Kumasi
—  City  —
Kumasi Location in Ghana
Coordinates: 6°40′00″N 1°37′00″W / 6.6666667°N 1.6166667°W / 6.6666667; -1.6166667Coordinates: 6°40′00″N 1°37′00″W / 6.6666667°N 1.6166667°W / 6.6666667; -1.6166667
Region	Ashanti Region
District	Kumasi Metropolitan District
Founded	1680
Government
• Type	Mayor–council
• Mayor	Samuel Sarpong
Area[1]
• Total	254 km2 (98 sq mi)
Elevation	250 m (820 ft)
Population [2]
• Total	1,989,062 ('12 est.)
• Density	5,782/km2 (14,986/sq mi)
	Ranked 2 in Ghana
Time zone	UTC
Area code(s)	032
Website	http://www.kma.gov.gh

Kumasi (historically spelled Comassie[2]) is a city in southern central Ghana's Ashanti region. It is located near Lake Bosomtwe, in the Rain Forest Region about 250 kilometres (160 mi) (by road) northwest of Accra. Kumasi is approximately 300 miles (480 km) north of the Equator and 100 miles (160 km) north of the Gulf of Guinea. It is popularly known as "The Garden City" or "heart beat" of Ghana because of its many beautiful species of flowers and plants.

History[link]

There is evidence that the area around Kumasi has been kept cleared since the Neolithic age.^{[citation needed]} The city rose to prominence in 1695 when it became capital of the Ashanti Confederacy due to the activities of its ruler Osei Tutu. The ruler of Kumasi, known as the Asantehene, also served as ruler of the Confederacy. With their 1701 victory over Denkyira the Asante confederacy became the primary state among the Twi speaking Akan peoples.^[3] After this victory, the Ashanti became allies of the Dutch, who were based in Elmina. After the cession of the Dutch Gold Coast to the Fante-allied British in 1872, parts of Kumasi, including the Royal Palace, were destroyed by British troops in the Third Anglo-Ashanti War of 1874.

Lady Mary Alice Hodgson, the first English lady to visit Ashanti, wrote "The Siege of Kumassi" an account of the siege of the fort by the tribes forming the Ashanti Confederation and of the subsequent march to the coast. She was the daughter of Hon. W. A. G. Young, C.M.G., former Governor of the Gold Coast, and the wife of Sir Frederic Mitchell Hodgson, K.C.M.G., the Governor of the Gold Coast (1900). ^[4]

It remains a royal city, although since all of Ghana was declared independent in 1957, the role of king has been mainly symbolic. The city holds an important place in the history of the Ashanti people, as legend claims that it was here Okomfo Anokye received the Golden stool, an embodiment of the soul of the Asanti nation.

Demographics[link]

With a population of 1,517,000,^[5] Kumasi is the second-largest city in the country. The largest ethnic group is the Ashanti, but other ethnic groups are growing in size. Approximately 80% of the population is Christian and 5% Muslim, with a smaller number of adherents to traditional beliefs. It is an Anglican diocesan, Roman Catholic archdiocesan see, and a Methodist episcopal area.

Economy[link]

Due to large gold deposits that have been mined in the area, Kumasi has been among the wealthier cities in Ghana^{[citation needed]}. The city's major exports are hardwood and cocoa. Kumasi has 50% of the timber industry in Ghana, with more than 4,000 employed in the business. The Kaasai Industrial Area plays an important role in industry in the area. The Guinness Ghana Breweries is based there and is listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange. Much of the trading activity in the city takes place in and around Kejetia Market and Adum. These two areas are in close proximity with the two having a common boundary.

Climate[link]

Kumasi features a tropical wet and dry climate, with relatively constant temperatures throughout the course of the year. Kumasi is noticeably wetter than nearby Accra, averaging around 1400 mm of rain per year. The city almost features two different rainy seasons, a longer rainy season from March through July and a shorter rainy season from September to November. In actuality, the months of February through to November is one long wet season, with a relative lull in precipitation in August. Similar to the rest of West Africa, Kumasi experiences the harmattan during the “low sun” months. Lasting from December to February, the harmattan is the primary source of the city’s dry season.

Attractions[link]

Kumasi Sports Stadium

Features of the city include the large Kumasi Central Market, Tafo Kumasi, Fort Kumasi (built by the British in 1896 to replace an Asante fort and now a museum) and the Kumasi Hat Museum. Royal Asante attractions include the Kumasi National Cultural Centre (including the Prempeh II Jubilee Museum with various Asante regalia including a reproduction of the golden stool), the Okomfo Anokye Sword, the Asantehene's Palace (built in 1972), and the Manhiya Palace, dating from 1925, now a museum. Kumasi is also home to a zoo, and to the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (formerly the Kumasi College of Technology).

St. Peter's Cathedral Basilica is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Kumasi.

The Kumasi has a teaching hospital to support the medical training at the University (Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital) and several other private and public clinics and small hospitals.

The city's most famous son is the former Secretary-General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan. Professional wrestler Kofi Kingston was also born in Kumasi. The local football (soccer) team, the Kumasi Asante Kotoko has won several national and continental awards. Their stadium was built in 1959, renovated in 1978, and again in 2007 with a seating capacity of 40,000 [3] .

Festivals and events[link]

The Adae Kese Festival is a very important, albeit rare, celebration of the Ashanti's. It is held in a large open space in Kumasi. The festival is normally well attended and embraced by Ashanti's from all walks of life. The Adae Kese celebrations are magnified forms of Sunday Adae festivals, celebrated every six weeks in accordance with the Akan calendar which is based on a cycle of 42 days and nine months in a year. Invariably, the last Akwasidae festival is set aside for the celebration of Adae Kese.

Adae Kese is usually held to climax celebrations of specific milestones and achievements of the Asante kingdom. It was first celebrated to mark the attainment of statehood of a newly celebrated people, in the aftermath of the Ashanti war of independence, otherwise known as the "Battle of Feyiase", which was fought against the Denkyiras between 1697 and 1699. Adae Kese, like other Akwasidae events, serves as the platform for pledging allegiance to the kingdom and to affirm loyalty to the occupant of the Golden Stool which represents the unity and embodiment of all Ashanti.

The event is marked in two phases. There are solemn private observances which are performed at the King's palace chambers by accredited members of the royal family and other functionaries. It includes rituals, aimed at cleansing the spirit of the incumbent King and the presentation of ceremonial sacrificial meal (Esq.) and drinks to ancestral spirits. Their blessing and protection guide the kingdom to prosperity.

The public celebrations take the form of a colourful durbar of chiefs and queen mothers presided over by the Asantehene. It involves the display of cherished regalia and paraphernalia accompanied by traditional drumming and dancing as well as firing of musketry amidst pomp and pageantry.

The Adae festival is a continuous demonstration of faith in the vision and heritage of the Asante Kingdom, which has existed since the introduction of the Golden Stool in 1700. The festival is also to commemorate and re-enforce the independence of the Ashanti people and an occasion to re-affirm each state's loyalty to the confederacy instituted in the aftermath of the Ashanti war of independence fought against the Denkyeras between 1697–1699. It provides a platform for the King to meet and share his thoughts with his sub-chiefs and subjects and also reward deserving ones.

Time your visit to coincide with an Akwasidae Festival, (Sunday Adae). You can determine the Akwasidae dates by counting 6 weeks down the calendar from 1 Adae. For example, in 1991 the dates were: January 6, February 17, March 31 May 12, June 23, August 4, September 15, October 27, December 8.

Education[link]

View of Pearson House, Prempeh College

Prempeh College was founded in Kumasi by Osei Tutu Agyeman Prempeh II in 1949. The city can also boast of a polytechnic and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Transportation[link]

Public transport in the city is provided by a mix of privately owned mini-buses known as Tro-Tros, taxis and buses. Tro-Tros are usually converted mini-buses that run regular, well-known routes. Some taxis also run regular routes, which cost more but provide for a more comfortable ride. In 2002, the city introduced metro bus services, which were initially met with scepticism by commuters, but have increased in popularity.^{[citation needed]}

Bus transport[link]

A bus rapid transit system is planned in Accra and Kumasi^[6] . This could solve congestion problems on roads and could also make bus transport more common in the 2 cities.^[7].

Buses depart from the central Kejetia bus station.

Rail transport[link]

Kumasi Railway Station in March 2002

Kumasi is served by the Kumasi Airport and railway lines to Accra and Takoradi. The train service has been suspended for several years because of damaged track, bridges and locomotives. A $6 billion Chinese led project to upgrade all of Ghana's railways, including a new route from Kumasi to Paga in the far north of Ghana, was due to get underway in 2011.^[8]

Other[link]

As of 2011^[update], construction of the Boankra Inland Port, about 25 kilometres (16 mi) away, has come to a halt.^[9]

Sister cities[link]

• Abidjan, Ivory Coast

See also[link]

• Railway stations in Ghana

References[link]

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Kumasi

• Kumasi News
• http://www.mygardencity.com Interactive Community Platform for Ashanti Region
• MSN Map
• KNUST home page
• Kumasi Market Video

v t e 20 largest cities in Ghana by population Accra • Kumasi • Tamale • Ashiaman • Takoradi • Cape Coast • Obuasi • Teshie • Tema • Sekondi • Madina • Koforidua • Wa • Techiman • Ho • Sunyani • Nungua • Tema New Town • Dome • Lashibi Coat of arms of the Republic of Ghana

v t e District capitals in Ghana Ashanti Region Agona Ashanti Akomadan Asiwa Bekwai Effiduase Ejisu Ejura Ofoase-Kokoben Fomena Jacobu Juaso Kodie Konongo-Odumase Kumasi Kumawu Kuntanase Mampong Mamponteng Mankranso Manso Nkwanta New Edubiase Nkawie Nsuta Nyinahin Obuasi Offinso New Town Tepa Brong Ahafo Region Atebubu Bechem Berekum Busunya Dormaa Ahenkro Drobo Duayaw Nkwanta Goaso Jema Kenyasi Kintampo Kukuom Kwame Danso Nkoranza Nsawkaw Odumase Sampa Sunyani Techiman Wamfie Wenchi Yeji Central Region Abura-Dunkwa Afransi Agona Swedru Ajumako Apam Assin Foso Awutu Breku Breman Asikuma Cape Coast Diaso Dunkwa-on-Offin Elmina Nsaba Nsuaem Kyekyewere Saltpond Twifo Praso Winneba Eastern Region Abetifi Akim Oda Akim Swedru Akropong Asamankese Asesewa Atimpoku Begoro Donkorkrom Kade Kibi Koforidua Kwabeng Mpraeso New Abirem Nkawkaw Nsawam Ofoase Odumase Krobo Somanya Suhum Greater Accra Region Abokobi Accra Ada Foah Adenta Amasaman Ashaiman Dodowa Tema Teshie-Nungua Weija Northern Region Bimbilla Bole Buipe Bunkpurugu Chereponi Damongo Gambga Gushegu Karaga Kpandae Saboba Salaga Savelugu Sawla Tamale Walewale Wulensi Yendi Zabzugu Upper East Region Bawku Bolgatanga Bongo Garu Navrongo Paga Sandema Tongo Zebilla Upper West Region Funsi Gwollu Jirapa Lambussie Lawra Nadowli Tumu Wa Wechiau Volta Region Adidome Agortime-Kpetoe Akatsi Dambai Denu Dzodze Nkonya Ahenkro Ho Hohoe Jasikan Nkwanta Kadjebi Keta Kete Krachi Kpandu Kpassa Kpeve Sogakope Western Region Agona Nkwanta Asankragua Axim Bibiani Bogoso Daboase Ellembelle Enchi Essam Half-Assini Juaboso Sefwi Akontombra Sefwi Wiawso Sekondi Shama Takoradi Tarkwa Wassa-Akropong index Regional capitals in bold Regions of Ghana — Districts of Ghana — List of cities in Ghana

Edgar Davids

Personal information
Full name	Edgar Steven Davids
Date of birth	(1973-03-13) 13 March 1973 (age 39)
Place of birth	Paramaribo, Suriname
Height	1.70 m (5 ft 7 in)
Playing position	Defensive midfielder
Youth career
–	Jong Ajax
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
1991–1996	Ajax	106	(20)
1996–1997	Milan	19	(0)
1997–2004	Juventus	159	(8)
2004	→ Barcelona (loan)	18	(1)
2004–2005	Internazionale	14	(0)
2005–2007	Tottenham Hotspur	40	(1)
2007–2008	Ajax	25	(1)
2010	Crystal Palace	6	(0)
Total		387	(31)
National team
1994–2005	Netherlands	74	(6)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only. † Appearances (Goals).

Edgar Steven Davids (born 13 March 1973) is a retired Dutch footballer. After beginning his career with Ajax, he subsequently played in Italy for Milan and Juventus before a loan spell with Barcelona. He went on to play for Internazionale and Tottenham Hotspur before returning to Ajax. Having struggled with injuries for two years, Davids returned to competitive football during a brief spell with Crystal Palace before retiring at the age of 37.

He was capped 74 times by the Netherlands at international level, scoring six goals, and represented his country at the FIFA World Cup (once) and the UEFA European Football Championship (three times). His dreadlocked hair and protective goggles – which he wore due to glaucoma – made Davids one of the most recognisable players of his generation.^[1][2][3] A combative and creative midfielder,^[4] Davids was nicknamed "the Pitbull" by Louis van Gaal because of his marking ability.^[5] He was one of the players chosen by Pelé to feature in the FIFA 100, a list of the world's greatest living footballers. He was born in Suriname to an African father and Jewish mother.^[6] His cousin Lorenzo is also a footballer.^[7][8]

Early life[link]

Edgar Davids was born in Suriname to an African father and a Jewish mother.^[6]

Club career[link]

Early years[link]

Davids started his career at AFC Ajax in 1991, making his debut on the 6 September in a 5–1 home win over RKC Waalwijk. He helped the Amsterdam club to three domestic Eredivisie titles, as well as continental success with the 1992 UEFA Cup and the 1995 UEFA Champions League. In the 1996 UEFA Champions League Final, he missed Ajax's first penalty in the shoot-out, which they ultimately lost to Juventus. While at Ajax, he was nicknamed "The Pitbull" by Ajax manager Louis van Gaal due to his fierce style of play and bite in the midfield.

Milan & Juventus[link]

This section requires expansion.

Juventus's Davids clashing with A.C. Milan's Gennaro Gattuso during the finals of the UEFA Champions League on 28 May 2003

At the start of the 1996–97 season Davids moved to Italy to play for A.C. Milan. After an unsuccessful spell where he failed to establish himself in the first team he moved on to league rivals Juventus F.C. in December 1997 for a £5.3 million transfer fee.^[9] Six successful years in Turin followed, with Davids helping the side to the Serie A title in 1998, 2002 and 2003. Juventus manager Marcello Lippi once described him as "my one-man engine room." On 17 May 2001, Davids was suspended by FIFA when he tested positive for the banned anabolic steroid, nandrolone.^[10] He was often inspirational in Europe, playing 15 times as the club made it all the way to the UEFA Champions League 2002-03 final before losing to Milan on penalties.

Barcelona[link]

Davids joined FC Barcelona on loan in January 2004 from Juventus. Joining midway through a season where the club was struggling in midtable and recently appointed manager Frank Rijkaard was under considerable pressure, Davids led Barça's successful resurgence of form which saw them finishing second to Valencia in the league.^[11] Davids' arrival has been cited as the catalyst for the Catalan club's dominance of Spanish and European football during the mid to late 00s, with Rijkaard winning La Liga the following season (after five years without winning the league title) and a La Liga and Champions League double in 2005–06.^[12]

Internazionale & Tottenham Hotspur[link]

In the summer of 2004, he permanently moved on to Italian club F.C. Internazionale Milano on a three-year contract.^[13] When Inter terminated the remaining years of his contract in August 2005, he moved to England on a free transfer to play for Tottenham Hotspur F.C..^[14] He had a successful stay at Tottenham and instantly became a fan's favourite. His first and only goal was in a 2–1 away win against Wigan Athletic.^[15] Davids played for Spurs in the 2005–06 and the 2006–07 seasons, both in which the club finished in 5th position.

Return to Ajax[link]

Davids signed once more for Ajax on 28 January 2007^[16] and played his first match against Ajax's rivals Feyenoord on 4 February.^[17] After the mid-season switch, Davids proved his value for the Ajax team again. He was one of the key midfielders in the run for the Dutch championship that was lost on one single goal to PSV on the final day of the league. He also played a major role in Ajax's cup campaign. He secured the KNVB Cup for Ajax by scoring the final penalty in a thrilling penalty shoot-out against AZ. Prior to the start of the 2007–08 season, Davids' leg was broken in a pre-season friendly against Go Ahead Eagles, sidelining him for around three months.^[18] In May 2008, Davids said he would leave Ajax when his contract expired on 30 June.^[19]

Davids embraces Ajax team manager David Endt during his second period at Ajax, with Thomas Vermaelen and Gregory van der Wiel behind.

He played against Los Angeles Galaxy on 6 December 2008 in an exhibition match held at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand, as part of an Oceania XI All-Star team, despite the fact he is not from Oceania and has never played for an Oceanic club or national team.^[20] Davids was in contract negotiations with English Championship club Leicester City from 22 October 2009.^[21] However, he failed to make a decision for over a week and the club withdrew their offer on 30 October.^[21]

Crystal Palace[link]

On 20 August 2010, Davids agreed a pay-as-you-play deal with English Championship club Crystal Palace. He made his debut on 24 August 2010 at left-back in the Second Round of the League Cup against Portsmouth.^[22] On 8 November 2010, he announced his departure of the club, stating it was "one of the greatest experiences of my life".^[23]

International career[link]

Davids was an integral part of the Dutch national team since his debut on 20 April 1994 in Tilburg against Ireland (0–1),^[24] though he has not won any major tournaments for the Oranje.

During the UEFA Euro 1996, he was sent home by then manager Guus Hiddink for saying in a radio interview: "Hiddink should stop putting his head in some players' asses."

Nonetheless, Davids remained appreciated by Hiddink, who included him in the Dutch squad for the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France. Davids' most notable performance for the national team came in the 1998 FIFA World Cup second round game against FR Yugoslavia. He scored the winning goal in the last minute of the game and ensured that the Dutch team went through to the next round to meet Argentina. The Dutch national team eventually finished 4th overall and Davids was named to the official FIFA "Team of the Tournament".

Davids played in the UEFA Euro 2000 when he was named for the UEFA "Team of the Tournament". The Netherlands reached the semi-finals and played against Italy in a thrilling game that ended up being decided with a penalty shootout.

During the Netherlands' UEFA Euro 2004 qualifying matches, Davids scored the Netherlands' first qualifying goal in their opening 3–0 victory against Belarus and subsequently bossed the midfield in five of the remaining seven Group 3 fixtures and both legs of the play-off victory against Scotland.

After Euro 2004, new national team coach Marco van Basten appointed Edgar Davids as captain of the team. However, lack of first team football at his club Inter meant Davids also lost his place in the national team in October 2004, thus losing the captain's armband in the process, which was later handed to Edwin van der Sar. At the latter stages of the qualifying series for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in October 2005, he was re-called back into the national team, though not as captain. He fell out of the picture again shortly after, thereby missing out on the Dutch squad for the 2006 World Cup.

Davids was selected to appear on the cover of the football game FIFA Football 2003 alongside Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs and Brazilian international Roberto Carlos.

Post-retirement[link]

In June 2011, Davids was elected to the new supervisory board at Ajax alongside Johan Cruyff.^[25][26][27]

Personal life[link]

He is engaged to fashion designer Olcay Gulsen.^[28]

Honours[link]

Club[link]

Ajax

• Eredivisie (3): 1993–94, 1994–95, 1995–96
• KNVB Cup (2): 1992–93, 2006–07
• Johan Cruijff Schaal (4): 1993, 1994, 1995, 2007
• UEFA Champions League (1): 1994–95
• UEFA Cup (1): 1991–92
• UEFA Super Cup (1): 1995
• Intercontinental Cup (1): 1995

Juventus

• Serie A (3): 1997–98, 2001–02, 2002–03
• Supercoppa Italiana (2): 2002, 2003
• UEFA Intertoto Cup (1): 1999

Internazionale

• Coppa Italia (1): 2004–05

Individual[link]

• UEFA Euro 2000 Team of the Tournament
• 1998 FIFA World Cup All-Star Team

Career statistics[link]

^[24][29]

References[link]

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Edgar Davids

• Edgar Davids – FIFA competition record
• Edgar Davids career stats at Soccerbase
• Voetbal International profile
• (Dutch) KNVB national team profile
• FootballDatabase career profile and stats
• Edgar Davids profile and stats at Wereld van Oranje (Dutch)
• Profile at www.voetbalstats.nl