Koforidua, Ghana
Region: Eastern Region
Geographic Coordinates: 6.083300, -0.250000
Temperature Range: 18.0°C to 30.0°C (64°F to 86°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 127334
Language: English
Koforidua is a lively city situated in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The place is famous for its vibrant culture, Hospitable locals, And picturesque landscapes. With a population of more than 100, 000 people, It serves as the capital of the Eastern Region. One of Koforidua’s most prominent landmarks is Boti Falls – a waterfall located approximately 17km from the city. It’s one of Ghana’s top tourist spots where visitors can relish scenic views while hiking to the falls or taking a refreshing dip in its cool waters.
Another attraction that should be on your list while visiting Koforidua is Jackson’s Park. The park provides an opportunity to unwind amidst lush greenery and stunning scenery. Visitors can enjoy various recreational facilities available at Jackson’s Park such as tennis courts, Basketball courts, And playgrounds for children. Koforidua also has a rich cultural heritage that visitors can experience through traditional festivals like Akwasidae Festival that takes place every six weeks on Sundays at Manhyia Palace Square; Homowo Festival which celebrates harvest time with traditional dances; Aboakyir Festival which features hunting expeditions; Damba Festival which celebrates Islamic traditions among others.
The city boasts several markets where visitors can buy unique souvenirs such as locally made crafts like pottery, Wood carvings, Textiles among others or try out some delicious local cuisine like fufu (pounded cassava) with soup or stews made from fresh vegetables and meat. For history enthusiasts, There are several museums worth visiting in Koforidua such as Okomfo Anokye Sword Site Museum where you can learn about Ashanti culture through historical artefacts; Kwahu Tafo Museum that showcases relics from pre-colonial times up to present day Ghanaian history.
Koforidua offers an unforgettable experience to tourists with its natural beauty, Rich culture, And friendly locals. Whether you are looking for adventure, Relaxation or cultural immersion, Koforidua has something for everyone.
- Boti Falls
- Akosombo Dam
- Aburi Botanical Gardens
- Eastern Regional Museum
- Obo Forest Reserve
- Koforidua Market Circle
- Agomeda Junction
- Okomfo Anokye Shrine
- Asamankese Market Square
- Nsawam Prisons Museum
- Agriculture
- Cocoa
- Palm oil
- Cassava
- Yam
- Maize
- Vegetables
- Education
- University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD)
- Presbyterian University College (PUC)
- Koforidua Technical University (KTU)
- Healthcare
- Private hospitals
- Clinics
- Manufacturing
- Textiles
- Plastics
- Beverages
- Pharmaceuticals
- Tourism
- Boti Falls
- Aburi Gardens
- Bead Making centers
- Retail trade
- Local markets
- Traders from across the country
- Koforidua was founded in 1875 by the Akyem Abuakwa traditional authority.
- In 1893, the Basel Mission established a Presbyterian Church in Koforidua, which had a significant impact on the religious and cultural life of the town.
- St. Peter’s Cathedral Basilica was constructed in Koforidua in 1930, becoming one of the most prominent landmarks in the city.
- Ghana National College was established in Koforidua in 1948 as part of efforts to promote education and national development.
- The current President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, attended Ofori Panin Senior High School (formerly known as Pope John Senior High School), which is located in Koforidua.
- Ghana’s first president and one of Africa’s most prominent leaders, Kwame Nkrumah visited Koforidua on several occasions during his presidency to address political rallies and meetings.
- Joseph Boakye Danquah was a prominent nationalist leader who played an important role in Ghana’s struggle for independence from British colonial rule; he also served as member of parliament for Akim Abuakwa North constituency which includes koforidua.
- Yaw Asante-Wiafeh is a renowned academician who hails from koftown (Kibi) near kofridua; he has contributed significantly to research on African history and culture.
- Koforidua Jackson’s Park
- The Boti Falls
- Akonedi Shrine
- Aburi Botanical Gardens
- Okomfo Anokye Sword Site
- Eastern Regional Museum
- Kwahu Mountains
- Tetteh Quarshie Cocoa Farm
- Bunso Arboretum Forest Reserve
- Akwantuo Festival: This festival is celebrated by the people of Koforidua to mark the beginning of a new year.
- Ohum Festival: This is a harvest festival that is celebrated by the people of Koforidua in August or September each year.
- Kwahu Easter Festival: This festival is celebrated by the Kwahu people who live in and around Koforidua during Easter.
- Asafotufiam Festival: This is a military festival that is celebrated by the people of Ada and other parts of Ghana, including Koforidua.
- Aboakyir Festival: This festival involves hunting and capturing antelopes, which are then used for sacrifices to ancestral spirits.
- Homowo Festival: This harvest festival is celebrated by the Ga people who live in Accra, but it also has significance for those living in Koforidua.
- Adae Festival: The Adae festival marks an important day on the traditional Ashanti calendar when ancestral spirits are honored with offerings and prayers.
- Kundum Festival: Celebrated among some ethnic groups such as Nzema, Ahanta, Evalue-Ajomoro Gwira among others to give thanks to their gods for abundance harvests over years’ time.
- Kenkey and Fish: This is a traditional Ghanaian dish made of fermented corn dough served with fish stew or soup. You can find it at many street food vendors in Koforidua.
- Akosombo Tilapia: Akosombo is a town near Koforidua that is known for its fresh tilapia fish, which is often grilled or fried and served with banku (a starchy dish made from cassava and cornmeal).
- Asanka Local Restaurant: This restaurant serves a variety of Ghanaian dishes, including fufu (a starchy dish made from cassava), jollof rice (spicy tomato-based rice), and grilled chicken.
- Papaye Fast Food: This fast food chain has several locations in Koforidua and serves burgers, fries, chicken sandwiches, and other Western-style fast food.
- Agyemang’s Chop Bar: This local eatery serves traditional Ghanaian dishes like red-red (beans cooked in palm oil) and waakye (rice cooked with beans).
- Blue Skies Juice Bar: This juice bar offers fresh juices made from locally grown fruits like pineapples, mangoes, oranges, and papayas.
- Royal Park Hotel Restaurant: Located inside the Royal Park Hotel in Koforidua, this restaurant serves both international cuisine as well as local dishes like banku with tilapia or goat meat stew.
- Mama’s Kitchenette: Another popular spot for traditional Ghanaian food like jollof rice, fufu with soup/stew or banku with okro soup/stew etc
- Jackson’s Park is a well-liked public park that boasts playgrounds, picnic areas, and walking trails.
- Boti Falls is a picturesque waterfall and hiking destination situated approximately 17km from Koforidua.
- Aburi Botanical Gardens features exquisite plants, trees, and flowers making it an enchanting garden to visit.
- Bunso Arboretum is an informative nature reserve with bird watching opportunities and guided tours available.
- Koforidua Sports Stadium is a versatile stadium utilized for football matches and other sporting events.
- Ghana National Cultural Centre exhibits traditional Ghanaian art, music, dance, and crafts making it a cultural hub for visitors to explore.
- Eastern Regional Museum pays homage to the history of the Eastern Region of Ghana through its museum displays.
- Akosombo Dam Tourist Site showcases an engineering marvel that generates hydroelectric power for Ghana as well as Lake Volta which happens to be Africa’s largest man-made lake!
