With roots going back to the 17th century, Kumasi is the ancient capital of the Ashanti kingdom, the largest ethnic group in Ghana and one of the few matrilineal societies left in Africa . Today Kumasi is Ghana 's second largest city, with a population nearing 1.5 million – located in the south-central part of the country. Known as the “Garden City”, Kumasi is a commercial centre, famous for its arts and crafts. It features one of the largest markets in Africa and is the seat of the powerful Ashanti ( Asante ) Kingdom.

The Asante Kingdom

was founded by King Opemsuo Osei Tutu I (1695-1731) and his mystic friend and sage, Okomfo Anokye, who unified the Asante states through allegiance to a Golden Stool - which legend has, miraculously descended from heaven. Asante was the most powerful of a number of states formed in the forest region of southern Ghana by people known as the Akan. Among many factors which led the Akan to become unified, was the wealth derived from the presence of vast gold deposits. The current Asante king is Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. His official residence is at Manhyia Palace which also houses the Prempeh II Jubilee Museum.

Though Gold was mined in the Ashanti region for several centuries, it wasn't until the late 19th century that it began on a large scale. The commercial mining operations with origins in those days evolved into the Ashanti Goldfields Company. It was the birth of an enterprise that 100 years later, is a flagship African Company and Ghana 's second leading earner of foreign exchange. Over the past century, 25 million ounces of gold have been derived from its efforts, equaling $10 billion dollars if valued at today's price. No wonder the Ashanti Region is called the ' Kingdom of Gold '.

The Ashanti Region's wealth is not limited to gold. It is also measured in the rich history of the kingdom which is manifested in numerous festivals that take place throughout the year. The most famous is the Akwasidae which is held every six weeks. It is marked by a procession of royals and their entourages through Kumasi streets to the palace, where the king holds a public audience – giving his subjects an opportunity to see and greet him in person. Another measure of Ashanti cultural wealth is the high quality of arts and crafts produced locally. Several villages surround Kumasi , each with its own specialty. Ahwiaa is famous for woodcarving and the crafting of royal stools, fertility dolls, walking sticks and figurines. Nearby is Ntonso where adinkra funeral cloth is produced. Another weaving village is Bonwire which produces the famous kente cloth worn by royals. Pankronu is known for its hand-fashioned pottery, while Ampabame Krofrom is synonomous with artisans who make brass castings. Asuofia and Asamang are villages that specialise in beadmaking. It all adds up to a shopper's paradise.

Other Points of Interest in the region's capital city are the Kumasi Fort and Military Museum , which through its weapons exhibits tells the history of the Anglo-Ashanti Wars . The Okomfo Anokye Sword is enshrined in a site on the grounds of a hospital bearing its name. The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology is the second largest university in Ghana . Its campus is located in a pleasant park-like setting. At the Ashanti Regional Centre for National Culture, one can visit workshops featuring pottery, tie-dye and batik, weaving – and the beautiful creations of master drummaker James Acheampong. And no visit to Kumasi would be complete without a trip to Kejetia Market – reputedly the largest open-air market in all of West Africa !

The Ashanti Region is also blessed with an abundance of Nature's gifts.

Lake Bosomtwe

Lake Bosomtwe is a pristine crater lake formed by a meteor impact about one million years ago. It has recently been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The local people believe the lake is inhabited by spirit forces and observe a number of strict taboos. With recent improvements for visitors, it's become popular with both locals and tourists alike. Bromfobini Wild Sanctuary is a forest reserve with savannah and has a waterfall as an added attraction. Bobin Forest Reserve at Kubease has large populations of butterflies. The region is also home to the Owabi Bird Sanctuary, a protected national park.

Many Diasporans –- especially people from Jamaica –- can trace their ancestral roots to the Ashanti Region. A great many Ashanti arrived in Jamaica as human cargo at the height of the Slave Trade. Their story confirms the reputation of the Ashanti as fierce warriors. In the earliest days of Spanish settlement in Jamaica , many Africans preferred to take a chance of freedom in the mountains rather than bear the burden of slavery on the ranches and estates. The runaways were called Maroons from the Spanish word cimmarron , meaning "wild" or "untamed". Experts in guerrilla warfare, they won battle after battle against the British. The maroons swept down into the towns during the pre-dawn light. The British war against the Maroons was costly in terms of men and materials. Peace came only when a treaty was made with them in 1739. That remarkable document recognised them as a free people and handed over to them 1500 acres of land. It further allowed them to administer their own laws. In turn, the Maroons agreed to ally themselves with the government of Jamaica against any invader – such as the French from nearby Haiti or the Spaniards from Cuba – and to hand over any runaway slaves.

A Trip to Ghana should include at least a few days in and around Kumasi – exploring the city, its market and monuments – and visiting the craft villages in the surrounding region ... all superb places for souvenir hunting.