Welcome to the
Ashanti
region
About Ashanti Region
Capital
Kumasi
Population
5.4 million
Regional Size
24,389 km square
Ashanti Region: The Kingdom of Gold
The Ashanti Region, located in southern Ghana, is known as the ‘Kingdom of Gold’ due to its rich heritage of craftsmanship and cultural traditions. It occupies a central part of modern Ghana and remains a vital part of the historical territory of the Asante people.
Historical Significance
A visit to the Ashanti Region is incomplete without exploring Kumasi, the ancient capital of the region and Ghana’s second-largest city, founded in 1695 by the Asantehene Osei Tutu. This scenic and hilly capital is home to historical sites, such as the Manhyia Palace, where the Asante King sits in session every sixth Sunday, accompanied by grand processions of dignitaries, drumming, and music.
Notable attractions include: Kumasi Fort, Military Museum, and the Besease Shrine, which is over 300 years old.
These sites provide a captivating glimpse into the region’s heritage and the ongoing festivals and ceremonies celebrated with great enthusiasm.
Visit kumasi
Market and Craftsmanship
The Ashanti Region is famous for its production of gold, cocoa, and cloth, exemplified by the Kejetia Market, recognized as the largest open-air market in West Africa. Haggling is a traditional part of the shopping experience in Ghana.
Surrounding Kumasi are villages renowned for their artisan crafts, including:
- Woodcarving
- Kente Cloth Weaving: Traditional kente is woven by men from the Ashanti tribes, known for its bright patterns and geometric designs. The cloth, known as “nwentoma” (woven cloth), originated in the Ashanti Kingdom and remains one of the region’s major exports.
A visit to the royal kente weaving village of Bonwire is highly recommended to experience this unique craft firsthand.
Gold Mining Heritage
The Ashanti Region, often referred to as the land of the golden stool, is also home to some of Ghana’s most significant gold mines. Tours can be arranged to Obuasi, located 50 km south-west of Kumasi, retaining the charm of the 1890s gold rush era.
Natural Beauty and Rainforests
The region is characterized by a vast tropical rainforest, featuring lush cocoa farms and picturesque settlements. Although it’s the largest and one of the most urbanized regions in Ghana, Ashanti is also stunningly beautiful and ideal for exploring its unspoiled natural environment.
Points of interest for nature lovers include:
- Owabi Wildlife Sanctuary
- Lake Bosomtwi
- Bobiri Forest Reserve with its arboretum
- Bomfobiri Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its seasonal waterfall
Here, visitors can witness diverse wildlife, including monkeys and butterflies.
Cultural Festivals
The Ashanti Region is the cultural heartbeat of Ghana, hosting numerous festivals that celebrate its rich heritage. Notable festivals include:
- Akwasidae
- Papa
- Kente
- Nkyidwo
- Adae Kese
These religious events honor past leaders and heroes of the Akan people, believed to spiritually participate in the affairs of the living. The Akwasidae festival particularly attracts global participants, benefiting local artisans selling traditional crafts.
Visitors can also engage in traditional events such as funerals and naming ceremonies, which are marked by spectacular displays of drumming, dancing, and colorful pageantry, often involving thousands of mourners in traditional attire.
Entertainment and Leisure
The Ashanti Region offers numerous hotels and restaurants, providing guests with a welcoming atmosphere and first-rate entertainment options. Urban areas feature sporting facilities, while fishing is a delightful activity on the region’s lakes and rivers.
Languages
The primary languages spoken in the Ashanti Region include Akan and Twi, reflecting the cultural diversity of this rich area.
