Akan Geography
A look at the geography, demographics, and landscapes of Akan cultures.
The Akan states historically controlled much of the South Atlantic coast of West Africa. Since 1957 and 1960, the majority are now citizens of the modern nations of Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire. Akan peoples form the largest ethnic group in both countries at 47.5 and 28.8 percent respectively. There are currently about 12,925,000 people of Akan descent in Ghana and another 7,013,650 in Cote d’Ivoire. Their traditional territories, particularly the Ashanti Region, lie in the central and southern portions of Ghana. Major Ghanaian cities include its capital, Accra (approx. population 2.4 million) and Kumasi (3.1 million).
The Akan are a forest-dwelling culture who migrated through the Sahel plains to reach the lush interior forests and coasts of Ghana. From the sea, sandy beaches lead into coastal plains around Accra. The Ashanti Region, centered around Kumasi, is known for its tropical rainforests and high plateaus. Similar conditions exist in Cote d’Ivoire. Ghana is also home to the largest artificial lake in the world, Lake Volta, and numerous rivers. Its largest natural lake is Lake Bosumtwi near Kumasi, which has no outlet to the sea. Bosumtwi is an important geographical feature in Asante tradition, not only for its resources but as a spiritual center. Common tree species include teak, wawa, watapuo, ofram, kusia, and emeri. The region is home to diverse wildlife, most notably elephants, leopards, water buffalo, lions, hippos, antelopes, crocodiles, diverse primates, giant snails, and pythons.
Ghana, from the CIA World Factbook.
Cote d’Ivoire, from the CIA World Factbook.
Further Reading:
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References
Manoukian, Madeline. Akan and Ga-Adangme Peoples. Vol 1. Routledge. 2017.
McCaskie, T.C. State and Society in Pre-colonial Asante. Cambridge University Press. 2002.
Opokuwaa, Nana Akua Kyerewaa. Akan Protocol: Remembering the Traditions of Our Ancestors. Authors Choice Press. 2005.
“Trees Form Ghana.” Form Ghana, Form Ghana, www.formghana.com/sustainability-concept/environment/trees-form-ghana.
“The World Factbook: Cote d’Ivoire.” Central Intelligence Agency, Central Intelligence Agency, 20 June 2018, www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/iv.html.
“The World Factbook: Ghana.” Central Intelligence Agency, Central Intelligence Agency, 8 June 2018, www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/gh.html.
Wilks, Ivor. Asante in the Nineteenth Century: The Structure and Evolution of a Political Order. Cambridge University Press. 1989.
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