Koforidua

Last updated

Koforidua
City of Koforidua
City
New-Juaben Municipal District logo.jpg
Koforidua Municipal Assembly logo
Nickname: 
Kof City
Ghana adm location map.svg
Red pog.svg
Koforidua
Location of Koforidua in Eastern region, Ghana
Coordinates: 6°06′N0°16′W / 6.100°N 0.267°W / 6.100; -0.267
CountryFlag of Ghana.svg  Ghana
Region Eastern Region
District New-Juaben Municipal
Elevation
238 m (781 ft)
Population
 (2012)
 • Total183,727 [1]
Time zone GMT
 • Summer (DST) GMT
Area code 034

Koforidua, also popularly known as K-dua or Koftown and now Kofcity, is a city and the capital of Eastern Region in southern Ghana. [2] [3] Koforidua was founded in 1875 by migrants from Ashanti. It is also called New Juaben. [4] [5] [6] The city has a settlement city proper population of 183,727 people as of 2010, [1] Koforidua is an amalgamation of two Municipalities; New Juaben North and South. The city has a blend of colonial and modern architecture.

Contents

Koforidua serves as a commercial center and Regional Capital for the Eastern region and New Juaben Municipal District. The city is home to many businesses, with the exception of heavy duty industries. The city is home to Intravenous Infusions Ltd., one of the oldest pharmaceutical companies in Ghana and West Africa, a leading producer of injections and drips. The company is listed on the Ghana Stock exchange and was registered in 1969. The city is home to many Government Departments and Ministries at the Regional level. The recent construction of the four-lane highway road linking the Koforidua Technical University and Koforidua to Oyoko brings commerce to the city. The highway also serves as a valid alternative route to reach Kumasi.

The 6th march celebration to mark the 67th independence this year 2024 was celebrated at koforidua. The march independence day celebration was themed " Our Democracracy Our Pride." [7] It main focus was to strengthing of our democracy values and promoting peace, especially in the upcoming 2024 general elections

Etymology

Oral tradition has it that, Koforidua owes its name to an Akan man, Kofi Ofori, who had built his hut under a huge mahogany tree. This tree provided shelter for weary farmers who were returning from their farms after a hard day's work. Over time, it became common for the farmers to say that they were going to rest under Kofi Ofori's tree. In Akan language, Twi, the word for tree is "dua". An amalgamation of Kofi Ofori's name and tree, therefore, becomes "Koforidua." Koforidua today is a multi-ethnic city with people from various ethnic groups in Ghana calling the city their home.

History

Koforidua was founded in 1875 by Akan migrants from Asanteman. The completion of the Kumasi railway in 1923 saw Koforidua become an important road and rail junction. Koforidua is one of the country's oldest cocoa-producing centers. It is also noted today for its weekly Thursday bead market, [8] which draws bead buyers and sellers from all over the Eastern region.

The moniker "Koforidua Flowers" has firmly entrenched itself and is likely to endure, even though some older individuals have attempted to explain that the name originated from the abundant flowers spanning the stretch between Akwadum and Koforidua, as one approached the city. However, the prevailing and widely accepted perspective contradicts this.

This figurative name has been in circulation since the 1950s. As recounted by certain elderly residents of the city, the name finds its roots in the allure of the women who migrated to the city during the turn of the century for trading endeavors. Many of these women chose to make the city their permanent home, effectively becoming part of the local population. Primarily in their late teens and early twenties, they were predominantly hailing from areas like Krobo and Akyem, with a notable contingent also originating from the Kwahu mountains. Koforidua, during that era, held a significant status as a trading hub, hosting numerous lively events every week, and therefore, was home to a substantial female population.

Legend about Koforidua

Legend has it that, the Obuotabiri mountain found in New Juabeng, was the home of the gods and protected the people. It was believed to be inhabited by dwarfs and thus was considered the soul of the New Juabeng traditional area. All the townsfolk have great reverence for the mountain: OBUOTABIRI - the rock of Tabiri.

Geography

Umbrella Rock tourism site Umbrella Rock.jpg
Umbrella Rock tourism site

The New Juaben Municipality falls within the Eastern Region of South Ghana. The municipality covers an estimated area of 110 square kilometres, constituting 0.57% of the total land area of the Eastern Region. [9] The municipality has 48 electoral areas.

The New-Juaben municipality shares boundaries with East-Akim Municipality to the northeast, Akwapim North District to the east and south, and Suhum-Kraboa-Coaltar District to the west. The city of Koforidua (New Juabeng) is made up of several neighbourhoods and settlements, including Effiduase, Asokore, Oyoko, Jumapo, Suhyen, Dansuagya, Betom, and Srodae. Koforidua is two hours by road from Accra.

Climate

Koforidua, owing to its location in the heart of the Dahomey Gap, has a tropical savanna climate (Köppen Aw). The weather is hot and humid year-round, but significant rainfall is usually only seen between April and June, although in wetter years in September and October also will see substantial falls.

Climate data for Koforidua (1991–2020)
MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecYear
Record high °C (°F)37.2
(99.0)		39.5
(103.1)		39.5
(103.1)		38.2
(100.8)		36.5
(97.7)		34.6
(94.3)		33.5
(92.3)		34.5
(94.1)		34.5
(94.1)		34.9
(94.8)		36.1
(97.0)		36.5
(97.7)		39.5
(103.1)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F)34.0
(93.2)		35.1
(95.2)		34.5
(94.1)		33.8
(92.8)		32.7
(90.9)		30.8
(87.4)		29.4
(84.9)		29.3
(84.7)		30.5
(86.9)		31.9
(89.4)		32.9
(91.2)		33.2
(91.8)		32.3
(90.1)
Daily mean °C (°F)27.6
(81.7)		28.9
(84.0)		28.8
(83.8)		28.6
(83.5)		27.8
(82.0)		26.7
(80.1)		25.9
(78.6)		25.6
(78.1)		26.5
(79.7)		27.2
(81.0)		27.7
(81.9)		27.6
(81.7)		27.4
(81.3)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F)21.0
(69.8)		22.7
(72.9)		23.2
(73.8)		23.4
(74.1)		23.0
(73.4)		22.7
(72.9)		22.3
(72.1)		21.9
(71.4)		22.4
(72.3)		22.5
(72.5)		22.4
(72.3)		21.9
(71.4)		22.4
(72.3)
Record low °C (°F)12.9
(55.2)		14.9
(58.8)		14.4
(57.9)		19.5
(67.1)		19.7
(67.5)		19.5
(67.1)		18.6
(65.5)		17.2
(63.0)		19.5
(67.1)		19.0
(66.2)		17.6
(63.7)		12.6
(54.7)		12.6
(54.7)
Average precipitation mm (inches)27.1
(1.07)		57.4
(2.26)		115.6
(4.55)		133.6
(5.26)		167.4
(6.59)		196.6
(7.74)		109.6
(4.31)		73.2
(2.88)		144.7
(5.70)		162.1
(6.38)		74.2
(2.92)		30.3
(1.19)		1,291.8
(50.86)
Average precipitation days (≥ 1.0 mm)2.34.78.38.410.911.99.48.311.913.27.63.1100.0
Mean monthly sunshine hours 192.3185.7202.1209.4207.7152.1119.4104.0128.8198.9221.3219.72,141.4
Source: NOAA [10]

Demographics

Main Street in Koforidua New Juaben Municipal Assembly Koforidua.jpg
Main Street in Koforidua

Presently the city's population is 127,334 people [1] and is dominated by Akans. The 'Akwantukese' (The Big Journey Festival) is celebrated yearly to mark the movement of the inhabitants of Koforidua's ancestors from 'Asanteman' to their present location of Koforidua.

Economy

High Street in Koforidua Koforidua township.jpg
High Street in Koforidua

Industries

The city is home to one of Ghana's oldest pharmaceutical Manufacturing companies i.e. Intravenous infusion Ltd which manufactures drips and injections for the West African Market. Other Industrial activities of Koforidua include textiles, crafts, soap, carpentry and joinery, traditional medicine, pottery and ceramics, and the production of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. [11] [12]

Ministries Koforidua 7.jpg
Headquarters of the Eastern Regional Ministries in Koforidua

Financial services

Koforidua is also home to many financial services companies ranging from Universal Banks, Micro-finance, Rural Banks and Savings and Loans Companies to Insurance Companies.

Agriculture

The city currently depends mainly on Government Administration, Retailing, hospitality, commercial and Education services. With inhabitants in the Cornubations (Outskirt surrounding communities) engaging in some form of subsistence farming.

Cocoa production

Koforidua produces cocoa. However, as cocoa production has moved westward to the Ashanti Region and Brong-Ahafo Region areas of virgin soil, Koforidua has become increasingly dependent upon its commercial and business administrative functions. The city of Koforidua has only small-medium scale industries today. [11]

Market

Koforidua accommodates several markets within its township, encompassing the Central Market, Agatha Market (also referred to as the Farmer's Market), Effiduase Market, Adweso Market, and the Zongo Market among several other small markets. Koforidua, characterized by its Akan majority population, fits into this classification by designating Mondays and Thursdays as market days. On these particular days, the municipality experiences a temporary halt as individuals converge from both distant and nearby locales to purchase essential groceries.

The focal point of this bustling activity is the Agartha Market, a satellite marketplace situated to the south of the Eastern Regional Coordinating Council (ERCC) vicinity, along the route leading to the Old Estate community.

Tourism

Koforidua Boti Falls.jpg
Koforidua Akan Falls.jpg
Left: Boti Falls. Right: Akaa Falls.
Theora Video of the Waterfall and Tourist attraction (Boti falls) in the Suburbs of Koforidua in the Eastern region of Ghana.

Koforidua's predominant tourism attractions include such natural features as Obuo Tabri Mountain, which is considered sacred. Nearby is Akosombo Dam, which holds Lake Volta, the world's largest man-made lake.

Waterfalls in the area, such as Akaa Falls and Boti Falls, and the Umbrella Rock attract tourists to the Eastern region. Even though such tourist sites are functioning all year round, tourists are at times encouraged to visit the place at certain times of the year, especially during the rainy seasons. At such times, the Boti Falls in particular is fully at its peak beauty and very interesting to visit.

Education

Pentecost Senior High School in Koforidua Pentecost Secondary Image 8.jpg
Pentecost Senior High School in Koforidua

Koforidua remains a major hub of education in Ghana. It is home to many basic schools and a number of prominent senior high schools in the country, Ghana. In 2012, one of its schools; Pope John Senior High School and Minor Seminary, was ranked 9th of the over 200 senior high schools in Ghana. The city also has a Technical University (Koforidua Technical University) https://www.ktu.edu.gh and two private universities (All Nations University College) and (Ghana telecom University College).

Koforidua poly entrance.jpg
Panoramic view of Koforidua Technical University entrance and campus in Koforidua

and has campuses for other national Universities, the city also has a Teacher training college, Nursing and Midwifery College and other educational institutions.

There are other High Schools in Koforidua. These include; Koforidua Secondary Technical Senior High School (K.S.T.S), Pope John Senior High and Junior Seminary (Pojoss), Oti Boateng Senior High School (Oboss), Pentecost Senior High School (Pensec), Ghana Senior High School (Ghanass, Koforidua), New Juabeng Senior High School (Njuasco), SDA Senior High School (Sedass), Oyoko Methodist Senior High School (Omess), amongst some other technical (Koforidua Technical Institute) and Private Vocational Schools. The Senior High schools train students from all over Ghana, preparing them for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). Passing WASSCE is essential to getting into Universities and other Tertiary Institutions in Ghana. It is also worth mentioning that schools like Ghanass, Pojoss, Sectech among others have been consistent in representing the municipality and the region as large in the famous annual National Science and Maths Quiz.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ashanti Region</span> Region of Ghana

The Ashanti Region is located in the southern part of Ghana and is the third largest of 16 administrative regions, occupying a total land surface of 24,389 km2 (9,417 sq mi) and making up 10.2 percent of the total land area of Ghana. It is the most populated region in Ghana, with a population of 5,440,463 according to the 2021 census, accounting for around one-fifth of Ghana's total population. The Ashanti Region is known for its gold bar and cocoa production. The largest city and capital of Ashanti is Kumasi.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eastern Region (Ghana)</span> Region of Ghana

The Eastern Region is located in the Eastern part of Ghana and is one of the sixteen administrative regions of Ghana. Eastern region is bordered to the east by the Lake Volta, to the north by Bono East Region and Ashanti region, to the west by Ashanti region, to the south by Central region and Greater Accra Region. Akans are the dominant inhabitants and natives of Eastern region and Akan, Ewe, Krobo, Hausa and English are the main spoken languages. The capital town of Eastern Region is Koforidua.The Eastern region is the location of the Akosombo dam and the economy of the Eastern region is dominated by its high-capacity electricity generation. Eastern region covers an area of 19,323 square kilometres, which is about 8.1% of Ghana's total landform.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">New Juaben Municipal District</span> Former Municipal District in Ghana

New Juaben Municipal District is a former district that was located in Eastern Region, Ghana. Originally created as a municipal district assembly in 1988. However on 1 November 2017, it was split out into two new municipal districts: New Juaben South Municipal District and New Juaben North Municipal District. The municipality was located in the central part of Eastern Region and had Koforidua as its capital town.

Articles related to Ghana include:

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Akyem</span> Akan ethnic group in Ghana

The Akyem are an Akan people. The term Akyem is used to describe a group of four states: Asante Akyem, Akyem Abuakwa, Akyem Kotoku and Akyem Bosome. These nations are located primarily in the eastern region in south Ghana. The term is also used to describe the general area where the Akyem ethnic group clusters. The Akyem ethnic group make up between 3-4 percent of Ghana's population depending on how one defines the group and are very prominent in all aspects of Ghanaian life. The Akyem are a matrilineal people. The history of this ethnic group is that of brave warriors who managed to create a thriving often influential and relatively independent state within modern-day Ghana. When one talks of Ghanaian history, there is often mention of The Big Six. These were six individuals who played a big role in the independence of Ghana. Of the big six, people of Akyem descent made up the majority.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hackman Owusu-Agyeman</span> Ghanaian politician

Hackman Owusu-Agyemang is a Ghanaian politician and former member of Parliament for New Juaben North constituency of the eastern region of Ghana. He is a member of the 3rd parliament of the 4th republic of Ghana and a former Minister of Water, Works and Housing as well as a former minister of foreign affairs. He is currently the Chairman of the Council of Elders of the New Patriotic Party and board chairman of the Ghana Cocoa Board.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Akropong</span> Town in Eastern Region, Ghana

Akropong is a town in South Ghana and is the capital of the Akuapim North District, a district in the Eastern Region of South Ghana. This town is known for producing snails and palm oil. Akropong has a 2013 settlement population of 13,785 people.

Abusua is the name in Akan culture for a group of people that share common maternal ancestry governed by seven major ancient female abosom (deities). The Abusua line is considered to be passed through the mother's blood . There are several Abusua that transcend the different ethnic subgroups outside of the ancient seven. People of the same Abusua share a common ancestor somewhere within their bloodline, which may go back as far as thousands of years. It is a taboo to marry someone from the same Abusua. The different Abusua are the Agona (parrot), the Aduana (dog), the Asenie (bat), Oyoko (falcon/hawk), the Asakyiri (vulture), the Asona (crow), the Bretuo (leopard), and the Ekuona (bull).

In several Akan nations of Ghana, the Omanhene is the title of the supreme traditional ruler ('king') in a region or a larger town. The omanhene is the central figure and institution of the nation. Officially, he has no function in the current Ghanaian political setup, but, has enormous influence on the people that constitute it. Today 'Hene' can be found in titles of other rulers in Ghanaian nations. For example, the chief of the Dagomba in the north of Ghana is known as the 'Dagombahene'.

Juaben is a small town in the Ejisu-Juaben Municipal District, a district in the Ashanti Region of Ghana.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ghana Senior High School, Koforidua</span> High school in Koforidua, Ghana

Ghana Senior High School, Koforidua, popularly known as GHANASS, is a high school in Koforidua. It was preceded by the establishment of two colleges that ultimately combined into what is currently known as The Beacon of the East

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pope John Senior High School and Minor Seminary</span> Boys boarding school in Koforidua, Ghana

Pope John Senior High School and Minor Seminary, is an all-boys boarding school, located at Effiduase, Koforidua, in the Eastern Region of Ghana. It was established in 1958 by Bishop Joseph Oliver Bowers SVD as a Catholic seminary for boys who wished to become priests. Students are offered courses such as general arts, general science, business and visual arts to pursue and after their stay in the school, sit an external examination called the West African Senior School Certificate Examination to be placed in any of the tertiary institutions in the country.

Oyoko is a small community in the New-Juaben Municipal District of the Eastern Region of Ghana. It lies 4 km north from Koforidua, the regional capital.

Oyoko Methodist Senior High School is a high school located in Oyoko, Koforidua, Eastern Region of Ghana. It was established in 1989 as a successor of Oyoko Methodist Agricultural Secondary School (OMASS) and included to the public educational system in 1993.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ofori Panin Senior High School</span> High school in Tafo, Ghana

Ofori Panin Senior High School (OPASS) is a co-educational second cycle institution at Kukurantumi in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Ofori Panin School, is a co-educational boarding school located at Tafo in Akyem, Eastern Region, Ghana. The school was founded in 1961 by Kwame Nkrumah. The foundation stone of the building was laid on 19 May 1962 by Hon. Kofi Asante Ofori Attah, M.P. for Akim Abuakwa and Minister of Justice at that time. An alumnus/alumna of Ofori Panin is known as an "Opassian".

Oyoko is one of the eight clans of the Akans. The name has been used to refer to some towns in Ghana.

Benjamin Kofi Asamoah was a Ghanaian politician in first republic. He was the member of parliament for the Abetifi constituency from 1965 to 1966. Prior to entering parliament he was the District Commissioner for the Kwahu district and the New Juaben District. He also served as the Eastern Regional Secretary for the Convention People's Party.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">New Juaben North Municipal Assembly</span> Municipal District in Ghana

New Juaben North Municipal District is one of the thirty-three districts in Eastern Region, Ghana. Originally it was formerly part of the then-larger New Juaben Municipal District in 1988, until the northern part of the district was split off to create New Juaben North Municipal District on 15 March 2018; thus the remaining part has been renamed as New Juaben South Municipal District. The municipality is located in the central part of Eastern Region and has Effiduase as its capital town.

Yaw Barimah (born 22 December 1949) is a Ghanaian politician, a lawyer and a member of the Second, Third and Fourth Parliament of the Fourth Republic representing the New Juaben South Constituency formerly called Koforidua in the Eastern Region of Ghana.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "World Gazetteer online". World-gazetteer.com. Archived from the original on 11 January 2012.
  2. ↑ "New Juaben Assembly revokes permit for statue after family sued Paramount Chief for ordering its destruction - MyJoyOnline.com". MyJoyOnline. Retrieved 17 May 2021.
  3. ↑ "3 men jailed for defiling 14-year-old girl in Nkawkaw - MyJoyOnline.com". MyJoyOnline. Retrieved 29 May 2021.
  4. ↑ "Koforidua | Encyclopedia.com". encyclopedia. Retrieved 11 January 2020.
  5. ↑ "Koforidua | FactMonster". factmonster. Retrieved 16 May 2021.
  6. ↑ Ltd, rome2rio Pty. "Discover how to get to Dewu Asaman from anywhere". Rome2rio. Retrieved 16 May 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  7. ↑ https://mobile.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/All-set-for-national-celebration-of-Ghana-s-67th-Independence-in-Koforidua-1920183
  8. ↑ Mensah, Henry. "Experience Koforidua". Ghana Web. Retrieved 19 April 2018.
  9. ↑ "New-Juaben Municipal". New Juaben Municipal. Archived from the original on 11 February 2010. Retrieved 25 January 2010.
  10. ↑ "Koforidua Normals 1991–2020". World Meteorological Organization Climatological Standard Normals (1991–2020). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Archived from the original on 29 September 2023. Retrieved 29 September 2023.
  11. 1 2 "Agricultural sector". New Juaben Municipal. Archived from the original on 11 February 2010. Retrieved 25 January 2010.
  12. ↑ Latest Ghana News. Vibe Ghana

6°05′00″N0°15′00″W / 6.08333°N 0.25000°W / 6.08333; -0.25000

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.