Ghana, a vibrant West African nation known for its cultural diversity, rich history, and natural resources, is divided into 16 administrative regions, each with a unique cultural identity, economic strength, and geographic setting. These regions, which are further subdivided into districts, serve as the key pillars of governance, local development, and national administration. Understanding the 16 Regions of Ghana and Their Regional Capitals is essential for students, researchers, and anyone interested in Ghana’s political geography, as it reveals how the country’s administrative structure supports its growth and unity.
The 16 Regions of Ghana and Their Capitals
1. Greater Accra Region – Accra
Location: Southeastern Ghana, along the Gulf of Guinea.
The Greater Accra Region is Ghana’s smallest by land size but the most densely populated, serving as the administrative and economic hub of the country. Its capital, Accra, is the national capital and the center for political activities, trade, and international business.
2. Ashanti Region – Kumasi
Location: South-central Ghana.
The Ashanti Region is the cultural heartland of the Ashanti people, rich in history and known for its kente cloth, gold production, and vibrant traditions. Kumasi, the capital, is often called “The Garden City” due to its lush greenery and serves as a major commercial and cultural hub.
3. Western Region – Sekondi-Takoradi
Location: Southwestern Ghana, along the Atlantic coast.
The Western Region is a resource-rich area with significant gold, bauxite, and oil reserves. Sekondi-Takoradi, the capital, is an industrial and harbor city that plays a vital role in Ghana’s offshore petroleum industry.
4. Eastern Region – Koforidua
Location: Southeastern Ghana, inland from the coast.
The Eastern Region is known for its scenic landscapes, including the Akosombo Dam and Lake Volta. Koforidua, the capital, is a growing commercial town with vibrant markets and agricultural activity.
5. Volta Region – Ho
Location: Eastern Ghana, bordering Togo.
The Volta Region is famous for its rolling hills, waterfalls, and cultural diversity, particularly among the Ewe people. Ho, the regional capital, serves as an administrative and educational center.
6. Central Region – Cape Coast
Location: Southern Ghana, along the coast.
The Central Region is rich in colonial history, with Cape Coast serving as the capital and home to historic forts and castles, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
7. Northern Region – Tamale
Location: Northern Ghana.
The Northern Region is the largest by land size and is a major center for agriculture, particularly yam, maize, and livestock farming. Tamale, its capital, is one of the fastest-growing cities in West Africa.
8. Upper East Region – Bolgatanga
Location: Northeastern Ghana, bordering Burkina Faso.
The Upper East Region is known for traditional crafts such as basket weaving and smock making. Bolgatanga, the capital, serves as the commercial and administrative hub for the region.
9. Upper West Region – Wa
Location: Northwestern Ghana.
The Upper West Region is one of the least populated areas in Ghana, with Wa as its capital. The economy is largely based on subsistence farming and small-scale trade.
10. Western North Region – Sefwi Wiawso
Location: Western Ghana, inland from the coast.
Western North is a relatively new region carved from the Western Region in 2019. Sefwi Wiawso is the capital, known for cocoa farming and lush forest reserves.
11. Oti Region – Dambai
Location: Northeastern Ghana, bordering Togo.
Oti Region was created in 2019 from part of the Volta Region. Its capital, Dambai, is a growing administrative town with a focus on agriculture and fishing along the Oti River.
12. Bono Region – Sunyani
Location: West-central Ghana.
Bono Region, established in 2019, has Sunyani as its capital. The area is known for agriculture, particularly cashew and cocoa farming, as well as educational institutions.
13. Bono East Region – Techiman
Location: Central Ghana.
Bono East was carved from the Brong Ahafo Region in 2019, with Techiman as its capital. The town is a major food production and trading center in Ghana.
14. Ahafo Region – Goaso
Location: Central-western Ghana.
Ahafo Region, also created in 2019, has Goaso as its capital. The region is rich in agriculture and timber resources.
15. North East Region – Nalerigu
Location: Northeastern Ghana.
The North East Region, formed in 2019, has Nalerigu as its capital. It is a largely rural area with farming as the main economic activity.
16. Savannah Region – Damongo
Location: North-central Ghana.
Savannah Region, also created in 2019, has Damongo as its capital. It is home to Mole National Park and significant agricultural lands.
16 Regions of Ghana and their Regional Capitals
| Region | Capital |
|---|---|
| Greater Accra Region | Accra |
| Ashanti Region | Kumasi |
| Western Region | Sekondi-Takoradi |
| Eastern Region | Koforidua |
| Volta Region | Ho |
| Central Region | Cape Coast |
| Northern Region | Tamale |
| Upper East Region | Bolgatanga |
| Upper West Region | Wa |
| Western North Region | Sefwi Wiawso |
| Oti Region | Dambai |
| Bono Region | Sunyani |
| Bono East Region | Techiman |
| Ahafo Region | Goaso |
| North East Region | Nalerigu |
| Savannah Region | Damongo |
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Conclusion on the 16 Regions of Ghana
The 16 Regions of Ghana and Their Regional Capitals reflect the country’s diversity in culture, economy, and geography. From the bustling streets of Accra to the serene landscapes of the Savannah Region, each region contributes uniquely to Ghana’s national identity and development. Understanding these regions not only enhances knowledge of Ghana’s political structure but also offers insight into its cultural and economic dynamics.
Frequently Asked Questions
These are FAQs on the 16 regions of Ghana and their regional capitals
Q: How many regions are there in Ghana?
A: There are 16 regions in Ghana.
Q: What are the 16 regions of Ghana?
A: The 16 regions are: Ahafo, Ashanti, Bono, Bono East, Central, Eastern, Greater Accra, North East, Northern, Oti, Savannah, Upper East, Upper West, Volta, Western, and Western North.
Q: What is the capital of each region in Ghana?
A: Here are the capitals for each region:
- Ahafo Region – Goaso
- Ashanti Region – Kumasi
- Bono Region – Sunyani
- Bono East Region – Techiman
- Central Region – Cape Coast
- Eastern Region – Koforidua
- Greater Accra Region – Accra
- North East Region – Nalerigu
- Northern Region – Tamale
- Oti Region – Dambai
- Savannah Region – Damongo
- Upper East Region – Bolgatanga
- Upper West Region – Wa
- Volta Region – Ho
- Western Region – Sekondi-Takoradi
- Western North Region – Wiawso
Q: Why was Ghana divided into regions?
A: Ghana was divided into regions for administrative purposes, to facilitate governance and development across different parts of the country.
Q: Can the number of regions in Ghana change?
A: Yes, the number of regions can change through legislative processes and referendums, as seen in the creation of new regions in 2019.