Kofi (from Kumasi)

Kofi (pronounced KOH-fee) is a craftsman in the wood carving trade. He lives and works in Kumasi (pronounced Coo-MAH-see), a historic city for the Ashanti people in the west African nation of Ghana.

He has been trained under his father, Nana, to be a wood carver. Nana learned from his father, Yaw. Kofi’s mother, Adwoa, has mastered the art of finishing. She applies polish to the wood and helps with selling the carvings.

Because Kofi works with his hands all day, they’re said to be unusually strong. Word around Kumasi is that he doesn’t need a saw to remove branches from a tree. He simply snaps them bare-handed.

When he isn’t working, Kofi takes long walks in nature and attends local association football matches at Baba Yara Stadium. His favorite destinations for hikes are the waterfall at Bomfobiri Wildlife Sanctuary and the hills around Crater Lake Bosomtwi. His favorite football team is Asante Kotoko.

Meet His Guests!

• Raisa (the owner of the tablet)
• Hendrix (her companion, the fox)
• Ogul (the genie of the tablet)

Learn more about Kumasi, Ghana.