The area

Kumasi (historically spelled Coomassie) is a city in southern central Ghana’s Ashanti region. It is located near Lake Bosomtwe, in the Rain Forest Region. Kumasi is approx. 300 miles (480 km) north of the Equator and 100 miles north of the Gulf of Guinea. It is popularly known as “Garden City” or “heart beat” of Ghana because of its many beautiful species of flowers and plants. There are loads of things to see and do in Kumasi.

History

The City rose to prominence in 1695 when it became capital of the Ashanti Confederacy. Its ruler was Osei Tutu. The ruler of Kumasi was the Asantehene and was also the ruler of the Confederacy. After victory over the Denkyira, the Asante became the primary state among the Twi speaking Akan peoples.

Part of the city was destroyed including the Royal Palace by British troops in 1874 during the Anglo-Asanti War. It remains a royal city, although since independence in 1957, the role of king has been mainly symbolic. The city holds an important place in the history of the Asanti people, as legend claims that it was here Okomfo Anokye received the Golden stool, an embodiment of the soul of the Asanti nation.

Population

Kumasi is the second largest city in Ghana, with over 1.5 million people. The city is a mix of urban and a laid back atmosphere, especially on the outskirts of the city. Twi is the main language in Kumasi. However as in the rest of Ghana, English is widely spoken.

Food

The staple of Ghanaian meal is a dough ball made from mashed corn, cassava, yam or plantain. The different varieties are called banku, fufu and kenke, accompanied by palm nut soup with meat or fish.

Gold has been mined in the area making Kumasi one of the wealthier cities in Ghana. The city’s major exports are hardwood and cocoa. Kumasi has 50% of the timber industry in Ghana.

Weather

The climate in Kumasi features a tropical wet and dry climate, with constant temperatures throughout the year. Kumasi has more rain than Accra The city almost features two different rainy seasons, a longer rainy season from March through July and a shorter rainy season from September to November. From February to November is one long wet season. Similar to the rest of West Africa, Kumasi experiences the harmattan during the “low sun” months. Lasting from December to February, the harmattan is the primary source of the city’s dry season.