Kumasi: Where Culture Runs Deep
Kumasi is not just Ghana's second city — it is the spiritual and cultural capital of the Ashanti people, one of the most celebrated civilisations in African history. Visiting Kumasi is a completely different experience from Accra: the pace is slower, the kente cloth is everywhere, and the city's pride in its royal heritage is palpable.
Top Things to Do in Kumasi
Manhyia Palace Museum
The official seat of the Asantehene (Ashanti King) is one of Ghana's most visited attractions. The museum chronicles Ashanti history from the founding of the kingdom through colonisation and independence. Guided tours run daily and are deeply informative.
Kejetia Market
West Africa's largest market is a city within a city. You could spend an entire day exploring its labyrinthine corridors and still not cover everything. Kente cloth, Adinkra symbols, gold weights, and street food are the highlights. Hire a guide — navigating alone is genuinely challenging.
Okomfo Anokye Sword Site
According to Ashanti tradition, this sacred sword was plunged into the earth by the great priest Okomfo Anokye when he called the Golden Stool down from the heavens. The sword has never been moved. It sits in the grounds of a hospital, a surreal but fascinating combination of modern medicine and ancient legend.
Kumasi Cultural Centre
The best place to buy authentic Ghanaian crafts at fair prices. Workshops here produce kente cloth, woodcarvings, and brass castings using traditional methods.
Where to Stay in Kumasi
Luxury: Golden Tulip Kumasi City — the city's premier business hotel with a rooftop bar and excellent conference facilities.
Mid-range: Miklin Hotel — great value, clean rooms, and a popular Sunday brunch.
Budget: City Centre Hotel — no frills but well-located and reliably clean.
Getting to Kumasi from Accra
The fastest option is a domestic flight (50 minutes) — search and book on BookingInGH.com. The bus from Accra's Neoplan STC terminal takes 4–6 hours but is comfortable and significantly cheaper. Shared taxis to Kumasi depart from Accra's Tema Station.
Kumasi Food Scene
Fufu and light soup is almost obligatory on a Kumasi visit. The city's chop bars serve arguably the best version in Ghana. For grilled tilapia, head to the banks of the Owabi River in the evening — a genuine local institution.
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