Kumasi, Ghana
Kumasi (Koo-MA-see) was founded in 1820 by King Osei Tutu. The city is the 2nd largest in Ghana and is the capital of the Ashanti Region, a land of ancient African royalty.
On August 10, 1995, there was an official mayor visit from Charlotte to Kumasi and on August 12, 1995, the Sister Cities Agreement was signed. Kumasi and Charlotte have enjoyed being Sister City partners ever since.
August 12, 1995: Joint Proclamation establishing the Kumasi-Charlotte Partnership
September 19, 2022: Kumasi Day Proclamation by Mayor Vi Alexander Lyles
About Kumasi
Kumasi was founded in 1820 by King Osei Tutu. The city is the 2nd largest in Ghana and is the capital of the Ashanti Region, a land of ancient African royalty. The population of Kumasi is approximately 1.5 million people. The economy is based on agriculture, textiles, manufacturing and the mining of timber, gold and diamonds, and cocoa. Kumasi maintains 50% of the timber industry in Ghana. Due to its mining of large gold deposits, Kumasi has rapidly become one of the wealthiest cities in Ghana. The culture of Kumasi is rich in music and dancing. The drum is the primary instrument played in Kumasi and they have many different varieties. Colorful and intricate costumes add to the performance of the dancers and drummers. Kente cloth is also produced in Kumasi.
AfroCareCLT - Supporting
Akyeremade Junior and Primary School
Organized by the World Meaningful Foundation, AfroCare CLT is an annual Charlotte-based fundraising gala held each year on Kumasi Day (September 19). Its primary aim is to offer vital support to Akyremade Primary and JHS School, situated on the outskirts of Kumasi, enhancing the educational experience for its students. In the 2023-2024 initiative, AfroCare CLT is constructing a new middle school building to provide ample learning space. Their overarching goal is to extend educational access to 200-300 students currently not enrolled in school, a commitment they plan to realize in the coming years. The inaugural gala, themed 'An Evening of Elegance,' took place in 2023 at Project 658. The event featured cultural music performances and a fireside chat with former Charlotte Mayor Richard Vinroot and former Congressman Mel Watt. Notable speakers included Councilwoman Danté Anderson and Mrs. North Carolina America 2023, Kamilah McCray. Chef Awo of Eh'Vivi Ghanaian Cuisine delighted attendees with delicious food. The evening's success provides strong momentum for future endeavors! Please mark your calendar for the next AfroCareCLT Gala on September 19, 2024.
Kente Dance Celebration and Mayor Pyne Visit
On August 12, 2023, the Asanteman Association of the Carolinas hosted a Kente Dance Celebration to welcome the honored guest Mayor Samuel Pyne of Kumasi on his second visit to Charlotte. The event took place at the Charlotte Art League and aimed to educate and promote the rich culture of Kente cloth, while also bringing together friends of the Asante culture for a night of entertainment and fundraising to support educational projects in Ghana. The event featured exhibits displaying Ashanti elegant traditional regalia and pageantry, Ghanaian High-life music, and Traditional Adowa Dance. Mayor Pyne was accompanied by Mr. Ohene Amankwah Gyan, Legal and Media Specialist and Mr. Luther King Adinkrah, Director of Communications.
March 2023 High School Student Visit to Kumasi
In March 2023, students from Charlotte Country Day School visited Kumasi, Ghana. They participated in an informative session organized by city leaders at the Kumasi Metropolitan Authority and met peers at three local schools: Nagie’s Angels Elementary School, Anglican Secondary School, and Akyeremade Junior and Primary School. Exploring Kumasi's history, they visited the Manhyia Ashanti Royal Palace and the Komfo Anokye Sword Site. They also attended a meeting of the Kumasi Rotary Club, watched a local football match, and explored the city market. Staying at IKE’s Cultural Cafe, wherethey enjoyed local foods and participated in a batik lesson. During their time in Ghana, the Charlotte students were invited to the U.S. Embassy in Accra, where they were greeted by the U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Hon. Virginia Palmer.
Mayor Samuel Pyne’s Visit to Charlotte
September 18-20, 2022: Charlotte Sister Cities partnered with the Asanteman Association of the Carolinas and the City of Charlotte to welcome Mayor Samuel Pyne of Kumasi to Charlotte. Mayor Pyne was joined by a delegation including Mr. Michael Amoah Awuku, Municipal Chief Executive of Atwima Nwabiagya Municipal; Mr. Ohene Amankwah Gyan, Legal and Media Specialist; and Mr. Luther King Adinkrah, Director of Communications. The delegation visited Charlotte Country Day School for breakfast and classroom visits; engaged with students at South Academy of World Languages; met with Mayor Pro Tem Braxton Winston at the Charlotte Mecklenburg Government Center; gathered for lunch with members of Charlotte’s Asanteman community at the home of the current Kumasi Chair, Solomon Agyemang; discussed economic growth with the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance; met for dinner with leaders of Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU); and participated in a public welcome event hosted by JCSU, with over 140 community members in attendance, including Mayor Vinroot and Congressman Mel Watt. This visit helped to revive a 27-year-old partnership and establish a path to a bright future.
A Look Back: the 2002 Delegation
In April 2002, a delegation from Kumasi visited Charlotte. This group included Osei Poku, who was the Deputy Director of Administration of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly at the time. Above is a picture of the delegation, along with some of our Charlotte Sister Cities supporters, volunteers, and board members welcoming the group to the city and enjoying dinner together at a popular locally-owned Ghanaian restaurant in Charlotte.
