Experience in Kumasi, Ghana by Esther

What is it like to live in Kumasi? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Kumasi, popularly known as "Osei Krom" or "the Garden City is the pride of Ashanti's. They are very easy going and understanding. Once you don't exhibit any trace of hostilities, they are very accommodating and hospitable. The moment you try to swindle or to be wiser than them, well , that might be a different story all together. The language spoken is 'twi' and it is tge most popular language in Ghana. Learn how to speak it, is very easy. For example " bra" means come and k) means go. It is simple; isn't it?  Twi is the first language foreigners tend to learn when they visit Ghana. They speak it whilst being proud of themselves; and we listen, full with cheerfulness. Here are some names of some town is Kumasi. "Oduom, Oforikrom, bourkrom, pataasi, santaasi, kwadaso, tafo, macro and so many more. 

History behind the name Kumasi

What is the student lifestyle like in Kumasi?

Some of the high ranking schools are found in Kumasi examples are: Prmpeh college, Yaa Asantewaa Girls School, Kumasi Girls high school, St Louis, Opoku Ware, Kwame Nkrumah University of science and Technology (knust), University of Education etc. Students from all over the country try to gain admissions to some of these schools. Ones they gain admissions, they don't hesitate to introduce themselves as proud students of "Osei krom". Students are very serious with their academics but also like to have fun when given the chance to. Timidity is not part of their vocabularies, they are very outspoken and try to petition their authorities on issues concerning their school life (academic life, welfare etc).

How much does it cost to live in Kumasi?

Kumasi is a very nice place with lots of cheap stuffs. Since it is located in the semi-deceduous forest vegetation zone, there are plenty of foods. Also since it is a capital and second largest businesses city in Ghana, a lot of traders come to Kumasi to trade (buy and sell). This makes available a lot a of assorted necessities like food items, clothings, foot wears, electrical gadgets etc to be very cheap.  You can spend a maximum of ¢10.00 (10 Ghanaian Cedis) on decent meals a day. Cost of accommodation isnt expensive. It varies, depending on the the individuals choice or preferences. The cost of living is generally low and you can really save a lot of money if you don't by things impulsively. This is because, some traders do "door to door"or "house to house" trading. For example, You will be in your house and a clothes seller will come banging your door with a lot of beautiful clothes, well, that's when you should be firm on your expenses or else, you might use all your money to buy them. Haha its funny right? You will believe me when you experience it.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Kumasi? Is there any advice you can give?

Generally, it isn't very difficult securing an accommodation in Kumasi. Areas with universities and colleges are a bit hard since students tend to rent the closest houses to their schools if they are unable to secure a school dorm or hostels. I will advice all 'wannabe' students that, after one gains admission to a school in Kumasi, the first thing he or she should look for is an accommodation. If the schools have provided housing systems for the students, then it will be highly competitive (it will be shared on first come, first served bases) and it is usually given to the first year students. After all , no new student will like to stay very far away from the school they just got enrolled to right? 

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

The Ashanti's with Kumasi as their capital are very proud of their local dish "fufu" with "Nkrakra, Ab3nkwan, nkatenkwan, abunuabunu with snails",etc (they are all different types of soup which matches with fufu). Aside this, there are others like 3t), ampesi(cooked yam/plantain/cocyam) with stew, mpehuu, banku can be eaten with(grinded pepper and fish or okro stew or soup) etc. My very favorite dish is ampesi with kontomire stew. Oh, we do eat rice too. Lol

What places would you recommend visiting in Kumasi?

I will recommend tourist to visit The Cultural Center. It is a place where most of the rich culture of the proud Ashanti's are exhibited/displayed. Also the Otumfo's Palace or the Manhyia Palace, the Kumasi Zoo. I will also advice tourist to pay attention to the roads since there are a lot of monuments (statues) built at vantage points, they usually at the center of roundabouts which tells stories about the past. Histories on the foundations of a particular place. As mentioned earlier,  Ashanti's are very proud of their culture so during festivals and other occasions like marriage ceremonies, durbars, etc, they display their beautiful culture by putting on their colourful "kente" garments with their "ahenema" (sandals) and also the popular "adowa" dance. 

Is it good to eat out in Kumasi? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Sanbra hotel, Kumasi mall, Roman hill etc. There are actually a lot of good foods in Kumasi. All you have to do is ask; and bam!!!, you will be directed to it. Simple

Is the nightlife good in Kumasi? Where is good to go?

The nightlife is good as day. I remember taking a night bus from the central region to Kumasi (Ashanti Region). I arrived at Kumasi exactly at 1:00 am (GMT) and lo and behold, I was extremely shocked at what i saw because i do not usually go out ofyenly, especially at nights. I stood with mouth agape as i saw a whole lot of people going on and on with their businesses. Different types of food like porridge ("koko/ mpampa"), hot chocolates, "kyebom" joints (fried eggs), "waakye", Ga Kenkey etc were displayed along the sides of the road with little canopies raised to serve as eatery joints for customers who do not prefer take-outs or take aways. People who help carry loads of others (commonly known as "kayayos") were all up looking for customers to Carry their loads. If you want to find a place with a lot of people even at night, go to Adum, Kejetia and Central Market, you will never feel lonely. lol

What advice would you give future students heading to Kumasi?

Buckle up and get set, because you are off to the golden city of 'Osei Krom', the pride of the Ashanti's. The very first place i will highly recommend to every 'wannabe' student. It won't hurt too if you are just looking for a place to spend your summer holidays