I’ve been putting together some of the best guide to help you travel Ghana safe and on budget. People love to know about place before they visit and this guide will help you know more about Koforidua and explore the city without any fears.
Koforidua, also popular know as Koftown is one of the amazing places you can find in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The city is said to be the capital of the region and was founded in the 1875 by migrants from the Ashanti kingdom.
The town is a fusion of two municipalities, New Juaben North and South, with a settlement city proper population of 183,727 inhabitants as of 2010. The city’s architecture is a mix of colonial and modern.
For the Eastern region and the New-Juaben Municipal District, Koforidua acts as a commercial hub. With the exception of heavy-duty industries, the city is home to a diverse range of enterprises. Intravenous Infusions Ltd., one of Ghana’s and West Africa’s oldest pharmaceutical enterprises, is based in the city and is a leading maker of injections and drips.
Koforidua has earn a good name from local and international tourist visiting every years. One can’t use a day to explore the city because it has a lot to offer than just nice restaurants and wild nightlife. The town also host some of the top tourist attraction in the country, which is the reason international tourist love to visit and have fun.
Koforidua Map
Why The Name Koforidua
According to oral tradition, Koforidua was named after an Akan man named Kofi Ofori, who constructed his cottage beneath a massive mahogany tree. Weary farmers coming from their farms after a long day’s work may rest under this tree. Farmers began to claim that they were going to rest under Kofi Ofori’s tree as time went on. The term for tree in the Akan language, Twi, is “dua.” As a result, “Koforidua” is formed by combining Kofi Ofori’s name and the name of a tree. Koforidua is now a multi-ethnic city, with residents representing a variety of Ghanaian ethnic groups.
History Of Koforidua
Koforidua was created in 1875 by Asanteman Akan refugees. Koforidua became an important road and rail crossroads after the Kumasi railway was completed in 1923. One of the country’s oldest cocoa-producing centers is Koforidua. It’s also known for its weekly Thursday bead market, which attracts buyers and sellers from all over the Eastern Region.
According to legend, the Obuotabiri mountain in New Juabeng was the residence of the gods, who guarded the people. It was called the soul of the New Juabeng traditional territory since it was thought to be populated by dwarfs. The peak, OBUOTABIRI – the rock of Tabiri – is revered by the entire town.
Koforidua Location
The Eastern Region of South Ghana includes the New Juaben Municipality. The municipality has an estimated area of 110 square kilometres, accounting for 0.57 percent of the Eastern Region’s total land area. There are 48 electoral districts in the municipality.
East-Akim Municipality to the northeast, Akwapim North District to the east and south, and Suhum-Kraboa-Coaltar District to the west are all part of the New-Juaben municipality. Effiduase, Asokore, Oyoko, Jumapo, Suhyen, Dansuagya, Betom, and Srodae are among the neighbourhoods and towns that make up the city of Koforidua (New Juabeng). Accra is two hours away by car from Koforidua.
Koforidua Climate
Koforidua has a hot semi-arid climate due to its location in the midst of the Dahomey Gap. The temperature is hot and humid all year, but major rainfall normally occurs between April and June, while in wetter years, September and October may also see significant precipitation.
Koforidua Population
The city currently has a population of 127,334 people, with Akans dominating the population. Every year, the ‘Akwantukese’ (Big Journey Festival) commemorates the migration of Koforidua’s forefathers from ‘Asanteman‘ to their current location of Koforidua.
Is Koforidua A City or Town?
Koforidua has gain a good reputation during sometime now. One can classify it as a City since it host all of government industries. it is also the capital of the Eastern Region of Ghana and made up of several neighborhoods and settlement making it a good place to called City.
Koforidua District
Koforidua is in the New Juaben Municipal district in the Easter Region. Koforidua is regarded as one of Ghana’s most tranquil and pleasant cities.
Tourist sites In Koforidua
Tourist sites are also another reason Koforidua is one of the best places to visit in the Eastern region. The city host some of the top attractions in the county. Here are top tourist sites in Koforidua.
Umbrella Rock
To reach here, it’s a good hike from the starting location. The hike is very level at first, but it becomes steeper as you progress. To reach to the last stretch, you must physically climb up rocks, but once there, you will be rewarded with a beautiful perspective of the surrounding area. The Umbrella Rick is located on the same site as Boti Falls, so if you’re going to Boti Falls, start with this pleasant hike first.
Atewa Range
The upper Guinea Forest habitat includes the Atewa rain forest. This type of forest is one of the world’s 34 most important biodiversity hotspots. Atewa forms the south-western border of Lake Volta and is one of Ghana’s two upland evergreen forests. The range spans roughly north-south and is made up of steep-sided hills with relatively flat tops. Atewa is a beautiful rain forest with a diverse array of vegetation as well as a large variety of birds and other creatures.
Take the time to explore the lovely Atewa Range forest if you’re in Ghana.
Beads Market
You’ll be mesmerised by the sheer vastness of the market and the various varieties of beads and crafts produced out of beads, which is arguably the largest in West Africa and the only one of its kind in Ghana. Every Thursday, all of the country’s bead makers congregate here. The market lies near the Galloway Junction, which is home to the national arts and culture centre.
Boti WaterFalls
The famous Boti Falls is the first of two waterfalls near Koforidua, albeit they are not within the city limits. The male and female twin waterfalls, which climb 250 feet from the ground, will captivate you for a long time. Tourists have had such a great time visiting the falls that they have had to fight the want to remain longer, despite the fact that they will have to descend 90 or more steps to get to the falls.
Natural treasures such as the umbrella rock, a natural cave where ancients used to live, and a three-headed palm tree can be found in the Boti area. Boti, about a 20-minute drive east of Koforidua, is a tourist site you can’t miss once you enter the city because it houses all of these attractions in one location.
The warning is not to visit on a national holiday since there will be too many people there to see the natural beauty; however, if you prefer being in a throng and meeting new people, then a national holiday will be the best day to visit.
Obour Tabiri Mountain
The mountain with several Masts rises 781 feet into the sky because to its favourable location. The fact that the mountain’s summit is a long walk away is a disincentive. The road leading to the mountain’s summit is in such horrible state that you should proceed with caution.
The highland enclave’s residents are cut off from the rest of the city. You’ll be closer to the clouds, with a much more quiet and rich atmosphere, but the distinctiveness of rural life up the mountain will surprise you. If you have the time, hiking up the mountain to take in the spectacular views is encouraged. Thigh soreness is unavoidable as one climbs and descends the mountain.