DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Bono Manso

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Historical site
—°1
Bono Manso (Ghana)

Weather…

Bono Manso was the historical capital of the Bono State, one of the earliest and most powerful Akan kingdoms in present-day Ghana. The city flourished as a major trading hub on the trans-Saharan routes, where gold and kola nuts were exchanged for goods from North Africa. Its strategic location allowed the Bono State to accumulate significant wealth and political influence over several centuries. However, in 1723, the city was destroyed by the Ashanti during their expansionist campaigns, marking the end of its regional dominance. Archaeological excavations at the site have uncovered numerous artifacts, including pottery and beads, which testify to the civilization's high level of cultural and economic development. Today, the ruins of Bono Manso offer valuable insights into the pre-colonial history of West Africa and the origins of Akan culture. As a symbol of Ghana's early gold wealth and trade heritage, the site remains a crucial location for understanding the regional identity and the complex trade networks that linked the continent.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C262929292826252526262726
Rain mm72761108134151163139212139307

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
Bono Manso is an archaeological site in the rainforest showing remains of the ancient Bono state. The site can be visited, usually with a local guide hired on site.
🕒
Typical hours
There are no fixed opening hours; visits are recommended between 9 AM and 4 PM. Prior arrangement with the local cultural association is advisable.
📷
Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the site. Please avoid touching or climbing on the sacred stelae.
⏱️
Time needed
Allow about 1 hour for a walk around the site. The site is not very large, but the information is rich.
➕
Combine with
Combine the visit with the cultural center in Techiman or surrounding villages showcasing traditional crafts. Kintampo Waterfall is also nearby.
🧭
Getting there
Bono Manso is about 8 km south of Techiman on the road to Sunyani. Access is via a dirt road passable by regular cars.
💡
Insider tip
Bring cash to pay local guides as card payment is not available. Wear closed-toe shoes as the terrain can be damp and slippery.

Geography

Coordinates
7.80000, -1.90000

Facts

  • Former capital of the powerful Bono State
  • Destroyed by the Ashanti in 1723
  • Major hub for trans-Saharan trade routes
  • Specialized in gold and kola nut commerce
  • Archaeological finds include pottery and ancient beads
  • Earliest known centralized Akan state in the region

Explore nearby

Notable places around

WenchiWenchi23 km · SExplore →
TechimanTechiman24 km · WExplore →
Boabeng Fiema Monkey SanctuaryBoabeng Fiema Monkey Sanctuary25 km · NWExplore →
Kintampo PlateauKintampo Plateau31 km · NEExplore →
Kintampo ComplexKintampo Complex34 km · NEExplore →
NkoranzaNkoranza34 km · NWExplore →
Begho Ancient CityBegho Ancient City61 km · SExplore →
Bui ReservoirBui Reservoir64 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Bono Manso (1)

Offuman Asona Royal Palace Dampaaso🏰 castle

The traditional Asona royal palace located in Dampaaso near the historic site of Bono Manso.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What was Bono Manso?
It was the former capital of the Bono state, one of the oldest Akan kingdoms in West Africa.
Where is the archaeological site located?
The site is located in the Bono East Region, about 15 km north of Techiman.
What can still be seen today?
Visitors can see archaeological excavation sites, sacred groves, and remains of the ancient settlement structure.
Do I need a permit to visit?
It is polite and often necessary to contact the local chief in Manso before visiting the site.
When is the best time for those interested in archaeology?
The dry season from November to February is best, as the paths to the excavations are more accessible.
Bono Manso: where is it located?
Bono Manso is located in Ghana.
Bono Manso: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.
Bono Manso: why is it worth visiting?
Bono Manso was the historical capital of the Bono State, one of the earliest and most powerful Akan kingdoms in present-day Ghana.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Africa
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Africa
More places in Ghana →

Nearby cities

Techiman — Bono Manso (Ghana)
Techiman
Techiman is a prominent trading center and the capital of the Bono East Region.
Kintampo — Bono Manso (Ghana)
Kintampo
Kintampo is the geographical center of Ghana, famous for its waterfalls and cultural diversity.
Nkoranza — Bono Manso (Ghana)
Nkoranza
Nkoranza is a significant agricultural center in the Bono East Region.
Wenchi — Bono Manso (Ghana)
Wenchi
Wenchi is an important historical town in the Bono Region and a center of traditional weaving.
Sunyani — Bono Manso (Ghana)
Sunyani
Sunyani is the capital of the Bono Region, known for its clean streets and forested environment.
Duayaw Nkwanta — Bono Manso (Ghana)
Duayaw Nkwanta
Duayaw Nkwanta serves as an active trading settlement connecting several major routes.
Ejura — Bono Manso (Ghana)
Ejura
Ejura is an agricultural town in the Ashanti Region, prominent for yam production.

Nature

Bui Reservoir — Bono Manso (Ghana)
Bui Reservoir
An artificial lake created by the Bui hydropower project.

More places

Kintampo Plateau — Bono Manso (Ghana)
Kintampo Plateau
A transition zone between forest and savanna.
Kintampo Complex — Bono Manso (Ghana)
Kintampo Complex
An archaeological site that gives its name to the Kintampo culture of the late Stone Age.
Begho Ancient City — Bono Manso (Ghana)
Begho Ancient City
One of the most important trade centers in pre-colonial Ghana, serving as a connector between forest and savannah.
Bui Gorge — Bono Manso (Ghana)
Bui Gorge
A gorge formed by the Black Volta.
Boabeng Fiema Monkey Sanctuary — Bono Manso (Ghana)
Boabeng Fiema Monkey Sanctuary
A sacred site where monkeys roam freely.