Ashanti Region

Description

The Ashanti Region is located in south Ghana and it is the third largest of 16 administrative regions, occupying a total land surface of 24,389 km2 (9,417 sq mi) or 10.2 percent of the total land area of Ghana. In terms of population, however, it is the most populated region with a population of 4,780,380 according to the 2011 census, accounting for 19.4% of Ghana's total population. The Ashanti Region is known for its major gold bar and cocoa production. The largest city and regional capital is Kumasi. The Ashanti Region is centrally located in the middle belt of Ghana. It lies between longitudes 0.15W and 2.25W, and latitudes 5.50N and 7.46N. The region shares boundaries with six of the sixteen political regions, Bono, Bono East and Ahafo Regions in the north, Eastern region in the east, Central region in the south and Western region in the South west. The region is divided into 27 districts, each headed by a District Chief Executive. Parks Bobiri Forest Butterfly Sanctuary Bomfobiri Wildlife Sanctuary Digya National Park Kogyae Strict Nature Reserve Owabi Forest Reserve and Bird Sanctuary Recreation areas Centre for National Culture Rattray Park Historic sites Komfo Anokye Sword site Manhyia Palace Museum Kumasi Fort and Military Museum Armed Forces Museum The Prempeh II Jubilee Museum The Asante Traditional Buildings Yaa Asantewaa Museum Festivals Young drummers at Bomeng. Several festivals are celebrated in the region, the major ones being the Akwasidae and Adae Kese. These are religious festivals celebrated by some members of the Akan ethnic group of which the Ashanti belong. The festivals are celebrated to remember past leaders and heroes. Though they are dead, their spirits are believed to be alive and taking interest in the affairs of the living, watching their actions, and consulting with them during the Adae festival. Papa Festival Kente Festival Yaa Asantewaa Festival Mmoa Nni Nko Festival Nkyidwo Festival Other tourist attractions Farmers Day in Ashanti Region Kejetia Market Patakro shrine Adinkra cloth printing in Ntonso Adanwomase Kente Village Bonwire Kente Village Ahwiaa Woodcarving Village