The Brong Ahafo Region was created on April 4, 1959. It was then part of the Ashanti Region, known as western Ashanti. In terms of landmass it is the second largest Region in Ghana, with a territorial area of 39, 557, 08 sq kms.
The region shares boundaries with the:-
With a population of 1.8 million (Year 2000 Census), Brong Ahafo is an area of vast but largely untapped potential, not only economically, but also socially and culturally. Comprising 13 different districts, each with its own diverse attraction, Brong Ahafo’s resources need only be developed for it to be transformed into one of the Sub Region’s major trade centres.
Brong Ahafo is an agricultural centre. Amongst its features, the region boasts large res4erves of forest, cocoa plantation and end less acres of food crops. In terms of accessibility, coverage and quality of service, the region possesses a well-developed infrastructure.
Certainly, one of the most scenic regions in Ghana, Brong Ahafo boast of rare unspoiled beauty. The people of the region are mainly farmers, who benefit from more than average rainfall season. Busy markets in the small towns and village within the region display the colourful results of their husbandry, as well as local pottery and weaving among other crafts and artefacts.
The region has a tropical climate with temperature averaging over 23.9oC (75oF) and a double maximum rainfall pattern, the rainfall ranges from an average of 45 or less in the northern parts to 65 in the southern parts.
The two main vegetation types are the moist-semi deciduous forest, mostly in the southern and south eastern parts and the guinea savannah woodland, which is pre-dominant in the North-eastern part of the region.
The Region is inhabited mainly by the Brongs and Ahafo of the Akan stock. There are however, other groups, the Nafana of Sampa, the Koulong of Seikwa and Badu, the Mo/Degha of Mo, the Ligby of Banda and Nchmura people of the Atebubu and Sene district. The major languages spoken are Brong and Twi.
In all, there are 44 Paramount chiefs and five Divisional Councils that constitute the Brong Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs. (BARHC). Intergrades in the northern parts of the Region.
Brong Ahafo Region has great potentials for investment in agriculture, mining, industries (such as cottage industries, agro processing etc), tourism and others, which are yet to be fully exploited. In terms of its food production Brong Ahafo could be described as one of Ghana’s principal food baskets. An estimated 70 percent of Brong Ahafo population is engaged in agriculture and agriculture related businesses. The main cultivate crops are maize, yaw, cashew, cocoa, coffee, garden eggs, cassava and plantain. Industrial crops such as oil palm, cashew, cocoa, and coffee are also cultivated on large scale.
Most cashew products in Ghana are produced in Brong Ahafo. To add value to cashew, much emphasis is being put on local processing before export. Instead of exporting raw cashew fruits are processed into Brandy for export to obtain more foreign exchange. Cashew plantations are found in Jaman, Wenchi, Atebubu, Kintampo Techiman and Asunafo district. Production in these districts amounts to several thousands tons.
The Brong Ahafo Region is the third largest producer of cocoa after the Western and Ashanti regions. The processing of cocoa beans into cocoa butter and cocoa powder is guaranteed to be a profitable venture. Several of the regions have huge deposits of gold. The Kukuom area has the largest deposit of gold. Other areas in the Asunafo and Kenyasi district which have large amounts of gold are, Amansi, Goaso, Mim, Fawohoyeden, Bertre, Akrodie, Ntotroso, Wahaniniso, Gambia I and II, Biaso and Tano Basin. Vast natural forests are a source of timber, which can be exploited judiciously for the development of the districts. Investors have the unfettered option of entering into partnership with business people in the area in the establishment of value added wood processing factories. Districts, which are particularly strong in his area, are Asunafo and Berekum.
Some scenic attractions in the region are: The Kintampo Falls , The Fuller Falls, The Bui and Digya National Parks and The Buabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary, Buoyem Caves and Bat Sanctuary
Please, click here to view pictures of the Traditonal council