Banda Ahenkro | |
|---|---|
  Banda Ahenkro Location in Ghana | |
| Coordinates:8°09′55″N2°21′20″W / 8.16528°N 2.35556°W /8.16528; -2.35556 | |
| Country |  Ghana |
| Region |  Bono region |
| District | Banda District (Ghana) |
| Elevation | 361 m (1,184 ft) |
| Population (2010) | |
• Total | 2,795[1] |
| • Demonym | Nafaa |
| Time zone | GMT |
| • Summer (DST) | GMT |
Banda Ahenkro is a town located in the west-northern ofBono region,Ghana, near the border ofIvory Coast.[2] Its geography provided a home for numerous groups seeking shelter from acrossWest Africa during theslave trade era.[citation needed] The original name of the settlement was Serminakuu meaning groups of 'grasses'. This name was changed to Banda, which is a corruption of 'Woanda' meaning 'they did not sleep'. Ancestors of Banda Ahenkro were allies of theAsante kingdom during wars and they provided a military force that virtually refused to sleep during at-war times. This is because they were predominantlyMuslims and were found praying throughout the night. Later, 'woanda' was also corrupted by the Bono neighbours to become Banda. Thesettlement evolved to become the chief town or 'Ahenkro' within a collection ofNafana communities.[citation needed]
Banda Ahenkro which is thedistrict capital ofBanda District was carved fromTain and forms part of the new districts and municipalities created in the year 2012 and were inaugurated at their various locations simultaneously on 28 June 2012.[3]
The late president,H.E. J.E.A Mills, by an Executive Instrument (E.I) created 46 new districts. All the inaugurated and confirmed MMDAs established are operational with immediate effect in 2012[when?]hence bringing the total number of MMDAs to 216.[4]
The district has a population of 45,000 with Banda Ahenkro having a population of 2,795 as at 2010 with males being 21,000 and females being 24,000.[5] The population has been increasing over the years with a growth rate of 2.6%.[6]
Agriculture is the main occupation among the workforce of Banda Ahenkro.
Banda Ahenkro, the capital ofBanda District is 126 kilometres away from Sunyani, the regional capital (approximately 1 hour 47 minutes’ drive by road). The town is connected by road toWenchi andBui and its hydro electric power,Bui Dam.[7] Banda Ahenkro is not serviced by a railway station on the Ghana Railway Corporation.
The town of Banda Ahenkro is outfitted withmodern communication facilities which include,mobile phones,internet ande-mail services. These services are provided bytelecommunicationnetwork providersMTN Ghana,AirtelGhana,Vodafone Ghana andTigoGhana.[8]
The people of Banda Ahenkro celebrate 'Forjour' which is a popular festival that's being celebrated by the town. 'Forjour' is a yam festival celebrated in the month of October every year, the climax of the yamfestival is the durbar of the king (Omanhene) through Banda traditional area. The festival is used as a means to remember their ancestors for protection and favour. It is also held to purify the area and allow its people to go into the traditional New Year with hope.[9]
Many residents of Banda traditional area follows the Banda Ahenkro-based sports team, Bandaman Football Club, which is currently playing in the second division league.[citation needed]
Banda Ahenkro is the home and birthplace ofAhmed Ibrahim, the current member of parliament forBanda District,[10] Mr. Alexander Kofi Essien, lead counsel Greater Accra RegionalHouse of Chiefs,[11] andAsuma Banda and many others.
Banda Ahenkro (B/A), on 31 May 2005. GNA- TheGhana Health Service[12] handed over a multi-million-cedi Health Centre to the people at Banda Ahenkro inBrong Ahafo.
Osabarima Okokyeredom Kwadwo Sito I, Omanhene of Banda Traditional Area, who received the keys to the facility from Mr Ebenezer Awuku, Estate Officer of theGhana Health Service (GHS) inSunyani in turn handed them over to the health personnel in-charge of the centre. The Omanhene commended thegovernment and the GHS for the provision of the facility.[13]
Tourists to Banda Ahenkro are attracted by the area's natural environment.[14] Attractions include the Nyua Kpoo Mountain and the Sheli Kpoo cave which are potential tourist sites.[14]
Cities and towns ofGhana by population | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2,000,000+ |   | |
| 1,000,000+ | ||
| 800,000+ | ||
| 100,000+ | ||
| 80,000+ | ||
| 60,000+ | ||
| 40,000+ | ||
| 20,000+ |
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| 5,000+ | ||
