Last Saturday, I watched my Twitter feed explode with photos from the GJA Media Awards held at Manhyia Palace. The pride radiating from every image reminded me why Kumasi isn’t just Ghana’s second-largest city; it’s the beating heart of Ashanti culture and increasingly, a hub for national events that matter. From breaking news that rocks the entire country to cultural festivals that draw thousands, this Kumasi update proves that the Garden City never sleeps.
Here’s what makes keeping up with Kumasi so important: when news breaks in Kumasi, it often has national implications. When cultural events happen here, they set the tone for Ghana’s heritage preservation. And when the Asantehene speaks, the whole nation listens. Whether you’re a proud Kumasi resident, planning a visit, or just curious about what’s happening in Ghana’s cultural capital, this comprehensive update covers everything you need to know about local news highlights and cultural events shaping Kumasi right now.
Breaking News: Major EOCO Operation Shakes Kumasi
320 People Arrested in Massive Anti-Fraud Raid
In what’s being called the single largest anti-human trafficking operation in Ghana’s history, the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) arrested 320 people in Kumasi on Thursday, November 6, 2025, in a major crackdown on organized crime linked to QNET fraud operations.
The Anti-Human Trafficking Unit carried out two separate raids at different locations in Kumasi, with initial assessments indicating that 25 of those arrested are suspected to be key operatives in the trafficking syndicate. This operation marks a significant escalation in EOCO’s efforts to dismantle networks exploiting victims under the guise of multi-level marketing schemes.
What makes this story particularly significant is the scale. Three hundred and twenty arrests in a single operation demonstrates both the extent of the problem and the authorities’ commitment to addressing it. For Kumasi residents, this operation sends a clear message: fraudulent schemes won’t be tolerated, regardless of how sophisticated they appear.
GJA Media Awards 2025: Kumasi Hosts National Celebration
Manhyia Palace Becomes Hub for Journalism Excellence
The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) held its 29th Media Awards ceremony at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi on Saturday, November 8, 2025, recognizing journalists who showed exceptional dedication and professionalism throughout the year.
The choice of Manhyia Palace as the venue added cultural significance to the professional recognition. Godwin Asidiba emerged as Journalist of the Year, while Doreen Ampofo of Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) won Best Female Journalist. This marks a proud moment for Ghanaian media, with Kumasi playing host to the celebration.
Award Winners Across Categories
Excellence in news reporting was acknowledged in print, broadcast, and online media. Severious Kale-Dery from Daily Graphic won Best Print News Reporting, while freelance journalist Nabil Ahmed Rufai was named Best Television News Reporter. Ridwan Karim Dini-Osman of the EIB Network was awarded Best Radio News Reporter, and Albert Oppong Ansah of the Ghana News Agency (GNA) took home the prize for Best Online News Reporting.
The Turkish Embassy in Ghana and Turkish Airlines agreed to sponsor the P.A.V. Ansah Journalist of the Year, Female Journalist of the Year, and Student Journalist of the Year on a special trip to Turkey as part of their package for this year’s GJA Media Awards. This international partnership demonstrates the growing global recognition of Ghanaian journalism excellence.
City Development and Governance
KMA Leads Clean-Up Initiative
The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) announced a city-wide clean-up exercise scheduled for Saturday, November 1, 2025, as part of efforts to promote cleanliness and public health in the metropolis. The exercise, which starts at 6:00 a.m., forms part of the government’s vision to undertake monthly nationwide clean-up activities.
The operational zones include Zoo Roundabout through Pampaso to Otumfuo Roundabout, Otumfuo Roundabout through Acheamfour Market, MTN Roundabout to St. Louis College, Otumfuo Roundabout to Dr. Mensah, Boss FM through Central Market, Asafo Interchange, and Asafo Market stretch, as well as Roman Hill Down through Aboabo Station to Alabar.
This initiative reflects Kumasi’s commitment to maintaining its reputation as the Garden City. Clean streets and markets aren’t just about aesthetics; they’re about public health, tourism appeal, and civic pride.
Cultural Events: The Heartbeat of Kumasi
Akwasidae Festival: Living Tradition
The Akwasidae Festival follows the Akan traditional calendar and is held every six weeks, typically on Sundays. This cherished tradition of the Ashanti people, held at the Manhyia Palace, pays tribute to ancestors and highlights Ashanti pride through cultural performances and sacred rituals.
On this day, the Asantehene (King of Ashante) meets his subjects and subordinate chiefs in the courtyard of the Manhyia Palace. The Golden Stool (throne) is displayed at the palace grounds in the presence of the king, and people visit in large numbers, singing and dancing. The king holds his durbar on the occasion of the festival, and people have the liberty to shake hands with him.
What makes Akwasidae special? It’s not a once-a-year event but a recurring celebration that keeps Ashanti culture alive and accessible. Before holding the durbar, the king goes in a procession in a palanquin decorated with gold jewelry. He also witnesses a colourful parade, from his palace grounds at Kumasi. Participants of the parade include drum beaters, folk dancers, horn-blowers and singers.
Cultural Tourism on the Rise
Kumasi’s cultural events draw both local and international visitors. The city offers immersive experiences into Ashanti heritage through festivals, palace tours, and craft village visits. Places like Ntonso (Adinkra cloth), Bonwire (Kente weaving), and Ahwiaa (wood carving) villages provide hands-on cultural education.
The Manhyia Palace Museum showcases royal artifacts including golden stools, swords, and ceremonial clothing, offering insights into Ashanti history and tradition. For visitors, these aren’t just tourist attractions; they’re living history lessons taught by communities that have preserved these traditions for centuries.
Sports and Recreation
Local Football Updates
Kumasi’s football scene remains vibrant with Asante Kotoko continuing their Ghana Premier League campaign. Their recent 4-2 victory over Karela United at Baba Yara Sports Stadium demonstrated why they remain one of Ghana’s biggest clubs, keeping fans energized throughout the season.
Youth Sports Development
Various youth sports programs continue operating across Kumasi, providing young people with constructive activities and potential pathways to professional sports careers. From football academies to basketball courts, Kumasi invests in its young athletes.
Economic and Business Scene
Kejetia Market: West Africa’s Commercial Hub
Kejetia Market remains one of the largest open-air markets in West Africa, serving as Kumasi’s commercial heartbeat. The market’s daily operations involve thousands of traders and millions of cedis in transactions, making it crucial to both local and regional economies.
Recent efforts to improve market infrastructure and organization continue, with authorities working to balance traditional trading practices with modern safety and sanitation standards.
Educational Institutions Thriving
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) continues as one of Ghana’s premier universities, contributing to Kumasi’s reputation as an educational hub. The university’s research initiatives, student population, and community engagement make it integral to the city’s identity.
What’s Coming: Upcoming Events and Initiatives
December Cultural Season
As Ghana enters December, Kumasi prepares for increased cultural activities. While Accra may dominate Detty December headlines, Kumasi offers its own unique celebrations rooted in Ashanti traditions combined with contemporary entertainment.
Infrastructure Projects
Various infrastructure development projects continue across Kumasi, from road improvements to market renovations. These projects aim to enhance the city’s livability while preserving its historical character.
Quick Reference: Kumasi News Highlights
| Category | Headline | Date | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crime/Security | EOCO arrests 320 in fraud operation | Nov 6, 2025 | Largest anti-trafficking operation |
| Media | GJA Awards at Manhyia Palace | Nov 8, 2025 | National journalism recognition |
| Governance | KMA city-wide clean-up | Nov 1, 2025 | Public health initiative |
| Culture | Akwasidae Festival (ongoing) | Every 6 weeks | Living Ashanti tradition |
| Sports | Asante Kotoko GPL performance | Ongoing | Local football pride |
| Education | KNUST academic activities | Ongoing | Higher education hub |
Why Kumasi Matters
Kumasi isn’t just Ghana’s second city; it’s the keeper of Ashanti culture, a commercial powerhouse, and increasingly, a venue for national events that previously would have defaulted to Accra. When the GJA chooses Manhyia Palace for its awards, it recognizes Kumasi’s importance. When EOCO conducts its largest operation here, it acknowledges the city’s economic significance.
For residents, staying updated means understanding how these developments affect daily life, from security operations that enhance safety to cultural events that strengthen community bonds. For visitors, these updates help plan trips around significant cultural moments and understand the city’s contemporary dynamics.
How to Stay Connected
Local Radio Stations: Kumasi FM, Otec FM, and Boss FM provide daily news updates and community information.
Social Media: Follow Manhyia Palace official accounts for cultural event announcements. Local news pages provide real-time updates on city happenings.
Community Engagement: Participate in clean-up exercises, attend cultural festivals, and support local initiatives that make Kumasi better.
What’s your favorite thing about Kumasi? Have you attended an Akwasidae Festival or visited the city’s cultural sites? Share your Kumasi experiences in the comments below, and if you found this update helpful, share it with someone planning to visit or wanting to stay connected to Ghana’s Garden City.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kumasi
What major news happened in Kumasi in November 2025?
Major news in Kumasi includes EOCO arresting 320 people on November 6, 2025, in the single largest anti-human trafficking operation in Ghana’s history, targeting QNET fraud operations. The GJA held its 29th Media Awards at Manhyia Palace on November 8, recognizing journalists including Godwin Asidiba as Journalist of the Year. The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly conducted a city-wide clean-up exercise on November 1 as part of monthly nationwide initiatives promoting public health and cleanliness.
When is the Akwasidae Festival celebrated in Kumasi?
The Akwasidae Festival follows the Akan traditional calendar and is held every six weeks, typically on Sundays at Manhyia Palace. During the festival, the Asantehene meets subjects and subordinate chiefs, the Golden Stool is displayed, and people witness colorful parades featuring drum beaters, folk dancers, horn-blowers, and singers. The king goes in procession in a palanquin decorated with gold jewelry, and attendees have the opportunity to shake hands with him during the durbar.
What cultural attractions should I visit in Kumasi?
Major cultural attractions include Manhyia Palace and Museum showcasing royal Ashanti artifacts, the Kejetia Market (one of West Africa’s largest open-air markets), craft villages including Ntonso for Adinkra cloth, Bonwire for Kente weaving, and Ahwiaa for wood carving. The Kumasi Cultural Centre displays traditional Ashanti art, music, and dance. Visitors can also explore the Kumasi Zoological Gardens and Bobiri Forest Reserve for natural attractions.
How do I attend the Akwasidae Festival?
The Akwasidae Festival is open to the public and held every six weeks at Manhyia Palace in Kumasi on Sundays. Visitors should dress respectfully, arrive early to secure viewing positions, and follow cultural protocols including showing respect during ceremonies. Photography may be restricted in certain areas. Check local Kumasi tourism offices or Manhyia Palace official channels for specific dates. The festival is free to attend, though guided tours may have associated costs.
What makes Kumasi significant in Ghana?
Kumasi is Ghana’s second-largest city and cultural capital, serving as the seat of the Ashanti Kingdom since the late 17th century. The city remains the residence of the Asantehene and continues as the center of Ashanti culture, traditions, festivals, and crafts including famous Kente cloth. Kumasi hosts KNUST, a leading university, and Kejetia Market, one of West Africa’s largest commercial hubs. The city balances rich cultural heritage with modern development, making it essential to Ghana’s identity.
Sources:
- MyJoyOnline – Kumasi News Coverage – Breaking news including EOCO operations and local developments
- Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) – Official coverage of GJA Awards and national events in Kumasi
- Explore Kumasi – Cultural Events Guide – Comprehensive information on Akwasidae Festival and Ashanti cultural traditions
