Bono East

Bono East Region is one of Ghana's newest administrative regions, created in 2019 from the eastern portion of the former Brong-Ahafo Region. Its capital is Techiman, a major commercial crossroads and agricultural market. The region stretches from the forest-savannah transition zone in the south to the Volta Lake shoreline in the east, encompassing a diverse landscape of farmlands, river valleys, and lakeside settlements.

The region is predominantly agricultural — cocoa, yam, cassava, and maize are the main crops — and its economy revolves around the weekly markets that draw traders from across Ghana. The Bono and Techiman traditional areas have a long history as trading kingdoms, and the region's position on the main north–south highway makes it a vital transit corridor between the Ashanti heartland and northern Ghana. Lake Volta, the world's largest man-made lake by surface area, forms the region's eastern boundary and provides fishing, transport, and scenic value.

The dry season from November to March is the most comfortable, with warm days and the occasional Harmattan haze. The major festivals — particularly the Aboakyir and Kundum celebrations in neighbouring areas — typically fall in the dry season. The rainy seasons (April–July, September–October) bring heavy downpours but also make the landscape green and productive. For visitors interested in agricultural markets, the weekly markets at Techiman, Kintampo, and Atebubu operate year-round.

Techiman sits on the main Kumasi–Tamale highway (N10), making it accessible by intercity bus from Kumasi (approximately 3 hours) or Tamale (approximately 4 hours). Tro-tros and shared taxis connect Techiman to all major towns in the region — Kintampo (1.5 hours north), Atebubu (1 hour east), Nkoranza (1 hour south), and Prang (1.5 hours east). The road from Techiman to Yeji on Lake Volta is paved but can be rough in the rainy season. There is no rail service in the region.

• Techiman — Regional capital and major commercial hub, home to one of Ghana's largest weekly markets.
• Atebubu — A farming town on the main highway, known for its large weekly market and yam trading.
• Kintampo — A town on the Volta Lake known for the Kintampo Waterfalls, one of Ghana's most popular natural attractions.
• Nkoranza — A quiet farming town in the southern part of the region, known for traditional Bono culture.
• Yeji — A lakeside town on Lake Volta, homeland of a branch of the Chumburu people, with a busy fishing harbour.
• Prang — A small town on the banks of the Volta Lake, known for fishing and ferry crossings.
• Kwame Danso — A farming community in the Bono East interior, surrounded by yam and cassava fields.
• Jema — A small traditional town with connections to the Bono kingdom's history.
• Tuobodom — A quiet community near Techiman, known for its cocoa farms.
• Busunya — A farming town in the northern part of the region.
• Amanten — A small settlement surrounded by agricultural land.
• Buoyem — A community known for traditional crafts and farming.
• Abease — A small town on the edge of the forest-savannah transition zone.

Bono East cuisine reflects its agricultural wealth. Fufu with light soup is the staple, but the region is especially famous for its yam dishes — ampesi (boiled yam with palm oil) and yam fufu. The weekly markets at Techiman and Kintampo offer an extraordinary variety of fresh produce, dried fish, and local snacks. Grilled tilapia with banku is a popular meal near the lake, and fresh fish from Lake Volta is a specialty of Yeji and Prang. Palm wine and local gin (akpeteshie) are the traditional drinks.

The Bono East Region is home to the Bono people, considered among the earliest Akan settlers in Ghana. The Akwasidae festival, observed every six weeks on the Akan calendar, is celebrated in Techiman and other towns with drumming, dancing, and homage to traditional stools. The Techiman Traditional Council maintains the historical legacy of the Bono Kingdom, which predates the Asante Kingdom. Local crafts include kente weaving, pottery, and wood carving, particularly around Techiman and Nkoranza. The region's Islamic communities, particularly around Kintampo and Atebubu, celebrate the Eid festivals with public gatherings.

• Visit Kintampo Waterfalls — Swim and relax at the base of one of Ghana's most impressive waterfalls, set in lush forest.
• Explore Techiman's weekly market — Wander through one of Ghana's largest open-air markets, selling everything from yams to kente cloth.
• Take the Lake Volta ferry — Travel by ferry from Yeji or Prang across the vast expanse of Lake Volta.
• Walk the forest-savannah transition — Hike through the changing landscape from dense forest in the south to open savannah in the north.
• Attend a traditional Akwasidae ceremony — Witness the Bono traditional leaders in state during one of the regular homage-paying festivals.