Exploring Ghana - Episode 2: Ashanti

Added: 2026-05-15

[00:00:06]Welcome to the heart of Ghana, Ashanti.

[00:00:09]Home of the Ashanti Kingdom, golden treasures, world-famous Kente cloth, and the spirit that built a nation. From the Asantehene's Palace to the buzzing streets of Kumasi, this region doesn't just shine, it roars with history and life. Episode 2 is going to be legendary. Let's enter the golden kingdom.

[00:00:30]>> [music] [music] [music] [music] >> This is where legends are born. Family, we're in Ashanti, Ghana's most populous region with over 5.4 million people, the cultural and economic powerhouse capital, Kumasi, the Garden City. This is the land of the Asantehene, Osei Tutu II, where Kente cloth tells stories, gold built empires, and the people carry unbreakable pride.

[00:01:24]We're talking ancient kingdoms, butterfly sanctuaries, massive markets, and food that fuels champions. Ready to feel the golden energy? Let's go.

[00:01:36]>> [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] >> The Asante Kingdom rose in the 17th-18th centuries under leaders like Osei Tutu.

[00:02:21]They built a powerful empire known for military strength, diplomacy, and wealth in gold.

[00:02:27]Today, the region remains the seat of this living legacy under the Asantehene.

[00:02:31]Ashanti has always been central to Ghana's story, from resisting colonial forces, shout out to Yaa Asantewaa, to shaping modern Ghana. This isn't just history, it's alive in every festival and palace ceremony. Elder, can you explain the Golden Stool's significance?

[00:02:47]The Golden Stool is our soul. It holds our history, our spirit, our unity. I see. It's truly sacred.

[00:02:54]Osei Tutu unites the Asante, establishing the Golden Stool as a symbol of power.

[00:02:59]Yaa Asantewaa rises to lead a fierce resistance against colonial forces.

[00:03:04]>> [music] >> Welcome to the Komfo Anokye Sword Site.

[00:03:11]This >> [music] [music] >> Ashanti sits in Ghana's middle belt, lush forests, valleys perfect for rice, and incredible wildlife spots. Bobiri Butterfly Sanctuary is a paradise for thousands of colorful butterflies.

[00:03:39]Bomfobiri Wildlife Sanctuary and Digya National Park offer elephants, antelopes, and birds. The land is generous, fertile soils for cocoa and yams, with a tropical climate that keeps everything green and growing. Pure natural wealth.

[00:03:53]>> [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] >> Ashanti is 94% Akan, with the Asante at the core. Kente weaving places like Bonwire is an art form. Each pattern has meaning. Festivals like Akwasidae bring the kingdom alive with drumming, dancing, and royal processions. Adinkra symbols, traditional buildings, and strong family values define daily life.

[00:04:46]The people are warm, entrepreneurial, and deeply respectful of their heritage.

[00:04:51]You feel the pride the moment you arrive. Welcome. This is Kente, our traditional cloth.

[00:04:56]Each pattern has a name and a story.

[00:04:58]Like this one, it represents wisdom and power. Weaving Kente is preserving our culture. Modern Ashanti identity, it's about embracing our rich heritage while adapting to the world today. We value our traditions, but we also embrace new ideas.

[00:05:13]>> [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] >> Gold and cocoa made Ashanti legendary, still major producers today. Kejetia market, one of West Africa's largest, is a hive of trade. Services, agriculture, and mining keep the economy strong.

[00:05:55]People here are self-sufficient hustlers. Low taxation, big ambition.

[00:06:00]Universities like KNUST produce innovators and the region powers Ghana's growth. Daily life, bustling, resilient, and full of opportunity. Look around.

[00:06:10]This energy is what makes it special.

[00:06:15]>> [music] [music] [music] [music] >> Welcome to the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.

[00:06:43]>> [music] >> Ashanti food is hearty and flavorful.

[00:06:48]Fufu, banku with groundnut or light soup, grilled tilapia, and rich stews.

[00:06:53]Yam is everywhere. Fun fact, Ashanti has 1/6 of Ghana's population. It's home to Prempeh the first international airport and produces some of the world's finest kente. The Ashanti Kingdom's legacy influences global fashion and culture.

[00:07:06]This region doesn't follow trends, it sets them.

[00:07:10]>> [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] >> Must-sees: Manhyia Palace Museum, Kejetia Market, Rattray Park, Bobiri Butterfly Sanctuary, and the Centre for National Culture. Whether you want royal history, shopping madness, or peaceful nature, Ashanti delivers. This golden kingdom isn't just Ghana's past, it's lighting the way forward. Thanks for joining.

[00:08:07]Visit Ashanti, feel the gold. Until we meet again in the next destination, it's bye for now.

[00:08:14]Bye.

[00:08:25]>> [music]