ASSESSING MANHYIA PALACE MUSEUM AS A TOURIST ATTRACTION SITE

The Manhyia Palace Museum, situated in Kumasi, Ghana, serves as a dynamic embodiment of the rich cultural legacy of the Ashanti Kingdom. Originally built in 1925 as the residence of the Asantehene, the palace was converted into a museum in 1995 by Otumfuo Opoku Ware II. It now functions as a repository of royal regalia, historical records, and ceremonial artifacts that narrate the Ashanti Kingdom's historical, political, and cultural evolution. Emmanuel Osei Boakye's comprehensive study evaluates the museum's role and effectiveness as a cultural tourism site. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining visitor surveys, stakeholder interviews, and observation, to assess visitor satisfaction, infrastructure quality, marketing strategies, and the museum's socio-economic contributions. Key findings underscore the museum's strengths-its authenticity, knowledgeable guides, and historical value. It serves not only as an attraction but also as a hub for cultural preservation, education, and community pride. However, challenges such as limited funding, outdated infrastructure, lack of digital integration, and minimal global visibility were identified as barriers.

Autorentext
Dr. Emmanuel Osei Boakye is a Ghanaian scholar, cultural historian, and development practitioner with over a decade of experience in heritage preservation, education, and vocational training. He currently serves as the Head of Research at Manhyia Palace Museum and the Executive Director of the Barima Twumasi Bekoe II Career Training Center.