Welcome Message from Archivist

You are welcome to the Manhyia Archives. Manhyia Archives was established in 1964. It is managed by the Institute of African Studies, University of Ghana on behalf of the Asanteman and Kumasi Traditional Councils, to support research, teaching and learning of Asante history and culture and as a facility for conflict resolution. The Archives exists to process and make accessible, those records created or received by the Kumasi Traditional Council, Asantehene's Secretariat and the Asanteman Council and their predecessors that have sufficient historical or other value to warrant their continued preservation.

The Manhyia Archives contains a number of records from the reign of Nana Agyeman Prempeh I (1926-1931) onwards. Records from the reigns of Otumfuo Osei Agyeman Prempeh II (1931-1970) and Otumfuo Opoku Ware II (1970-1999) are available in the archives. Records from the current reign of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II will be transferred to the Archives when they are no longer needed for current use.

The record holdings constitute valuable sources for research into Asante history and culture as well as materials for disputes on matters relating to chieftaincy, stool lands and properties in Ashanti and Brong-Ahafo regions of Ghana. The holdings also include the records of the former Kumasihene/Asantehene and the Kumasi Clan Chiefs Native Courts and the current Asantehene courts.

It is interesting to note that the archives also has in her custody Government Publications such as Gazettes, commercial and industrial Bulletin, Ordinances/Acts of Parliament/Decrees, Bills, Legislative Council Debates, Local Government Bulletins, Land and concessions  Bulletin and so on. Even though these records were not created by the Manhyia Palace, they were supplied to the Asantehene and therefore have accumulated and become part of the holdings of Manhyia Archives.

The holdings of the Manhyia Archives over the years have proven to be valuable and strategic resources not only for research into Asante history but also for conflict and alternative dispute resolution with regards to chieftaincy, land as well as other properties in Ashanti and Brong Ahafo regions.

The records are open to all under certain safeguards. If you're visiting Kumasi, be sure to make a guided tour of the Manhyia Archives part of your itinerary and travel through several years of Asante history and culture.