Kwahu East is a district in the Eastern Region of Ghana, on the Kwahu plateau. Its capital is Abetifi, one of the highest towns in the country at roughly 750 metres. The district recorded a population of 79,726 at the 2021 census, up from 77,125 in 2010.
| Region | Eastern |
|---|---|
| District capital | Abetifi |
| Status | District |
| Population (2021 census) | 79,726 |
| Population (2010 census) | 77,125 |
Towns and Communities in Kwahu East
This directory lists 25 towns and communities recorded in Kwahu East, sorted A to Z.
- Abene
- Abetifi
- Abetim
- Aboachi
- Aduamoa
- Ahinasi
- Akwaseho
- Asempaneye
- Ataniata
- Bisiasi
- Fomangkuma
- Fwefwe
- Kofidede
- Kwahu Praso
- Mamfi
- Nkroakan
- Nkwantanang
- Nkwatia
- Oboyani
- Onyimso
- Osuben
- Pepiasi
- Sadang
- Sumenakese
- Suwuro
Geography
The district sits on top of the Kwahu scarp, the long ridge that separates the Eastern Region’s forest country from the Afram Plains below. Abetifi, Nkwatia, Abene and Aduamoa stand along the plateau road, and the ground drops sharply north towards the plains. Nights are noticeably cooler here than on the lowlands. Kwahu East borders Kwahu South to the west, Kwahu West to the south-west and Kwahu Afram Plains South to the north.
The scarp edge gives long views over the plains, and the road along the top links the plateau towns in a near-continuous line of settlement.
Economy and Local Life
Farming and trade carry the district. Maize, cassava, plantain, cocoyam, vegetables and some cocoa on the lower slopes make up the main output, and produce moves down the scarp to Nkawkaw for onward sale. Kwahu people run businesses across Ghana, and remittances and returning traders show in the housing stock. The plateau fills at Easter, when families come home and the ridge hosts festivals and paragliding, which supports guest houses, transport and food sellers for the season. Mission schools founded in the nineteenth century remain among the area’s best known institutions.
Farms sit mostly below the settlements on the slopes, so farmers walk down and carry loads back up, which limits plot sizes. Water supply on the plateau depends on pumping from lower sources and is a standing local issue.
Getting There
Abetifi is reached from Nkawkaw on the Accra to Kumasi highway, climbing the scarp through Atibie and Mpraeso, a drive of about 25 km. Koforidua lies roughly 100 km to the south-east. Trotros run up from Nkawkaw through the day.
FAQ
What is the capital of Kwahu East?
Abetifi is the capital of Kwahu East District.
Which region is Kwahu East in?
Kwahu East is in the Eastern Region of Ghana, on the Kwahu plateau above Nkawkaw.
What is the population of Kwahu East?
The district had 79,726 residents at the 2021 census, against 77,125 in 2010.
How many towns are listed for Kwahu East?
This page lists 25 towns and communities in the district, sorted A to Z.