Ghana Eastern Region
Welcome to the Eastern Region of Ghana with a of rich dramatic landscapes, historic relics and traditional cultures. The ancient blends with the 20th century in this region so close to but such a contrast with Accra. The region is dominated by Lake Volta, one of the world’s largest man-made lakes, and the Akosombo Dam, source of much of Ghana’s hydroelectric power.Eastern Region Destinations
Aburi Botanical Gardens
Aburi is 30 Km North of Accra on the Akuapem hills at 1200 feet elevation. In colonial times, it was used at a retreat for official visitors and others who needed to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city. The town has comfortable weather similar to that of the fall in the northeastern part of the United States, the coast of France or Germany during the summer time. o a comfortable spot near the coast. The botanic Garden attracts people from all over Ghana, as well as many foreign visitors.
Lake Volta
Lake Volta lies along the Greenwich Meridian, and just six degrees of latitude north of the Equator. The lake’s northernmost point is close to the town of Yapei, and its southernmost extreme is at the Akosombo Dam, 520 kilometers (320 mi) downstream from Yapei. Akosombo Dam holds back both the White Volta River and the Black Volta River, which formerly converged, where the middle of the reservoir now lies, to form the single Volta River. The present Volta River flows from the outlets of the dam’s powerhouse and spillways to the Atlantic Ocean in southmost Ghana.
Umbrella Rock
The Umbrella Rock is a rock found at the site of the Boti Falls in Yilo Krobo District, Ghana. Its size is well okay to shelter up to about 12 to 15 people at once. Even though the pivot on which the top rock lies on might seem small, it’s very strong and have not been able to pull and/or push down with manpower. Yearly, many Tourists make it to the Boti Falls to have a feel of nature, without leaving the umbrella rock from sight.
The Big Tree at Ada
The big tree is one of the prominent, astonishing and outstanding tourist attractions in the Birim Central and for that matter Ghana. The tree is believed to be the biggest in West Africa with a diameter of 3.22 meters at 1.37 meters, 2.72 meters at 3.1 meters, making 12 meters in circumference and 66.5-90 meters tall. It also has a girth of 10.11 meters at 1.4 meters and 8.63 meters at 3.1 meters.
Bead Factory
The Eastern Region is known for its bead-making. Beads play an important role in West African life. They are worn to signify special occasions, wealth, and status. They indicate stages in life, such as motherhood or mourning; and they become a symbol of office for chiefs, traditional priests, and other figures in the community.
Beads were used in the barter for slaves, ivory, palm oil and gold in previous centuries. Some beads are imbued with special powers and some tribes believe their ancestors sprang from beads.
In Ghana, beads are made from recycled glass, brass, bauxite, shells and seeds.
Tetteh Quarshie Cocoa Farm
Mampong Akwapim, first cocoa farm established in the Country from seeds first brought from Fernando Po Island by the Legendary Tetteh Quarshie.
From this small beginning grew our major cocoa industry. It is believed that a few of the original first trees planted by Tetteh Quarshie can still be found on the farm.
Boti Falls
Boti falls is a twin waterfall located at Boti in the Eastern Region of Ghana. These twin falls are referred to as female and male.
Key attractions include the Aburi Botanical Gardens, Lake Volta, Umbrella Rock, the Big Tree at Akim Oda, Boti Falls, Tetteh Quarshie Cocoa Farm, and the Akosombo Dam. These sites offer a mix of natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural heritage.
Located 30 km north of Accra on the Akuapem hills, the Aburi Botanical Gardens are known for their serene environment and rich collection of tropical flora. The gardens attract both local and international visitors looking for a tranquil retreat.
Lake Volta is one of the world’s largest man-made lakes, formed by the Akosombo Dam, which provides much of Ghana’s hydroelectric power. It spans from the northern town of Yapei to the southern Akosombo Dam.
Umbrella Rock is a unique rock formation located near Boti Falls in the Yilo Krobo District. It can shelter 12 to 15 people and is a popular spot for tourists visiting the falls.
The Big Tree at Akim Oda is the largest tree in West Africa, standing 66.5-90 meters tall with a circumference of 12 meters. It is a significant natural landmark in the Birim Central area.
The Tetteh Quarshie Cocoa Farm in Mampong Akwapim is the site of Ghana’s first cocoa farm, established with seeds brought from Fernando Po Island by Tetteh Quarshie. This farm marks the beginning of Ghana’s major cocoa industry.
The Eastern Region hosts several festivals, including the Akwantukese Festival in New Juaben, the Begoro Odwlra Festival, the Ohum Festival in Akyem Abuakwa, and the Odwira Festival in Aburi, Akropong-Akwapim, and surrounding areas.
The Akosombo Dam is accessible by road from Accra. It is an engineering marvel that supplies hydroelectric power to Ghana and is part of Lake Volta. Visitors can take educational tours to learn about its construction and operation.
At Boti Falls, visitors can enjoy the twin waterfalls, hike to the Umbrella Rock, and explore the nearby Fertility Rock. It is a popular spot for nature lovers and those interested in local folklore.
The Eastern Region is renowned for its bead-making traditions, with factories that produce beads from recycled glass, brass, and other materials. These beads are integral to West African culture, signifying various life stages and social statuses.
