The Ashanti Region is located in the southern part of Ghana and is the third largest of 16 administrative regions , occupying a total land surface of 24,389 km (9,417 sq mi) and making up 10.2 percent of the total land area of Ghana. It is the most populated region in Ghana, with a population of 5,440,463 according to the 2021 census, accounting for around one-sixth of Ghana's total population. The Ashanti Region is known for its gold bar and cocoa production. The largest city and capital of Ashanti is Kumasi .
58-505: Sekyere Kumawu District is one of the forty-three districts in Ashanti Region , Ghana . Originally it was part of the then-larger Sekyere East District , which was created from the former Sekyere District Council. Later, a large portion of the district was split off to create the 1st Sekyere Afram Plains District on 1 November 2007 (inaugurated on 29 February 2008), with Kumawu as its capital town. However on 28 June 2012,
116-508: A District Chief Executive. The economy of the Ashanti Region is largely self-sufficient, dominated by the service sector , agriculture sector , as well as by natural resources . The region is also known for its production of manganese , bauxite and agricultural commodities such as cocoa and yam , with the region having low levels of taxation and without much need for foreign direct investment . The center of population in
174-508: A Kum tree. Other traditions indicate that Oti built Kwaman and it was his son Nana Obiri Yeboa who created Kumasi instead. The majority of oral sources attribute the choice of site to Okomfo Anokye who was said to have planted two Kum seeds; one in Kwaman and another in Kumawu as he decreed that the one which grew would be designated as the capital of Osei Tutu’s empire. Kumasi was built over
232-493: A buffer of 100 feet (30 metres) along water bodies." Kumasi has a tropical savanna climate ( Köppen climate classification Aw ), with two distinct rainy seasons, major and minor. The major season usually occurs from March to July whilst the minor season is from September to November. The annual rainfall clocks in at around 1,200 mm (3.9 ft) while the relative humidity ranges around 53% to 93%. The average monthly mean temperatures are around 31 °C (88 °F) while
290-879: A host of other public secondary schools, as well as their private counterparts in the city. The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology , Kumasi (formerly the Kumasi College of Technology) is the biggest university in the Ashanti Region and the first biggest in Ghana followed by the University of Ghana . Former Secretary-General of the United Nations , Kofi Annan attended this institution. A number of other public and private universities and tertiary institutions have since been founded in Kumasi, some of which are listed below. The local football team,
348-648: A land area of 214.3 km (2.307 × 10 sq ft) and is elevated 250 to 300 mm (0.82 to 0.98 ft) above sea level. The metropolitan bordered the Kwabre East Municipal District and Afigya Kwabre North District to the north, the Atwima Kwanwoma District and Atwima Nwabiagya Municipal District to the west, the Ejisu Municipal District and Asokore Mampong Municipal District towards
406-589: A total of 2545 educational institutions in Kumasi, consisting of 919 pre-schools, 967 primary schools, 597 junior high schools, 52 senior high schools and 10 tertiary (post-secondary education) institutions as of the 2010 census. There are elite all-boys and all-girls senior high schools such as Prempeh College , Kumasi High School , T I Ahmadiyya School, Opoku Ware School , Yaa Asantewaa Girls' Senior High School and St. Louis Senior High School in Kumasi. There are also many elite mixed senior high schools such as Kumasi Academy and Anglican Senior High School , and
464-428: A total of 55 Kindergartens, 55 Primary Schools, 45 Junior High Schools and 4 Senior High Schools. Also is a Vocational Technical School. There are 2 Tertiary Institutions and 3 Libraries. 6°55′N 1°17′W / 6.917°N 1.283°W / 6.917; -1.283 This Ashanti Region location article is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Ashanti Region The Ashanti Region
522-443: Is a major energy source and contributor to electricity generation in the city. Other popular forms of power include flashlights , candles, gas lamps , and kerosene lamps . Much of the shopping and trading activity in the city takes place at Kumasi's shopping streets, in and around Kejetia Market and Adum . These two areas border each other. There is also heavy economic activities at Bantama and Asafo . Asafo in particular
580-417: Is a rapidly growing industry appealing to those who lack access to education but have a passion for acting. The industry mainly focuses on local storylines, along with being set in village surroundings usually on a low budget ranging from $ 6,860 to $ 11,440, sharing similarities with Wakaliwood . The films are spoken in the local language, which is Twi . The first documented movie theatre to open in Kumasi
638-520: Is administered by a Chief Executive and Member of Parliament representing the central government, but deriving authority from an Assembly headed by a presiding member elected by the other members of the Assembly. Afterwards, the MMDAs were increased from 10 to 18 in 1988; from 18 to 21 in 2004; from 21 to 27 in 2008; from 27 to 30 in 2012; and from 30 to 43 in 2018. The current list of Members of Parliament
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#1732776796842696-647: Is also due to the abundant of gardens and forestry in the city. Kumasi is a commercial, economic, and trading hub in Ghana, home to the biggest market in West Africa : the Kejetia Market . The city is the centre of Asante culture, hence also being nicknamed "Osei-Krom" or simply "Oseikrom", along with attracting many visitors. The city is also home to numerous trade associations, such as the Aboabo Talia Producers’ Association. Half of
754-781: Is also home to the Kumasi Zoo , also known as the Kumasi Zoological Garden, located at the heart of the city. It is operated by the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission of Ghana. The conditions of the zoo's facilities are poor and are in despair need for repair, according to locals. Kumasi is served by the Prempeh I International Airport . As of May 2020, two airlines offered regularly scheduled flights to Accra . Airlines servicing
812-452: Is also split up into 5 health districts: Asokwa, Subin, Bantama, Manhyia North and Manhyia South. The population of the city of Kumasi is 443,981 people while the population of the metropolitan area is 3,490,030 people. One out of every five people in Kumasi are Christian, followed by Islam and traditional African religions . The largest ethnic group in the city is the Asante , followed by
870-567: Is as follows: The following is a list of potential points of interest in the Ashanti Region: Kumasi Kumasi is a city and the capital of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly and the Ashanti Region of Ghana. It is the second largest city in the country, with a population of 443,981 as of the 2021 census. Kumasi is located in a rain forest region near Lake Bosomtwe and
928-484: Is home to numerous recreational parks and gardens which are open to the public, with the per capita green spaces around 4.7 square metres (51 sq ft). Some major parks are Abbey's Park, Jackson's Park, Hero's Park, located on the same premises as the Baba Yara Sports Stadium , and Rattray Park . Although, the state of most of these parks are poor at best and are barely maintained. The city
986-486: Is located about 200 kilometres (120 mi) from Accra . The city experiences a tropical savanna climate , with two rainy reasons which range from minor to major. Major ethnic groups who lived in Kumasi are the Asante , Mole-Dagbon and Ewe . The current mayor of the metropolitan is Samuel Pyne . The city was the capital of the Asante Empire , which at its peak covered large parts of present day Ghana and
1044-448: Is located in and administrated by has a mayor–council form of government . The mayor (executive chief) is appointed president of Ghana and approved by the city council, the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly . As of 2021, the current mayor of the metropolitan is Samuel Pyne. The metro is split up into 10 sub-metropolitan areas: Manhyia, Tafo , Suame , Asokwa , Oforikrom , Asawase , Bantama , Kwadaso , Nhyiaeso and Subin . The metro
1102-700: Is located in the middle belt of Ghana. It lies between longitudes 0.15W and 2.25W as well as latitudes 5.50N and 7.46N. The region shares boundaries with six of the sixteen political regions: the Bono , Bono East , and Ahafo in the north, the Eastern Region in the east, the Central Region in the south, and the Western Region in the South west. The region is divided into 43 districts, each headed by
1160-573: Is the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital , which is located on a hill that overlooks the city. It is a 750-bed facility and is the second largest hospital in the country. The hospital opened in 1954 and was initially named Kumasi Central hospital. Nurses Training College and the Midwifery Training School, both built around the 40s and 50s, became a part of the hospital upon its completion, eventually becoming
1218-635: Is the printing hub of Kumasi. Most of the printing done in Kumasi and Ashanti Region as a whole is done at Asafo. Kumasi's Ahwiaa (a sub-town in Kumasi) is also well noted for its wood carvings and arts. Street hawking is a popular and ever-increasing economic employer in Kumasi, with a 2013 report finding that it appealed to people who lack formal education or the proper financial status to go into other economic activities. Common things that traders sell include water, bread, chocolate, plantain chips , chewing gum , books, puppies and many more. There are
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#17327767968421276-407: Is usually an one-storey building containing of single rooms surrounding a square courtyard. They are usually built using low-cost construction materials and by local labour. A 1996 study found that approximately 20% of home owners actually own their homes and more than 60% are migrants, either foreign or from other parts of Ghana. Although Kumasi does not have a mayor on its own, the metropolitan it
1334-698: The Asante Kotoko , has won several national and continental trophies and awards, and serves as a rival to the Accra-based Hearts of Oak . Their Kumasi Sports Stadium , also known as Baba Yara Stadium , was built in 1959, renovated in 1978, and again in 2007 with a seating capacity of 40,000. The city is also the home of the King Faisal Football Club , a premier division side. There is the Royal Golf Club which has
1392-493: The Asantehene as president. Former Leeds United and Ghana national football team footballer Tony Yeboah and professional wrestler Kofi Kingston were born in Kumasi, by the real name Kofi Sarkodie-Mensah. The parents of Israeli Olympic sprinter, and 2022 World U20 Champion, Blessing Afrifah are from Kumasi. The city is home to 136 health facilities, most of which are privately owned. The biggest hospital in Kumasi
1450-610: The Asantehene 's Palace (built in 1972), and the Manhyia Palace, dating from 1925, now a museum. Media in Kumasi, along with the metropolitan, is regulated by the Public Relations Unit of the Kumasi Metropolitan. In total, there are 36 media outlets in the metro, of this are 4 television organizations, 20 FM stations, and 13 print media organizations. Film in Kumasi, nicknamed " Kumawood ",
1508-627: The Ashantis . In 1718–19, Aowin King Ebirimoro invaded Kumasi and sacked the capital. Asantehene Opoku Ware I was able to "beat back" this invasion. European sources in the late 19th century mentioned the city's neatness such as the account of F. Boyle in 1874 who stated that Kumasi's smells "are never those of sewage" as well as Brackenbury, who wrote around 1873 that "the streets are generally very broad and clean, and ornamented with many beautiful banyan-trees affording grateful shade from
1566-582: The British destruction in 1874 and the Ashanti civil war before 1888. Kumasi was a great disappointment to me, and my disappointment increased as I walked round and examined the town. It was not merely that so little existed, but that so much had been destroyed. As it stands, or then stood, the town was nothing more than a large clearing in the forest, over which were scattered, somewhat irregularly, groups of houses. The paths were dirty and ill kept, and between
1624-462: The Ivory Coast . After getting taken over by the British in 1896, Kumasi rapidly grew with improvements to infrastructure, such as roads and the additions of railways. After Ghana got its independance in 1957, the city became the capital of the Ashanti Region. The city is often regarded as "The Garden City" after Maxwell Fry released his 1945 “Garden City of West Africa” plan for the city. It
1682-696: The Kejetia Market , homed to over 10,000 stores and stalls. Places with cultural background(s) in the city include Fort Kumasi (built by in 1896 to replace an Asante fort and now a museum) and the Kumasi Hat Museum. Royal Asante attractions include the Centre for National Culture, Kumasi (including the Prempeh II Jubilee Museum with Asante regalia with a reproduction of the golden stool), the Okomfo Anokye Sword ,
1740-546: The Kumasi Nurses and Midwifery Training School . The city is also home to a hospital, the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, which started construction in 2008 and was completed in 2023. The majority of the places of worship in Kumasi are Christian churches and temples. Places of worship in the city are as followed: Methodist Church , Presbyterian Church of Ghana , Church of
1798-528: The Mole-Dagbon and Ewe people. Most of the population was born outside of the municipality, with about half being born outside the region. Kumasi is the centre of Asante culture, helping it to be nicknamed "Osei-Krom" or simply "Oseikrom". Kumasi is also known for its traditional textile , kente , usually always made using traditional practices. It is home to the largest market in West Africa,
Sekyere Kumawu (district) - Misplaced Pages Continue
1856-616: The N8 and N10 , both of which originate from Yemoransa in the Central Region . The N10 , is also connected to Kumasi . The Ashanti region has three public universities. In addition, there are private universities and colleges, which are spread throughout the region. Healthcare in the region is managed by the Ashanti Regional Health Directorate (RHD), which is headed by Dr. Emmanuel Tinkorang. Under
1914-675: The nationals of Ashanti and of the subsequent march to the coast. (She was the daughter of Hon. W. A. G. Young, C.M.G., former governor of the Gold Coast , and the wife of Sir Frederick Mitchell Hodgson , K.C.M.G., the governor of the Gold Coast in 1900. ) In 1926, following the return of the Ashanti King Prempeh I after 30-year in exile in Seychelles Island, Kumasi was vested with ceremonial control over
1972-525: The Afram Plains area of the district was split off to create the new Sekyere Afram Plains District , with Dobrosno as its capital town; while the remaining part has since then been officially renamed as Sekyere Kumawu District , with Kumawu as its capital town. The district assembly is located in the eastern part of Ashanti Region and has Kumawu as its capital town. As at 2014 the District had
2030-613: The Akan population is Ashanti . The Ashanti region is served by the Kumasi Airport , which handles domestic flights. Five national highways (the N4, N6, N8, N10 and N6) and a few regional highways, such as the R52 and R106, are located in the region. The N6 is connected to Kumasi , Nsawam, the N4, and Accra via Kwame Nkrumah Circle . Ashanti is also connected to the Central Region by
2088-584: The Ashanti Region is located in the Kumasi Metropolitan District . According to the 2000 census , the region had a population of 3,612,950, making it the most populous region of Ghana; however, its density (148.1 per square 1 km (0.62 mi)) is lower than that of Central the (162.2/km ) Region. The majority of the Ashanti Region's population is from the Akan ethnic group and is made up of citizens by birth (94.2%), whereas 5% are naturalized Ghanaians. A smaller proportion (5.8%) of
2146-481: The Ashanti sub-states. The full role of king was restored by the colonial administration in 1935. The city holds an important place in the history of the Ashanti people, as legend claims that it was here Okomfo Anokye received the golden stool , an embodiment of the soul of Ashanti nation. Kumasi is located in the Kumasi Metropolitan , one of more than thirty districts in the Ashanti Region. It covered
2204-523: The Government of Ghana announced the construction of a four level stack interchange in Suame . It is currently on its first phase, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2024. There is public transportation from Kumasi to major cities such as Accra ; Tamale , Mim, Ahafo ; Cape Coast , Sunyani ; Takoradi ; Tema ; Ho ; Wa ; Bolgatanga ; Elubo ; Aflao , Techiman . Public transport in
2262-524: The Muslim populations. The following is a selected list of radio stations and tv stations in Kumasi: Note: The numbers in front of the tv station indicates the logical channel number (LCN) The Ashanti Region accounted for 21% of total national output of Ghana in 2014, of which 48% was situated in the city of Kumasi alone. This makes the city an economic centre in the country. Much of
2320-759: The Province of West Africa , ( Anglican Communion ), Seventh-day Adventist Church Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana ( World Communion of Reformed Churches ), Christ Apostolic Church International (which was the first Pentecostal church in Ghana) Ghana Baptist Convention ( Baptist World Alliance ), Lighthouse Chapel International , Church of Pentecost , Assemblies of God , and Catholic Church Archdiocese of Kumasi ( Catholic Church ). There are also Muslim mosques which include: Kumasi Central Mosque , Ahmadiyya mosque, Alhaj mosque, Kaase-Nhyiaeso mosque and Rahman mosque. The city
2378-627: The agency there are 43 smaller district health directorates managed by their respective district. There are about 1,654 health facilities in the region, mostly consisting of CHPS facilities and health centers. This is a list of the most popular hospitals in the Ashanti Region: The Ashanti Region is administered by a local government. Under its administrative system, the region is divided into 43 MMDAs (made up of 1 Metropolitan, 18 Municipal and 24 Ordinary Assemblies). Each District, Municipal, or Metropolitan Assembly
Sekyere Kumawu (district) - Misplaced Pages Continue
2436-688: The airport included Africa World Airlines and Passion Air . In 2013, the Government of Ghana approved expansion plans to the Kumasi Airport to service international flights into the region. The airport was renovated and completed by October 2022. The city is home to the Asokwa Interchange , an project which was a part of the Urban Environmental Sanitation Project Phase II . The by-pass is one of three interchanges in Kumasi. In 2021,
2494-432: The city is provided by transit buses , a mix of privately owned mini-buses known as tro-tros , taxicabs and buses. Tro-tros are usually converted mini-buses that run regular, well-known routes. Some taxis also run regular routes, which cost more but provide for a more comfortable ride. In 2002, the city introduced the metro bus services , a rapid transit system for public road transport in Kumasi ( MetroMass ). This
2552-400: The city's wealth is derived from being the middle point of many of Ghana's main roads, along with cacao farming in the hinterland . The main occupations in Kumasi are professional, such as services and manufacturing. Since the 1960, the city is home to many businesses, big and small, contributing to the city's economic growth. In fact, two-thirds of all non-household businesses in Ashanti
2610-541: The collapse of the railway corporation. A $ 6 billion project to upgrade the railways was due to get underway in 2011. Kumasi is located near the Boankra Inland Port , an inland port situated in the Ejisu Municipality . Construction at the port is situated into two phases, with phase one scheduled to be completed by the end of 2024. Once finish, over 7,000 people are expected to be employed at
2668-463: The country's timber processing takes place in the city. The Centre for National Culture, Wesley College of Education , and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital are all located in the city. Kumasi derived from the Twi word Kumase , meaning 'under the kum tree' in which kum meant 'the tree' and ase means 'under'. The word was the name of a Okum tree in Kwaman, planted by Okomfo Anokye . Kumasi
2726-681: The east and the Bosomtwe District to the south. Due to large amounts of encroachment , water pollution in the city is increasing, threatening rivers such as the Wiwi and the Subin. A 2024 report said that in the Kumasi Metropolitan, "more land alongside the rivers was being used for industrial, residential and commercial purposes than for green spaces." The researchers criticized that "city authorities were ineffective in controlling development in these areas" and recommended that "there should be
2784-518: The eastern slopes of a ridge , rising from the marshes of the Nsuben rivers. The city rose to prominence in 1695, when it became the capital of the Ashanti Empire due to the activities of its ruler, Osei Tutu . The ruler of Kumasi, known as the Asantehene , also served as the ruler of the empire. With their 1701 victory over Denkyira , the Ashanti empire became the primary state among
2842-615: The groups of houses large patches of waste ground intervened, and on these, amidst the tall, coarse grass that covered them, were to be seen the remains of houses that had once occupied them. These houses once stood in wide and regular streets, but since the destruction of the city in 1874 the natives do not seem to have had heart to rebuild them. Yet there remained some few vestiges to show what Kumasi had been in its palmy days... A few broad, well-kept streets still existed, lined by houses, [of] ... admirable construction, careful and artistic finish and excellent repair... Population of Kumasi during
2900-550: The monthly minimum temperatures are about 22 °C (72 °F). Historically, the city was planned based on traditional land settlement patterns and land use systems of the Asante Empire . Although this doesn't count as the city being 'formally' planned, it was considered to be well-organized with physical structures complying to the local culture and architecture. Some areas of Kumasi were declared as sacred. As well as being planned using traditional land settlement patterns, pre-colonial houses either did have streets or did not, and
2958-452: The ones that did had one were often narrow and were only used to get access neighbours houses. In the present time, Kumasi is described as having unregulated informal activities, overdevelopment of slums, rapid urban growth, and poor services. Housing types occupied by households in Kumasi (2010) Compound houses are the most popular style of housing in Kumasi, being able to house 8 to 15 households on average. A typical compound house
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#17327767968423016-491: The population originates from outside Ashanti, Akanland, or Ghana; 3.7 percent of the population of Ashanti was from one of the five English-speaking countries of ECOWAS and 2.1 percent was from other countries in Africa. The non-African population living in the region is 1.8 percent of the total population. Akans are the predominant ethnic group in the region, representing 94.2% of citizens by birth. A high proportion (82.9%) of
3074-536: The powerful rays of the sun." In contrast, William Butler described the city as 'a filthier, and far more blood-stained collection of mud and wattle hovels than any other village in the forest.' Parts of the city, including the then royal residence, were burnt by the British in the Third Anglo-Ashanti War of 1874. In 1888, R. Austin Freeman was disappointed with the ruins of Kumasi following
3132-466: The time of the Ashanti Empire varied. In the early 19th century, Ashanti sources estimated a populace of 100,000 while European sources gave a figure around 12–15,000. According to historian Ivor Wilks , the city may have had a population of 40,000 in the 1860s. Lady Mary Alice Hodgson, the first English lady to visit Ashanti, wrote "The Siege of Kumasi", an account of the siege of the fort by
3190-400: Was founded around 1680 or in the 1680s by Asantehene Osei Kofi Tutu I as the capital of the Ashanti Empire. Various accounts exist on the formation of the city. One states that Osei Tutu negotiated for the land under a Kum Tree. Hence, from which the name Kumasi derived from. Other oral sources state it was Nana Oti Akenten who negotiated with the chief of Tafo for a plot of land under
3248-400: Was in Kumasi. Kaase and Suame are known as heavily industrialized areas, being the home for many mechanic shops and businesses, such as Guinness Ghana Breweries and a Coca-Cola Bottling Company United branch. Nine out of every ten households are connected to the national electricity grid. Solar panels are prevalent in Kumasi and throughout the Ashanti region. Solar energy technology
3306-622: Was the Rex cinema, constructed in 1938. It was located at the Prempeh Assembly Hall, which was at the time one of the largest gathering places in the city. A second one was built in 1951, housed about 1,500 seats. These theatres were owned by the West African Picture Company, a Lebanese-owned business which operated in the Gold Coast, Nigeria , and London. Hindi films were popular among residents, more notably
3364-485: Was to reduce congestion on roads and to make a larger and more organized bus routine system in the city. In 2017, Uber introduced services in Kumasi, a year after a successful introduction in Accra. Kumasi is served by the railway lines to Sekondi-Takoradi and Accra. The train service has been suspended for several years because of damaged track, bridges and locomotives. Currently, no trains run to and from Kumasi due to
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