Manhyia Palace — Attraction in Ashanti Region

My family and I went to visit the Manhyia Palace on 14th September 2016. Our expectation of enjoying the visit rather became insulting to us because we asked if the guide (Opoku, a middle age man) could speak English as my family did not understand Twi very well. The man blamed us for not able to understand Twi and mentioned that we travel outside the country and fail to teach our children to speak Twi. Here are some of the ways he ruined our day: In the middle of narrating the history and explaining some of the artifacts, he mentioned to my wife "Madam, I believe you eat plantain." Since this was rather a statement to us, my wife did not know if she should comment. Opoku added "I am asking you a question and you have to answer" I then interjected by saying that was not a question. As I was talking with hand gestures, Opoku said I used my left hand to talk to him and, "if I was not careful, he would cause me to pay a penalty by slaughtering a ram." Since we have great respect to persons older than us and moreso the Ashanti Kingdom and Otumfuo Asantehene we remained silent for the rest of the tour and could not ask any questions. Opoku walked slowly when he led my family for this tour. However, when we entered one of the rooms, he ordered my brother who was the last person to enter the room to "you have to hurry up. Here, time is money." Another instance, he mentioned to us "you have hurry up and close the door after you."

When he was done, he had the nerve to tell us to go to the souvenir shop to buy things. Due to his rude behavior toward us, we did not find it useful spend more time at the palace. We did not give him any 'tip' as we did for other guides and hurriedly left the palace for fear of subjecting us to more embarrassment for not understanding Twi.

The Manhyia Palace is a great place to visit and learn about the Asante history and some of the culture. The young lady who received us at the gift shop was very nice. If you plan to visit the place, I will advise that you request for a different guide other than the middle aged man called Opoku. You will recognize him by his slow movement, rude behavior and...

Manhyia Palace, located in Kumasi, Ghana, is an iconic and culturally significant site that offers a unique glimpse into the rich heritage of the Ashanti Kingdom. As the official residence of the Asantehene (the king of the Ashanti people), the palace is not only a place of historical importance but also a symbol of the Ashanti's traditions and power.

The palace itself is a blend of traditional Ashanti architecture and colonial-era influences. Visitors are greeted with grand, meticulously designed structures, and the beautifully landscaped grounds make for an inviting atmosphere. The palace's historical artifacts, including regalia, royal paintings, and historical documents, offer an enriching experience for those interested in learning more about the Ashanti Kingdom's past.

One of the highlights of the Manhyia Palace is the Ashanti Kingdom Museum located within the premises. The museum offers a collection of items related to Ashanti royalty, including ceremonial objects, weapons, and royal memorabilia. Knowledgeable tour guides provide an insightful narrative, enriching the visit with stories of the kingdom’s fascinating history.

For anyone visiting Kumasi, Manhyia Palace is an essential stop. It's a perfect place to appreciate Ashanti culture, learn about its leadership, and admire the stunning architecture. The staff is generally welcoming, and the atmosphere is calm and educational. However, if you're expecting a large, bustling tourist attraction, you may be disappointed, as it is more of a historical site focused on preserving Ashanti heritage.

In conclusion, Manhyia Palace offers an educational and culturally immersive experience. Whether you're a history buff or simply interested in learning about the Ashanti people, this palace provides an enriching experience in...

A tour of the Manhyia Palace Museum takes about 15 minutes on the average. The current museum, located in the larger Manhyia Palace is the former office and residence of the past Asante King, Nana Sir Osei Agyeman Prempeh II, built and gifted to the monarchy by the British. The museum contains the furniture and other office items used by Nana Prempeh II. Also on display are medallions of honour received by Nana Prempeh II from nation states including Ethiopia, the United Kingdom and Ghana; framed photos and gifts from individuals and nation states including a mirror gift from Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and carved stools from the people of Suriname. Also on display are relics from the Ashanti Kingdom including gold weights and guns used in the Anglo-Ashanti wars. There are life-like statues of at least three past Asantehenes and the Queenmothers at the time of their reign. There is also a statue of Yaa Asantewaa, the warrior-queen of Ejisu who led the Ashantis in their war against the British. And there is one of the current Asantehene. Most people get startled upon seeing the sitting statues for the first time, because of its life-likeness. There is even much more I can't recall, partly due to the restriction on photo and video-taking. Your tour of this place is going to be an immersion into the rich history and culture of Asante in the colonial and post-colonial eras of Ghana. Our tour guide who was my roommate back in college was very knowledgeable of the history and customs of the Ashantis and made the tour a very insightful and fulfilling experience. At the end of the tour, patrons can visit the gift shop and buy books, artworks and crafts. Water and snacks are available. And there is a...