Plizio Visual Lab

Akwatia Diamond Field

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Industrial site

Weather…

The Akwatia diamond field in the Eastern Region of Ghana is the nation's primary hub for diamond mining. Situated in the Birim River valley, about 100 kilometers northwest of Accra, commercial extraction began in 1924 following the discovery of rich deposits in the river's alluvial plains. Unlike many other diamond mines globally, the Akwatia deposits are primarily alluvial, where the gemstones are recovered from river sands and gravels. The diamonds found in this region are mostly of industrial grade, though gem-quality stones are also produced. Ghana Consolidated Diamonds (GCD) was the long-time principal operator before the mine underwent privatization and restructuring in recent years. Thousands of artisanal miners also operate within the region, contributing significantly to the local output. Over the decades, the field has produced millions of carats and continues to be a major part of Ghana's diverse mineral heritage.

Location: Ghana
Top sights: Akwatia · Denkyembour · St Rose's Senior High (Akwatia)
Nearby: Akim Oda (24 km)

Best time to visit & climate

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

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	27	28	27	27	26	25	24	24	25	25	26	26
Rain mm	22	53	121	131	180	225	135	74	167	228	99	24

📋 Practical info

🏭

What is this place?

This area is the historical heart of Ghana's diamond mining industry, known for alluvial and small-scale digging. It produces mainly industrial-grade diamonds used in cutting and drilling tools.

🚪

Visiting

The diamond fields are scattered, with many small-scale miners working along riverbeds. Visitors may observe artisanal mining from a distance, but entering active claims requires permission from local chiefs or the government.

👀

Where to view it

The best views are from the main road through Akwatia town, overlooking the craters and gravel pits. The area around the Akwatia Diamond Sorting Office gives a sense of the trade.

🧺

Local products

Diamonds (mostly industrial) are the product, but not sold to tourists. Local vendors offer small rough stones informally, but buying without certification is risky. The town market sells typical West African goods.

📆

Active season

Small-scale mining is active year-round, especially after rains when diamonds are easier to wash out. The rainy season (May-Oct) brings more activity but also makes roads muddy.

➕

Nearby

Combine with a visit to the nearby Kade-Boinso Forest Reserve or the town of Kibi with its colonial architecture. The area is also close to the famous Kakum National Park.

Geography

Coordinates

6.04690, -0.80660

Facts

Mining started in 1924
Birim River valley
Alluvial deposits
100 km from Accra
Industrial grade diamonds
Eastern Region of Ghana

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Akwatia<1 km · NEExplore →

Akim Oda24 km · SWExplore →

Suhum40 km · NExplore →

Akyem Gold Mine40 km · SEExplore →

Atewa Range41 km · NEExplore →

Bunso46 km · NEExplore →

Tafo Cocoa Farm52 km · NExplore →

Nkawkaw Escarpment56 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Akwatia Diamond Field (3)

Akwatia📍 landmark

Town in the Eastern Region, known for diamond deposits and mining.

Denkyembour📍 landmark

District in the Eastern Region, characterized by agriculture and mining.

St Rose's Senior High (Akwatia)📍 landmark

Senior high school in Akwatia, providing education for local youth.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Are diamonds still found in Akwatia?

Yes, Akwatia is the center of diamond production in Ghana.

Can you buy rough diamonds on site?

Trade is strictly regulated; purchases should only be made through licensed dealers.

What type of diamonds are found here?

Mainly industrial diamonds and some gem-quality stones are mined.

How is the mining done here?

Through both large-scale open-pit mining and artisanal small-scale mining.

Is there a visitor center?

There is no official visitor center; the region is purely industrial in character.

Akwatia Diamond Field: where is it located?

Akwatia Diamond Field is located in Ghana.

Akwatia Diamond Field: what is there to see?

Highlights include Akwatia, Denkyembour, St Rose's Senior High (Akwatia).

Akwatia Diamond Field: when is the best time to visit?