Kumasi is a metropolis among the 30 administrative districts of the Ashanti Region. It is the second-largest most populous city in the country, next to the national capital, Accra. Its strategic position has gifted it with the status of the primary inland transport terminal. The political governance of the Metropolis is bestowed in Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) headed by the Metropolitan Chief Executive. Kumasi is the capital of the Asante Kingdom. The kingdom shelters Ashanti Region, part of Bono, Bono East, Ahafo and Volta Regions. The Asante Kingdom emerged as a State in 1701 after the defeat of the Denkyira State. The Kingdom is currently known as the Asanteman Traditional Council which is headed by the Asantehene (Otumfuo Osei Tutu II) who also doubles as Kumasihene (Paramount Chief of Kumasi). He is the epithet of the culture of the people and the major ethnic group in the Metropolis is the Asante.
The Asantes embraces in high regard their traditional values, attitudes and practices. This is unveiled in their celebration of Akwasidae and the organization of funerals. The Akwasidae is held often at 40 days recess on Sundays and nine times yearly. Every fourth Akwasidae is celebrated as Adaekese which is celebrated twice in a year. Kumasi Metropolis is regarded as one of the significant destinations of African culture and traditions not only in Ghana and Africa but in the world at large. This has made the Metropolis a vibrant tourist destination in Ashanti Region. Notable site of tourist attractions is Manhyia Palace which is the seat of the Asante Kingdom, which dates back to the 17th to 18th Century. The Palace also houses the Royal Museum which is stocked with erratic and exceptional royal paraphernalia and life-size effigies of prominent Ashanti Kings and Queens. Other places of interest are the Okomfo Anokye Sword, Fort St. George (War Museum), Kumasi Central Market and Kumasi Zoological Gardens. All these tourist sites entice people especially foreigners from all walks of life.
