Ashanti Region is one of the sixteen regions of Ghana and is home to one of the richest culture and heritage of the country. The Asantes were first ruled by Osei Tutu who later united all the different smaller Asante clans including the Aduana, Ekuona, Asakyir, Oyoko, Bretuo, Agona, Asona and Asenie, into one empire around the 13th century. This unison made the Asante empire one of the greatest states of the then Gold Coast and still possesses this trait in modern day Ghana. The regional capital name Kumasi, is said to have been coined during a key event in the history of the empire. The indigens of the land have demonstrated the most loyal traits to their chieftaincy throughout the years.
Oseikrom, as fondly called by the natives of the region, is famous for their artistic works. From their gold and wooden crafts to paintings to colourful kente clothes, the region is a key contributor to the commercial affairs of the country. Currently, many people from different ethnic and tribal backgrounds have settled in the region bringing with them handicrafts and other works that the Asantes were not previously known for. This has also boosted the diversity and economy of the region.
Kumasi was named the Garden City by Queen Elizabeth II when she was impressed by the greenery of the place during her visit there. In spite of the growing population of the region over the years, the people have strived to maintain the greenery of the land by creating reserves and botanical garden that house more than 100 plant and flower species. One of such attempts is the KNUST Botanical Garden. Aside the garden, there are many other attraction sites in Kumasi worth visiting. Some of these sites are the Manhyia Palace Museum, Okomfo Anokye Sword Site, Kumasi Zoo, National Zoological Garden and the Kumasi Fort and Military Museum.
Aside possessing one of the richest cultures sustained to this day, the Ashanti region is also a robust contributor to the nutrition of the country. They farm diverse foods and crops including cassava, plantains, maize, yams, cocoyam, cocoa, coffee, sweet potatoes, peanuts, mangoes, bananas and many other fruits and vegetables.