Ashanti Region
Kumasi & Ashanti
Ashanti capital of markets, palaces and living craft.
Why go to Kumasi & Ashanti
Kumasi is Ghana's second city and the cultural heart of Asante: royal history at Manhyia, one of West Africa's largest markets at Kejetia, and craft villages within an hour of town. It suits travellers who want texture and history more than beaches, and who like a city that isn't built around tourists.
Getting there
STC, VIP and OA buses run Accra to Kumasi in 5-6 hours on a good day, and seven hours happens when the road is heavy. Domestic flights from Accra take about 45 minutes, which is worth it if your time is short. From Tamale, buses take 6-8 hours.
Getting around
Uber and Bolt work well in central Kumasi and are the easiest option; taxis are plentiful but agree the fare first. Tro-tros from Kejetia and Adum reach most of the city cheaply. For the craft villages at Bonwire, Ntonso and Ahwiaa, hire a car for the day.
Local tips
- Kejetia Market is enormous and easy to get lost in; go with a local if you can, keep your bag in front and don't carry more cash than you plan to spend.
- Manhyia Palace Museum tours run to a schedule and close for traditional events; check the day before rather than turning up.
- Bonwire kente weaving and Ntonso adinkra cloth are working villages, not staged shows. Buy directly from the workshops.
- Sunday is quiet in the commercial centre but busy at churches; plan market and craft visits for weekdays.
