Suhum, Ghana
Region: Suhum is located in the Eastern Region of Ghana
Geographic Coordinates: 6.033300, -0.450000
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 35.0°C (68°F to 95°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 126403
Language: Akan
Suhum is a small town in the Eastern Region of Ghana, West Africa. It’s situated approximately 67 kilometers north of Accra, The capital city of Ghana. The town has a population of about 50, 000 people and is known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. Suhum has been an important trading center for centuries due to its strategic location along major trade routes. One notable attraction in Suhum is the Suhum-Kraboa-Coaltar District Hospital which serves as a referral center for many surrounding communities. The hospital provides quality healthcare services to residents and visitors alike.
Additionally, There are several primary schools and secondary schools that provide education to children in the area. Another attraction in Suhum is the Boti Falls which is located about 18 kilometers from the town center. Visitors can take a dip in one of several natural pools or hike through nearby trails to explore more scenic areas. Suhum also boasts several historical sites such as Fort Prinzenstein which was built by Dutch traders in 1784 as a slave trading post during colonial times. The fort now serves as a museum where visitors can learn about Ghana’s history with slavery and colonialism.
The town also hosts an annual festival called Akwantu Kese which celebrates their rich cultural heritage with traditional music, Dance performances, Food fairs, Parades, And other activities that showcase their customs and traditions. In terms of transportation infrastructure, Suhum has good road networks connecting it to other parts of Ghana making it easily accessible by car or public transport such as buses or taxis.
Overall, Suhum offers visitors an opportunity to experience traditional African culture while enjoying modern amenities such as quality healthcare services, Educational institutions, Historical sites like Fort Prinzenstein among others making it a great place to visit and explore.
- Suhum Catholic Church: A beautiful church located in the heart of Suhum.
- Boti Falls: A popular waterfall situated approximately 17 km from Suhum.
- Akosombo Dam: A hydroelectric dam located about 70 km from Suhum.
- Aburi Botanical Gardens: These gardens are found around 50 km from Suhum and offer visitors scenic views and a chance to relax.
- Lake Volta: The largest man-made lake in Africa provides visitors with opportunities for water sports and fishing.
- Tetteh Quarshie Cocoa Farm: This farm is located about 30 km from Suhum and offers visitors a chance to learn about cocoa farming in Ghana.
- Koforidua Market: One of the largest markets in Ghana presents visitors with an opportunity to shop for local crafts, textiles, and food items.
- Nsawam Prisons Museum: This museum showcases the history of prisons in Ghana featuring exhibits on the lives of prisoners over time.
- Agriculture
- Palm oil production
- Cassava flour production
- Yam production
- Manufacturing
- Small-scale manufacturing companies
- Soap production
- Textile production
- Retail trade
- Shops selling various goods
- Food items
- Clothing
- Electronics
- Services
- Healthcare facilities
- Educational institutions
- Financial institutions
- Banks
- Microfinance companies
- The Suhum-Kraboa-Coaltar District was created in 1988 as part of the decentralization process in Ghana.
- The town is home to the Presbyterian Senior High School, which was established in 1956 and has produced many notable alumni.
- In 1927, a railway line was constructed from Accra to Kumasi passing through Suhum.
- Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the current President of Ghana, hails from Kyebi which is a nearby town to Suhum.
- In 1869, Rev. John Philip Newman founded the Basel Missionary Society in Suhum which later spread across Ghana and other African countries.
- The town is also known for its annual Akwantukese festival which celebrates the harvest season and brings together people from all over Ghana.
- Other notable personalities associated with Suhum include Kwesi Pratt Jnr., a journalist and political commentator; Dr Kwame Addo Kufuor, former Minister for Defence; and Prof Akua Kuenyehia who served as Vice-President of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
- Suhum Museum: This museum showcases the history and culture of the Suhum people.
- Boti Falls: A beautiful waterfall located near Suhum that is a popular tourist destination.
- Akosombo Dam: The largest hydroelectric dam in Ghana, located about 60 km from Suhum.
- Aburi Botanical Gardens: A serene garden with various plant species and walking trails.
- Tetteh Quarshie Cocoa Farm: The farm where cocoa beans were first introduced to Ghana in 1879.
- Adomi Bridge: A suspension bridge over the Volta River that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
- Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park: A monument dedicated to Ghana’s first president and independence leader, Kwame Nkrumah.
- Wli Waterfalls National Park: Located about 100 km from Suhum, this park features several waterfalls and hiking trails through lush forests.
- Cape Coast Castle: An important historical site where many slaves were held before being transported to the Americas during the transatlantic slave trade era.
- Elmina Castle: Another historical site where slaves were held during colonial times, also located on the coast near Cape Coast Castle.
- Suhum Odwira Festival: This is the biggest festival in Suhum and it is celebrated annually by the people of the town to commemorate their ancestors. It takes place in September.
- Asafotufiam Festival: This festival is celebrated by the people of Ada and it involves a display of military prowess by warriors dressed in traditional attire.
- Homowo Festival: This festival is celebrated by the Ga people who are mainly found in Accra but also have a presence in Suhum. It involves a display of traditional dances and music.
- Kundum Festival: This festival is celebrated by the Ahanta people who are mainly found along Ghana’s western coast but also have a presence in Suhum.
- Aboakyir Festival: This festival is celebrated annually by the Effutu people who are mainly found around Winneba but also have a presence in Suhum.
- Damba Festival: This festival is celebrated by the Dagomba people who are mainly found around Tamale but also have a presence in Suhum.
- Hogbetsotso Festival: This festival celebrates the migration of Ewes from Notsie (present-day Togo) to their current location along Ghana’s eastern coast including places like Keta, Anloga and parts of Suhum as well as other towns and cities across Ghana that host Ewe communities.
- Adae Kese Festival: This Ashanti royal celebration takes place once every 42 days at Kumasi’s Manhyia Palace or one of its satellite locations including parts of Eastern Region such as Kwahu where there are Ashanti settlements such as Abetifi (Sekyere Hemang).
- Banku with Okro Soup – a dish made with fermented corn dough served with okra soup and fish or meat.
- Fufu with Light Soup – a staple dish made from cassava and plantain served with light soup made of vegetables and meat.
- Jollof Rice – a spicy tomato-based rice dish cooked in one pot.
- Kenkey with Fish Stew – fermented cornmeal dumplings served with grilled tilapia or mackerel stew.
- Asanka Local Restaurant – serves traditional Ghanaian dishes like banku, fufu, jollof rice, and grilled fish.
- Suhum KFC Restaurant – serves fast food such as chicken burgers and fries
- Abena’s Kitchen – offers local dishes like fufu, banku alongside continental dishes like fried rice and chicken curry
- Odeneho Kwadaso Restaurant- offers both local Ghanaian cuisine as well as continental dishes
- Suhum Botanical Gardens
- Suhum Municipal Park
- Asuboi Forest Reserve
- Kweku Ananse Children’s Park
- Adawso Waterfall
- Ayensu River Wildlife Sanctuary
- Akrade Game Reserve
- Akosombo Dam and Lake Volta Cruise
- Aburi Botanical Gardens and Canopy Walkway
