Meet the only known Asantehene who was also an ordained Methodist Church reverend

Royalty, beyond its clear grandness, is usually depicted in a very simple way, but one thing that remains constant with it is class.

And as far back as 1931, when the world was still catching up on the early introductions of technologies, including photography, a son of one of the most celebrated traditional rulers in Ghana took a photograph at his wedding that nobody quite imagined would become a nostalgic reference point today.

That picture, as has recently re-emerged online, was captured during the wedding ceremony of the most notable son of the Ashanti king, Nana Agyemang Prempeh I, the 13th Asantehene who ruled the Ashanti Empire from 1888 to 1931.

Prempeh I was also the last independent king before British annexation of Asante and became a potent symbol of resistance, exile, and cultural continuity in modern Ghana.

But this photo of his son that has recently re-emerged online, reflects a time in the past - even longer than when Ghana gained independence, and what it looked like to hold a marriage ceremony in those days.

The photo shows Nana Sir Osei Agyeman Prempeh II, later known as Rev Prempeh, with his new bride in 1931, Mary Asafu-Adjaye. 

Also in the photo were other identifiable people who formed the bridal party of the bride and groom.

About Rev Prempeh

Prempeh II was born Nana Sir Osei Agyeman Prempeh II to Asantehene, Prempeh I.

After his father was exiled by the British to the Seychelles in 1896 after conflicts with the colonial administration, Prempeh II later became king after the Ashanti monarchy was restored by the British in 1935.

Prempeh II played a major role in reviving Ashanti culture, education, and institutions during the colonial and early independence periods.

Prempeh II studied at Mfantsipim School in Cape Coast and then at the University of London (external studies).

Prempeh II was one of the most influential traditional rulers in modern Ghana and also served as the first Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi.

Key facts

Prempeh II was ordained as a minister of the Methodist Church in the early 1930s before he became the Asantehene.

Before ascending the Golden Stool in 1935, Prempeh II was actively involved in the Methodist Church and had received theological training. 


Because of this background, he was sometimes referred to as “Rev. Osei Agyeman Prempeh” prior to his enstoolment.

However, when he became Asantehene, he did not continue active pastoral ministry, as the responsibilities and traditional obligations of the Ashanti king required him to step away from formal church leadership.

However, Prempeh II’s Christian background influenced his leadership style, and he became known for promoting education and moral leadership in the Ashanti Kingdom.

AE