Listing Kumasi in my Ancient towns in Ghana article, it was worth it. Honestly, the Ashanti region is so far one of the pure traditional historical sites in Ghana.
Authorities sometimes have to go to extremities to protect their riches when your Region is considered a piece of art or precious history, therefore it’s no surprise Ashanti Region still has some of the country’s best historical sites. It’s not like they’re going to abandon their cultural riches tomorrow. Some visitors are still shocked that Ashanti Region is not the capital of Ghana.
Wait! Before embarking on a historical sites trips, Mrpocu.com recommends beginning your tour in the Ashanti Region to discover more about Ghana’s past. These are the top ten Historical sites in Ashanti Region, ranging from architectural marvels to major historical landmarks.
Historical Sites In Ashanti Region
Manhyia Palace
Asantehene, the Asante kingdom’s supreme leader, had his seat of power at this palace. It is located in Kumasi, the Ashanti Region’s capital. The Ashantis built the palace first, and it was so beautiful and grand that the British were taken aback by its size when they first saw it. There were many rows of books written in various languages throughout the palace. But that didn’t stop the British from demolishing it during the Golden Stool War. It was reconstructed by the British themselves in 1925.
Manhyia Palace Museum
Without a question, the Ashanti kingdom is Ghana’s largest and most powerful kingdom. It’s an African place steeped in history. The Manhyia Palace Museum is a historically significant landmark in the Ashanti Region and one of Ghana’s most popular tourist destinations. The museum has various historical relics on display, including royal regalia, photos, medals, furniture, drums, and palanquins, many of which date back over 200 years. Many historical artifacts, including a war outfit from the year 1900. The Manhyia Palace Museum is one of Ghana’s most popular tourist attractions for learning about Africa’s slavery history. The museum is open to both domestic and international visitors.
Bonwire Kente Weaving Village
It is common knowledge that Africans spend a significant portion of their income on fashion, and Ghana is no different. Kente, for example, is a fabric that Ghanaians make and wear for important occasions and festivities.
Weaving may be dated back to 3000BC in Africa, and it has since progressed, improved, and evolved into what we have today. Kente is a fabric that originated in the Asante kingdom around the 17th century and is currently worn throughout Ghana and beyond.
According to legend, a spider taught Ota Karaban and his friend Kwaku everything they knew about weaving. They informed a chief in Bonwire about their expense, who then informed the Asantehene, the Asante kingdom’s supreme chief. This Asantehene later adopted this fabric into their culture, and it is still worn on certain occasions today. Kente is the name of the cloth.
Ntonso Adinkra Craft Village
Ntonso Adinkra craft village is a small community in Kwabre East Municipality, just a few kilometers from Kumasi, Ghana’s capital. The impoverished ancient town is supposed to be home to Adinkra symbols, Ghana’s most symbolic art pieces that impart wisdom-filled teachings.
If you’re not familiar with Adinkra, it’s a collection of unique artistic symbols that express unique stories in Ghanaian culture, notably in Akan communities like Asante and Akyems.
The symbols, which come in a variety of shapes and drawings, all include one-of-a-kind words of wisdom and advice designed to teach people about wisdom, unity, fairness, and socially acceptable behavior.
These symbols are painstakingly weaved into Kente materials in Ntonso Adinkra craft village, giving the town’s indigenous Kente materials a new dimension. The town has grown recognized throughout the years for its unique ability to incorporate numerous adinkra symbols onto Kente material and even engrave these motifs on key structures like stools and royal buildings. Read more about Ntonso Adinkra Craft Village
Lake Bosomtwe
The lake was formed when an ancient meteorite hit in the Ashanti Region. A hunter is supposed to have discovered the lake after chasing an antelope into it. The lake is thought to have taken the antelope in an attempt to save it from the hunter. That is why the lake is still known as Antelope God Lake. The Ashanti see the lake as sacred because of its history. The settlements that surround the lake are home to over 70,000 people.
Lake Bosomtwe is Ghana’s sole natural lake. The ecosystems of the lake include forest, wetland, and mountain environments. Jump into a cannon and ride with a local fisherman to make your visit memorable. The lake is one of the most popular historical sites in Ashanti Region.
Bobiri Butterfly Sanctuary
The location is as lovely as the butterflies that have made it their home. The location also has an arboretum and woodland hiking routes in addition to the butterfly sanctuary. The butterfly sanctuary is home to hundreds of different butterfly species, the majority of which are visible during the day. Many rare tree species can be found in the rainforest, providing a cool place for individuals to relax.
Okomfo Anokye Sword Museum
With a 333-year-old sword jammed in the rockface, Okomfo Anokye is still the best Fetish priest in history. The Okomfo Anokye Sword Museum is one of the most important relics and legends from the Ashanti kingdom’s long history. It is situated on the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital grounds. The sword ground is a great place to learn about the Ashanti Kingdom’s beginnings. It is one of the top tourist attractions in the Ashanti Region. Arguably one of the top historical sites in Ashanti Region.
Prempeh Jubilee Museum
Once every half hour, guided tours of their exhibitions section are given from the museum lobby. You are more than welcome to do the same with your tour. Come explore the world of modern art in a clean, welcoming environment. Even if it is modest, you will appreciate the experience.
Kumasi Cultural Center
The National Cultural Center is one of Ghana’s most popular tourist destinations, located in Kumasi, the capital of the Ashanti region. The Center is widely regarded as a showcase of Ghanaian culture. It has received numerous honors and is well-maintained, making it a must-see attraction in the Ashanti Region. The Center is the home of the nation’s cultural heritage and houses important materials and items.
Armed Force Museum
One of Africa’s few military museums is the Military Museum. It is located in Kumasi’s Uaddara Barracks. The fort is within walking distance of the Prempeh Museum, Kumasi Cultural Centre, Kumasi Zoo, and Kumasi Central Market. In 1953, the Ghana Armed Forces Museum was established. It was past time for Ghana’s colonial masters to enable it to function as a historical center where Ashanti and Ghana’s military history and might could be learned.