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Ashanti
Region |
The Ashanti Region of Ghana is a Kingdom of gold, history
and culture. Occupying a central portion of modern Ghana, the region
is the hub of the ancient kingdom of Asante, and still the heartland
for all Asante, wherever they may now be.
A visit to Ashanti must include Kumasi. Kumasi boasts the largest
open air market in West Africa at Kejetia, and the city is ringed
by villages famous for their artisans and handicrafts. Tourists
should always remember that bargaining is part of the tradition
of trading in Ghana.
Ashanti
is also one of the most beautiful regions of Ghana, with unspoilt natural attractions.
For birdwatchers both the Owabi Wildlife sanctuary (an important wetlands) and
the crater Lake Bosomtwi are well worth a visit, while walkers will love the Bobiri
Forest Reserve and its arboretum, the Bomfobiri Wildlife Sanctuary with its seasonal
waterfall and the hills around Lake Bosomtwi. Forest wildlife, including monkeys,
buck and clouds of butterflies can be seen all over the region.
To discover the traditional heartland of Ghana, a visit to Ashanti
is a must.
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Attractions
and Excursions in the Ashanti Region |
Kumasi and the Asante heritage
Kumasi is the capital of the Asante Kingdom and the local highlights
are:
- Manhyia
Palace Museum
- Centre for National Culture
- The Prempeh II Jubilee Museum
- Kumasi
Fort and Military Museum
- Okomfo Anokye Sword
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The Akwasidae Ceremony
- Kejetia Market
- Kumasi Zoo
- Traditional
street sculptures
- University of Science
and Technology
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The Crafts of the Asante
The crafts villages surrounding
Kumasi include:
- Bonwire - 18km NE of Kumasi -
Kente weaving
- Pankronu - 3km N of Kumasi - pottery
- Ahwiaa - 6km N of Kumasi - wood
carvings
- Ntonsu - Adinkra cloth making
- Asuofia/Asamang - Barakese road
- beadmaking
- Ampabame Krofrom - 10km from Ahodwo
- brass smiths Goldsmiths and silversmiths can be seen
in Kumasi.
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The Natural Attractions of
Ashanti
The Ashanti Region is a great area in which to explore unspoilt
natural attractions. For birds and butterflies the forests are
the place to go, while wildlife can be spotted around the lakes
and in the nature reserves. The following locations are great
for trekking, or just rewarding forest walks:
- · Lake Bosomtwi - 35km S of Kumasi
- Bobiri Forest Reserve 35km SE
of Kumasi
- Owabi wildlife sanctuary - 23km
NW of Kumasi
- Bomfobiri Wildlife Sanctuary -
50km from Kumasi
- Digya National Park - From Kumawu
to Atebubu
- Atwia Rock Formations - 40km from
Kumasi
- Mframabuom Caves - Kwamang, 55km
from Kumasi
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Obuasi Gold Mines
For details of visits to the Ashanti Gold Mine- available
on Tuesdays- Thursdays- contact the P.R. Manager on (0582- 494)
The Cultural Attractions of the
Asante
The traditional culture of the people is one of the attractions
of the Ashanti Region. Important illustrations can be discovered
at:
- Asantemanso
Village
- Kumawu
Town
- Kentinkronu Shrine
- Adarko
Jachie Shrine
- Ejisu Besease Shrine
- Statues of Kumasi
- Patakro
Shrine
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