A short drive east of Akosombo is Akwamufie, the ceremonial capital of the Akwamu people — one of the most powerful kingdoms of pre-colonial Ghana. The Akwamu state ran the gold trade between the coast and the interior in the 17th century, captured the Danish slaving fort at Christiansborg in Accra in 1693, and held it for a year before negotiating a ransom and giving it back.
The palace, the seat of the Akwamuhene (paramount chief), is a working royal residence rather than a museum. Visitors are welcome at the outer compound, where the ceremonial drums, stools, and royal regalia are sometimes brought out for festivals — particularly the Odwira festival in October. Ask at the chief's office whether the courtyard is open; tipping the linguist (the chief's spokesman) is customary.