Akuapim North: History, Remembrance and Waterfalls

Akuapim North offers a range of points of interest for a trip, from educational history and memorial sites to waterfalls and plant medicine. Akropong is associated with historic educational institutions and cemetery connections; Larteh is home to a memorial chapel and a religious and cultural shrine. Obom is associated with a historic role as a place of refuge. Visitors exploring the destination can focus on cultural history, religious significance and the landscape.

Education and memorial sites in Akropong

The Presbyterian Training College in Akropong is described as Ghana’s first higher education institution for formal education; the year given is 1848. The Salem Boarding School in Akropong is described as Ghana’s first boys’ boarding school; it is associated with the year 1867. Comparing the dates brings together two distinct historical claims: one designation refers to a higher education institution for formal education, while the other refers to a boys’ boarding school. The 19-year gap places them in chronological context without equating the two educational categories.

The Early Basel Missionaries Cemetery is in Akropong-Daakye. A cemetery in Akropong is also associated with Akuffo Addo, who is described as Ghana’s first ceremonial president. These links between places and people add a dimension of remembrance to the history of education.

Religious and historical connections in Larteh and Obom

The Samuel Otu Memorial Chapel in Larteh was built in honor of the first Ghanaian Christian martyr. He was publicly executed by beheading in Takyimantia: Takyimantia is the place of execution, while the chapel is in Larteh. The Akonnedi Shrine in Larteh is a shrine of religious and cultural significance and a place for consultation. Thus, Larteh is home both to a specific memorial to a martyr and to a place of religious, cultural and consultative significance.

The Obom Cave and the old slave route in Obom served as a refuge for warriors of the time. Their shared historical connection is therefore their role as places of protection, unlike the educational and memorial sites in Akropong or the religious connections in Larteh.

Waterfalls, landscape and plant medicine

Amenapa Waterfall and Aminapa Waterfall are both located in Akropong. Amenapa Waterfall was listed as a tourist attraction of the Akuapem municipality during the 2018–2021 planning period. For 2026, Aminapa Waterfall in Akropong and Adom Waterfalls in Obosomase are listed as tourist attractions in Akuapem North. Waterfalls are therefore represented in Akropong and Obosomase.

In Kwamoso stands a palm tree described as a “six-in-one palm tree.” The English name gives this landscape feature a distinctive designation. Mampong is also home to the Centre for Scientific Research into Plant Medicine, another notable connection to plant medicine. These places complement the waterfalls with a palm tree and a center whose name puts plant medicine at the forefront.

Festivals in their temporal context

Odwira and Ohum also provide a cultural point of reference in time. In the municipal plan for 2018–2021, Odwira and Ohum were considered festivals celebrated annually in the municipality’s larger towns. If you would like to plan a trip around one of the festivals, check the current dates.

If you would like to visit one of the places mentioned, check access arrangements in advance.

Discover more destinations: Mamfe, Asuogyaman.

For the broader travel overview: Eastern Region.