Kumasi, Ghana 🇬🇭
#645
6.69856, -1.623308
Nomad Score:
57%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Kumasi is the capital city of the Ashanti Region in Ghana, known for its rich history and cultural heritage. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 2 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 20-30 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 6.0 GHS (Ghanaian Cedi); ATMs and banks are widely available. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | MTN, Vodafone, and AirtelTigo are popular providers with good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like Ecobank and Standard Chartered cater to expats; mobile banking options available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and serviced apartments; Airbnb available. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Increasing acceptance of cards, but cash is preferred in many places. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses are widely available for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Affordable options include Kumasi Royal Hotel and various hostels in the city. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Kumasi Hive - a modern coworking space with high-speed internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Coffee with Love - a cozy spot with reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups organized at Kumasi Hive. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups and local events facilitated by expats and locals. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in Kumasi, as well as local taxis. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; bike rentals available through local shops. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Kumasi is inland; nearest coastal city, Takoradi, is approximately a 3-hour drive. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | PassionAir and Africa World Airlines serve regional destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Kumasi International Airport serves direct flights to Accra and other destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major connections to Accra via the N6 road. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Kumasi railway station, limited services available. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport mainly consists of shared vans and buses. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses (e.g., STC, VIP JRAFT) available for travel to Accra and other regional hubs. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital - a major healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Wellness House Kumasi offers yoga classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Center at Golden Tulip Hotel offers day passes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats and services available; many hostels offer laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Jumia Food for local and international cuisine delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Jollof Rice and Fufu with light soup are local favorites. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Veggie lovers can find dishes at restaurants like The Green Corner. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Sweet Tooth Bakery offers various pastries and cakes. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Kumasi Central Market for local produce and goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia and Tonaton for local and international purchases. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Quick grocery delivery via Jumia or local supermarkets. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Kumasi Town center and Bantama offer nightlife options. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Club Beer - a popular local beer brand. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited options; most restaurants serve local beverages. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Try kelewele (spicy fried plantains) from street vendors. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like KFC and Pizza Hut are available. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Manhyia Palace Museum, a key historical site reflecting Ashanti culture. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Kumasi Cultural Centre showcases local art and crafts. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Okomfo Anokye Sword Site, associated with local folklore. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Peter's Cathedral is a notable place of worship. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Akwasidae festival celebrating the Ashanti Kingdom takes place bi-monthly. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Adum is the cultural hub with markets and traditional shops. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The National Cultural Centre often hosts performance arts events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Kumasi Central Market is one of the largest markets in West Africa. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can be found in various bars and restaurants. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals depicting local legends and culture around the city. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Learn local cuisine at cooking classes offered by local chefs. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Art exhibitions at the Kumasi Cultural Centre. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Traditional Ashanti architecture can be observed at various sites. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Ashanti symbol of the Golden Stool is a strong cultural icon. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Kumasi is near the Bobiri Forest Reserve for birdwatching. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Kakum National Park is approximately 2 hours' drive from Kumasi. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Walking trails available in city parks; cycling allowed in some areas. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The top of the Kuntanase Hill provides great views of Kumasi. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Bobiri Forest is ideal for birdwatchers. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some parks allow bonfires with prior permission. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and other local services for parcel deliveries. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local repair shops in Adum for electronics and gadgets. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers or local parks occasionally have table tennis tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Ghana Institute of Languages offers language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Kumasi Metropolitan Library for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community centres offer various programs and gatherings. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Some cafes provide areas for gaming. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Limited options; gaming not widely available. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 1,000 USD per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $40,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 700 USD per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $28,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 900 USD per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $54,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 650 USD per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $39,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 800 USD per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $64,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 550 USD per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $44,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% for companies operating in Ghana. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 8% for dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax system, with rates from 0% to 30%. For residents, worldwide income basis. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% for individuals earning above a certain threshold. |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% standard Value Added Tax rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Limited regulations; mainly taxation on Ghanaian sources. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Based on property value, assessed annually. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 5% of the property's purchase price. |