Kumasi the Home of the Ashanti Tribe

Kumasi is the ancient and traditional capital of the Ashanti tribe of the Akan speaking people. It is considered to be the heart of Ghana, and has a population of 2,5 million. One Sunday out of every six in the traditional 42-day Akan month, Kumasi throws a colorful celebration capping off a three day religious festival. This is when the Ashanti people pay homage to their ancestors and current chiefs with greetings, songs, dances and gifts.

On the first two days of the Akwasidae festival, the celebrations are private. On the third day, visitors are welcome to join in, and the revelers pull out all the stops. During the Akwasidae festival visitor can see many Ghanaians clad in kente cloth. The kente cloths are woven garments with hundreds of designs and colors, the cloths have communication symbolism. The Ashanti tend to bring out their scared objects, for the duration of the festivities, among them the golden stool that is the royal throne. They display them and follow the Asantehene which is their king, in a procession that includes ritual sword bearers, guards, and subordinates carrying immense umbrellas and ostrich feather fans. Tourists must visit the Kumasi Manhyia Palace Musuem and check the royal regalia, including the massive gold ornaments similar to those worn by the king and his court.

Ashanti funerals are not as rigidly scheduled like the Akwasidea festival, but can be almost as spectacular. There are mainly held on Saturday, when people are not working, and are major social events, more elaborate than weddings. Depending on the social status of the deceased, they can be held anywhere from homes to football stadiums, often the funerals take place years after the death and can go for as long as three days. The members of the deceased’s family wear red clothing and stain in a line to receive gifts and condolences from the attendees, who must be in black garments. Far from somber, it is a fare-well party for the spirit, filled with music, drinking and dancing.

The city of Kumasi, doesn’t have many hotels, restaurants and bars but still can accommodate visitors. Tourist can call Ghana authorities from any post office. Still many visitors purchase phone cards to call Ghana authorities from street phone booths as well.