About
Kumasi is the second-largest city in Ghana and lies in the Ashanti Region of West Africa. It was once the capital of the Ashanti Kingdom, and that history still shapes the city today, from its cultural life to the way its markets and trade have grown.
What a visit offers
Kumasi is best suited to travellers interested in culture and heritage. The city is known for its rich traditions, and a visit gives a sense of the Ashanti Kingdom's long role in the region. Its traditional gold trade is part of that story, and visitors interested in commerce and craft will find it a distinctive aspect of the city.
Around the city
As a large urban centre, Kumasi is a place to wander at a slower pace. Plan your days around what interests you most:
- Cultural heritage, reflecting the city's past as the Ashanti capital
- Traditional trade, including the gold trade for which the city is known
- City life, as the second-largest urban centre in Ghana
Because Kumasi is a major city rather than a small town, getting around may take some planning, and it is worth checking current travel arrangements and local guidance before you set out.
Is it worth the trip?
If you want to understand Ghana beyond its coast, Kumasi offers a deep connection to Ashanti history and everyday cultural life. It suits visitors who enjoy learning about a city's heritage and who want to see how tradition and modern city life sit side by side.