Over the past decade tourism has become one of the most important and fastest growing sectors of the national economy, and has sufficiently demonstrated its potential as a sector that can contribute immensely in attracting private investment, generating employment and enhancing industrial diversification.
The Region has a significant potential for tourism development but most of the tourist attractions and the hospitality industry are less developed. Some of the prominent tourist attractions in the Bono Region are the festivals.
The people of Bono region have positive cultural practices which bind them together. Among them include Annual Yam Festival – Dormaa and Banda, Apoc festival – Wenchi, Kwafie and Munufie – Berekum (Yawada). These festivals offer them the opportunity to engage and discuss the welfare of respective areas towards the betterment of the people of Bono.
Other prominent tourist attractions in the Bono Region are:
Nchiraa Waterfalls Wedged between the mountains of the Nchiraa Settlement, the Nchiraa waterfalls is located 30 kilometres North of Wenchi. The tourist is offered a hiking adventure on a rocky and challenging footpath that leads to the waterfalls. The existence of other natural and cultural tourism within 10 kilometers radius makes the tour package exhilarating. These includes the Wurobo Ancestral Caves which is located about 8 kilometers from Nchiraa Settlement. The caves are believed to be the original dwelling place of the people of Nchiraa.
Duasidan Monkey Sanctuary Duasidan Monkey Sanctuary is located 10 kilometers Southwest of Dormaa Ahenkro. This sanctuary hosts a rare breed of Mona monkeys. Bamboo trees form a canopy in the middle of the forest, which serves as a resting grounds for visitors. Monkeys can be seen swinging up and down tree branches and peeling bananas left out for them. It is quite a remarkable sight as the visitors get the chance to see how monkeys carry their babies on the move.
Bui National Park / Bui Dam A park that covers 1,821 kilometers square and covers part of the Black Volta River, the Bui National Park is endowed with several species of antelopes and a variety of birds. It is also known for its hippopotamus population. The tourist can take a cruise on the Black Volta River through the National Park. The Bui Dam is located at the base of the Banda Mountains, the dam was built to improve Ghana’s energy requirements.
Tourist crossing the Bui riverHippo in Black Volta, BandaIsland in Black Volta, BandaBui Dam, BandaBui Dam, Banda
Hani Archaeological Site One of the few archaeological sites in Ghana, the Hani archaeological site is located at Tain. Visitors can access the site of digging and the settlement of the Begho people, some of its artifacts and relics from 12th-century civilization can be found in the chiefs palace.
Hani archaeological site, Tain
Nwoase Ostrich Farm Located at Nwoase near Wenchi, is the ostrich farm. The ostrich is known to be the largest living bird. It has a long neck, long legs and two toes on each foot. Tourists can make a stop at the farm to see one of nature’s wonders as the ostrich can reach a height of 2.75 meters.
Nwoase Ostrich Farm, Wenchi
Busia Mausoleum This mausoleum was built in memory of the late Professor K.A.Busia. A Prime Minister of the 2nd Republic of Ghana. Located at the Wenchi-Nsawkaw road about 400 meters from the Centre of Wenchi town. The Busia Mausoleum displays some artifacts and personal items used by Dr. Busia. It also takes the tourist back to ancient times when such items were used.
Asukese Forest Reserve Asukese Forest Reserve is named after River Asukese which drains the area. It lies within the sunyani forest district. It is located in the Bono Region of Ghana and lies west of Sunyani – Mim Road through Atronie (about 19.3 km south west of Sunyani). Merchantable timber species such as the Odum, Sapele, Wawa, Chenchen, Esa with diameters as large as 150 cm can all be found in this forest. Fauna species also include antelopes, grasscutters, rats and deer.
Asukese Forest Reserve, Atronie-Sunyani
The Mfensi Sacred Grove Mfensi, is the name of a Sacred Grove located at the north eastern part of Kato (a small community in the Berekum Municipality in the Bono Region) along the Sunyani Berekum highway. It is about one and half kilometres from the centre of Berekum. It is believed to be an area haunted by spirits. The grove is about 40 hectares in size. Mfensi Sacred Grove is characterised by tall tropical trees some of which are Wawa, Mahogany, Ceiba, Odum, Ofram, Cidrella, Asanfena, Wabire etc.
Mfensi Sacred Grove, Kato-Berekum EastMfensi Sacred Grove, Kato-Berekum EastMfensi Sacred Grove, Kato-Berekum EastMfensi Sacred Grove, Kato-Berekum East
Oldest Mango tree in Ghana The Korase mango tree located in the Jaman North District, is believed to be the oldest mango tree in Ghana based on research by the archeology department of University of Ghana-Legon according to the traditional leaders in Korase
Korase Mango Tree
Asuokor Mystery fishes There are mystery fishes in the Asuokor river in the Jaman North District, which usually comes ashore based on performance of some traditional rituals. These mystery fishes cannot be eaten.
Mystery Fishes in Asuokor River
Other tourist sites in Bono Region
Sheli Kpoo Cave, BandaMysterious Lelee tree, BandaSkull of Hippo, Banda
TOURIST SITES, THEIR MUNICIPAL/DISTRICT AND LOCATION
S/N
NAME OF SITES
LOCATION
DISTRICT/ MUNICIPALITY
CONTACT
REMARKS
1
Asukase forest reserve
Asukase- atronie
Sunyani
0208498019
Development of the site needed
2
Amama forest reserve
Atronie
Sunyani
0208498019
Development of the site needed
3
Duasidan monkey sanctuary
Duasidan
Dormaa central
Theresah abena yeboah- 0208027230
Partially developed. The assembly with support from solidaridad(ngo) constructed an administrative office.
