Serving as the cultural capital of the historic Ashanti Empire, Kumasi lies near the shores of Lake Bosomtwe in southern Ghana. It’s been nicknamed “The Garden City” due to its picturesque green spaces, with sprawling markets, cultural centres and palatial museums making it worth the visit.
Things to do in Kumasi
In the heart of the city is the Ghana Armed Forces Museum, which occupies the Kumasi Fort established by the British in 1896. Hear about the events of the British-Asante War and see military artefacts from World War I and II while learning about the evolution of the colonial-era Gold Coast Regiment into the present-day Ghana Armed Forces.
Get your retail fix at the Kejetia Market, one of the largest open-air markets in West Africa. You can find everything from Ashanti kente fabrics to gold and diamond jewellery in its colourful lanes, accompanied by the authentic hustle and bustle of Kumasi’s commercial life.
A short stroll from Kejetia Market is the National Cultural Centre, a sprawling complex established in 1952 to showcase Ashanti culture. Begin your visit at the Prempeh II Jubilee Museum where ceremonial clothing belonging to the 20th-century Ashanti king is on display, together with a 300-year-old treasure bag. At the nearby Craft Centre, you can see kente cloth and pottery being created using traditional techniques.
Getting around Kumasi
Kumasi International Airport is a 15-minute drive from Kumasi’s city centre and has regular flights to Accra, with buses also making the six-hour drive to the Ghanaian capital. Trotro minibuses follow fixed routes around Kumasi, as do public buses and shared taxis. The city centre is pedestrian-friendly and ideal to explore on foot or you can hail one of the private taxis that are readily available.