Mankessim | |
---|---|
Coordinates: 5°16′N 1°01′W / 5.267°N 1.017°W | |
Country | Ghana |
Region | Central Region |
Mankessim is a town in the Central Region[1][2][3] of Ghana,[4] West Africa. It is approximately 75 km west of Accra, on the main road to Sekondi-Takoradi.[citation needed] It is the traditional headquarters of the Fante ethnic group of Ghana. Mankessim's history is linked to three famed warriors: Obrumankoma, Odapagyan and Oson, who helped the Fante people migrate from Techiman in the current Bono Region to Adoagyir in the Central Region.[5] The town is located at an elevation of 75 meters above sea level and its population according to the 2010 Census was 38,313.[6]
Mankessim is the traditional paramountcy for all Fante-speaking people and was the location of the sacred Nananom Pow (sacred grove) which is also near Obidan.[5] It has a large market that attracts traders from Ghana and beyond. Just as in other prominent Fante towns, Mankessim has Asafo companies, traditional military groups which no longer fight wars but are acknowledged for their role in the history and development of the town.[7]