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Ashaiman: The Ghanaian town with suburbs named after foreign cities and biblical places

By Kojo NewsGH


Ashaiman, a bustling town in Ghana's Greater Accra Region, is renowned for its diverse population and unique suburb names inspired by foreign cities and biblical references. 

This vibrant community is not only rich in culture but also in history, making it one of the most fascinating urban areas in Ghana.

History of Ashaiman

The name Ashaiman originates from its founder, Nii Ashai, and the town was officially established in the 17th century by Nii Tetteh Amui I, a native of Tema. 

Over the decades, Ashaiman has grown from a small settlement into a thriving urban area, attracting migrants from across Ghana and neighboring West African countries. This influx has led many to refer to Ashaiman as the "United States of West Africa" due to its diverse, multi-ethnic population.

Biblical and foreign names in Ashaiman

One of the unique characteristics of Ashaiman's suburbs is the adoption of names that mirror foreign cities and biblical locations. Perhaps the most well-known of these is Jericho, a neighborhood in Ashaiman that shares its name with the ancient city mentioned in the Bible. Other areas like Christian Village and Roman Down also draw from religious and historical roots.

But beyond biblical references, Ashaiman’s landscape is dotted with places named after international cities and countries, including:

  • Lebanon (Zones 1-5)

  • Middle East

  • New York

  • Washington

These names, although foreign in origin, are deeply embedded in the identity of Ashaiman’s suburbs. Interestingly, most residents living in these areas may not even know the origin of these names or why they were chosen.

How foreign names came to Ashaiman

According to local history, some of these suburbs were named by returnees from abroad, often referred to locally as "been-tos." 

For instance, many Ghanaian military personnel who served on UN peacekeeping missions in Lebanon returned home and settled in Ashaiman. 

They acquired land and established neighborhoods, which they named Lebanon, in honor of their service. The area grew over time and is now divided into Zones 1 to 5.

Similarly, names like Middle East, Jericho, New York, and Washington were inspired by Ghanaians who had traveled or lived in those places and decided to bring a piece of that identity back with them.

Expanding Suburbs in Ashaiman

As Ashaiman’s population continues to grow, so does the list of its uniquely named neighborhoods. In addition to the foreign-themed suburbs, other notable areas include:

  • Tulaku

  • Market Square

  • Fitter Line

  • Taboo Line

  • Tsinai Agbe

  • Zongo Laka

  • Night Market

  • Asensu Bar

  • Official Town

  • Taifa

  • Newtown

  • Valco Flats

  • Afariwaa

  • Atadeka

These communities reflect the diversity and rapid urbanisation of Ashaiman, as well as the creative naming culture that defines the town’s identity.

Ashaiman is more than just a town; it’s a melting pot of cultures, histories, and identities. With suburb names like New York in Ghana, Washington in Ghana, and Lebanon in Ghana, the area continues to attract interest and curiosity. 

Whether you're looking into urban development in Ghana, exploring biblical names in Ghana, or simply fascinated by the cultural diversity of Ashaiman, this town offers a compelling story of migration, identity, and place-making.

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Location: Ashaiman, Tema, Ghana

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