Historically, the land is believed to have been discovered by a Hausa man called Kwaana Abrodu.

The place was in the forest zone, so this gave the man the opportunity to engage in tree felling and charcoal production, which in Fante is called biriw.

As the land began to develop, the people thought it wise to give the name Biriwa (biriw wo ha – charcoal is here) to the town.

A woman named Nana Adwoa Enyimah is believed to have been the first Queen mother of the town.

The Biriwa Toafo then made a statue with nine heads which they named Etu Anaa Ehira which was placed in front of the famous Pusuban.

A man called Nana Sarh is believed to have introduced fishing to the town folk.

Tales were told during the evenings when every child had finished eating and was done with his or her house chores.

Children sang and danced joyfully in the middle and at the end of the session which indicates the entertainment aspects of the telling of the tales.

The Mfantsiman Rural Bank employs townfolk as mobile bankers, cashiers and in other positions.

The Methodist Church has a basic school which offers both primary and junior high education for both boys and girls.

AIMS-Ghana, a tertiary education and research centre for the mathematical sciences, is located in Biriwa.