Ashanti Region

Ashanti is one of the most beautiful regions of Ghana, with unspoiled natural attractions. For birdwatchers, both the Owabi widlife sanctuary and the Bosomtwe Crater Lake are well worh a visit, while walkers will love the Bombiri forest reserve and its arboritum, the Bomfobiri wildlife sanctuary with its seasonal waterfall, and the hills around lake Bosomtwi. There is an abundance of wildlife in the region, monkeys, buck and clouds of butterflies to name but a few.

Ashanti is also home to the most important goldmines in Ghana at Obuasi, 50km south west of Kumasi. Surface visits can be arranged, and the town still has an air of the gold rush days of the 1890’s.

Throughout Ashanti, and especially in Kumasi, you will find welcoming hotels and restaurants, while in the towns, nightlife and entertainment are first class. Sporting facilities are available in the urban areas, while exciting fishing can be enjoyed in the extensive lakes and rivers.

A visit to Ashanti must include Kumasi, the ancient capital of the region founded in 1695 by the Asantehene, and Osei Tutu, where palaces, museums and and churches reveal the distinct cultural and historic backdrop for the festivals and ceremonies that are still important today.

Kumasi also boasts the largest open air market in West Africa, at Kejetia, and the city is ringed by villages, famous for their artisans and craftsmen. Tourists should always remember that bargaining is part of the trading traditions of Ghana, and a sure fire way to make new freinds and pick up a bargain.

Amongst the varied festivals and ceremonies in the Ashanti region, funerals are the most vibrant. Usually held on Saturdays, amidst displays of drumming, dancing and pageantry. Often with thousends of mourners all garbed in traditional red and black.

Attractions & Excursions

The Crafts of Ashanti
The Ashanti Region is home to some of the finest artisans and craftsmen in all Ghana, many of which are located in the area surrounding Kumasi. Each specialising in its own feild.

Bonwire – 18km north east of Kumasi, Kente weaving
Pankronu – 3km north of Kumasi, Pottery
Ahwiaa – 6km north of Kumasi, Wood carving.
Ntonsu – Adinkra cloth making.
Asuofia/Asamang – Barakese Road, Bead making.
Ampabame Krofrome – 10km from Ahodwo, Brass- smiths.
Gold and silversmiths can be found in Kumasi itself.

Obuasi Goldmines
For details of visits to the Ashanti gold mine, available on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The Natural Attractions of Ashanti
The Ashanti region is a great area in which to explore Ghana’s unspoiled natural beauty. For birds and butterflies the forests are the pace to go, while wildlife can be found around many of its lakes and in nature reserves.

The following locations are great for trekking, or just rewarding forest walks:

Lake Bosomtwe – 35km south of Kumasi.
Bobiri Forest Reserve – 35km south east of Kumasi.
Owabi Bird Sanctuary – 23km north west of Kumasi.
Bomfobiri Wildlife Sanctuary – 50km from Kumasi.
Digya National Park – from Kumawu to Atebubu.
Atwia Rock Formations – 40km from Kumasi.
Mframabuon Caves – Kwamang, 55km from Kumasi.

Kumasi & the Asante heritage
Kumasi is the capital of the Asante Kingdom and the local highlights are:

Mahyia Palace Museum
Centre for National Culture
The Prempeh II jubilee Museum
Kumasi Fort and Miliatary Museum
Okomfo Anokye Sword
The Akwasidae Ceremony
Kejetia Market
Kumasi Zoo
Traditional street sculptures
University of Science and Technology

The Cultural Attractions of Asante
The traditional culture of the people is one of the attractions of the Ashanti Region. Important illustrations can be discovered at:

Asantemanso Village
Kumawu Town
Kentinkronu Shrine
Adarko Jachie Shrine
Ejisu Besease Shrine
Statues of Kumasi
Patako Shrine