Central

The Central Region is one of the sixteen administrative regions of Ghana. It is bordered by Ashanti and Eastern regions to the north, Western region to the west, Greater Accra region to the east, and to the south by the Gulf of Guinea.

Ghana’s Central Region is one of the country’s sixteen administrative regions. It is bounded on the north by the Ashanti and Eastern regions, on the west by the Western region, on the east by the Greater Accra area, and on the south by the Gulf of Guinea. The Central region is known for its many prestigious higher education institutions as well as a thriving economy based on industrial minerals and tourism. Many tourist attractions, including castles, forts, and beaches, can be found along the Central region’s coastline.

The former administrative hub of the Gold Coast was the Central Region. The region was the country’s first to establish formal contact with Europeans. Cape Coast, also known as Oguaa in the locality, served as the capital of the Gold Coast until 1877 when it was moved to Accra. The historic Bond of 1844 was signed in the castle of Cape Coast between the British and the 17 coastal and near-coastal states.

Historical monuments such as forts and castles can be found across the region. The Cape Coast Castle in Cape Coast, the Elmina Castle and Fort Sao Jago in Elmina, the Fort William in Anomabo, and the Fort Good Hope in Senya are among the most well-known. The historic Bond of 1844 between the British and the Fante Confederation was signed in the castle of Cape Coast.

The University of Cape Coast and the University of Education, Winneba, are the two universities in the region. The Mfantsipim School, St. Augustine’s College, Wesley Girls High School, Adisadel College, and Holy Child School are among the notable secondary institutions in the Cape Coast Municipality, which has produced some of the country’s most prominent residents.

Until 1970, when it was separated from the Western Region soon before the 1970 Population Census, the Central Region was historically a part of the Western Region. It covers 9,826 square kilometers, or 4.1% of Ghana’s land area, making it the country’s third-smallest region after Greater Accra and Upper East. It is bordered on the west by Western Region, the north by Ashanti and Eastern Regions, and the east by Greater Accra Region. The Atlantic Ocean (Gulf of Guinea) shoreline stretches for 168 kilometers to the south.

The region was the first in the country to be colonized by Europeans. Its capital, Cape Coast, served as the Gold Coast’s capital until 1877 when it was shifted to Accra. The historic Bond of 1844 between the British and the Fante Confederation was signed in the castle of Cape Coast.

There are approximately 32 significant festivals in the region. The Aboakyer at Winneba, Fetu at Cape Coast, and Bakatue at Elmina are notable examples.

The University of Cape Coast and the University of Education, Winneba are the two universities in the region. Mfantsipim School, St. Augustine’s College, Wesley Girls High School, Adisadel College, and Holy Child are among the excellent educational institutions in the Cape Coast Municipality, which have produced some of the country’s most renowned residents.

According to the 2010 Population and Housing Census, the region’s population is 2,201,863, with 1,050,112 males and 1,151,751 females.

Economy and tourism

The Central Region is a center for education, featuring some of the country’s greatest schools. Services, mining, and fishing are the mainstays of the region’s economy. The UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle serve as reminders of the slave trade. Within Ashantiland’s peninsula, the Central Region is a significant tourism hub with some of the most stunning beaches and national parks (Kakum National Park). In 2009, US President Barack Obama visited the city of Cape Coast for the first time.

Administrative divisions

The region’s political administration is handled by the local government system. The region is organized into 22 MMDAs under this management arrangement (made up of 1 Metropolitan, 7 Municipal, and 14 Ordinary Assemblies). Each District, Municipal, or Metropolitan Assembly is led by a Chief Executive who represents the central government but is accountable to the Assembly, which is led by a presiding member elected by the members themselves.