"Every region has its own story. Together, they tell the story of Ghana."

One of Ghana's greatest strengths is its diversity.

Within a single journey, you can travel from Atlantic fishing villages to rainforest canopies, from historic castles to elephant-filled national parks, from bustling cities to quiet traditional communities.

Since the creation of six new administrative regions in 2019, Ghana consists of 16 regions, each with its own landscapes, culture, traditions and attractions.

Whether you are planning your first visit or returning to explore beyond the familiar, every region offers something unique.

Greater Accra Region

Regional Capital: Accra

Ghana's smallest region by area is also its largest metropolitan area and international gateway.

Highlights include:

• Accra
• Jamestown
• Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park
• Independence Square
• National Museum
• Makola Market
• Labadi Beach
• Kokrobite
• Ada Foah

Why Visit?

Modern Ghana begins here, combining history, business, nightlife, beaches and culture.

Ashanti Region

Regional Capital: Kumasi

The Ashanti Region preserves the heritage of one of Africa's most influential kingdoms.

Highlights include:

• Manhyia Palace Museum
• Kejetia Market
• National Cultural Centre
• Lake Bosomtwe
• Bonwire Kente Village
• Traditional festivals

Why Visit?

To understand Ghana's royal traditions, craftsmanship and cultural identity.

Central Region

Regional Capital: Cape Coast

A region where history and nature meet.

Highlights include:

• Cape Coast Castle
• Elmina Castle
• Kakum National Park
• Hans Cottage Botel
• Brenu Beach
• Elmina Fishing Harbour

Why Visit?

One of Africa's most significant heritage destinations, combined with outstanding rainforest experiences.

Eastern Region

Regional Capital: Koforidua

Known for mountains, waterfalls and cocoa-growing landscapes.

Highlights include:

• Aburi Botanical Gardens
• Boti Falls
• Umbrella Rock
• Akosombo
• Lake Volta
• Cocoa farms

Why Visit?

Perfect for nature lovers and travellers looking for easy escapes from Accra.

Volta Region

Regional Capital: Ho

One of Ghana's most scenic regions.

Highlights include:

• Wli Waterfalls
• Mount Afadja
• Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary
• Keta Lagoon
• Amedzofe
• Cultural villages

Why Visit?

Spectacular mountain scenery combined with rich Ewe culture.

Oti Region

Regional Capital: Dambai

One of Ghana's newest regions, rich in forests, rivers and rural landscapes.

Highlights include:

• Volta Lake shoreline
• Kyabobo National Park (shared area)
• Traditional communities
• Eco-tourism
• Fishing villages

Why Visit?

Ideal for visitors seeking quieter destinations away from the main tourist routes.

Western Region

Regional Capital: Sekondi-Takoradi

Home to some of Ghana's finest coastline.

Highlights include:

• Busua
• Cape Three Points
• Axim
• Fort Metal Cross
• Nzulezu Stilt Village
• Ankasa Conservation Area

Why Visit?

Beautiful beaches, rainforests and coastal heritage.

Western North Region

Regional Capital: Sefwi Wiawso

A region of forests, cocoa farms and biodiversity.

Highlights include:

• Forest reserves
• Cocoa-growing communities
• Nature tourism
• Rural landscapes

Why Visit?

Discover one of Ghana's greenest and least explored regions.

Bono Region

Regional Capital: Sunyani

Known for its relaxed atmosphere and fertile agricultural lands.

Highlights include:

• Sunyani
• Cocoa-growing areas
• Sacred groves
• Local festivals

Why Visit?

Experience authentic middle Ghana away from the busiest tourist centres.

Bono East Region

Regional Capital: Techiman

An important trading and farming region.

Highlights include:

• Techiman Market
• Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary
• Farming communities
• Traditional heritage

Why Visit?

One of Ghana's great commercial crossroads with unique wildlife attractions.

Ahafo Region

Regional Capital: Goaso

A peaceful region of forests and farming communities.

Highlights include:

• Forest reserves
• Cocoa plantations
• Traditional villages
• Nature walks

Why Visit?

Ideal for travellers interested in rural Ghana and eco-tourism.

Northern Region

Regional Capital: Tamale

The cultural heart of northern Ghana.

Highlights include:

• Tamale
• Larabanga Mosque
• Traditional markets
• Smock weaving
• Savannah landscapes

Why Visit?

Discover a different architectural, cultural and historical side of Ghana.

Savannah Region

Regional Capital: Damongo

Ghana's largest region by land area.

Highlights include:

• Mole National Park
• Elephant safaris
• Ancient trade routes
• Savannah ecosystems
• Community tourism

Why Visit?

The country's premier destination for wildlife and safari experiences.

North East Region

Regional Capital: Nalerigu

A region rich in traditional history and cultural heritage.

Highlights include:

• Nalerigu Defence Wall
• Historic settlements
• Traditional architecture
• Rural landscapes

Why Visit?

Perfect for travellers seeking authentic northern Ghana.

Upper East Region

Regional Capital: Bolgatanga

One of Ghana's most distinctive cultural regions.

Highlights include:

• Paga Crocodile Ponds
• Tongo Hills
• Bolgatanga Craft Centre
• Basket weaving
• Traditional architecture

Why Visit?

Unique landscapes, remarkable traditions and warm hospitality.

Upper West Region

Regional Capital: Wa

One of Ghana's hidden treasures.

Highlights include:

• Wa
• Wechiau Hippo Sanctuary
• Ancient mosques
• Traditional villages
• Savannah scenery

Why Visit?

A rewarding destination for independent travellers looking beyond the usual routes.

Ghana's Major Cities

While every region has its own identity, several cities stand out as important cultural, commercial and historical centres.

Among them are:

• Accra
• Kumasi
• Cape Coast
• Sekondi-Takoradi
• Tamale
• Ho
• Koforidua
• Sunyani
• Bolgatanga
• Wa
• Techiman
• Elmina
• Tema

Each offers a different perspective on Ghanaian life.

Beyond the Map

Some of Ghana's greatest discoveries are not marked by famous landmarks.

A village festival.

A roadside food stall.

A local market.

A conversation with a fisherman.

A forest trail.

A quiet beach at sunset.

These moments often become the memories visitors treasure most.

Final Thoughts

There is no single "best" region in Ghana.

Each has its own landscapes, traditions, cuisine, history and character.

Together they form a country of extraordinary diversity, where every journey reveals something new.

Whether you spend your time exploring bustling cities, walking through ancient forests, relaxing on Atlantic beaches or discovering quiet rural communities, Ghana rewards those who travel with curiosity.

The best way to understand Ghana is to experience more than one region.

Every region adds another chapter to the story.

Continue Exploring Ghana

Part of the Ghana-Net Knowledge Series — helping visitors discover, understand and explore Ghana since December 2000.

Continue your journey with:

• Why Visit Ghana?
• Understanding Ghana
• First-Time Visitor's Guide
• The Complete Guide to Ghana
• People of Ghana
• National Parks and Protected Areas
• Beaches of Ghana
• Museums and Heritage
• Cuisine and Food
• Public Transport
• 50 Amazing Facts About Ghana