Kwahu West is a municipal district in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Its capital is Nkawkaw, a trading town at the foot of the Kwahu scarp on the Accra to Kumasi highway. The municipality recorded a population of 145,429 at the 2021 census, up from 93,584 in 2010.
| Region | Eastern |
|---|---|
| Municipal capital | Nkawkaw |
| Status | Municipal district |
| Population (2021 census) | 145,429 |
| Population (2010 census) | 93,584 |
Towns and Communities in Kwahu West
This directory lists 16 towns and communities recorded in Kwahu West, sorted A to Z.
- Abepawtia
- Adanting
- Apradang
- Asuboni
- Asuboni Station
- Awenadi
- Awireja
- Kokroboti
- Kokronpe
- Kwahu Oda
- Munsia
- Nkawkaw
- Nsuta
- Odumase Krobo
- Odumasi
- Sefi
Geography
The municipality lies where the forest lowlands meet the Kwahu scarp, so the ground rises steeply from Nkawkaw towards the plateau towns above. Streams off the escarpment drain south-west through farmland and remnant forest. Nkawkaw sits on the N6 highway roughly midway between Accra and Kumasi, which is the main reason for its size. Kwahu West borders Kwahu South to the east, Kwahu East to the north-east and Fanteakwa to the south-east.
Rainfall is high on the escarpment face, and streams cut ravines into it, which is why the climbing road follows a long series of bends.
Economy and Local Life
Nkawkaw lives on trade and transport. Its lorry park, market and roadside stalls serve traffic running between Accra and Kumasi, and the town is the collection point for produce coming down from the Kwahu plateau and up from the farming villages. Cocoa, plantain, cassava, cocoyam, maize and citrus are the main crops in the rural areas. Banks, a hospital, hotels and secondary schools serve a wide catchment, and business picks up sharply during the Easter season on the ridge above.
Rail once served the town on the eastern line, and the corridor still shapes its layout. Petty trading, transport work, artisan workshops and food selling employ many residents, and remittances from Kwahu traders based elsewhere in Ghana circulate locally.
Getting There
Nkawkaw sits directly on the N6 Accra to Kumasi highway, about 160 km from Accra and 110 km from Kumasi, and every long-distance bus on that route stops there. Koforidua is roughly 90 km to the south-east. Roads climb from the town to Mpraeso and Abetifi on the plateau.
FAQ
What is the capital of Kwahu West?
Nkawkaw is the capital of the Kwahu West Municipal district.
Which region is Kwahu West in?
Kwahu West is in the Eastern Region of Ghana, at the foot of the Kwahu scarp.
What is the population of Kwahu West?
The municipality had 145,429 residents at the 2021 census, against 93,584 in 2010.
How many towns are listed for Kwahu West?
This page lists 16 towns and communities in the municipality, sorted A to Z.