canopy walkway that offers a panoramic view of the surrounding hills. The region is also home to several wildlife reserves, such as the Atewa Range Forest Reserve and the Kyebi Forest Reserve, which offer a unique opportunity to see rare plant and animal species in their natural habitats. The regional capital, Koforidua, is known for its vibrant arts and crafts scene, particularly the Kente weaving industry. The Eastern Region is also home to several historic landmarks, such as the Akosombo Dam, which is one of the largest hydroelectric power stations in the world, and the Boti Falls, a beautiful waterfall that is steeped in local folklore. Overall, the Eastern Region is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty and cultural richness of Ghana.
#7
Greater Accra Region
The Greater Accra Region is located in southern Ghana, and is the smallest region in the country by land area. It is, however, the most populous region, and is home to the capital city of Ghana, Accra. The region is known for its vibrant culture, bustling city life, and historical landmarks. Accra is a major commercial and cultural center in West Africa, and is home to several notable landmarks, such as the Independence Square, the Osu Castle, and the National Museum of Ghana. The region is also home to several beaches, such as the Labadi Beach, which is a popular tourist attraction. The region has a rich history, and was once a major center of the transatlantic slave trade. There are several historic sites in the region that reflect this history, such as the Cape Coast Castle and the Elmina Castle, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Overall, the Greater Accra Region is a vibrant and diverse destination that offers a unique blend of urban and historical experiences.
#8
Northern Region
The Northern Region of Ghana is located in the northern part of the country, and is known for its rich cultural heritage and beautiful natural landscapes. The region is home to several ethnic groups, such as the Dagomba, Mamprusi, and Gonja, each with its unique traditions and customs. One of the most significant cultural events in the region is the annual Damba Festival, which celebrates the birth of the Islamic Prophet Mohammed. The region also boasts several natural attractions, such as the Mole National Park, which is home to several rare species of wildlife, including elephants, antelopes, and baboons. The region's capital, Tamale, is a bustling commercial center and serves as a gateway to the rest of the region. Other notable sites in the region include the Larabanga Mosque, which is one of the oldest mosques in West Africa, and the Gambaga Escarpment, which is a striking geological formation that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The Northern Region is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in experiencing the rich culture and natural beauty of Ghana.
#9
North East Region
The North East Region is one of the newly created regions in Ghana, established in 2019, and is located in the northern part of the country. The region is largely rural, with agriculture being the main economic activity. The region is home to several ethnic groups, including the Mamprugu and the Kusasi, each with its unique traditions and customs. The region is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, which include the Gambaga Scarp, which is a steep cliff formation that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The region also boasts several cultural landmarks, such as the Nayiri's Palace, which is the traditional seat of the Mamprugu Kingdom, and the Nalerigu Defense Wall, which is a historic monument that reflects the region's rich history. The North East Region is a peaceful and serene destination that offers visitors a chance to experience the authentic culture and way of life of the people of northern Ghana.
#10
Oti Region
The Oti Region is one of the newly created regions in Ghana, established in 2019, and is located in the eastern part of the country. The region is largely rural, with agriculture being the main economic activity. The region is home to several ethnic groups, including the Guan and the Nawuri, each with its unique traditions and customs. The region is known for its scenic beauty, which includes several waterfalls and forest reserves, such as the Kyabobo National Park, which is home to several rare species of wildlife, including elephants, monkeys, and antelopes. The region's capital, Dambai, is a peaceful town that serves as a gateway to the rest of the region. Other notable sites in the region include the Kpetoe Kente Weaving Village, which is famous for its intricate handwoven textiles, and the Wli Waterfalls, which is the highest waterfall in West Africa. The Oti Region is a great destination for nature lovers and anyone seeking to experience the authentic culture and way of life of the people of eastern Ghana.
#11
Savannah Region
The Savannah Region is one of the newly created regions in Ghana, established in 2019, and is located in the northern part of the country. The region is largely rural, with agriculture being the main economic activity. The region is home to several ethnic groups, including the Gonja and the Dagaaba, each with its unique traditions and customs. The region is known for its vast savannah grasslands, which are dotted with baobab trees and offer a stunning landscape that is ideal for photography and wildlife viewing. The Mole National Park, located in the region, is home to several species of wildlife, including elephants, antelopes, and baboons, making it a popular destination for tourists. The region's capital, Damongo, is a bustling town that serves as a hub for business and commerce. Other notable sites in the region include the Larabanga Mosque, which is one of the oldest mosques in West Africa, and the Wechiau Hippopotamus Sanctuary, which is home to several hippopotamuses that can be viewed from a canoe. The Savannah Region is a great destination for anyone seeking to experience the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of northern Ghana.
#12
Upper East Region
The Upper East Region is located in the northeastern part of Ghana and is one of the country's ten regions. It shares borders with Burkina Faso to the north and Togo to the east. The region is predominantly rural and is known for its unique architecture, characterized by mud houses with thatched roofs. Agriculture is the main economic activity, with the cultivation of sorghum, millet, yams, and maize being the main crops grown in the region. The region is home to several ethnic groups, including the Frafra, Kusasi, and Nankani, each with its unique traditions and customs. The region is also known for its traditional dances and music, with the Kologo being a popular traditional instrument. The region's capital, Bolgatanga, is a bustling town that serves as a hub for business and commerce. Other notable sites in the region include the Paga Crocodile Ponds, where visitors can view crocodiles up close, and the Tongo Hills, which offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The Upper East Region is a great destination for anyone seeking to experience the unique architecture, rich cultural heritage, and natural beauty of northeastern Ghana.
#13
Upper West Region
The Upper West Region is located in the northwestern part of Ghana, bordering Burkina Faso to the north and Cote d'Ivoire to the west. It is the country's youngest region, having been carved out of the Upper Region in 1983. The region is predominantly rural, with agriculture being the main economic activity. The region's fertile lands are suitable for the cultivation of crops such as yams, maize, sorghum, and millet. The region is also home to several ethnic groups, including the Dagaaba, Sisala, and Waala, each with its unique traditions and customs. The region is known for its distinctive traditional architecture, which features mud-walled compounds and thatched roofs. The region's capital, Wa, is a bustling town that serves as a hub for business and commerce. Other notable sites in the region include the Wechiau Hippo Sanctuary, where visitors can view hippos up close, and the Gwollu Slave Defence Wall, which was built in the 19th century to defend against slave raiders. The Upper West Region is a great destination for anyone seeking to experience the unique culture, natural beauty, and rich history of northwestern Ghana.
#14
Volta Region
The Volta Region is located in southeastern Ghana, bordering Togo to the east. It is named after the Volta River, which flows through the region and forms the country's largest man-made lake, Lake Volta. The region is known for its scenic beauty, with rolling hills, deep valleys, and numerous waterfalls. The region's capital, Ho, is a bustling town with a mix of modern and traditional architecture. The region is home to several ethnic groups, including the Ewe, the Akan, and the Guan, each with its unique traditions and customs. The region is also famous for its rich cultural heritage, with traditional festivals and dances that celebrate the region's history and traditions. Notable sites in the region include the Wli Waterfalls, the tallest waterfall in Ghana, the Tagbo Falls, and the Mount Afadjato, the highest mountain in Ghana. The Volta Region is a great destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone interested in experiencing the rich culture and traditions of southeastern Ghana.
#15
Western Region
The Western Region is located in southwestern Ghana, bordering Cote d'Ivoire to the west. The region is known for its diverse landscape, ranging from pristine beaches along the Atlantic coast to lush rainforests and rolling hills. The region's capital, Sekondi-Takoradi, is a bustling port city that serves as a major hub for trade and commerce in the region. The Western Region is also home to several important historical sites, including the Cape Three Points Lighthouse, the first structure in Ghana to be powered by solar energy, and the Fort Metal Cross, a colonial-era fort built by the Portuguese in the 1600s. The region is also known for its rich cultural heritage, with traditional festivals and dances that celebrate the region's history and traditions. Notable sites in the region include the Nzulezo Stilt Village, a unique community built on stilts above Lake Tadane, and the Ankasa Conservation Area, a vast protected forest that is home to rare and endangered species of flora and fauna. The Western Region is a great destination for nature lovers, history buffs, and anyone interested in experiencing the vibrant culture and traditions of southwestern Ghana.
#16