'It is not something we want to remember' - Mamponghemaa on Sagrenti War

The history of the Sagrenti War and other Anglo-Asante conflicts was revisited in a dialogue involving the Mamponghemaa, Nana Agyakoma Difie II, and a British law lecturer.

A video shared on social media by The Asante Nation on July 24, 2026, captured discussions on the war and its impact on the Asante people.

In the video, Nana Agyakoma Difie II described the Sagrenti War as a brutal period in Asante history, noting that the conflict resulted in the loss of many lives.

“The Sagrenti War is not something we want to remember. Whenever we remember the Sagrenti War, we have to be in black,” she said.

The Sagrenti War, also known as the Anglo-Asante War of 1873–1874, was one of several military confrontations between the Asante Kingdom and Britain during the 19th century.

The conflict was caused by growing tensions between the two powers, including disputes over trade, territorial influence and the return of Asante prisoners held by the British. The situation escalated when British forces, led by Sir Garnet Wolseley, launched a military campaign into Asante territory.

In January 1874, British troops captured Kumasi, the capital of the Asante Kingdom, and later destroyed parts of the city before withdrawing. The defeat forced Asante authorities to sign the Treaty of Fomena in 1874, which imposed conditions on the kingdom, including the payment of a large indemnity.

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The war resulted in the loss of over 40 communities, which were once vibrant and prosperous.

The Ashanti soldiers, under the command of Amankwatia, fought valiantly against the British forces, but the conflict ultimately led to the defeat of the Ashanti Empire and the annexation of the Ashanti Kingdom by the British.

See the video below:

What a beautiful moment to witness! ❤️

Mamponghemaa, together with a group of Asantes and their British counterparts, engaging in open and insightful discussions about the Sagrenti War and other Anglo-Asante wars. Moments that once defined some of the darkest chapters of history… pic.twitter.com/a3nPbcUCKA

— The Asante Nation (@Asante_nation) July 23, 2026