Visit Ashanti Region

Quick Facts About Ashanti Region

Capital

kumasi

Known For

Royal traditions, crafts, museums

Best Time to Visit

December – March

Top Towns

Kumasi, Ejisu, Bonwire, Ntonso

Popular Languages

Twi, English

Must-See Sites

Manhyia Palace, Kejetia Market, Bonwire Kente, Lake Bosomtwe

Top Tourist And Historical Sites in Ashanti Region

These tourist sites in Ashanti Region are not just tourist spots — they’re living gateways into the Ashanti soul. From royal palaces and sacred lakes to bustling markets and craft villages, each destination invites you to feel Ghana’s heritage, not just see it.

Manhyia Palace Museum

Location - Kumasi

Manhyia Palace Museum

The beating heart of Ashanti royalty. Originally built in 1925, Manhyia Palace was the official residence of Asantehene Prempeh I after his return from exile. Today, the palace is a museum that brings the legacy of the Ashanti kingdom to life through powerful exhibits, royal artifacts, and oral histories. You’ll learn about the resilience of the Ashanti during British colonization, see thrones and war regalia, and walk in the footsteps of Ghana’s most storied leaders. 🎧 Guided tours available | Photography allowed outdoors

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Kumasi Central

Kejetia Market

Welcome to the largest open-air market in West Africa — a chaotic, colorful, and absolutely unforgettable experience. With over 10,000 stalls packed into a sprawling maze of alleyways, Kejetia is where tradition meets trade. Vendors shout prices over crates of vegetables, rows of kente cloth sway in the breeze, and the scent of smoked fish and spices fills the air. 🛒 Must-buy: Shea butter, beads, handmade slippers, local fabrics

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Bonwire Kente Weaving Village

Bonwire,-30 mins from Kumasi

Bonwire Kente Weaving Village

Bonwire is the legendary birthplace of Kente cloth, the colorful, symbolic textile worn during celebrations and sacred rites. Here, you’ll meet master weavers, often from multigenerational artisan families, and watch them transform threads into bold patterns on traditional looms. Visitors are welcome to try weaving or buy directly from the workshops. 🌟 Learn the meaning behind patterns like Eban (safety) or Fathia fata Nkrumah (unity) → Great stop for cultural photos and ethical souvenirs

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Bosomtwe Crater Basin, ~1hr from Kumasi

Lake Bosomtwe

Formed by a meteorite impact over a million years ago, Lake Bosomtwe is Ghana’s only natural lake — and one of the most spiritual places in Ashanti culture. Local legend says souls of the dead stop here on their way to the afterlife. The lake is surrounded by quiet fishing villages and forested hills, perfect for canoeing, hiking, birdwatching, or just unplugging from modern life. 🧘‍♀️ Ideal for: Eco-tourism, retreats, romantic escapes

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Ntonso Adinkra Village

Ntonso, ~25 mins from Kumasi

Ntonso Adinkra Village

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Prempeh II Jubilee Museum

Kumasi Cultural Centre

Prempeh II Jubilee Museum

Tucked inside the Kumasi Cultural Centre, this museum houses priceless royal items from the Ashanti Kingdom — including gold jewelry, ceremonial swords, and the personal possessions of Ashanti kings. Named after Asantehene Prempeh II, this space offers a quieter but equally powerful glimpse into Ghana’s royal traditions. tip - Best visited with a guide after exploring the palace or center Small entry fee supports museum upkeep

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Watch: Kumasi in 4K — A Visual Journey Through Ashanti’s Capital

Hidden Gems And Lesser-Known Places in the Ashanti Region

Kumasi

Suame Magazine

This is not your typical tourist site — it’s a mechanical city. Suame Magazine is one of West Africa’s largest informal industrial zones, where over 200,000 artisans work in automotive repair, welding, carpentry, and fabrication. You’ll see entire car frames rebuilt from scrap and machines you didn’t know could exist. 🧑‍🔧 Best for: Industrial tourism, innovation lovers, photographers

Owabi Wildlife Sanctuary & Bird Reserve

Owabi, ~13 km northwest of Kumasi

Owabi Wildlife Sanctuary & Bird Reserve

This quiet, often-overlooked reserve is a peaceful escape from the city's buzz. Owabi protects over 140 bird species, monkeys, butterflies, and a tranquil reservoir surrounded by lush forest. It’s perfect for light hiking, eco-tourism, and birdwatching — especially during early mornings. Ideal for: Nature lovers, couples, school groups Bring binoculars and mosquito repellent

Anokye Krom (Okomfo Anokye Site)

Kumasi Tech Junction

Anokye Krom (Okomfo Anokye Site)

This sacred site marks where the legendary priest Okomfo Anokye is believed to have planted the immovable sword in the ground — a mystical symbol of Ashanti unity. According to legend, no one has ever been able to remove it. The site is next to a hospital and often skipped by tourists, but it’s deeply spiritual and symbolically powerful. Great for: Spiritual travelers, history lovers, school groups → Pairs well with a visit to Manhyia Palace or the Jubilee Museum

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST)

Kumasi

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST)

One of Africa’s top science and technology institutions, KNUST is more than just a campus — it’s a cultural and intellectual hub. With wide green spaces, modern Ghanaian architecture, art exhibitions, and public lectures, it’s a great stop for travelers interested in education, innovation, or youth culture. Check out: KNUST Museum of Science & Technology or student-run art galleries 💬 Bonus: Connect with student-led city tours or campus-based startups

Festivals And Events in the Ashanti Region

The Ashanti Region bursts to life with powerful royal festivals that connect the past with the present. These aren’t just events — they’re living traditions where history, rhythm, and reverence collide. If you want to witness Ghana’s soul in motion, time your visit to one of these sacred occasions:

Akwasidae Festival — Royal Power and Ancestral Honor

Kumasi — Every 6 Weeks at Manhyia Palace
Held every six weeks according to the Akan calendar, Akwasidae is a sacred royal celebration where the Asantehene (king of the Ashanti) appears in full ceremonial regalia. Surrounded by gold ornaments, talking drums, and traditional chiefs, the festival honors ancestors and affirms the cultural identity of the Ashanti people.
Visitors can witness:

The royal procession of the Asantehene
Traditional drumming, dancing, and libations
Public homage from citizens and international dignitaries

Yaa Asantewaa Festival — The Spirit of Resistance Lives On

Ejisu — Celebrated Annually
This powerful festival honors Queen Mother Yaa Asantewaa, the legendary warrior who led the Ashanti rebellion against British colonial forces in 1900. Held in her hometown of Ejisu, the event features dramatic reenactments, storytelling, and cultural performances that keep her fierce spirit alive.
Expect to experience:

Traditional war dances and durbars
Educational exhibits on Yaa Asantewaa’s life
Women-led processions and rituals

Ashanti Yam Festival — Gratitude Through Food and Culture

Various Towns — September to October
A deeply symbolic harvest festival that celebrates the first yam of the season. The Yam Festival is a time of abundance, storytelling, and spiritual offerings. Chiefs, elders, and families gather to give thanks to the gods and ancestors for a fruitful harvest.
Festival features:

Traditional drumming, horn-blowing, and ceremonial cooking
Offerings of yam to stools and ancestors
Local delicacies and open-air markets

Plan Your Trip Around Live Festivals & Events

The Ashanti Region pulses with cultural energy year-round — from sacred royal rites to vibrant community parades. If you want to truly experience Ashanti heritage, timing your visit with a festival makes all the difference.

→ 🔗 Discover Festivals in Ashanti

Use our Festival Calendar by Month to find events happening during your travel dates. Signature highlights include:

Akwasidae Festival – held every 6 weeks at the Manhyia Palace
Yaa Asantewaa Festival – an annual tribute to Ghana’s iconic warrior queen

These events offer rare access to Ashanti royal traditions — think golden stools, ancestral libations, talking drums, and regal processions.

Suggested Day Tours in the Ashanti Region

Local Tips And Cultural Experience

Greetings

Greet locals with “Maakye” (Good morning in Twi)

Dressing

Dress modestly when visiting palaces or sacred grounds

Food

Try Fufu with light soup or nkontomire at local chop bars

Visiting

Visit cultural centres early — they close before 5 PM Always ask before photographing royal guards or shrines

Local Tips And Cultural Experience

By Air: 45-min flight from Accra to Kumasi International Airport
By Road: 5–6 hour drive from Accra (private car, STC, or VIP buses)
Getting Around: Local taxis, Uber/Bolt in Kumasi, car hire for rural areas

Where to Stay - Hotels In Kumasi

Whether you’re here for a quick cultural immersion or a festival weekend, location matters. These hand-picked stays are not only traveler-approved — they’re also close to major tourist sites like Manhyia Palace, Kejetia Market, and the Kumasi Cultural Centre.

Golden Tulip Kumasi City – ★★★★☆

Golden Tulip Kumasi City – ★★★★☆

5 mins to Manhyia Palace Upscale comfort in the city center. Features spacious rooms, a pool, on-site dining, and proximity to key landmarks.

Veronique Heights – ★★★★☆

Veronique Heights – ★★★★☆

Near Tech Junction, ~15 mins to Manhyia Palace A stylish, modern hotel with well-appointed rooms, a rooftop restaurant, and conference facilities. Known for its clean design and great hospitality, it’s a favorite among both local and diaspora travelers.

Paradise Resort – ★★★☆☆

Paradise Resort – ★★★☆☆

45 mins outside Kumasi, by Lake Bosomtwe If you're looking to unwind after exploring Kumasi, this lakeside resort offers peaceful views, canoe rides, and eco-style rooms right by the water.

Where to Eat in Ashanti Region

Ike’s Café & Grill (Cultural Centre)

Cuisine: Ghanaian & Continental Why go: Set within the Cultural Centre, this local favorite offers live music, vibrant ambiance, and dishes like fresh fish while you dine by a pond

Ike’s Café & Grill (Cultural Centre)

Starbites Asokwa

Cuisine: Ghanaian specialties, grab-n-go Why go: A high-energy spot frequently mentioned in top local lists, ideal for quick and satisfying Ghanaian bites

Starbites Asokwa

The View Bar & Grill

Cuisine: Grills & Continental fare Why go: Offers panoramic views of Kumasi, great for cocktails and upscale dinners . Best for: Sunset dinners or casual business gatherings.

The View Bar & Grill

Tasty Queen

Cuisine: Local Ghanaian Why go: Quick bites of authentic local pastries and meals, consistently praised by locals Best for: Budget-friendly, local-style meals.

Get the Ashanti Region Travel Guide (Free PDF)

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Top attractions
Travel tips
Local festivals
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