Welcome to the Manhyia Archives
The Manhyia Archives, established in 1964 and managed by the Institute of African Studies at the University of Ghana, serves as a vital repository for preserving and accessing historical records related to the Asanteman and Kumasi Traditional Councils. It supports research, education, and conflict resolution by maintaining valuable records from the reigns of Asante monarchs including Nana Agyeman Prempeh I, Otumfuo Osei Agyeman Prempeh II, and Otumfuo Opoku Ware II, with future plans to archive documents from the current reign of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
The Archives' collections include records of the Kumasi Traditional Council, the Asantehene's Secretariat, and the Asanteman Council, along with native court records and significant Government Publications. These resources are crucial for exploring Asante history, chieftaincy issues, stool lands, and property disputes in Ashanti and Brong-Ahafo regions.
The Manhyia Archives stands as a strategic and accessible institution for researchers, students, and traditional leaders. Visitors to Kumasi are encouraged to explore the archives and immerse themselves in the rich cultural legacy of Asanteman.
User Guide
In order to conduct research at the Manhyia Archives, a person must register and obtain a Searcher's Ticket or Temporary Visitor's Pass. Searcher's Tickets are issued to applicants who can satisfy the Archivist their suitability to be allowed access to the records and produce documentary proof of identity. [Read More...]
Our Holdings
The archival holdings comprise among others, the following categories of documents; court record books and dockets, native affairs files, minute books, account books, newspaper clippings, annual reports, maps, plans, and Asante stool histories. They include government gazettes, ordinances, acts, etc. [Read More...]
Research Notes
The Manhyia Archives are an indispensable resource for understanding Ashanti heritage such as Kumasi Traditional Council, An Overview of Courts in Ashanti, Asantehene's Treasury, Asantehene's Courts Chief Registrar's Office, etc. [Read More...]
Fees
Searchers will receive a final quote for the cost once our researchers have assessed your complete request. The fees cover the following; Standard Search Fees, Reproduction of documents, and Authentication of documents. [Read More...]
