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When Otumfuo Osei Tutu arrived at the packed Kumasi stadium
the milling crowd rose to its feet, cheering wildly, waving white handkerchiefs,
singing appellations and dancing to traditional music.
The Asantehene, dressed in "batakarikese", a talisman-studded war dress in which
the early Asante Kings went to battle, and riding in a palanquin with a bunch of
leaves sticking out of his mouth, acknowledged the cheers and waved back with
all majesty.
His arrival was heralded by the blowing of "mmenson", while the courtiers,
with blackened faces and led by Baffour Dumfeh Gyeabour the third, Asantehene's
Nsumankwaahene (chief priest), clattered executioners' swords and chanted war
songs.
After the courtiers was the Gyaase division, which escorted the Asantehene's
retinue with all the stool's paraphernalia, amidst the throbbing of "fontonfrom"
and atumpan and the booming of guns at the background, all in a splendid and
grand display of the rich Asante cultural heritage.
Following at the rear were the royal guards, who epitomised the Asante military
formation, as they paraded locally made guns with which Asante fought its wars
of conquest and expansion. When the Asantehene got to the dais where the
government delegation and dignitaries sat, he stopped for about 10 minutes and
allowed the leader of the delegation, Ministers of State, officers of the
security agencies, and Nana Akwasi Agyeman, Kumasi Metropolitan Chief Executive
who also contested for the
nomination to greet him.
He continued to greet the chiefs, including Nana Osei Bonsu the second,
Mamponghene and "Nwisiaahene" who had been seated for long hours, awaiting the
Asantehene's arrival.
The Asantehene then continued to greet the assembled amanhene of Asanteman. He
then fired three musketry - for the right wing chiefs, the Oyoko clan and the
left wing - before he left the stadium in the palanquin amid cheers from the
milling crowd.
The convoy of the government delegation had a hectic time leaving the stadium,
as most of the dignitaries, who had sat waiting for long periods, decided to
leave even before the Asantehene had left the stadium.
At about 1100 hours on Tuesday, April 27, the Asantehene, clad in a rich white
cloth, will sit in state to receive homage and present gifts to the chiefs and
other dignitaries.
* Return to Top *
Many dignitaries swarm Asantehene's coronation
They came from the four corners of the globe to witness the coronation of
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II as the 16th occupant of the Golden Stool.
So many were the visitors that one lost count of them. They included
ambassadors, business executives and chiefs from outside the country.The
ambassadors included Mr. Shosuke Ito and Christian Nakonz from Japan and the
Federal Republic of Germany respectively.
The British High Commissioner, Mr. Ian Mackley, and Mr. Finn Balslev, Minister
Counselor at the Royal Dutch Embassy. Others were a joint delegation from
Ashanti Goldfields Company (AGC) and Lonmin (formerly Lonrho), led by Mr. Peter
Tarsh, acting chairman of AGC and Chief Executive of Lonmin.
The rest were delegations from Guinness Ghana Limited, led by Mr. Steve
Wilkinson, managing director, Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT),
led by the Director-General, Mr. Charles Asare. From Cote d'Ivoire came Nana
Koukou Osei Tuotuo Anougble III, King of Baule-Sakassou.
Two presidential aspirants, Dr Edward Mahama and Mr. J.A. Kufuor of the People's
National Convention (PNC) and New Patriotic Party (NPP) respectively, were also
present.
* Return to Top *
Government congratulates Asantehene
Alhaji Mumuni Bawumia, chairman of the Council of State was the leader of the
government delegation to the enstoolment of the Asantehene.
On behalf of President J.J. Rawlings, the government and people of Ghana, Alhaji
Bawumia extended warm congratulations to Otumfuo Osei Tutu on his ascendancy to
the Golden Stool.
He said since the nomination of Otumfuo Osei Tutu to "the high office", he has
endeared himself to the people of Ashanti and Ghana by his "noble humility and
high sense of respect" for the rich traditions and culture of Asanteman.
Alhaji Bawumia said the government and people of Ghana look forward to his long,
productive and prosperous reign as Asantehene in Ghana's development in the new
millennium.
"May the good Lord bless and protect you abundantly", the message added. The
government delegation included Mr. Kofi Totobi Quakyi, Minister of State in
charge of security, Mr. Mike Gizo, Minister of Tourism, Dr Christine
Amoako-Nuamah, Minister of Lands and Forestry, Mr. Kojo Yankah, Ashanti Regional
Minister, Mr. Daniel Ohene Agyekum, Greater Accra Regional Minister, Commander
P.M.G. Griffiths, Deputy Minister of Communications, Mrs. Cecilia Johnson,
Deputy Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, and Nana Adjei Ampofo
the second, Omanhene of Goaso and member of the Council of State.
* Return to Top *
Barima Kwaku Duah, Asantehene -elect has sworn the customary oath to the chiefs
of the Kumasi Traditional Area under the stool name Otumfuo Osei Tutu II at "Dwaberem"
at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu, 49, successor to Otumfuo Opoku Ware II, who died on February
25 this year, held the "Mponponsuo", the state sword in his right hand, espoused
the greatness, achievements and conquests of his ancestors and pledge to blaze
their trail.
"If I fail to continue the exploits of my ancestors and fail in my duty I
contravene the Great Oath of Asante", he declared. The enthusiastic crowd that
had gathered there immediately mobbed Otumfuo Osei Tutu. Bare-chested-youth
carried him on their shoulders, while women besmeared him with powder amidst
singing of praises, drumming and dancing
The ecstatic crowd broke the security cordon to cast a glimpse at the new
Asantehene. The divisional chiefs of Kumasi swore the oath of allegiance to
Otumfuo Osei Tutu in turns.
Earlier Baffuo Awuah the fifth, Bantamahene and acting President of the Kumasi
Traditional Council on behalf of the 'Kontire Division' called on Otumfuo Osei
Tutu co-operate with his subjects and not to be bossy.
He said he hoped under the administration of Otumfuo Osei Tutu, Asanteman and
Ghana would see much progress saying that he should be patient, tolerant,
tactful and maintain an open administration.
Present were Nana Afua Kobi Serwaa Ampem the Second Asantehemaa, the Right
Reverend Peter Akwasi Sarpong Catholic Bishop of Kumasi, Mr Kojo Yankah Ashanti
Regional Minister and Mr Mike Gizo Minister of Tourism
* Return to Top *
Nana Kwaku Duah nominated as new Asantehene
Nana Kwaku Dua, 48, a business executive,and son of Nana Afia Kobi Serwah Ampem,
Asantehemaa, has been nominated as the successor to Otumfuo Opoku ware, the late
Asantehene who died on Thursday February 25.
At a meeting of the Kumasi traditional council at the Manhyia palace in Kumasi,
the Gyaase division of the council comprising Gyaase, Mawere Ankobea and Nkosuo,
was asked by custom to contact the Asantehemaa, the regent, to nominate a
successor.
A delegation from the Gyaase division led by the Saamanhene, Nana Saaman Nantwi
went to the Asantehemaa in early hours of the morning as tradition demands, and
after consultations behind closed doors with her family, the Asante Queenmother
nominated her son, Nana Kweku Duah as the Asantehene in waiting.
Immediately Nana Duah was introduced to the Gyaase, he was accepted and his
excited supporters poured powder on him to signify victory. He was whisked away
to his private residence at Dichemso, a suburb of Kumasi where jubilations,
which started earlier continued.
Nana Duah told newsmen: ' "I was nominated not because I am the son of the
Asantehemaa but because I am the most popular choice of the people". By custom,
Nana Duah will be introduced to the Kumasi traditional council this week. If he
is accepted the council will further introduce him to the Asanteman Council
before being confined for 40 days prior to his installation and enstoolment.
Nana Duah was among seven royals of the Golden Stool who were tipped for
consideration.They were, Nana Akwasi Agyemang, Kumasi Metropolitan Chief
Executive, Mr David Osei Yeboah, a quantity surveyor and his brother Dr James
Yeboah, a Takoradi based medical practitioner.
Others were, Nana Osei Tutu Owusu, a London based civil servant, Dr Isaac Kwame
Takyi, a United States based engineer and Barima Osei Kwadwo.
Earlier in the morning a team of armed policemen were detailed at the Manhyia
Palace to ensure law and order following speculations that the Asantehema was
going to name Otumfuo's successor. Residents of Kumasi who got wind of this,
besieged the precincts of the Palace to catch a glimpse of the nominated king.
Nana Kwaku Duah is expected to begin the 40-day ritual of confinement and
grooming as soon as his nomination is approved by the Kumasi Traditional
council.
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Asanteman celebrates late Asantehene's 40th day
The royal family and the Gyaase division of the Kumasi Traditional Council (KTC)
comprising the Gyaase, Mawere, Ankobea and Nkosuo will celebrate the 40th day
celebration of the death of Otumfuo Opoku Ware the second, the late Asantehene,
tomorrow, Thursday, April eight at Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.
By Akan tradition and belief, the soul of any person after his death leaves for
the ancestral world after 40 days and would never been seen on earth. After
tomorrow, the ban on drumming and funeral celebration within Asanteman
instituted after the death of the late Asantehene would be lifted.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu the second, the newly-installed but yet to be enstooled
Asantehene can now sit in court as a ruler but will not be expected to hold an
opinion of his own, as he is presumed not to be conversant with the affairs of
the state. The few days after the installation are devoted to stock- taking of
the drinks, sheep, monies and other presentations made to the bereaved family
and Asanteman during the burial ceremony.
Following his installation and enstoolment, the new King would then begin to
study the palace structures, organisation and the history of the Kingdom
including court etiquette, royal manner of speech and majestic walking. On the
first Thursday after his installation, which also falls, tomorrow, the
Asantehemaa, Nana Afua Kobi Serwaa Ampem the second, takes the new King to the
stool house where he sees for the first time, the Golden Stool and the black
stools.
Thereafter, he is allowed to offer libation and sacrifices, this is the only
occasion that the Asantehemaa is granted permission to enter the male stool
house, she sees the stools in the female stool house every "Akwasidae" and "Awukudae",
the 40-day calendar of Akans.
The Deboasehene and Abenasehene are the experts in the King's household, its
organisation and what takes place there. With teaching aid models of the palace,
the new Monarch learns the whole complex tapestry of Asante custom and regal
life such as how to control his speech, his thoughts, his walking when to smile
and when to look serious and gloomy.
The new King is taught courtesy and Asante values, culture and the great part
that state drums play in it. Everything in Asante life depends on drums -"atumpan,
kete, fontomfrom,and donno and dawuro".
The drums call people to council meetings and to war, they also play for
celebrations of religious festivals and for entertainment. He is taught to
recognise each drum by its sound, to know what the combinations of the drum and
sound mean, he is also taught how to dance to the tune and rhythm of all Asante
drums.
The models for teaching aids are called "nkraba" and the system of using them as
visual and teaching aids for the schooling is called "nkrahene". The schooling
is done in such a way that it does not interfere with the normal engagements of
the King, it takes place in the evenings.
The mornings and afternoons are devoted to routine duties such as giving out
money and offering libation and sacrifices, while the schooling is going on
preparations for the enstoolment ceremony are also in progress, thereafter, the
final rites of the departed Monarch are discussed.
* Return to Top *
New Asantehene starts 40-day ritual
As Ashanti custom and tradition demands, after the death of the King, the
Asantehema, Nana Afia Serwaa Kobi Ampem II, is mandated to nominate one person
as successor.
Her nomination however, has to be accepted by all the three traditional groups
of Ashanti, that is the Gyaase chiefs, Kumasi Traditional Council and the
Asanteman council. Four days after the burial of Otumfou Opoku Ware II, the
Asantehema nominated forty nine year old Barima Nana Kwaku Duah, who happens to
be his mother to succeed the late Asantehene Otumfour Opoku Ware II.
He had to be accepted by all the three Ashanti chieftancy groups. The Gyaase
chiefs unanimously endorsed Nana Kwaku Duah as Asantehene on Monday. On Tuesday,
the Kumasi Traditional Council held an emergency meeting to discuss the
Asantehema's nominee and also unanimously approved Nana Kwaku Duah as new
Asantehene. He was then formally introduced to the Mamponhene, Barima Osei Bonsu
immediately, who informed the Asanteman Council.
And today, Barima Kwaku Duah crossed the final hurdle. The Asanteman Council
made up of 33 paramount chiefs unanimously endorsed his nomination as new
Asantehene. He was asked to pay 14 million cedis and present 14 cartons of
schnapps to the council, which he pleaded for reduction.
They later asked him to pay 10 million cedis and present 10 cartons of schnapps.
But observers see Nana Kwaku Duah's unanimous endorsement by all three
chieftancy groups in ASHANTI as a mere formality since some say he is the best
choice among all the other contestants and he was groomed for the job. Also in
the 300-year history of Ashanti, no nomination by Asantehema has been rejected.
With this new development, Nana Kwaku Duah is to be sent to 'apatam'. According
to Ashanti tradition, he will be confined for 40 days for the necessary rites
and rituals to be performed to prepare him for his new role as Asantehene. After
which he will be out-doored and declared new King of the Ashantis.
* Return to Top *
Attempts to influence selection rebuffed By Kwaku Addo Sakyi-Addo
The elders of Manhyia Palace are furious over an attempt by the government to
influence the process of choosing the next Ashanti King. On Saturday night, a
four-member government delegation met with palace elders, including the
Queenmother and now the Regent of Ashanti, Nana Afia Serwaa Kobi, who's in her
80s, and the Head of the Royal family, Nana Karikari, who's 92 years old.
The delegation which included the Finance Minister, Mr. Kwame Peprah, told the
royal elders that it was the wish of the President and the First Lady, that they
choose the controversial Chief Executive of the Kumasi Metropolitan Authority,
Nana Akwasi Agyeman, as the next king. Mrs. and Mrs. Rawlings are away in
France.
Other members of the government delegation were Mrs. Cecilia Johnson,deputy
Minister of Local Government and close associate of Mrs. Rawlings; Mr. Daniel
Ohene Agyekum, Greater Accra Regional Minister, who until recently was in charge
of Ashanti, and Mr. Owusu Bempah, a member of the Council of State.
Reliable palace sources say the Nana Kobi and Nana Karikari have expressed
indignation at the government's intrusion. They said they won't permit
government officials to tell them who the king of their 300-year-old kingdom
should be.
Although Nana Akwasi Agyeman qualifies, along with at least half-a dozen others,
to succeed Otumfuo Opoku Ware, many Ashantis find his personality too brash, and
his association with the governing NDC too close for their comfort. Ghanaian
constitution debars chiefs from dabbling in politics.
This is to keep them above party political noise, and safeguard the dignity of
Ghana's ancient chieftaincies. The Rawlings government has never been popular in
Ashanti. Just a few months ago, it appointed Kojo Yankah, an affable public
relations specialist, as Regional Minister for Ashanti, in hopes of cleaning up
the government's image there, before next year's general elections.
Curiously, Yankah was not in the delegation that went to see the palace elders.
The attempt by the government to influence the choice of the next Asantehene,
will do very little for its already dour image in Ashanti.
* Return to Top *
The Man Nana Kwaku Dua Nana Kwaku Duah was born in Kumasi on may 6th 1950. He was adopted by his uncle
Ohneba Mensah Bonsu, Hiahene, on e of the chiefs of the court of the Manhyia
Palace, who groomed him.
Oheneba Mesnsah Bonsu did not send his nephew to the prestigious schools, such
as Prempeh College or Opoku Ware where most of Asante royals schooled. Rather he
was shipped off to Sefwi Wiawso, to live with the then Sefwi chief Nana Kwadwo
Aduhene, who had him enrolled at the towns secondary school in 1964, but later
returned to Kumasi to complete his A levels.
Nana Duah moved to Accra in 1971, to pursue a course in Accountancy at the
Institute of Professional Studies, legon. In 1973, he proceeded to the United
Kingdom where he studied at rthe Kilburn polytechnic before enrolling at the
University of North London for Diploma in Management and Public Administration.
He became a member of the Institute of Personnel management in the UK in 1985.
Nana Kwaku Dua worked as a finance officer at the famous Food processing
Company, Oxo in the London and as Personnel Administrator at the manpower
Services Commission attached to Brent Council.
In 1980, he moved to Canada and worked for a year as a senior Consultant with
the Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company's sponsored course in insurance at the
University of Toronto.
Nana Kwaku Dua returned to Ghana in 1989 to set up his own business, Transpomech
International Ghana Limited of which he remains the Executive Director. The late
Oheneba Mesah Bonsu believed that to be able to serve as a unifying force in the
mordern world, the Golden Stool should rise above partisan politics.
* Return to Top *
KUMASI, the Ashanti Regional
capital, was thrown into a state of ecstacy yesterday, as public ceremonies and
traditional rites for the enstoolment of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, as Asantehene,
reached their climax.
Dressed in his Batakarikesie, a symbol of his ability to command and lead the
Asante nation, Otumfuo Osei Tutu, riding in a palanquin, entered the Kumasi
Sports Stadium at exactly 4p.m. led by a long retinue of chiefs.
The euphoria which greeted the new king when he entered the stadium to perform
the final rites leading to his installation was very spectacular.
Before the Asantehene arrived, all the Amanhene and Abrempon who owe allegiance
to the Golden Stool and the Asantehemaa were already seated.
By 8 a.m, most residents who wanted to witness the unique ceremony, had filled
the stands at the stadium.Most of the divisional and paramount chiefs started
arriving at the stadium around noon, followed by their retinue.The Asantehemaa,
Nana Afua Kobi Serwaa Ampem II, followed suit around 1p.m. and sat patiently for
the arrival of her son who is now to lead the Asante nation.
A government delegation, led by the chairman of the Council of State, Alhaji
Mumuni Bawumia, arrived at the stadium at about 2p.m. to join the large
gathering.
Other members of the delegation, included the Minister of Tourism, Mr Mike Gizo,
Minister of Lands and Forestry, Dr Christine Amoako Nuama, the Greater Accra
Regional Minister, Mr Daniel Ohene Agyekum and the Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr
Kojo Yankah.Other political heads such as the NPP flagbearer, Mr J.A. Kuffour,
Dr Edward Mahama, flagbearer of the PNC as well as some members of parliament
also witnessed the ceremony.
Getting access to the stadium gradually became a headache and this forced
residents who wanted to catch a glimpse of Otumfuo Osei Tutu, lined up along the
route to cheer the king.
With horn blowers and drums performing at their best, Catholic priests and other
government functionaries joined the dancers to the admiration of the crowd, who
cheered continuously and added colour to the ceremony.
Alhaji Mumuni Bawumia could not help but describe the scene at the stadium as
unique, stressing that it needs to be sustained.
He commended the king makers and all paramount chiefs through whose efforts the
ceremony came to a successful end.
When the king arrived, the atmosphere got changed and on-lookers invading the
pitch to catch a glimpse of him.Most of the dignitaries who had arrived in
Kumasi from various parts of the country and neighboring states were thus
prevented from having a full view of the king.
Accompanied by his body guards, called Atumtufuo, and led by his sword bearers
and moving to the sounds of fontomfrom, Oyumfuo Osei Tutu II fired his short gun
three times.
He firted first before the Asantehemaa and the Oyoko and Dako chiefs; then
before the Mamponghene and all the Nifa and Adonten and lastly before the
Essumejahene and all tye Benkum chiefs.Each time he fired, the chiefs also
responded in volley.
After the foiring of musketry, the Asantehene-elect shook hands with chiefs and
distinguishes guests whoi had gathered at the stadium.
Now in possession of almost all his regalia except the Golden Stool, Otumfuo
Osei Tutu II alighted from the palanquin and walked to the Asantehemaa who was
dressed in white and seated at thearea traditionally occupied by the Asantehene.
The Oyoko Amanhene, headed by the Juabenhene, the Konti and Akwamu chiefs, the
Right wing chiefs headed by the Mamponhene, left wings chief headed by the
Essumajahene, Adonten, Kyidom and Gyase chiefs and Akyeame.Earlier on Monday,
the penultimate ceremonies and traditional rites towards the confirmation and
enstoolment of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, as the 16th Asantehene were held at Pampaso.
Clad in an Adinkra Kente cloth, the Asantehene designate arrived at Pampaso in a
palanquin without the usual pomp and pageantry.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, preceded by a procession of retinue, rode quietly and with
his two hands clasped, acknowledged cheers from a fairly large crowd including
dignitaries and paramount chiefs who had thronged Pampaso to witness the
ceremony.
The dignitaries included the British High Commissioner, Mr Ian Mackey, members
of the clergy, Mr J. A. Kufour, NPP flagbearer and Nana Koukou Osei Tutu, a
chief from Cote d' Ivoire.
After acknowledging cheers from the gathering, Otumfuo Osei Tutu got down from
the palanquin and walked directly to the Pampafie (Pampa house) where some rites
were performed behind closed doors.Pampaso is one of the ancient traditional
places within the Kumasi metropolis where ceremonies towards the installation of
Asante kings are performed.
The actual rites began with the Mamponghene Daasebre Osei Bonsu II, requesting a
delegation of sub-chiefs of Asanteman to summon Nana Osei Hwidie, Wadie
Adwumakasehene, who is the custodian of the Busumuru Sword, to Pampaso.
The Busumuru Sword was first used by King Osei Tutu to wage war and has now
become a symbol of authority.Immediately the Busumuru Sword is handed over to an
Asantehene designate, he is thus given authority to become the Asantehene.
The Wadie Adwumakasehene, Nana Osei Hwidie, dressed in a beautiful white kente
cloth in response to Nana Mamponghene's request, arrived at Pampaso with the
Busumuru Sword which he handed over to the Asantehene-designate behind closed
doors.
After the rites had been performed, Otumfuo Osei Tutu emerged from Pampaso to
acknowledge cheers from an enthusiastic crowd.
He later danced to the throbs of fontonfrom to the admiration of the crowd some
of whom struggled to catch a glimpse of the new king.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II would be enstooled on the Golden stool at midnight to be
followed by oath swearing by the Amanhene and Obrimpong to him.
According to tye programme, lyned up for the enstoolment, Otumfuo Osei Tutu
wouldf be dressed in Adinkra fufuo (white cloth) which he would lower to the
waist wearing Mpaboakesie which was originally worn by Opemsoo Osei Tutu I.
Around his neck he would wear Kantan gold necklace, awoso gold bells, and
Denkyenkye crown. He would also wear a belt carying the Mpomposuo sword on the
left and the Busumuru swrod on the rights. He would complete his dressing in the
presence of the Juabenghene at Bampanase.
In the interim the Golden Stool would be brought in by the Stool Carrier and his
colleageus, and placed on the skin of an elephant's ear at the centre of
Bampanase courtyard. The Stool would be guarded with some sankuo guns by the
Juabene and Nsutahene.
The Asantehemaa and Queenmothers of Juaben, Bekwai, and Kokofu and female
members of the Royal Oyoko lineage standing at a distance to watch the
proceedings.
The chief stool carrier will then give a signal to the Gyaasehene to inform the
Asantehene-designate that all is set for the ceremony.
The Asantehene-designate on his part will sent the Mponposuuhene to inform the
Mamponghene that the and all the participants are ready for the enstoolment
ceremony.
The Mamponghene accompanied by his chief linguist immediately leaves for the
scene and takes his place with the right wing Omanhene.
With the arrival of the Mamponghene, the climax of the Asantehene-designate
being placed on the Gold Stool and the proclamation as Asantehene begins.
Mamponghene, Essumejahene, the Kronti, Akwamu chiefs, the Akyempimhene and
Kyidom chiefs will hold different parts of Asantehene's body to lift h im up and
place him on the Gold Stool three times.
Then the Asantehemaa and queenmothers of Juaben, Bekwai, Kokofu and the women
around will shout praises and thanksiging.
Thereafter the Asantehene willbe escorted to a resting room at the palace.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II will return from Mereda (sleeping room) to sumpiekesieso
(outside the place) where the Amanhene will swear oath of allegiance to him.
With the enstallation ceremony over, Otumfuo Osei Tutu will sit in state at
dwaberem, Mahyia to distributer sleep and drinks to his chiefs.
At this stage distinguished subjects will be permitted to pay homage to the
Asantehene.Before the chiefs depart, Otumfuo Osei Tutu will announce a date for
the funeral of his predecessor.
* Return to Top *
Her fight against British
colonialists is a story is woven throughout the history of Ghana. A story from
Ghana , A History for Primary Schools, E.A. Addy; In the evening the chiefs
held a secret meeting at Kumasi. Yaa Asantewaa the Queen Mother of Ejisu, was
at the meeting. The chiefs were discussing how they should make war on the
white men and force them to bring back the Asantehene. Yaa Asantewaa saw that
some of the chiefs were afraid. Some said that there should be no war. They
should rather go to beg the Governor to bring back the Asantehene King(Nana)
Prempeh.
Then suddenly Yaa Asantewaa stood up and spoke. This was what she said: "Now I
have seen that some of you fear to go forward to fight for our king. If it
were in the brave days of, the days of Osei Tutu, Okomfo Anokye, and Opoku
Ware, chiefs would not sit down to see thier king taken away without firing a
shot. No white man could have dared to speak to chief of the Ashanti in the
way the Governor spoke to you chiefs this morning. Is it true that the bravery
of the Ashanti is no more? I cannot believe it. It cannot be! I must say this:
if you the men of Ashanti will not go forward, then we will. We the women
will. I shall call upon my fellow women. We will fight the white men. We will
fight till the last of us falls in the battlefields."
This speech stirred up the men who took an other to fight the white men until
they released the Asantehene. For months the Ashantis led by Yaa Asantewaa
fought very bravely and kept the white men in the fort. Yet British
reinforcements totaling 1,400 soldiers arrived at Kumasi. Yaa Asantewa and
other leaders were captured and sent into exile. Yaa Asantewaa's war was the
last of the major war in Africa led by a women.
* Return to Top *
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• In pomp and majesty
• Otumfuo Osei Tutu II dressed in the Batakarikese being
cheered by the enthusiastic crowd.
• Otumfuo Osei Tutu II riding in a palanquin from Pampaso.
• The procession through the streets led by the royal guards.
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