, the historic museum is currently leading the pack, marking a change in hierarchy from 2025 when the Kumasi Zoo held the top spot in the region and ranked fourth nationally.){kind=link}
In a significant shift for the Ashanti Region’s tourism landscape, the Manhyia Palace Museum has officially surpassed the Kumasi Zoo as the most visited attraction in the region for the first quarter of 2026.
According to data released by the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), the historic museum is currently leading the pack, marking a change in hierarchy from 2025 when the Kumasi Zoo held the top spot in the region and ranked fourth nationally.
The Numbers: A Competitive Surge
Speaking on Luv FM, the Ashanti Regional Director of the GTA, Fredrick Adjei Rudolph, revealed that the Manhyia Palace Museum has recorded 120,000 visitors so far this year. In comparison, the Kumasi Zoo follows closely with 118,000 visitors.
“This year, Manhyia Museum is beating Kumasi Zoo,” Mr. Rudolph stated, noting a clear 2,000-visitor lead for the museum.
The 2025 performance for both sites was also robust, driven heavily by domestic interest:
● Manhyia Palace (2025): 102,000 Ghanaians vs. 17,900 foreign tourists.
● Kumasi Zoo (2025): 117,000 Ghanaians vs. 933 foreign tourists.
Unlocking the Potential of Lake Bosomtwe
While celebrating the success of Kumasi’s urban attractions, Mr. Rudolph expressed concern over the underutilization of Lake Bosomtwe. He suggested that with the right strategic investment, the natural lake could outperform even the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park in Accra in terms of revenue.
“Kwame Nkrumah Museum is centered on the legacy of one man,” Rudolph explained. “If that site can generate 10 million [Cedis] in a year, Lake Bosomtwe—with its potential for four different tourism diversions—could easily exceed that.”
To transform the lake into a premier destination, the GTA Director proposed a multi-pronged approach:
▪︎ Ecotourism: Bird watching, hiking, and cycling trails.
▪︎ Scientific & Educational Tourism: Utilizing the lake’s unique geological history.
▪︎ Cultural Experiences: Traditional storytelling, local crafts, and community-run guesthouses.
▪︎ Water Recreation: Eco-friendly water sports and spots.
Roadblocks to Growth
Despite the optimism, Mr. Rudolph was candid about the “triple threat” of challenges currently stifling Lake Bosomtwe’s growth:
• Infrastructure: Dilapidated access roads making travel difficult.
• Sanitation: Growing issues with waste management and water pollution.
• Governance: Reports of extortion and harassment of tourists.
The Director emphasized that addressing these hurdles is essential if the region hopes to turn the lake into a global tourism powerhouse and a primary revenue driver for the country.