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Basic 2 · History · Major Historical Locations

Historical Places: Kumasi

In this topic you will learn about historical places in Kumasi, including the Kumasi Military Museum.

By the end of these notes you should be able to:

  • Name historical places in Kumasi
  • Tell the story of the Kumasi Fort
  • Explain why we keep historical places

What you already know

  • The Akan people

Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.

Strand
My Country Ghana
Sub-strand
Major Historical Locations
Indicator
B2.2.4.1.1 – Discuss the history of Ghana’s major historical locations. Examples include Kumasi military museum

Introduction

In Kumasi stands an old fort built in 1897. Today it is the Kumasi Military Museum. Inside are old guns, uniforms and pictures of Ghana's soldiers.

1. Kumasi Military Museum

  • It is inside Fort Kumasi, built by the British in 1897.
  • In 1900, during the Yaa Asantewaa War, Asante fighters surrounded the fort.
  • Yaa Asantewaa, Queen Mother of Ejisu, led the Asante against the British.
  • Today it shows the history of Ghana's armed forces.
The Kumasi Military Museum (Fort Kumasi)
Figure 1: Kumasi Military Museum Draw the fort.Photo: Celestinesucess, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

2. Manhyia Palace Museum

Manhyia Palace was the home of Asante kings. Part of it is now a museum with royal items and pictures of past kings.

Remember: Yaa Asantewaa was a brave woman leader in Ghana's history.

New words

museum
A building that keeps and shows old things.
fort
A strong building for defence.
Queen Mother
A female royal leader in Akan society.
war
Fighting between groups.

Summary

  • The Kumasi Military Museum is in an old fort built in 1897.
  • Yaa Asantewaa led the Asante in the 1900 war.
  • Manhyia Palace Museum shows the history of Asante kings.

Class activity: Museum Talk

  1. Look at the photographs of historical places.
  2. Talk about the part that interests you most.
  3. Tell the class the story of Yaa Asantewaa.

You need: Ghana map, Printed photographs of major Ghanaian historical sites, Locally made site-name cards

Exercises

Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.

  1. 1. Where is the Kumasi Military Museum?

    • A. Kumasi
    • B. Accra
    • C. Tamale
    • D. Ho
    Show answer
    Answer: KumasiIt is in Fort Kumasi.

  2. 2. Who led the Asante in the 1900 war?

    • A. Yaa Asantewaa
    • B. Kwame Nkrumah
    • C. Kofi Annan
    • D. Yaa Naa
    Show answer
    Answer: Yaa AsantewaaShe was Queen Mother of Ejisu.

  3. 3. A museum keeps and shows old things.

    • A. True
    • B. False
    Show answer
    Answer: TrueThat is what museums do.

  4. 4. Fort Kumasi was built in 2010.

    • A. True
    • B. False
    Show answer
    Answer: FalseIt was built in 1897.

  5. 5. A strong building for defence is a ______.

    Show answer
    Answer: fortForts protect people.

  6. 6. Name one historical place in Kumasi.

    Show answer
    Answer: Kumasi Military Museum or Manhyia Palace Museum.Both are in Kumasi.

Homework

  1. Ask an elder what they know about Yaa Asantewaa.