Atwima Nwabiagya is a district area in the Ashanti Region of Ghana, lying directly west of Kumasi. It was split in 2018 into Atwima Nwabiagya Municipal, with its capital at Nkawie, and Atwima Nwabiagya North, with its capital at Barekese. This page covers the former district as a whole.
At the 2021 census the municipality recorded 161,893 people and the northern district 155,025, a combined 316,918 across the former district area. The corresponding 2010 figures were 85,994 and 63,031.
| Region | Ashanti |
|---|---|
| District capitals | Nkawie (Municipal) and Barekese (North) |
| Status | Municipal District and District, split in 2018 |
| Population (2021 census) | Municipal 161,893; North 155,025 |
| Population (2010 census) | Municipal area 85,994; North area 63,031 |
Towns and Communities in Atwima Nwabiagya
This directory lists 50 towns, villages and settlements recorded in Atwima Nwabiagya, sorted alphabetically. It covers small farming hamlets as well as the main towns, so several of the names below are places of only a few hundred people.
- Abasi
- Abetinsua
- Abira
- Aboabo
- Aboaso
- Abojwisango
- Abotankaw
- Abrewa
- Abuakwa
- Abuom
- Achiasi
- Achina
- Adagya
- Adahumasi
- Adankwame
- Adiembra
- Adieyepena
- Adubofuokurom
- Aferi
- Afigya
- Afija
- Afrekurom
- Agogo
- Ahunjo
- Ajeikrom
- Akrofrom
- Akropon
- Akuapem
- Akwaboa
- Akyease
- Amananjo
- Amanchia
- Amanokurom
- Amia
- Amisare
- Amoakukrom
- Amoaman
- Ampabami
- Ampenkro
- Amuabin
- Aninkroma
- Aniwakrom
- Anwoma Ofin
- Anyamesemkurom
- Apimasi
- Apuayem
- Asakraka
- Asaman
- Asante
- Asenemaso
Geography
Atwima Nwabiagya lies immediately west of Kumasi, straddling the Kumasi–Bibiani and Kumasi–Sunyani roads. The eastern end at Abuakwa runs into the Kumasi built-up area, while the western half is farming country. The Offin river drains the district, and the Barekese dam on the Offin supplies most of Kumasi’s piped water.
Nkawie is the capital of the southern municipality and Barekese of the northern district. Neighbouring districts include Atwima Mponua to the west, Atwima Kwanwoma to the south and Afigya Kwabre to the north-east.
Economy and Local Life
The eastern communities function as Kumasi suburbs. Abuakwa, Akropong and Nkawie carry heavy roadside trade, and housing development, sand winning, quarrying and transport are major sources of work.
Farming continues in the west and north, with cocoa, oil palm, plantain, cassava, cocoyam, maize and vegetables grown for the city markets. Poultry farming is well established. Fishing and water works around the Barekese reservoir, along with timber and small workshops, complete the picture.
Asante Twi is the everyday language. The eastern communities are effectively part of Kumasi, with the traffic, schools and markets that go with it, while the villages beyond Barekese and Nkawie keep a farming routine. The Barekese reservoir is a protected water source, so activity around its catchment is restricted.
Getting There
Nkawie sits about 25 km west of Kumasi on the Bibiani road, and Barekese about 20 km north-west on the Barekese road. Both are within an hour of the city centre.
Trotros and shared taxis run constantly from Kumasi’s Abuakwa and Bantama stations. The trunk roads are tarred; village feeder roads off them are earth surfaced.
FAQ
What is the capital of Atwima Nwabiagya?
Nkawie is the capital of Atwima Nwabiagya Municipal and Barekese the capital of Atwima Nwabiagya North, the two units created when the former district was split in 2018.
Which region is Atwima Nwabiagya in?
It lies in the Ashanti Region of Ghana, immediately west of Kumasi.
What is the population of Atwima Nwabiagya?
At the 2021 census Atwima Nwabiagya Municipal had 161,893 people and Atwima Nwabiagya North had 155,025, a combined 316,918.
How many towns and communities are listed for Atwima Nwabiagya?
This page lists 50 towns, villages and settlements across the former district area.