Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
THE CENTRE
TOP OF CHAPTER
Kumasi
POP 1.98 MILLION
Once the capital of the rich and powerful Ashanti kingdom, Ghana's second city is still
dripping with Ashanti traditions. Its heart, the huge Kejetia market, throbs like a traditional
talking drum and its wares spill into the city so that no matter where you are in Kumasi, it
sometimes feels like one enormous marketplace.
Kumasi has some interesting sights but the city's constant traffic congestion can be op-
pressive. Consider staying at Lake Bosumtwe, a gorgeous spot just one hour from Kumasi,
and visiting Kumasi as a day trip.
If you're coming from Accra or Tamale, you might feel a pleasant drop in temperature.
Sights & Activities
Kejetia Market
MARKET
From afar, the Kejetia Market looks like an alien mothership landed in the centre of Ku-
masi. Closer up, the rusting tin roofs of this huge market (often cited as the largest in West
Africa; there are 11,000 stalls and at least four times as many people working there) look
like a circular shantytown. Inside, the throbbing Kejetia is quite disorienting but utterly
captivating.
There are foodstuffs, secondhand shoes, clothes, plastic knick-knacks, glass beads, kente
strips, Ashanti sandals, batik, bracelets and more.
Wandering around the market by yourself is absolutely fine: few tourists come here and
shopkeepers will be pleasantly surprised to see you. Alternatively, go with a guide, who not
only knows his or her way around but can also explain the more obscure trades and goods,
and help you bargain and meet stallholders. Allow about C10 for a two-hour tour; contact
the Ghana Tourist Authority or your hotel for recommendations.
