Atiwa is a district in the Eastern Region of Ghana, on and around the Atewa Range. It has since been split into Atiwa East, with its capital at Anyinam, and Atiwa West, with its capital at Kwabeng. At the 2021 census Atiwa East had 64,647 residents and Atiwa West had 61,219.
| Region | Eastern |
|---|---|
| District capitals | Anyinam (Atiwa East), Kwabeng (Atiwa West) |
| Status | District, since split in two |
| Population (2021 census) | Atiwa East 64,647; Atiwa West 61,219 |
| Population (2010 census) | Atiwa East 49,636; Atiwa West 60,986 |
Towns and Communities in Atiwa
This directory lists 28 towns and communities recorded in Atiwa, sorted A to Z.
- Abomoso
- Adawsoasi
- Akrofufu
- Akropong
- Akwaboso
- Anyinam
- Asamama
- Asamang
- Asunafo
- Awenare
- Awuransua
- Banso
- Bekoasi
- Boma
- Ekawso
- Enyiresi
- Esasi
- Jejeti
- Kadewaso
- Kankang
- Kwabeng
- Mampong
- Mosiaso
- Muoso
- Pameng
- Pampetia
- Sankubanase
- Tumfa
Geography
The Atewa Range runs through the district, a steep forested ridge holding one of Ghana’s upland evergreen forest reserves. The Densu, Ayensu and Birim rivers all rise on its slopes, so the area feeds water supplies well beyond its own boundaries. Anyinam sits on the Accra to Kumasi highway on the eastern side; Kwabeng lies west of the range in the Birim valley. Atiwa borders
East Akim to the east, Fanteakwa to the north-east and Kwaebibirem to the south-west.
Much of the range is gazetted forest reserve, so settlement concentrates on the lower ground east and west of it, and feeder roads climb rather than cross the ridge.
Economy and Local Life
Cocoa is the main cash crop, grown alongside oil palm, plantain, cassava and cocoyam. The Birim valley around Kwabeng has been mined for gold and diamonds for generations, and small-scale mining still employs many people, with the water quality of the Birim a standing local concern. Bauxite deposits under the Atewa Range have been surveyed repeatedly and remain a live public argument between mining interests and forest protection. Anyinam trades on highway traffic, with food stalls and fuel serving the Accra to Kumasi run.
Farmers sell through buying stations in the larger towns, and gari processing, palm oil pressing and charcoal burning give households income between cocoa harvests.
Getting There
Anyinam sits directly on the N6 Accra to Kumasi highway, about 40 km north-west of Koforidua and three hours from Accra by road. Kwabeng is reached by the road west from Anyinam over the range, or from Akim Oda through the Birim valley.
FAQ
What is the capital of Atiwa?
The former Atiwa District now has two capitals: Anyinam for Atiwa East and Kwabeng for Atiwa West.
Which region is Atiwa in?
Atiwa is in the Eastern Region of Ghana, covering the Atewa Range and the upper Birim valley.
What is the population of Atiwa?
At the 2021 census Atiwa East had 64,647 residents and Atiwa West had 61,219.
How many towns are listed for Atiwa?
This page lists 28 towns and communities across the Atiwa area, sorted A to Z.