Explore Ghana

Palaces in Eastern Region

The Eastern Region holds some of Ghana's most storied seats of traditional authority, and this page gathers five of them. What they share is purpose: each is a palace tied to a living stool or chieftaincy, and each keeps a thread of local history that is told best on the ground. Where they differ is in character. Ofori Panin Fie in Kibi is the royal palace of the Okyenhene of Akyem Abuakwa, with a Hall of Justice, artifacts and archives, and a role as a research centre. Nearby, the Okyeman Old Palace Museum preserves the royal heritage of the Akyem Abuakwa State as a museum. Awansa Palace at Akyem Old Tafo is the working seat of the Omanhene of Akyem Tafo, while Yiadom-Hwedie Palace in Koforidua serves the New Juaben Traditional Council and the Yiadom-Hwedie Stool. At Atibie, the Atibiehene's palace is the recorded setting for the chief's oral history of the town's founding. Come for the architecture and regalia, and for the chance to hear history from the people who keep it.

Good to know

Before you go

These are working palaces, not ticketed attractions, so plan around that. Yiadom-Hwedie Palace in Koforidua is explicitly not a museum, and the others are seats of traditional authority too, so always seek permission before entering, photographing or recording, and dress modestly. Ask locally about the right person to approach and whether a gift or courtesy call is expected. Kibi holds two of the five places, so it rewards a slower visit, while Atibie, New Tafo and Koforidua sit in different districts and are best linked by road. Check opening arrangements and any current restrictions before you travel, since access can change with palace business or ceremonies. A local guide or a contact at the traditional council will make your visit smoother and more respectful.

Start here

Places to explore

Attraction

Attraction · Atibie

Atibie Palace

Traditional palace of the Atibiehene in Kwahu Atibie, Kwahu South District, and the recorded setting for the chief's oral history of the town's founding.

Attraction

Attraction · New Tafo

Awansa Palace, Akyem Old Tafo

Awansa Palace is the traditional palace of the Omanhene of Akyem Tafo in Akyem Old Tafo, Eastern Region, Ghana, and a working seat of traditional authority.

Attraction

Attraction · Kibi

Ofori Panin Fie

Royal palace of the Okyenhene of Akyem Abuakwa in Kyebi (Kibi), Eastern Region, housing a Hall of Justice, artifacts and archives, and serving as a research centre.

Attraction

Attraction · Kibi

Okyeman Old Palace Museum

The Okyeman Old Palace in Kibi, Abuakwa South Municipality, is preserved as a museum reflecting the royal heritage of the Akyem Abuakwa State.

Attraction

Attraction · Koforidua

Yiadom-Hwedie Palace

Yiadom-Hwedie Palace in Koforidua is the working seat of the New Juaben Traditional Council and the Yiadom-Hwedie Stool, not a ticketed museum.

Wider area

More in Eastern Region