Asante History; Akyem Abuakwa And Dagomba Wars.

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CONCERNED GHANAIAN 12 years ago

Thanks for the history lessons but I don't think this is the kind of article we need now that the tribal unity in Ghana is not good. Some Asantes might revel in this history which does not help in our present situations and s ...
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Thanks for the history lessons but I don't think this is the kind of article we need now that the tribal unity in Ghana is not good. Some Asantes might revel in this history which does not help in our present situations and some Asante haters might take this opportunity to accuse Asantes of being warlike.
Isaac 12 years ago

Is this really necessary? What has these primitive wars got to do with the modern world we live in today?

Is this really necessary? What has these primitive wars got to do with the modern world we live in today?
Adu 12 years ago

Asante never defeated Dagomba but it was a rebel Dagomba prince and his followers that led their Asante friends to wage war on the Ya Naa. Of course their stupidity led to some destruction in Yendi.

Asante never defeated Dagomba but it was a rebel Dagomba prince and his followers that led their Asante friends to wage war on the Ya Naa. Of course their stupidity led to some destruction in Yendi.
Kweku Boateng 12 years ago

Rebel Prince-Absolute right as the Dagbon drummers would say. Traitors did so much harm to Dagbon. However, Ashante captured Ya-Naa GARIBA to the south of the ancient slave market Salaga and that is the begining of an interes ...
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Rebel Prince-Absolute right as the Dagbon drummers would say. Traitors did so much harm to Dagbon. However, Ashante captured Ya-Naa GARIBA to the south of the ancient slave market Salaga and that is the begining of an interesting relationship between Ashante and Dagbon. The annual tribute of 500 slaves, 200 cows, 400 sheep and cloths contributed to the physical 'change' of Asantes. It is said that the great General Amankwatia had Dagbon blood, hence being the Batamahene-which was an oringal Dagbon settlement, meaning 'My father has sent me' in Dagbani.It is a shame that no important landmark is named after the General in Kumasi. Most Ashantis have a northern blood!
Tetteh Asagba 12 years ago

This is the first time I am hearing that ASANTE ANNEXED ACCRA. All I know is that when the Asantes came calling in GA land, they were sent packing and running for their lives after being trounced.

This is the first time I am hearing that ASANTE ANNEXED ACCRA. All I know is that when the Asantes came calling in GA land, they were sent packing and running for their lives after being trounced.
Mahmoud 12 years ago

These are all concocted, unsubstantiated oral narratives to elevate the statues of slave raiders. What were they fighting for; warriors for what purpose?

These are all concocted, unsubstantiated oral narratives to elevate the statues of slave raiders. What were they fighting for; warriors for what purpose?
Easy 12 years ago

This history only confirms how blood thirsty Kumasi has always been.

This history only confirms how blood thirsty Kumasi has always been.
Easy 12 years ago

Also tell us where ASANTES originally came from to settle in Kumasi.

Also tell us where ASANTES originally came from to settle in Kumasi.
wunpini 12 years ago

ok now what is the name of the battle between bagombas an asantes

ok now what is the name of the battle between bagombas an asantes
RE TRIBAL FOOTBALL 12 years ago

NDC STOP THE DIVIDE AND RULE TACTICS AND DO SOMETHING.THESE WARS ARE OVER THEY CAN NEVER MAKE BANKU AND AWAAKYE CHEAP AGAIN.EVEN ENGLAND IS STIL UNITED TODAY.THE SAXONS,ANGLOS AND WELSH WENT TO WAR MORE THAN THOUSAND TIMES BE ...
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NDC STOP THE DIVIDE AND RULE TACTICS AND DO SOMETHING.THESE WARS ARE OVER THEY CAN NEVER MAKE BANKU AND AWAAKYE CHEAP AGAIN.EVEN ENGLAND IS STIL UNITED TODAY.THE SAXONS,ANGLOS AND WELSH WENT TO WAR MORE THAN THOUSAND TIMES BEFORE TEAMING UP AS A ONE SOLID COUNTRY.THEY DONT USE THEIR HISTROY TO DO POLITICS BECAUSE IT WONT PUT MEALS ON THE DINING TABLES.

Kojo T 12 years ago

Akadu we wait for your side of the story

Akadu we wait for your side of the story
Akadu Mensema 12 years ago

Please don't twist history. You are just confirming that the greedy and dubious ASSante behaviour is deeply rooted in the DNA.

Please don't twist history. You are just confirming that the greedy and dubious ASSante behaviour is deeply rooted in the DNA.
C.Y. ANDY-K 12 years ago

Akadu, you again??! If you think the man twisted something, just point out that, instead of insulting ad nauseam!

I welcome this history narration very, very much, as it'd fit as a fitting prelude to the continuation of m ...
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Akadu, you again??! If you think the man twisted something, just point out that, instead of insulting ad nauseam!

I welcome this history narration very, very much, as it'd fit as a fitting prelude to the continuation of my Chickens Coming Home to Roost.... Just perfect, so let us have some more! I've just failed again to break up my own piece for sending to the Web Administrators, so I guess I shall just take my time and allow him to complete his narrations first.

Late, going to bed.

Andy-K
Akadu Mensema 12 years ago

Someone did this for sometime and stopped when I stopped posting regularly here. The only person wo can do that is someone at the heart of Ghanaweb!

Someone did this for sometime and stopped when I stopped posting regularly here. The only person wo can do that is someone at the heart of Ghanaweb!
Repugnant. 12 years ago

It must be Akufo Addo WAD, the reigning impersonator and warlord did it. For all you Schmucks in this forum, Ashantis never defeated the Fantes, Ahanta nor Nzemaland under the Greatest of Ghanaian Kings Amakye/ KAKU ACKAH. In ...
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It must be Akufo Addo WAD, the reigning impersonator and warlord did it. For all you Schmucks in this forum, Ashantis never defeated the Fantes, Ahanta nor Nzemaland under the Greatest of Ghanaian Kings Amakye/ KAKU ACKAH. In fact Okomfo Anokye who delivered you your confounded golden stool was an Nzema fetish priest from Anochie(Anokye) a village still in existence in the Ellembre district. Ask your midget elders if you have any doubts! Okomfo Anokye (active late 17th century) was an Nzema fetish priest, statesman, and lawgiver.
Okomfo Anokye was born in Benyin,in West Nzema-Ghana West Africa, now called Jomoro, in the late 1600s. His father was from Benyin and his mother was from Anosuazo, Eastern Nzema. His father was called Kaku Ackah And His Mother Was Called Maame Nkob3’. Anokye was named after his pa
ternal Uncle Egya-Ano who was a fetish priest.The Nzema called him Ano kye which means Ano Junior. The
Ashanti and Denkyira, who were unable to pronounce his name, called him Anokye. He lived in Anosuazo near Atuabo East Nzema, where he began his priesthood. Anosuazo later became known as Anokye because of the priests frequent visitors. Okomfo Anokye later helped King Amakye, Kaku Ackah’s Uncle, to defeat the first Europeans who came to the coast of Nzemaland.

The Denkyira’s later heard of his wonders and requested his aid. Through Anokye’s help, the Denkyira’s successfully defeated the Ashanti’s. Osei Tutu,the King of the Ashanti at the time, requested Anokye’s aid. Anokye went to Osei Tutu’s aid in Kumasi, the capital of the Ashanti Empire, with a group of his tribesmen and women. King Osei Tutu gave Anokye land to settle on after he helped them to defeat the Denkyira. The land given to Anokye to settle on was named Nzemaa right there in the Ashanti region. After the Ashanti defeated the Denyira, Okomfo Anokye brought the golden stool from the sky and gave it to the Ashanti’s. He also put a sword on the ground as a symbol of unity between the Nzema and the Ashanti.The oath also prevented the Ashanti from fighting the Nzema and allows Ashanti’s and Nzema’s to marry each other with one single plantain as dowry.When Osei Tutu died, Okomfo Anokye’s life was in danger, so he fled and lived the rest of his life in Awukugua. Through Okomfo Anokye, Nzema’s gained the nickname, Nzema ba no yie, corrupted to 'bayie' or witch craft. which means the Nzema’s arrival was justified, or indelible etch. The fleeing Denkyira(Adi nkra) who through the aid of Nzema gained safe passage to the Ivory and became the dominant tribe BAOULE and are very aware of this tradition.
TerriblY Spe cifiC 12 years ago

TRASH IS EVEN BETTER THAN THIS. BACK YOUR CLAIM UP NDC THIEF.

TRASH IS EVEN BETTER THAN THIS. BACK YOUR CLAIM UP NDC THIEF.
Repugnant. 12 years ago

Every true asante knows this for a fact' It is not just history but a prevailing tradition to date. "King Osei Tutu gave Anokye land to settle on after he helped them to defeat the Denkyera. This land was named Nzemaa. After ...
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Every true asante knows this for a fact' It is not just history but a prevailing tradition to date. "King Osei Tutu gave Anokye land to settle on after he helped them to defeat the Denkyera. This land was named Nzemaa. After the Ashanti defeated the Denkyera, Okomfo Anokye brought the golden stool from the sky and gave it to the Ashantis. He also put a sword on the ground as a symbol of unity between the Nzema and the Ashanti. The oath also prevented the Ashanti from warring against the Nzema and allows Ashantis and Nzemas to marry each other with one single plantain as dowry."
Kwame, U.S.A 12 years ago

This reader (Repugnant) failed to quote any single chapter or verse to back his "facts". Perhaps he can tell us what "Nzemaa" the land King Osei Tutu gave Komfo Anokye means. He failed to throw light on where the Great Warr ...
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This reader (Repugnant) failed to quote any single chapter or verse to back his "facts". Perhaps he can tell us what "Nzemaa" the land King Osei Tutu gave Komfo Anokye means. He failed to throw light on where the Great Warrior "Anokye" was from so as to complement his good work for Osei Tutu by commanding the Golden Stool from the sky and then the "Mponposuo"? Sword.
Most Historians have it that Komfo Anokye was from Akwapim - precicely from Awukugua (where his Shrine is still visible), and whose language sound like that of Nzema!!

"Anokye" in Awukugua (Okere) dialect means: "Ano-kye" meanibng "Ano look" (in English)and "Ano hwe" in Akan. Maybe A.M. Kuffuor will help straighten this piece.
Mark (UK) 12 years ago

Hi Repugnant,
Despite taking 'O' and 'A Levels History, I do not know much about our own history. However, some Anlos claim that Okomfo Anokye was an Anlo man. I wonder what your sources are for this assertion that Okomfo An ...
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Hi Repugnant,
Despite taking 'O' and 'A Levels History, I do not know much about our own history. However, some Anlos claim that Okomfo Anokye was an Anlo man. I wonder what your sources are for this assertion that Okomfo Anokye was an Nzema man.
Akadu Mensema 12 years ago

Just asking question because even in my own home, I cannot use two computers to post as Akadu!

Just asking question because even in my own home, I cannot use two computers to post as Akadu!

Blessings 12 years ago

AKADU, STOP STEREOTYPING TRIBES! IT SO UNCOUTH, TO JUST LACE YOUR WRITINGS WITH THESE TRIBAL INSULTS THAT DO NOT ADVANCE GHANA'S UNITY AND YOUR POCKET BOOK!

YOU ARE ALSO an "arse" of a PHD!

AKADU, STOP STEREOTYPING TRIBES! IT SO UNCOUTH, TO JUST LACE YOUR WRITINGS WITH THESE TRIBAL INSULTS THAT DO NOT ADVANCE GHANA'S UNITY AND YOUR POCKET BOOK!

YOU ARE ALSO an "arse" of a PHD!
Sani 12 years ago

We all read about the history of our land when we were in school. This writer with his baaad English is trying to give us a version which he hasn't researched himself. He only took things from some writers completely unaware ...
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We all read about the history of our land when we were in school. This writer with his baaad English is trying to give us a version which he hasn't researched himself. He only took things from some writers completely unaware of the writing of history - historiography. He mentions dates as if these dates were correct at a time our people could not read and write.

Kufuor can only convince his fellow illiterates...
ABU 12 years ago

"He mentions dates"

You idiot is talking about bad English when you can't even write your name out of a paperbag.

"He mentions dates"

You idiot is talking about bad English when you can't even write your name out of a paperbag.
C.Y. ANDY-K 12 years ago

Yes, it is MOST NECESSARY, for the simple reason that the Chickens are Coming Home to Roost. Let him present his narration and we shall put meat to it and bring out the humanity that was disembodied and bloody but covered up ...
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Yes, it is MOST NECESSARY, for the simple reason that the Chickens are Coming Home to Roost. Let him present his narration and we shall put meat to it and bring out the humanity that was disembodied and bloody but covered up in that historical narrative.

Andy-K
Akadu Mensema 12 years ago

You are rather a foolish Ghanaian for daring to ask this question. We need to know our history to be able to move forward! You Ghanaians like Western cultures, but fail to recognize that the West treasure their history and mo ...
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You are rather a foolish Ghanaian for daring to ask this question. We need to know our history to be able to move forward! You Ghanaians like Western cultures, but fail to recognize that the West treasure their history and monumnets because they offer a path to the future!
Frank Agyena-Karikari 12 years ago

It is in Ghana that we do not respect our history. In the Developed World, they do not play with their history. As early as the primary school, some start to learn their constitution. In Ghana, we don't care and many universi ...
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It is in Ghana that we do not respect our history. In the Developed World, they do not play with their history. As early as the primary school, some start to learn their constitution. In Ghana, we don't care and many university and Polytecnic graduates have not seen even how the constitution looks like. That is why when some MPs go to parliament, they sit there like Egyptian mummies.
SARPONG 12 years ago

You are talking about learning our constitution. Americans since 1776 have had only one constitution with few amendments. In Ghana, we have had four constitution since 1957 with the present one not worth the paper it is writt ...
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You are talking about learning our constitution. Americans since 1776 have had only one constitution with few amendments. In Ghana, we have had four constitution since 1957 with the present one not worth the paper it is written on and need to be thrashed, so which constitution should we learn since we change our constitutions frequently.
Kwadwo 12 years ago

I'm in agreement with you. Why rehash the history of Asante subjugation of the Gonjas 300 hundred years ago given the political climate of the country. This is mischievous and you should be ashamed. As a royal, you should be ...
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I'm in agreement with you. Why rehash the history of Asante subjugation of the Gonjas 300 hundred years ago given the political climate of the country. This is mischievous and you should be ashamed. As a royal, you should be more sensitive of the subject you write about.
C'MAN--Fairfax Virginia 12 years ago

You and I know the importance of history but these THIEVES, DOGS,ECZEMA and ODOUR-BODY,BUSHY-ARMPIT,PRIMITIVE, ALIEN etc number 9 people who always envy the Akans particularly Ashantis would not like to embrace the true aspec ...
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You and I know the importance of history but these THIEVES, DOGS,ECZEMA and ODOUR-BODY,BUSHY-ARMPIT,PRIMITIVE, ALIEN etc number 9 people who always envy the Akans particularly Ashantis would not like to embrace the true aspects of our rich history.Long live JERRY JOHN RAWLINGS. He is exceptionally diffrent from the DOGS in the volta south.
Serwaah 12 years ago

His half westernized body tells him the importance of knowing and respecting his county's history whilst those of the Volta south are not.

His half westernized body tells him the importance of knowing and respecting his county's history whilst those of the Volta south are not.

C.Y. ANDY-K 12 years ago

Well, I am from the Volta south and I presume that barrage of insults is directed at me too. You wait until the true history of the Asantes is told, with the mangled flesh and gory blood as details; not the disembodied, dry r ...
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Well, I am from the Volta south and I presume that barrage of insults is directed at me too. You wait until the true history of the Asantes is told, with the mangled flesh and gory blood as details; not the disembodied, dry recounting as this one.

If you indeed know Asante history and you are proper Asante, you wouldn't have dared insult those from the Volta south, as you put it. You may also be from the ahenfie but that doesn't make you a true son of the ahenfie, but a scion of a slave of the ahenfie.

I've waited for decades to tell the tale as it were. The time will soon dawn to tell our tale too.

C.Y. ANDY-K
Vodoo Xebieso 12 years ago

Mr. Bush Rat in suit, just get this straight into your animal shit-infested skull: Rawlings' mother is from Volta South. There is nothing spectacular about Akans or Ashantis to make the Ewe envy them; even the whites have ec ...
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Mr. Bush Rat in suit, just get this straight into your animal shit-infested skull: Rawlings' mother is from Volta South. There is nothing spectacular about Akans or Ashantis to make the Ewe envy them; even the whites have eczema hence they have a name for it; the mail of soot on your bodies hide the true colour or dots on your skin; to appreciate Ewe history, go to either the Danish or German archives; you swines initially claimed to have come out from holes but available records show you came from elsewhere and not from holes.
Mark (UK) 12 years ago

Go easy Vodoo,
We are brothers learning from each other. Easy man. Above all, don't spend your days focussing all your energies on insulting Ashantis. Try and be at peace with your self. It will be good for you. Have a bless ...
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Go easy Vodoo,
We are brothers learning from each other. Easy man. Above all, don't spend your days focussing all your energies on insulting Ashantis. Try and be at peace with your self. It will be good for you. Have a blessed day.
Real Ghanaian 12 years ago

Hey how is your wife from Asante Mampong doing ? Does she know how much you hate Asantes/Akans. Is she a child of those laborers on Akan land thus a non-Asante. Nobody gives a damn about Rawlings the bastard. He has come and ...
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Hey how is your wife from Asante Mampong doing ? Does she know how much you hate Asantes/Akans. Is she a child of those laborers on Akan land thus a non-Asante. Nobody gives a damn about Rawlings the bastard. He has come and gone, yet his worshipers like you have never improved in life.

If your ayigbe history is so glamorous, as you claim told by the Danes and Germans, let us know it. Most of Asante/Akan history of war, expansion and bravery was published by the Whites and Islamic scribes who came in contact with them. Eat your heart out for all I care about. Better still go eat crow as some say.

How are your Ewe secession plans coming along ? How hard hard has it been convincing your ayigbe kinsmen to support your grand plans. Simply ask your representative to present another plebiscite and see how many Ghanaians including non-Akans will support pyour decision to break away.
Matthew 12 years ago

Even the Kassinas at some point had an Ashanti chief(Apiah),but so what.Does that mean Northerners are never good enough to lead Ghana?Lets get past the tribal nonsense.

Even the Kassinas at some point had an Ashanti chief(Apiah),but so what.Does that mean Northerners are never good enough to lead Ghana?Lets get past the tribal nonsense.
NASARALANA ALIDU 12 years ago

After digesting the part 1 and 2 of this feature article,Asante History:Akyem Abuakwa and Dagomba wars
the intent and purpose of the writer stands out clearly for the average intelligent person to see-This is to tactfully s ...
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After digesting the part 1 and 2 of this feature article,Asante History:Akyem Abuakwa and Dagomba wars
the intent and purpose of the writer stands out clearly for the average intelligent person to see-This is to tactfully serve the interest of the long pursued geo-ethnocentric politics of the Danquah Busia/NPP tradition.
The current verbal attacks by some misguided NPP supporters against Northerners based on the perception that it is the Asantes and the Akyemes alone who are the superior tribes in the country and the only people born to rule while Northerners are born to serve because they are their slaves makes this articles a highly irresponsible and patriotic act.The writer doesn't care about national harmony,peace,unity,cohesion and integration because the "son of a cattle tenderer" is made President and every thing possible must be made tom bring him down.
Now coming to Asante conquering Dagbon twice to hell with this concocted nonsense of yours.You are a great liar.What was the name of the battle between the Dagombas and Asantes,the venue casualties on the Dagomba side and the Asante side? The Dagombas were just so weak that they were simply run down by the Asantes and Yendi burnt and Dagbon as a whole was easily conquered.Is that what you are saying?So far as Dagomba-Asante historical relations is concerned it was one of Politico-Economic symbiosis and not conquest.In view of the Asante earlier relations with the British Dagbon relied on Asante for fire arms to boost their military arsenals mainly calvary.Under a military pact between Asante and Dagbon,the former stationed musketeers in Dagbon to train Dagomba wariors in training camps.Head warrior or ASAFOHENE in twi is still today used in Dagbon as "SAPASHINI'and decendants of those who were trained by Asante warriors still are outdoored with Akan names,BOADU(BOARU IN DAGBANI),ADOMAKO(DAMANKUN IN DAGBANI)In fact there so many twi words in Dagbon military vocabulary up till today.Atupan,the talking drum which was introduced to Dagobon royalty is corrupted for Dagbani usage as 'timpana'and Akaramang or 'AKARAMA(THE CHIEF DRUMMER)
Indeed,i will come out with a rejoinder to this feature to set the records straight.How Asante practiced the first ever human cross breeding between Asante women and Northern handsome men with extra-ordinary physical stature will be dealt with
But once again this is this is an irresponsible act-falsification of historical fact for ethnic aggrandizement not caring the decisive tendencies of your act

In 1723 Opoku Ware led-Asante Army defeated the Bono and Dagomba Kingdoms burning the latter capital Yendi. The British consul at Kumasi in 1827, M. J. Dupuis, records in his “Journal a Residence in Ashantee” that the Dagomba capital Yendi and other large towns of the country paid to Ashantee an annual tribute of 500 slaves, 200 cows, 400 sheep and cloths and that smaller towns are taxed in proportion. In 1732, Dr Claridge named Opoku Ware as the Conqueror of Dagomba in his “History of the Gold Coast and Ashanti”. Moreover Gbunja, a Muslim Chronicler recorded in February 1745 that “the Cursed Unbeliever, Opoku Ware entered the town of Yendi and Plundered it”. All these enlisted the defeat of Dagomba by King Opoku Ware which is been disputed by Dagbon state.
FOLI ...UK 12 years ago

very good my brother and thank you for this article...hoping to read the next PART 2...AT LEAST OUR KIDS CAN READ SOMETHINGS ABOUT OUR HISTORY BEING GOOD OR BAD THAT IS WHO WE ARE....FOLKS WITHOUT PAST HISTORY ARE JUST LIKE A ...
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very good my brother and thank you for this article...hoping to read the next PART 2...AT LEAST OUR KIDS CAN READ SOMETHINGS ABOUT OUR HISTORY BEING GOOD OR BAD THAT IS WHO WE ARE....FOLKS WITHOUT PAST HISTORY ARE JUST LIKE ANIMALS.....THE WESTERN WORLD WANT US TO FEEL THIS WAY,,,BURNING OUR HISTORY INFO,STATURE ETC...JUST ONLY TALKING ABOUT SLAVERY AND ALL THIS NOTION THAT BLACK PEOPLE NEVER HAD OR WILL BE GREAT MEN....BUT MY BRO WE HAVE TO KNOW WHERE WE ARE COMING FROM IN ORDER TO KNOW WHERE WE ARE GOING AND WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE....JUST OBSERVE THE CHINESE,INDIAN,EGYPTIAN & THE PYRAMID,,,ALL THESE TELL SOME LITTLE STORY ,,,SANKOFA.....DONT FORGET WHERE YOU ARE COMING FROM ,,, THIS WILL HELP YOU WHERE YOU WANT TO GO..MAY GOD FORGIVE AND BLESS US.

FOLI...UK
Ghanaian 12 years ago

The children better read the history books rather!

The children better read the history books rather!
Akadu Mensema 12 years ago

Please be fair to include the defeat of the Asantes in the 1826 Akatamanso (wo ka tam a wo b3 su)war.

Please be fair to include the defeat of the Asantes in the 1826 Akatamanso (wo ka tam a wo b3 su)war.
Akadu Mensema 12 years ago

sTOP THE IMPERSONATION!

sTOP THE IMPERSONATION!
C.Y. ANDY-K 12 years ago

I've taken note.

Andy-K

I've taken note.

Andy-K
Akadu Mensema 12 years ago

Thanks!

Thanks!
xhlemiso 12 years ago

Brothers and sisters, all history is good and worth narrating. I commend this writer and anyone else who will write about the history of another part of Ghana, or even write about the same from a different angle. To suggest f ...
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Brothers and sisters, all history is good and worth narrating. I commend this writer and anyone else who will write about the history of another part of Ghana, or even write about the same from a different angle. To suggest forgetting any aspect of history or culture is to be indeed dumb and backward.
Ghanaian 12 years ago

This piece is highly unnecessary. Can the writer tell us what he seeks to achieve. Next time, preach to us about the geography of Ghana. Write about the black and white Volta, write about Mount Afadjato, write about river Des ...
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This piece is highly unnecessary. Can the writer tell us what he seeks to achieve. Next time, preach to us about the geography of Ghana. Write about the black and white Volta, write about Mount Afadjato, write about river Desu and river prah; without trying to show the superiority of one tribe over others!
C.Y. ANDY-K 12 years ago

Whereas I welcome your narration, I am not enthused with the quality of your narratives, not to mind the grammar. It is clear you aren't a trained historian, just a history buff. Hope you don't turn into a history bluff!

F ...
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Whereas I welcome your narration, I am not enthused with the quality of your narratives, not to mind the grammar. It is clear you aren't a trained historian, just a history buff. Hope you don't turn into a history bluff!

For your information, the Dagbons might be challenging the claim of Asante conquest because one side in a succession dispute invited the Asantes to help him gain the skin. That's how Asante entered Dagbon, supported by one side in a chieftaincy dispute and gained the right to the promised tributes. Of course, Konkombas, whose town Yendi the Dagbons had earlier seized and made their capital (see the book The Konkombas of Northern Ghana) and other minorities became the unfortunate tributes to be given in the annual tributes, thereby sowing the present basis for the present intra-ethnic conflicts in the North, compounded by contemporary events. I've covered all that in my own The Chickens Coming to Roost series, which has just started.

Secondly, you are wrong to include Krepi, that's northern Eweland covering the Peki, Tsito-Awudome, Ho and Hohoe areas, as part of the Asante conquest by 1750, for the mere fact that the Akwamus were the people in charge of that area by then, thanks to help they received internally. They managed to take control of that area after their defeat by the combined Ga-Akyem forces (the Gas requested for the Akyem help and gave the Notes to the Accra Castles as reward to them) in 1730 and resettlement in the Volta gorge, among the Ewes and other Guan people who were already living there. Asantes, on the other hand, had control over the Kete-Krachi area and to the northern VR going up to Dagbon boundary through the Bekwaihene.

The Asantes DID NOT also conquer the Anlo kingdom, as some like Adu Boahen claimed. But the two kingdoms became allies through Anlos friendship and association with Akwamu even before the founding of the Asante kingdom, when Anlo helped Akunnor in his own succession dispute in the late C17th. Hmm! There is something else in reserve - a historical puzzle whose time is due to be solved.

The Asantes didn't defeat the Gas too in any war. What they did was more like gun boat diplomacy. Backed by the forces they had camped not far away, they presented the Notes to the Castles they had seized from the Akyems, after their defeat by the lucky stroke of the heavy down pour that rendered the superior fire power of the Akyems useful and the bow and arrows of the "Hausa" bowmen in the Asante army suddenly becoming supreme in determining the outcome of the war in favour of the Asantes. The Asantes would have been routed had the rain not come. Of course, he who has the Notes get the ground rent, thus the Gas had no option than to allow the Asantes get the ground rent for the Accra Castles. A very wise choice, instead of resisting and risking the Asantes attacking them. Above all, Gas gained an important ally and great trade partner and soon, Gas were reaping the benefits of that wise decision, and gradually eclipsing Cape Coast as the centre of European trade in slaves, gold and the trade goods the Europeans brought. Rest is history, as u all know.:-)Don't u?

As for Akatamansu, the Gas simply bailed out of a sinking boat early enough to be on the winning side.

Andy-K
C.Y. ANDY-K 12 years ago

..the superior fire power of the Akyems USELESS...

..the superior fire power of the Akyems USELESS...
I'm ashanti and wars don't make me pr 10 years ago

You are such a useless empty shell trying to throw in your little twisted version. The little rain just over an hour rendered your so called akyem fighting power lame? I don't know what kind of history book you've been readin ...
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You are such a useless empty shell trying to throw in your little twisted version. The little rain just over an hour rendered your so called akyem fighting power lame? I don't know what kind of history book you've been reading. Ashantis never did this and that, never defeated this and that. It shows how naive you guys are when you hear of the real truth of Ghana history. STOP TWISTING OUR HISTORY TO SAVE YOUR PRIDE, FOR YOUR PRIDE IS NOT AT STAKE.
Udey 12 years ago

This shows how barbaric the Asantes were. Very primitive

This shows how barbaric the Asantes were. Very primitive
Jenny 12 years ago

Great stuff! Well researched and lucidly written.

Great stuff! Well researched and lucidly written.
Jenny 12 years ago

War to survive. Hope you don't US barbaric today. Or British barbaric

War to survive. Hope you don't US barbaric today. Or British barbaric
Jenny 12 years ago

Great stuff! Well researched and lucidly written.

Great stuff! Well researched and lucidly written.
Jenny 12 years ago

War to survive. Hope you don't US barbaric today. Or British barbaric

War to survive. Hope you don't US barbaric today. Or British barbaric
Jenny 12 years ago

Great stuff! Well researched and lucidly written.

Great stuff! Well researched and lucidly written.
Jenny 12 years ago

War to survive. Hope you don't US barbaric today. Or British barbaric

War to survive. Hope you don't US barbaric today. Or British barbaric
Jenny 12 years ago

I can't wait to read the next stuff

I can't wait to read the next stuff
Jenny 12 years ago

I can't wait to read the next stuff

I can't wait to read the next stuff
Jenny 12 years ago

I can't wait to read the next stuff

I can't wait to read the next stuff
Jenny 12 years ago

I can't wait to read the next stuff

I can't wait to read the next stuff
Jenny 12 years ago

I can't wait to read the next stuff

I can't wait to read the next stuff
Jenny 12 years ago

I can't wait to read the next stuff

I can't wait to read the next stuff
Jenny 12 years ago

I can't wait to read the next stuff

I can't wait to read the next stuff
Jenny 12 years ago

I can't wait to read the next stuff

I can't wait to read the next stuff
Jenny 12 years ago

I can't wait to read the next stuff

I can't wait to read the next stuff
Jenny 12 years ago

I can't wait to read the next stuff

I can't wait to read the next stuff
Jenny 12 years ago

I can't wait to read the next stuff

I can't wait to read the next stuff
Gumbihini Atika Atika 12 years ago

Well done! I hope others will also write articles on the history of other Tribes on this forum.

Well done! I hope others will also write articles on the history of other Tribes on this forum.
tt 12 years ago

This history is so flawed.

This history is so flawed.
Robert 12 years ago

We read this history book in the 50s yet there was unity among Ghanaian. The vacuum created by it's absence is making our history appear new in the ears of two new generations. Let people get the real stuff by re-introducing ...
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We read this history book in the 50s yet there was unity among Ghanaian. The vacuum created by it's absence is making our history appear new in the ears of two new generations. Let people get the real stuff by re-introducing the book. Then in times like these we will not need anyone to tell us what we all know.
SANKOFA, USA ( sankofa474@gmail.com ) 12 years ago

SANKOFA YENKYI-OBINIM A, OBI KYERE! AGYA KUFUOR, MMO NE ADWUMA PA! MOST PEOPLE WILL UNDERSTAND THE ASANTES AFTER READING THIS PIECE.HISTORY, ONE WAY OR THE OTHER, CAN BRING ABOUT UNITY. GOOD JOB MY BROTHER!!!

SANKOFA YENKYI-OBINIM A, OBI KYERE! AGYA KUFUOR, MMO NE ADWUMA PA! MOST PEOPLE WILL UNDERSTAND THE ASANTES AFTER READING THIS PIECE.HISTORY, ONE WAY OR THE OTHER, CAN BRING ABOUT UNITY. GOOD JOB MY BROTHER!!!
Akwasi,London 12 years ago

Sorry Agya Kufuor.Your piece is
a bit flawed.To put the record straight,it was the stupidity of the Asante military commanders that resulted in Osei Tutu's death.How could an army commander be forced to ride in a palanquin ...
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Sorry Agya Kufuor.Your piece is
a bit flawed.To put the record straight,it was the stupidity of the Asante military commanders that resulted in Osei Tutu's death.How could an army commander be forced to ride in a palanquin while crossing a swollen River Pra to attack a vassal state that had rebelled against him?Osei Tutu was a sitting target on the bridge over the Pra.His commanders did not attempt to withdraw him back to Kumasi,as you stated in your piece.It was sheer hubris and a stupidity of the highest order.Ask the Asantehene the meaning of the proverb: Me suae a enye Kotoku.The Asantehene knows that his great ancestor was outmanoeuvred by a smart and determined foe.Seek and you will find.Wait for my book on the history of the Akyems which will come out next year.If you want to teach History,get your facts right,Mr Historian.
Ghanavia 12 years ago

Fuck off, who are Akyems to compare themselves to Asantes?

Fuck off, who are Akyems to compare themselves to Asantes?
Easy 12 years ago

This is SARPONG JUSTICE pretending to be somebody else.

This is SARPONG JUSTICE pretending to be somebody else.
CAPT.NUAMAH.APRAMDO.TKDI. 12 years ago

WE ARE GOING TO OVERHAUL THE NDC GOVEMENT VERY SOON....

WE ARE GOING TO OVERHAUL THE NDC GOVEMENT VERY SOON....
Curious to know 12 years ago

Mr Historian, I want to ask you two questions.
1) Which tribe was called by the Asante King to help him fight the Denkyeras? Were they mercenaries? What was the promise given to that Tribe? Was that promise fulfilled after ...
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Mr Historian, I want to ask you two questions.
1) Which tribe was called by the Asante King to help him fight the Denkyeras? Were they mercenaries? What was the promise given to that Tribe? Was that promise fulfilled after the Denkyeras were defeated?
2)Which tribe helped the Akyems in the full overflowing river Pra to kill Osei Tutu? Dis the Ashantis recover his body and sent back to Kumasi or the remains of their King remained with the Akyems?
Bekaaliba 12 years ago

The Dagombas and Gonjas have a living history which is highly reliable and there is no history of they being defeated by the Asante. We don,t know where this is coming from. There is a relaible history about the Dagombas figh ...
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The Dagombas and Gonjas have a living history which is highly reliable and there is no history of they being defeated by the Asante. We don,t know where this is coming from. There is a relaible history about the Dagombas fighting Germans with the latter using armoured cars the remains of which can still be fou nd in a village called Ariboo around Yendi. Why is it that this is not known by the so call historians of Ghana but is alive in liberaries in Germany. Asantes couldn't have fought the Dagombas to defeat. Highly impossible.
Kweku Boateng 12 years ago

The town is ADIBO please. The German commander's relatives in Germany still have some of the items the Germans captured in 1890? Ashante captured Naa Gariba to the south of Salaga and were taking him to Coomase (Kumasi) when ...
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The town is ADIBO please. The German commander's relatives in Germany still have some of the items the Germans captured in 1890? Ashante captured Naa Gariba to the south of Salaga and were taking him to Coomase (Kumasi) when a deal was struck-500 slaves etc in exchange.
fatawu 10 years ago

boateng ashantis never arrested Naa Gariba but he was invited to kumasi by ur Coward king bcs he fear DAT De two kingdoms might clash.I ask u when akyem pick u ashantis as deir slaves is DAT dagombas DAT u came to and dagomba ...
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boateng ashantis never arrested Naa Gariba but he was invited to kumasi by ur Coward king bcs he fear DAT De two kingdoms might clash.I ask u when akyem pick u ashantis as deir slaves is DAT dagombas DAT u came to and dagombas children under 20years and went defeated them and claim victory for u duwaves. dagombas small warriors were camp at bantima and was led by bantimahene . if u people believe in urselves u can come we face to see whether asantes and dagombas who are strong. i swear Allah u asantes would have deficated and cry ajai ajai. kanbon yo ya let it be ur last to post such a lie bcs we are coming for u peoples. bastards .nya ma sheje yo ya
Abeeku Mensah 12 years ago

History tells people with the knack and sense of intelligence where they've been and the wise within them lessons of past mistakes. In my opinion, what ails modern day Ghanaian is precisely what ails Africans; the inability ...
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History tells people with the knack and sense of intelligence where they've been and the wise within them lessons of past mistakes. In my opinion, what ails modern day Ghanaian is precisely what ails Africans; the inability to move forward but dwell on the past. Civilized Europeans have conquered unknown and "undiscovered" lands called the Americas while some in Ghana continue to dwell on the warring prowess of dead Asantehene. It is in this same vain most Caucasians, educated or not, intellectual or not, moron and educated fool think they are superior to anyone of African ancestry.
Wars, of late, are not fought using machetes and bayonets, not even tanks but by unmanned drones and other technological advances. But here we are dwelling on history that has not contributed to any meaningful improvements in the lives of Ghanaians, but a collection of worthless scribes which by my understanding were not written by Ghanaians but by our European masters. In the end, with all the Asante powers, we were defeated and subjugated on our own land/soil period. The entire Gold Coast nation was subject of the British empire. Pretending that there was something mighty about a defeated nation is what continues to give rise to the divisive nature of politics in Ghana.
The lesson we ought to learn from our history is not who was best at war and or the art of killing but what those skills have lead to in development and or aiding in the longevity of human life. If this article is to tell us anything at all it showed that there were once tribes in Ghana that used brutality on its subjects from defeated tribes; traits passed on even unto today that will not allow the NPP to accept defeat from a clownish NDC; but defeat came to the mighty Opuku Ware and Osei Tutu period.
ABEEKU BARTELS 12 years ago

Methinks you are shaking in your boots because someone decides to write about a history lesson, that actually leads to how Ghana was formed. Rather that understanding the guy, you delve into preconceived tribal hatred, and u ...
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Methinks you are shaking in your boots because someone decides to write about a history lesson, that actually leads to how Ghana was formed. Rather that understanding the guy, you delve into preconceived tribal hatred, and use language that clearly show that extolling part of our collective history make you doodoo on yourself.

There is nothing shameful about Asante being defeated by England. Nor is it shameful to write about India being defeated by England; nor shameful to write that China was defeated by japan, etc., etc.

The salient point is that, before English/British imperialism conquered Asante; Asante had conquered a land much larger than present day Ghana. That is a HISTORICAL fact which cannot be diluted nor denied by aspersion such as yours because you do not understand the nature of Asante refusal to kowtow to British rule as other had done.

Unlike you, I believe there was and still is "something mighty about a defeated nation." The Asante character in standing up against British imperialism should help to define all Ghanaians stand against dictatorship as exemplified in opposition to dictatorial rulers like Nkrumah; Rawlings; and the various military junta.

The writer is not in any way doing anything wrong in placing Ghana's history here.

Your desire to call the British "civilized", as against Asante is typical of FOOLISH Africans who cannot understand their own history unless they wear the discarded robes of imperialist conquerors. Asante wears her own robes!!!
Shaibu Hamza D. 12 years ago

Great piece of history but with lots of missing links.Forinstance,who was the king of Dagbon when the Asantes invaded?Was he killed,captured or banished?What explains Akan names like AKyiri,Adu,Ata etc.particularly among Dago ...
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Great piece of history but with lots of missing links.Forinstance,who was the king of Dagbon when the Asantes invaded?Was he killed,captured or banished?What explains Akan names like AKyiri,Adu,Ata etc.particularly among Dagomba Wariors?Instruments like Timpana(atumpan)commonly associated with Akans but proudly used in palaces in contemporary Dagbon?What brought about slave exchange btn Dagbon and Ashante and how that pact ended?
wunpini 12 years ago

what is the name of the battle of the dagombas and asantes

what is the name of the battle of the dagombas and asantes
Masssly 11 years ago

Lol the writer is simply being ethnocentric, that's okay. Asante has never fought a war beyond the territory of the Brong states. The Asante Empire at its peak, was bordered to the north by the Kingdoms of Gonja and Dagbon. G ...
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Lol the writer is simply being ethnocentric, that's okay. Asante has never fought a war beyond the territory of the Brong states. The Asante Empire at its peak, was bordered to the north by the Kingdoms of Gonja and Dagbon. Gonjas and Dagombas especially have never been subjugated throughout their history, not until they were incorporated as a colony of Gold Coast. And yes the tributes, oh yes Dagombas paid tributes to Asante, but pls don't misunderstand the nature of the tributes. first of all they were not called tributes at that time, because tributes can only be impositions a people demand from you when they subjugate you. so what were these payment for? it was a from of renumeration the Yaa-Naa paid to his exiled half brother (who was related by blood to the then king of Ashanti) for his upkeep. These payments went down in history for such a long time that it is usually misunderstood as an imposed tribute. but my dear friend it wasn't. for more masssly@ymail.com
Hajj TK, TANKO 11 years ago

No war exist between Dagombas and ashantes.All are lies and propaganda

No war exist between Dagombas and ashantes.All are lies and propaganda
TANKO 11 years ago

This is pure Ashanti propaganda

This is pure Ashanti propaganda
Raul mohammed 9 years ago

I always say that God should always put inportant things in the hands of wise people so that tthey can not blame the stupid one when sometings goes wrong.

I always say that God should always put inportant things in the hands of wise people so that tthey can not blame the stupid one when sometings goes wrong.
Raul mohammed 9 years ago

Ashanti's always look down on northener's because they think they have all the knowledge in the world. May God help the right one and forgive the wrong one. God is so sensible that he did not give the knowledge and resources ...
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Ashanti's always look down on northener's because they think they have all the knowledge in the world. May God help the right one and forgive the wrong one. God is so sensible that he did not give the knowledge and resources to the same group of people so others have to use their brains whiles others have to struggle to earn a living. Northerners are unluky unlike the ashanti's.

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Asante History; Akyem Abuakwa And Dagomba Wars.

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