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Guide
Essentials
🏙️ City | Kumasi is the capital city of the Ashanti Region in Ghana, known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. |
👥 Population | Approximately 2.5 million people. |
💻 Internet Speed | Average speeds of around 10-20 Mbps, with fibre-optic options available in some areas. |
💸 Currency & Banking | Ghanaian Cedi (GHS). 1 USD ≈ 12 GHS. |
🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type D/G sockets. |
📶 SIM Card | MTN, AirtelTigo, and Vodafone are the major providers with good coverage. |
💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like Ecobank and Standard Chartered are commonly used. Mobile money services (e.g., MTN Mobile Money) are popular. |
🛌 Accommodation | Airbnb and local guesthouses available. Prices vary from GHS 100 to GHS 400 per night. |
💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, however cash is still widely used. |
🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo offer various short-term rental options. |
🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Lovely Guest House and Ghanatta Hotel priced around GHS 80-150 per night. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Adum and Anloga areas are popular among tourists for their proximity to attractions. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Asokwa and Atonsu are recommended for their quieter environments and access to coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
🏢 Best Coworking Space | Kumasi Tech Hub - A vibrant space with good internet and networking opportunities. |
☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Kafui - Known for its good coffee and tranquil environment. |
💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups organized by Kumasi Entrepreneurs Group for networking. |
🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups and local events organized by the Kumasi Expat Community. |
Transportation
🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and Bolt operate in Kumasi for reliable transportation. |
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; casual rental shops are available in the city center. |
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | No beaches in Kumasi; the nearest beach is around 2.5 hours away at Ada Foah. |
✈️ Top Regional Airline | Africa World Airlines for regional travel. |
✈️ Top International Airline | Emirates and KLM via Kotoka International Airport in Accra. |
🛣️ Highway Access | Major road connections via the N6 and N10 highways. |
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Kumasi Railway Station, though services are limited. |
🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public buses and tro tros are common; no formal transit passes. |
✈️ Regional Travel | Buses run regularly to Accra and surrounding regions. |
Health and Wellness
🏥 Best Hospital | Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital is the largest and most reputable. |
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Body and Soul Yoga Studio offers classes and wellness sessions. |
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Dama Fitness Club and the Access Gym are popular. |
🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats available; ask at guesthouses for recommendations. |
Food and Drink
📱 Best Food Delivery App | Jumia Food is popular for food deliveries around Kumasi. |
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Fufu and light soup or Jollof rice. |
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Green Bistro offers several vegan and vegetarian dishes. |
🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Delight Cake and Pastry House for baked goods. |
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Kejetia Market for budget-friendly shopping. |
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia and Tonaton for online shopping. |
🛒 Grocery Delivery | Twilight Groceries provide delivery services for essential items. |
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Bantama has popular bars and nightlife spots. |
🍻 Local Brewery | Club Beer and Star Lager are popular local beers. |
🍷 Wine Bars | Limited options; Bar and Lounge at Golden Tulip provides good selections. |
🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food vendors near Kejetia Market offer local favorites. |
🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Café Kafui offers a range of continental dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Manhyia Palace, the seat of the Ashanti Kingdom. |
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Kumasi Fort and Military Museum showcases the city’s history. |
🏰 Historical Sites | The Okomfo Anokye Sword Site is a key historical landmark. |
🕍 Religious Sites | The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology's chapel is notable. |
🎉 Annual Events | Akwasidae Festival celebrates Ashanti culture every 6 weeks. |
🎨 Cultural Districts | Adum is the cultural hub of Kumasi with many art galleries. |
🎭 Theater Venues | Kumasi Cultural Centre hosts various performances. |
🛍️ Local Markets | Kejetia Market is one of the largest open-air markets in West Africa. |
🎼 Music Scene | Live music at various venues around the city, especially during festivals. |
🎨 Street Art | Various walls in central Kumasi feature vibrant murals. |
🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local culinary schools offer classes for traditional Ghanaian cooking. |
👩🎨 Art Galleries | Bokor Gallery showcases contemporary art. |
🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Old Kumasi Market showcases traditional Ashanti architecture. |
🏴 Local Heritage | Ashanti culture is rich in traditions, with symbolism seen in crafts and performances. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Lake Bosumtwi is a serene spot for picnicking and nature walks. |
🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Kakum National Park is a few hours away, known for its canopy walkway. |
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Trails along the outskirts near Lake Bosumtwi provide scenic views. |
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The vista from Abono Hill offers panoramic views of Lake Bosumtwi. |
🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Lake Bosumtwi is also great for birdwatching and has diverse wildlife. |
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas around Lake Bosumtwi are suitable for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local courier services operate in Kumasi. |
🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tech Hub Kumasi offers various electronic repairs. |
🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local sports clubs have table tennis facilities. |
🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer Twi and English classes. |
📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Kumasi Public Library is a quiet place for study. |
🏘️ Community Centers | Kumasi Community Center hosts various events and activities. |
🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Few options; some cafes offer gaming facilities. |
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Limited options; ask locals for informal venues. |
Business
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. GHS 1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = GHS 60,000). |
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. GHS 1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = GHS 48,000). |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. GHS 1,700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = GHS 102,000). |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. GHS 1,400 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = GHS 84,000). |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. GHS 1,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = GHS 128,000). |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. GHS 1,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = GHS 104,000). |
💼 Corporate Tax | 25% corporate tax rate. |
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 8% tax rate on dividends. |
🏦 Tax System | Progressive income tax up to 30% for residents. |
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% personal income tax rate. |
🧾 VAT | 15% standard VAT rate. |
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, CFC regulations are in place. |
🏠 Property Tax | Annual tax based on property value; varies by local councils. |
🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate of 2.5% on property transfers. |
💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No significant digital nomad tax incentives currently. |