Kumasi is the Metropolitan district at the centre of the Ashanti Region of Ghana, and the regional capital. It is the seat of the Asantehene and the second largest city in the country. Kumasi Metropolitan recorded a population of 443,981 at the 2021 census.
The figure is smaller than the 728,634 counted in 2010 because the metropolis was divided in 2018. Bantama, Manhyia North, Manhyia South, Nhyiaeso and Subin were carved out as separate municipal districts, and each is now counted on its own. The wider built-up city extends well beyond the metropolitan boundary into those municipalities and the surrounding districts.
| Region | Ashanti |
|---|---|
| District capital | Kumasi |
| Status | Metropolitan District |
| Population (2021 census) | 443,981 |
| Population (2010 census) | 728,634, before the 2018 split |
Towns and Communities in Kumasi
This directory lists 50 towns, villages and settlements recorded in Kumasi, sorted alphabetically. It covers suburbs, quarters and outlying communities, so several of the names below are places of only a few hundred people.
- Abasi
- Aboabo
- Abrepo
- Abrepokese
- Adade
- Adeemmra
- Adumenu
- Agogo
- Ahensan
- Ahinsai
- Ahodwo
- Aketego
- Akyeremade
- Amakom
- Amanforom
- Amanfrom
- Ampabame
- Ampeyoo
- Anomannye
- Anwomaso
- Anyinam
- Apaso
- Apatrapa
- Apeadu
- Apere
- Apirabo
- Aprabon
- Apraprem
- Asago
- Asokwa
- Asukwa
- Asuoyeboa
- Atafua
- Atasomanso
- Atonsu
- Ayeduase
- Ayija
- Bantama
- Bebiri
- Behinase
- Benimasi
- Boadi
- Bohen
- Bomso
- Breman
- Buahwini
- Buokurom
- Kumasi
- New Tafo
- Tafo
Geography
Kumasi stands in the centre of the Ashanti Region, about 270 km north-west of Accra and roughly 250 m above sea level. The city grew up in forest country around Manhyia, the seat of the Asantehene, and it spread outwards along the trunk roads to Accra, Sunyani, Bibiani, Obuasi and Tamale. The Subin and Wiwi streams cross the built-up area.
The metropolis is ringed by districts that are now largely suburban. They include Asokore Mampong to the east, Atwima Nwabiagya to the west, Kwabre to the north and Atwima Kwanwoma to the south.
Economy and Local Life
Kumasi is the commercial centre of central Ghana. Kejetia and the adjoining Central Market form one of the largest markets in West Africa, trading foodstuffs, cloth, hardware and imported goods for buyers from across the country and from neighbouring states.
Suame Magazine, the artisan quarter, holds thousands of vehicle repair and metalwork shops and is a national centre for the trade. Timber processing, food processing, printing, brewing and construction all operate in the city. Kumasi is also a schooling and health hub, with a large university at Ayeduase, teaching hospital services and many senior high schools. Kente weaving and adinkra printing continue in the surrounding craft towns.
Asante Twi is the language of the city, though Kumasi’s markets and workshops draw traders and workers from every region of Ghana and from neighbouring countries. Manhyia Palace remains the seat of the Asantehene, and Akwasidae observances, funerals and football at the Baba Yara stadium are the city’s largest public gatherings.
Getting There
Kumasi is the road hub of the middle belt. Highways run to Accra, Takoradi, Sunyani, Techiman and Tamale, and intercity buses leave for all of them daily. The drive from Accra takes about five hours.
Kumasi International Airport at the north-east of the city carries daily flights to Accra. Within the metropolis, trotros and shared taxis work fixed routes from stations at Kejetia, Asafo, Adum and Alabar.
FAQ
Which region is Kumasi in?
Kumasi is in the Ashanti Region of Ghana and serves as the regional capital.
What is the population of Kumasi?
Kumasi Metropolitan recorded 443,981 people at the 2021 census. The 2010 count of 728,634 covered a larger area, before five municipal districts were carved out in 2018.
What is the capital of the Kumasi Metropolitan district?
Kumasi itself is the capital of the metropolis and of the Ashanti Region.
How many towns and communities are listed for Kumasi?
This page lists 50 towns, suburbs and communities in and around Kumasi.