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142-755: British victory The Anglo-Ashanti wars were a series of five conflicts that took place between 1824 and 1900 between the Ashanti Empire —in the Akan interior of the Gold Coast —and the British Empire and its African allies. Although the Ashanti emerged victorious in some of these conflicts, the British ultimately prevailed in the fourth and fifth conflicts, resulting in the complete annexation of

284-485: A British resident in Kumasi. The Ashanti King Prempeh I refused to surrender his sovereignty. Wanting to keep French and German forces out of Ashanti territory (and its gold), the British were anxious to conquer the Ashanti once and for all. The Ashanti sent a delegation to London offering concessions on its gold, cocoa and rubber trade as well as submission to the crown. The British however had already made their minds up on

426-463: A Naval Brigade, two native regiments, Royal Artillery , Royal Engineers and Royal Marines . By 29 January, the road was more than half completed and they were close to Ashanti outposts. Skirmishing between the two forces began. Wolseley prepared to fight a battle. The Battle of Amoaful was fought on 31 January. A road was cut to the village and the Black Watch led the way, forming square in

568-626: A centre at Kumasi . The Asante became tributaries of another Akan state, Denkyira but in the mid-17th century the Oyoko under Chief Oti Akenten started consolidating the Asante clans into a loose confederation against the Denkyira. The introduction of the Golden Stool ( Sika dwa ) was a means of centralization under Osei Tutu. According to legend, a meeting of all the clan heads of each of

710-595: A chief by uttering the taboo oath of a chief or the King. In the end, the King's Court is the sentencing court, for only the King can order the death penalty . Before the Council of Elders and the King's Court, the litigants orate comprehensively. Anyone present can cross-examine the defendant or the accuser, and if the proceedings do not lead to a verdict , a special witness is called to provide additional testimony . If there

852-458: A chief called Odikro who was the owner of the village. The Odikro was responsible for the maintenance of law and order. He also served as a medium between the people of his jurisdiction, the ancestor and the gods. As the head of the village, the Odikro presided over the village council. The queen or Ohenemaa was an important figure in Asante political systems. She was the most powerful female in

994-530: A coalition of influential Asante city-states against their mutual oppressor, the Denkyira who held the Asante kingdom in its thrall. The Asante kingdom utterly defeated them at the Battle of Feyiase , proclaiming its independence in 1701. Subsequently, through hard line force of arms and savoir-faire diplomacy, the duo induced the leaders of the other Asante city-states to declare allegiance and adherence to Kumasi,

1136-432: A combination of two or more of these typological names. Fantes use a system of giving the first name to a child based on the day of the week that the child was born: Children may also be named according to the sequence in which they are born. The names given are as follows Twins may also be named according to the sequence in which they are born. The names given are as follows: The next child born immediately after

1278-416: A flourishing trade with other African states due to the Asante gold wealth. The Asante also traded enslaved people. At this time the trade of enslaved people was focused towards the north. The army served as the effective tool to procure captives. These captives from war would go to Hausa and Mande traders and would be exchanged for goods from North Africa and other European goods. When the gold mines in

1420-460: A fortified camp would be built with 70 feet (21 m) long huts inside a stockade in an area that had been cleared of trees and undergrowth to provide some protection against hostile natives. Bridges were built across streams using trees, bamboo and creepers for ropes and a major bridge across the 63 yards (58 m)-wide Pra River was built using pre-manufactured pieces brought from Chatham, England . In total, 237 bridges would be built. Some of

1562-510: A greater degree of western influence compared to tribes in the hinterland. Examples of such anglicised transformational name are: Accordingly, some family names can also be identified by the suffix, for example: Otherwise, Fante (Akan) typological family names indicate various contexts. They may be circumstantial, manner of birth, theophorous, weird names, insinuating and proverbial names, gang and nicknames, status, occupational, professional, religious, matrimonial, and western names. There can be

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1704-706: A married woman, and adultery with any of the wives of a chief or the King. Assaults or insults of a chief or the court or the King also carried capital punishment . Cursing the King, calling down powers to harm the King, is considered an unspeakable act and carries the weight of death . One who invokes another to commit such an act must pay a heavy indemnity. Practitioners of harmful (evil) forms of sorcery and witchcraft receive death but not by decapitation, for their blood must not be shed. They receive execution by strangling, burning, or drowning. Ordinarily, families or lineages settle disputes between individuals. Nevertheless, such disputes can be brought to trial before

1846-519: A military solution, they were on their way, the delegation only returning to Kumasi a few days before the troops marched in. Colonel Sir Francis Scott left Cape Coast with the main expeditionary force of British and West Indian troops, Maxim guns and 75mm artillery in December 1895, and travelling along the remnants of the 1874 road arrived in Kumasi in January 1896. Major Robert Baden-Powell led

1988-409: A more comfortable clothing for hot climates and in this war had managed to get his troops kitted out in a better uniform. The Fourth Anglo-Ashanti War, also known as the "Second Ashanti Expedition", was brief, lasting only from 26 December 1895 to 4 February 1896. The Ashanti turned down an unofficial offer to become a British protectorate in 1891, extending to 1894. The British also wanted to establish

2130-420: A native levy of several local tribes in the campaign. The Asantehene directed the Ashanti not to resist, but casualties from sickness among the British troops were high. Soon, Governor William Maxwell arrived in Kumasi as well. Asantehene Agyeman Prempeh was unable or unwilling to pay the 50,000 ounces of gold so was arrested and deposed. He was forced to sign a treaty of protection, and with other Ashanti leaders

2272-580: A result of westernization, education and foreign religion, with multiple names developed out of this phenomenon. Some Fante names were translated literally into English and have endured as family names. Since the Fantes by virtue of living on the coast were the first to be in contact with the Europeans and traded, intermarried and lived with them for over 400 years, it is inevitable that among the Fante names show

2414-544: A smaller force had been sent, there would have been bloodshed. Prempeh I was banished to the Seychelles. Eleven years later, the Boy Scouts were started by Baden-Powell. Later still, after Prempeh was released and returned home, he became Chief Scout of Ashanti. The British force left Kumasi on 22 January 1896, arriving back at the coast two weeks later. Not a shot had been fired but 18 Europeans were dead and 50% of

2556-410: A suite of rooms over them, with small windows of wooden lattice, of intricate but regular carved work, and some have frames cased with thin gold. The squares have a large apartment on each side, open in front, with two supporting pillars, which break the view and give it all the appearance of the proscenium or front of the stage of the older Italian theaters. They are lofty and regular, and the cornices of

2698-430: A thatched shed in the same rooms as the heads which, owing to some peculiar process, were in a perfect state of preservation." Some weeks later, a larger British force made up of White and Native troops came to a standstill with the same Ashanti army that defeated McCarthy's force. The British army withdrew back to the coast with 176 dead and 677 men wounded. Major Alexander Gordon Laing returned to Britain with news of

2840-557: A threat to their hegemony on the coast. The British and the Dutch took sides in these Ashanti-Fante wars, with the British supporting the Fante and the Dutch supporting the Ashanti. While Mfantsefo are known widely to be a peaceful people, in times of war they rally for the common defence. Due to wars with the Dutch and allied Ashanti, the combined strength of the Fante Union Army numbered more than thirty thousand men in 1844. It

2982-411: A trap which resulted in 10 killed, 39 wounded and a British retreat. The Ashanti tried to negotiate but the British governor, Sir Charles MacCarthy , rejected Ashanti claims to Fanti areas of the coast and resisted overtures by the Ashanti to negotiate. MacCarthy returned from Sierra Leone when he learned of Otetfo's beheading and landed at Cape Coast Castle . Dr. Clardige wrote: "His journey

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3124-621: A treaty of friendship that recognized Ashanti claims to sovereignty over much of the coast. The African Company of Merchants was dissolved in 1821 and the British government assumed control of the trading forts on the Gold Coast from the merchants. In 1817, a British mission visited the Ashanti capital of Kumasi and concluded with the Asantehene Osei Bonsu a treaty of "perpetual peace and harmony" which declared no "palavers" (an archaic word for disagreements) stood between

3266-482: A verbal dispute with an Ashanti trader, and in the words of a British doctor, Walton Claridge "grossly abused the King of Ashanti, and it was this insignificant event that provided the spark that set the whole country in a blaze of war". Otetfo taunted the Ashanti by saying "Cormantine and Saturday", referring to the Battle of Cormantine in 1731 that saw the Ashanti king slain, a defeat that was considered so humiliating for

3408-527: A very bold cane-work in alto-relievo. A drop-curtain of curiously plaited cane is suspended in front, and in each, we observed chairs and stools embossed with gold, and beds of silk, with scattered regalia. Winwood Reade also described his visit to the Asante Royal Palace of Kumasi in 1874: "We went to the king's palace, which consists of many courtyards, each surrounded with alcoves and verandahs, and having two gates or doors, so that each yard

3550-415: Is Mankessim (Oman kesi mu). The Etsii Fante states, which include Eguafo, Fetu, Asebu, are positioned from west to east. The others are Oguaa, Elmina, Moree, Otsir, etc. The majority of the people in these states do not have migration stories. According to their oral traditions , their ancestors either descended from the heavens or emerged from the sea, rivers, or dense forests. For instance, Eguafo, which

3692-505: Is a male representative of his mother's family, where he is chosen from. The Ohene were divisional chiefs under the Amanhene. Their major function was to advise the Amanhene. The divisional chiefs were the highest order in various Asante state divisions. The divisions were made up of various villages put together. Examples of divisional chiefs included Krontihene, Nifahene, Benkumhene, Adontenhene and Kyidomhene. Each village in Asante had

3834-487: Is depicted on the Ashanti flag, had been well hidden and was only discovered by road workers by accident in 1920. King Prempeh I returned from exile in 1924, travelling to Kumasi by a special train. Four awards were made of the Victoria Cross , for Gallantry in the period 1873–74 and two for the 1900 campaign. (See List of Victoria Cross recipients by campaign ) An Ashanti Medal was created for those involved in

3976-531: Is eaten with fish including Tilapia and other seafood, fresh pepper and vegetables. Many Fante's from the interior also traditionally eat yam and coco yams (ampesie) and fufu. The Oguaa Fetu Afahye (an annual traditional festival celebrated in Cape Coast) is actually a yam harvest festival that was previously celebrated in the Bono Kingdom and was brought to the coast during the exodus. Fetu Afahye Festival

4118-517: Is known as Oman Panyin in Fanteland and is the oldest state, was founded by people who descended from the heavens in a large brass pan called Ayewa Kese . The Asebu people claim that their ancestors emerged from the earth, while the Sonkwa people believe that their forefathers emerged from a sacred grove nearby. The Fante people are of heterogeneous ancestry. That is, Guan and Akan. Therefore,with

4260-615: Is led by a Paramount Chief. However, in times of war, they always mobilized a Union army often commanded by the Paramount Chief of Abura. Facing such stern resistance, the Portuguese, Germans, Swedish and Danes after many decades vacated all trading forts in Mfantseman. The Dutch decided to stay, leading to many wars between Fante and the Dutch, who failed to colonize them. In 1844, having been weakened by constant battles with

4402-455: Is one of the most important festivals celebrated by the Fante ethnic group. It is celebrated as a remembrance of a historic disease outbreak, to keep the towns clean and to prevent another epidemic befalling the Fante people. The Fante people are the third-largest ethnic group of the Akan people, with the Ashanti and Akuapem being the first and second largest groups, respectively. Fantes over

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4544-412: Is only one witness, their sworn oath assures the truth is told. Moreover, that he favours or is hostile to either litigant is unthinkable. Cases with no witness, like sorcery or adultery are settled by ordeals, like drinking poison . Ancestor Veneration establishes the Asante moral system , and it provides the principal foundation for governmental sanctions. The link between mother and child centres

4686-452: Is so with family names derived from 12 Ntoro patrilineal clans of the fathers that are given to children. Each of the 12 Ntoro patrilineal clans has its peculiar family names. It is thus possible to use one's name to trace his/her patrilineal clan. Children who trace their genealogy to one patrilineal father may therefore share similar family names. Typical family names include Yankah, Osam, Aidoo, etc. There have also been innovations as

4828-462: Is then selected. That nomination was sent to a council of elders, who represented other lineages in the town or district . The Elders then presented the nomination to the assembled people. If the assembled citizens disapproved of the nominee, the process was restarted. Chosen, the new Kings were enstooled by the Elders, who admonished him with expectations. The chosen Kings swore a solemn oath to

4970-463: The codified constitution of the Ashanti Empire. The Asante state, in effect, was a theocracy . It invokes religious, rather than secular -legal postulates. What the modern state views as crimes , Ashanti view practically as sins . Antisocial acts disrespect the ancestors, and are only secondarily harmful to the community . If the chief or King fails to punish such acts, he invokes

5112-511: The Asantehene held immense power in Asante, but did not enjoy absolute royal rule . He was obliged to share considerable legislative and executive powers with Asante's sophisticated bureaucracy. But the Asantehene was the only person in Asante permitted to invoke the death sentence in cases of crime. During wartime, the King acted as Supreme Commander of the Asante army , although during

5254-648: The Ashanti Empire , was an Akan state that lasted from 1701 to 1901, in what is now modern-day Ghana . It expanded from the Ashanti Region to include most of Ghana and also parts of Ivory Coast and Togo . Due to the empire's military prowess , wealth , architecture, sophisticated hierarchy and culture , the Asante Empire has been extensively studied and has more historic records written by European, primarily British, authors than any other indigenous culture of sub-Saharan Africa . Starting in

5396-645: The Dutch Gold Coast from the Dutch, including Elmina which was claimed by the Ashanti. The Dutch had signed the Treaty of Butre in 1656 with the Ahanta . The treaty's arrangements proved very stable and regulated Dutch-Ahanta diplomatic affairs for more than 213 years. This all changed with the sale of the Dutch Gold Coast. The Ashanti invaded the new British protectorate. General Garnet Wolseley

5538-512: The Fante . The Asante held their own against the British in the first two of the five Anglo-Ashanti Wars , killing British army general Sir Charles MacCarthy and keeping his skull as a gold-rimmed drinking cup in 1824. British forces later burnt and sacked the Asante capital of Kumasi , however, and following the final Asante defeat at the fifth Anglo-Ashanti War, the Asante empire became part of

5680-543: The Odikro . All villages were then grouped together to form divisions headed by a divisional head called Ohene . The various divisions were politically grouped to form a state which was headed by an Omanhene or Amanhene . Finally, all Asante states formed the Asante Empire with the Asantehene as their king. The Asante government was built upon a sophisticated bureaucracy in Kumasi, with separate ministries to handle

5822-545: The Prempeh I as a present upon his return from exile. The original palace of the Asantehene in Kumasi was burned down by the British in 1874. From European accounts, the edifice was massive and ornately built. In 1819, English traveler and author, Thomas Edward Bowdich described the palace complex as ...an immense building of a variety of oblong courts and regular squares [with] entablatures exuberantly adorned with bold fan and trellis work of Egyptian character. They have

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5964-550: The Sahel started to play out, the Asante kingdom rose to prominence as the major player in the gold trade. At the height of the Asante empire, the Asante people became wealthy through the trading of gold mined from their territory. Asante political organization was originally centred on clans headed by a paramount chief or O manhene . One particular clan, the Oyoko , settled in the Asante's sub-tropical forest region, establishing

6106-631: The Seychelles . The Asante Union was dissolved . A British Resident was permanently placed in the city of Kumasi, and soon after a British fort was built there . As a final measure of resistance, the remaining Asante court not exiled to the Seychelles mounted an offensive against the British Residents at the Kumasi Fort. The resistance was led by Asante queen Yaa Asantewaa , Queen-Mother of Ejisu. From March 28 to late September 1900,

6248-467: The Twi words ɔsa meaning "war" and nti meaning "because of". This name comes from the Asante's origin as a kingdom created to fight the Denkyira kingdom. The variant name "Ashanti" comes from British reports transcribing "Asante" as the British heard it pronounced, as-hanti . The hyphenation was subsequently dropped and the name Ashanti remained, with various spellings including Ashantee common into

6390-420: The battle of Nsamankow . The British ran out of ammunition, suffered losses and were overrun. Almost all the British force were killed immediately while 20 managed to escape. MacCarthy, Ensign Wetherell, and his secretary Williams attempted to fall back. MacCarthy was wounded by gunfire , however, and killed by a second shot shortly thereafter. Ensign Wetherell was killed while defending MacCarthy's body. Williams

6532-404: The homicide is accidental, the murderer pays compensation to the lineage of the deceased. The insane cannot be executed because of the absence of responsible intent – except for murder or cursing the King; in the case of cursing the king, drunkenness is a valid defense. Capital crimes include murder, incest within the female or male line, and intercourse with a menstruating woman, rape of

6674-466: The nmerante , that tended to democratize and liberalize the political process in the empire. The council of elders undertook actions only after consulting a representative of the nmerante . Their views were taken seriously as they participated in decision-making in the empire. The current residence of the Asantehene is the Manhyia Palace built in 1925 by the British and presented to

6816-618: The weapons , the explosions, rocket trails, and grievous wounds caused by flying metal shards caused the Ashanti to fall back. Soon they fled leaving thousands of casualties on the field. In 1831, the Pra River was accepted as the border in a treaty. In 1826, the Gold Coast region got a new governor in John Hope Smith. He had a great reputation with the Fante and married a Fante woman. Smith also held positions in Cape Coast and

6958-414: The "palaver". Dupuis signed a treaty that was denounced at the time as "a complete sell-out" that recognised the Ashanti claim to collect tribute from the coastal peoples; renounced the British claim to protect the coastal peoples from Ashanti raids and recognised the right of the Asantehene to "eradicate from his dominions the seeds of disobedience and insubordination". When John Hope Smith , the governor of

7100-430: The 11,000 men waited. On 7 August, the Ashanti army appeared and attacked the centre of the British line where the best troops were held, which included some Royal Marines , the militia and a battery of Congreve rockets . The battle dissolved into hand-to-hand fighting but the Ashanti force were not doing well on their flanks whilst they looked like winning in the centre. Then the rockets were fired. The novelty of

7242-552: The 15th century. This led to trade in gold , ivory , slaves , and other goods with the Portuguese . On May 15, 1817, the Englishman Thomas Bowdich entered Kumasi. He remained there for several months, was impressed, and on his return to England wrote a book, Mission from Cape Coast Castle to Ashantee . His praise of the kingdom was disbelieved as it contradicted prevailing prejudices. Joseph Dupuis ,

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7384-492: The 19th century, the fighting was increasingly handled by the Ministry of War in Kumasi. Each member of the confederacy was also obliged to send annual tribute to Kumasi. The Asantehene (King of all Asante) reigned over all and was King of the division of Kumasi, the nation's capital, and the Asante Empire. He was elected in the same manner as all other chiefs. In this hierarchical structure, every chief or King swore fealty to

7526-527: The American anthropologist Robert B. Edgerton noted that the Ashanti: "marched in perfect order, their guns carried at exactly the same angle, before they turned toward the enemy and fired volleys on command, the only African army that was known to do so". The Ashanti generally did have not bullets for their "Long Dane" muskets and used nails instead, which proved to be an effective substitute. Upon hearing that

7668-546: The Asante Empire in 1900. The wars were mainly due to Asante attempts to establish a stronghold over the coastal areas of present-day Ghana. Coastal peoples such as the Fante and the Ga came to rely on British protection against Asante incursions. In December 1895, the British left Cape Coast with an expeditionary force to start what is known as the Third Anglo-Ashanti War , see below . The Asantehene directed

7810-560: The Asante Empire was covered with moist semi- deciduous forest whilst the Guinea savanna covered the northern part of the state. The Guinea Savanna consists of short deciduous and fire resistant trees. Riparian forests also occur along the Afram River and streams of the savanna zone. Soils in Asante were mainly of two types; forest ochrosols in the southern part of Asante whilst the savanna ochrosols were confined to northern part of

7952-587: The Asante and British were engaged in what would become known as the War of the Golden Stool . In the end, the British were victorious; they exiled Asantewaa and other Asante leaders to the Seychelles to join Asante King Prempeh I. In January 1902, Britain finally designated the Asante kingdom as a protectorate . the Asante kingdom was restored to self-rule on 31 January 1935. Asante King Prempeh II

8094-423: The Asante capital. From the beginning, King Osei Tutu and priest Anokye followed an expansionist and an imperialistic provincial foreign policy. According to folklore, Okomfo Anokye is believed to have visited Agona-Akrofonso . Realizing the strengths of a loose confederation of Akan states, Osei Tutu strengthened centralization of the surrounding Akan groups and expanded the powers of the judiciary system within

8236-417: The Asante settlements was called just prior to declaring independence from Denkyira. Those included members from Nsuta, Mampong, Dwaben, Bekwai and Kokofu. In this meeting the Golden Stool was commanded down from the heavens by Okomfo Anokye, chief-priest or sage advisor to Asantehene Osei Tutu I and floated down from the heavens into the lap of Osei Tutu I. Okomfo Anokye declared the stool to be symbolic of

8378-552: The Asante to not resist the British advance, as he feared reprisals from Britain if the expedition turned violent. Shortly thereafter, Governor William Maxwell arrived in Kumasi as well. Britain annexed the territories of the Asante and the Fanti and constituted the Ashanti Crown Colony on 26 September 1901. Asantehene Agyeman Prempeh was deposed and arrested, and he and other Asante leaders were sent into exile in

8520-685: The Asantehene never ignored the decisions of the Asanteman council. Doing so could get him de-stooled from the throne. The Asante Empire was made up of metropolitan and provincial states. The metropolitan states were made up of Asante citizens known as amanfo . The provincial states were other kingdoms absorbed into the empire. Every metropolitan Asante state was headed by the Amanhene or paramount chief. Each of these paramount chiefs served as principal rulers of their own states, where they exerted executive, legislative and judicial powers. The Ohene

8662-608: The Asantehene, but agree that it was a sign of a highly developed government with a complex system of checks and balances . At the top of Asante's power structure sat the Asantehene , the King of Asante. Each Asantahene was enthroned on the sacred Golden Stool, the Sika 'dwa, an object that came to symbolise the very power of the King. Osei Kwadwo (r. 1764–1777) began the meritocratic system of appointing central officials according to their ability, rather than their birth. As King,

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8804-613: The Ashanti Empire by 1900. The British fought three earlier wars in the Gold Coast: In the Ashanti-Fante War of 1806–07, the British refused to hand over two rebels pursued by the Ashanti, but eventually handed one over (the other escaped). In the Ga-Fante War of 1811, the Ashanti sought to aid their Ga allies in a war against the Fante and their British allies. The Ashanti army won the initial battles but

8946-467: The Ashanti and their allies the Dutch, the Fante Confederacy signed the bond of 1844 with the British. The British left Cape Coast and moved the capital of Gold Coast to Accra as a response to the resistance movement. The modern Fante Confederacy was established in response to the threat of Europeans attempting to colonize vast areas within modern-day Ghana. So in 1844, a bond was signed between

9088-610: The Ashanti army conquered Denkyira , giving the Ashanti access to the Gulf of Guinea and the Atlantic Ocean coastal trade with Europeans, notably the Dutch . The economy of the Asante Empire was mainly based on the trade of gold and agricultural exports as well as slave trading , craft work and trade with markets further north . The Asante Empire fought several wars with neighboring kingdoms and lesser organized groups such as

9230-410: The Ashanti army was on the march, MacCarthy unwisely divided his forces. MccCarthy failed to understand until it was too late for him that the Ashanti force that he was facing was the main Ashanti army instead of an advance-guard as he assumed. The governor was in the first group of 500, which lost contact with the second column when they encountered the Ashanti army of around 10,000 on 22 January 1824, in

9372-521: The Ashanti that it was a capital offense to even mention the battle within their kingdom. Otetfo was kidnapped by an Ashanti war party a few weeks later, and was beheaded on 2 February 1823. Historian Wilks adds that the attack was carried out under the commands of the War Party and not Asantehene Osei Bonsu as they executed the Sergent for insulting the Asantehene. A small British group was led into

9514-465: The Ashantis were attempting to cut off his head, and had already inflicted one gash on the back of his neck; luckily at this crisis an Ashanti of authority came up and recognising Williams, from whom he had received some kindness, withheld the hand of the assailant. On Williams's recovering his senses, he saw the headless trunks of MacCarthy, Buckle, and Wetherell. During his captivity he was lodged under

9656-543: The Coast." Furthermore, the treaty stated: "The King of Ashanti guarantees that the road from Kumasi to the River Pra shall always be kept open..." Wolseley completed the campaign in two months, and re-embarked for home before the unhealthy season began. Wolseley was promoted and showered with honours. British casualties were 18 dead from combat and 55 from disease (70%), with 185 wounded. Some British accounts pay tribute to

9798-538: The Dutch, and English. Currently, they number about 4.5 million, which is about 13% of modern Ghana's total population. Inheritance and succession to public office among both the Etsii and Borbor Fantes are traditionally determined by matrilineal descent, a culture the Etsii (Guan) Fantes adopted from Borbor (Akan) Fantes.This culture is also common among other Akan peoples. However, Fante males of fighting age traditionally belonged to their father's Asafo company. When

9940-484: The Earth Goddess and to his ancestors to fulfill his duties honorably in which he "sacrificed" himself and his life for the betterment of the state. This elected and enstooled King enjoyed a great majestic ceremony with much spectacle and celebration. He reigned with much despotic power, including the ability to make judgments of life and death on his subjects. However, he did not enjoy absolute rule . Upon

10082-612: The Empire, because the Ohene represents her or her family and is either her son or her sister's son. She has the power to be King, if she desires but would rather see her son or her maternal nephew(which is also considered her 2nd child in African culture). She had the prerogative of being consulted in the process of installing a chief or the king, as she played a major role in the nomination and selection. She settled disputes involving women and

10224-582: The European engineers. Even so, the road progressed. By 24 January a telegraph line reached Prahsue. The first troops arrived in late December and on 1 January 1874 started marching along the road to the front, half a battalion at a time. The troops comprised a battalion each from the Black Watch , the Rifle Brigade and Royal Welch Fusiliers , along with the 1st and 2nd West India Regiments ,

10366-442: The Fante Confederacy, on behalf of the Gold Coast , and the British, allowing the Gold Coast to gain total independence without war one hundred years later. Several Ashanti-Fante Wars followed, due to the Ashanti quest for direct trade routes to the coast. On one occasion, the Fante were aided by the British, who nevertheless managed to seriously weaken the strong Fante confederation established between 1868 and 1872, believing it

10508-528: The Gold Coast colony on 1 January 1902, on the condition that the Golden Stool would not be violated by British or other non- Akan foreigners. The Ashanti claimed a victory as they had not lost their sacred stool. In September the British sent flying columns out to visit neighbouring peoples who had supported the rebellion, resulting in a number of skirmishes. The British and their allies suffered 1,070 fatalities in total. The Ashanti casualties are estimated to have been around 2,000. The sacred golden stool, which

10650-645: The Gold Coast colony on 1 January 1902. Today, the Asante Kingdom survives as a constitutionally protected, sub-national traditional state in union with the Republic of Ghana. The current king of the Asante kingdom is Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Asantehene . The Asante kingdom is the home to Lake Bosumtwi , Ghana's only natural lake. The state's current economic revenue is derived mainly from trading in gold bars , cocoa , kola nuts and agriculture . The name Asante means "because of war". The word derives from

10792-573: The Gold Coast, learned in April 1820 of the treaty that Dupuis had signed when he returned from Kumasi, he repudiated the treaty. The repudiation of the treaty led to Ashanti complaints that the British were dealing in bad faith. A major change occurred when a report written Commodore Sir James Lucas Yeo of the Royal Navy became public. Yeo as the commander of the West Africa squadron visited

10934-431: The Portuguese arrived in the 15th century, the Fante prevented them from venturing inland and leased properties for Portuguese trading missions. But when the Portuguese objected to Fante rules and regulations, the Fante expelled them after a series of skirmishes and battles. Thereafter the Dutch arrived, followed by the British. The Fante served as middlemen in the commerce between the interior and British and Dutch traders on

11076-467: The Rifle Brigade. Although there was another small battle two days later, the Battle of Ordashu , the action had been decisive and the route to Kumasi was open. There were three killed and 165 wounded Europeans, one killed and 29 African troops wounded. The capital, Kumasi , was abandoned by the Ashanti when the British arrived on 4 February and was briefly occupied by the British. They demolished

11218-574: The Stool, swords and other regalia which symbolized his office and authority. He also lost his position as custodian of the land. However, even if destooled from office, the king remained a member of the royal family from which he was elected. An impeachment occurred during the reign of Kusi Obodom , caused by a failed invasion of Dahomey . Okomfo Anokye was responsible for creating the Seventy-Seven Laws of Komfo Anokye which served as

11360-615: The War of the Golden Stool. This expedition lasted from March to September 1900. It was issued as a Silver or bronze Medal. After the 1896 Expedition, King Prempeh was exiled to the Seychelles . Eleven years later, Baden-Powell created the Boy Scout Movement. King Prempeh was released from exile and restored to Ashanti, and became Patron of Ashanti Scouts. General Third Anglo-Ashanti War Ashanti Empire The Asante Empire ( Asante Twi : Asanteman ), also known as

11502-463: The affairs of the Gold Coast. MacCarthy during his tenure as a governor was more interested in seeking to have the British government buy out the remaining Dutch and Danish forts on the Gold Coast and trying to stop the traders of the forts from doing business with American ships than in relations with the Ashanti. By the 1820s, the British had decided to support the Fante against Ashanti raids from inland. Economic and social friction played their part in

11644-475: The anger of the ancestors and the gods, and is therefore in danger of impeachment . The penalty for some crimes (sins) is death, but this is seldom imposed; a more common penalty is banishment or imprisonment . The King typically exacts or commutes all capital cases . These commuted sentences by King and chiefs sometimes occur by ransom or bribe ; they are regulated in such a way that they should not be mistaken for fines , but are considered as revenue to

11786-557: The birth of the twins may be given a name, such as: According to oral tradition the Fante separated from the other Akan groups in present day Brong Ahafo around 1250 AD. This act became the origin of their name, "Fa-atsew" meaning "half that left". The Fante left their Akan brethren at Krako, present day Techiman in the Bono East of Ghana, and became their own distinct Akan group. The Fante people were led by three great warriors known as Obrumankoma, Odapagyan and Oson (the whale,

11928-730: The bloodless Pig War dispute against the U.S. over the Canadian border. They would team with the U.S. and other colonial powers against realms in Japan during 1863. Additionally, there was a dispute in New Zealand against the Maori. In 1863, a large Ashanti force crossed the Pra River in search of a fugitive, Kwesi Gyana. British, African and Indian troops responded but neither side claimed victory as illness took more casualties on both sides than

12070-446: The camps were larger—Prahsue, next to the bridge had a medical hut and a tower on a mound, stores, forge, telegraph office and post office. It was stocked with 400 tons of food and 1.1m rounds of ammunition. The labour was supplied locally. To start the workers did not know how to use European tools and were liable to vanish into the forest if they heard a rumour that the Ashanti were nearby. Sickness, despite taking quinine daily, claimed

12212-659: The causes for the outbreak of violence. The immediate cause of the war happened when a group of Ashanti kidnapped and murdered an African serviceman of the Royal African Corps on 1 February 1823. Freeman writes that there is no evidence the King of Ashanti was responsible for the attack as it was caused by a dispute between the Sergeant and the Ashanti perpetrators. Sergeant Kujo Otetfo of the Royal African Colonial Corps became involved in

12354-429: The centralized government. This loose confederation of small city-states grew into a kingdom and eventually an empire looking to expand its borders. Newly conquered areas had the option of joining the empire or becoming tributary states. Opoku Ware I , Osei Tutu's successor, extended the borders, embracing much of Ghana's territory. European contact with the Asante on the Gulf of Guinea coast region of Africa began in

12496-443: The clearing with the Rifle Brigade, while flanking columns moved around the village. With the pipes playing " The Campbells Are Coming " the Black Watch charged with bayonets and the shocked Ashantis fled. The flank columns were slow moving in the jungle and the Ashantis moved around them in their normal horseshoe formation and attacked the camp 2 miles (3.2 km) to the rear. The Royal Engineers defended themselves until relieved by

12638-492: The coast. The Fante became a very wealthy and prosperous state upon their dealings with the various European powers. In the early 18th century, the modern Fante Confederacy was formed, with the aim of establishing themselves as a nation to be taken seriously by their European counterparts and the withdrawal of Europeans from Fante lands. The Fantes for centuries already had a very complex system of federal government in which various states co-exist in an alliance. Each Fante state

12780-509: The context was religious in that he was a symbol of the people in the flesh: the living, dead or yet to be born. When the king committed an act not approved of by the counsel of elders or the people, he could possibly be impeached , and demoted to a commoner. The existence of aristocratic organizations and the council of elders is evidence of an oligarchic tendency in Asante political life. Though older men tended to monopolize political power, Asante instituted an organization of young men,

12922-456: The defeat. The Ashanti swept down to the coast, but disease forced them back. The new governor of the Gold Coast, John Hope Smith , started to gather a new army, mainly comprising natives, including Denkyiras and many other traditional enemies of the Ashanti. In August 1826, the governor heard that the Ashanti were planning on attacking Accra . A defensive position was prepared on the open plain about 15 kilometres (10 mi) north of Accra and

13064-437: The direct combat. The Second War ended in 1864 and the result was a stalemate. The Third Anglo-Ashanti War, also known as the "First Ashanti Expedition", lasted from 1873 to 1875. In 1869, a German missionary family and a Swiss missionary had been taken from Togo to Kumasi. They were still being held in 1873. The British Gold Coast was formally established in 1867 and in 1872, Britain expanded their territory when they purchased

13206-504: The eagle and the elephant respectively). According to tradition, Obrumankoma and Odapagya died on this exodus and were embalmed and carried the rest of the way. Oson led the people to what would become Mankessim in 1252. Legend has it that the Fante's chief priest, Komfo Amona, planted a spear in the ground when they reached the location of the settlement. The spear is called the Akyin-Enyim, meaning "in front of god". The place became

13348-459: The early 20th century. Between the 10th and 12th centuries AD, the ethnic Akan people migrated into the forest belt of Southern Ghana and established several Akan states: Ashanti , Brong-Ahafo , Assin -Denkyira- Fante Confederacy - Mankessim Kingdom (present-day Central region ), Akyem - Akwamu - Akuapem - Kwahu (present-day Eastern region and Greater Accra ), and Ahanta - Aowin - Sefwi - Wassa (present-day Western region ). Asante had

13490-425: The eighteenth and nineteenth centuries AD, the appellation "Abirempon" had formalized and politicized to embrace those who conducted trade from which the whole state benefited. The state rewarded entrepreneurs who attained such accomplishments with Mena (elephant tail) which was the "heraldic badge" Obirempon s had a fair amount of legislative power in their regions, more than the local nobles of Dahomey but less than

13632-530: The empire. The predominant fauna or food rich wildlife and animal species encountered in the Asante Empire were the hen , sheep , goat , duck , turkey , rabbit , guinea fowl , fish , and the porcupine which became the national emblem of the state, as well as about thirty multipurpose flora species of trees and shrubs and over thirty-five ornamental plants which beautified the environs of Asante. These tree/shrub-crop-animal (hen/fish) components were intensively integrated spatially and/or sequentially on

13774-488: The entire network, which includes ancestors and fellow men as well. Its judicial system emphasizes the Asante conception of rectitude and good behaviour , which favours harmony among the people. The rules were made by Nyame (Supreme God ) and the ancestors, and one must behave accordingly. The Asante Empire was one of a series of states along the coast including Dahomey, Benin , and Oyo . The Asante had mountains and large agricultural surpluses. The southern part of

13916-460: The first British consul in Kumasi, arrived on March 23, 1820. Both Bowdich and Dupuis secured a treaty with the Asantehene, but the governor, Hope Smith, did not meet Ashanti expectations. From 1824 till 1899 there were five Anglo-Ashanti wars between the Asante Empire and Great Britain and its allies. The British lost or negotiated truces in several of these wars, with the final war resulting in British burning of Kumasi and official occupation of

14058-409: The first recorded instance of a traction engine being employed on active service. Steam sapper number 8 (made by Aveling and Porter ) was shipped out and assembled at Cape Coast Castle. As a traction engine it had limited success hauling heavy loads up the beach, but gave good service when employed as a stationary engine driving a large circular saw. Before the 1873 war, Wolseley had campaigned for

14200-499: The fort. The stockade was besieged and the telegraph wires cut. A rescue party of 700 arrived in June, but many sick men in the fort could not be evacuated. The healthier men escaped, including Hodgson and his wife and 100 Hausas, and meeting up with the rescue party, managed to avoid the 12,000 Ashanti warriors and make it back to the coast. On 14 July, a second relief force of 1,000 made it to Kumasi having fought several engagements along

14342-539: The forts of the African Company of Merchants and reported to London that the forts were poorly maintained. Yeo also reported more damagingly that the despite the fact that the slave trade (though not slavery) had been abolished within the British empire in 1807, the African Company of Merchants was illegally still engaged in the slave trade. In response to Yeo's report, on 7 May 1821 an act of parliament

14484-564: The government. The council formed the Legislature of Asante governmental system. It was made up of the Asantehene, the Queen mother as well as the state chiefs and their ministers. The election of Kings and the Asantehene ( King of Kings or emperor ) himself followed a pattern. The senior female of the kingly lineage nominated the eligible males. This senior female then consulted the elders, male and female, of that line. The final candidate

14626-411: The hard fighting of the Ashanti at Amoaful, particularly the tactical insight of their commander, Amankwatia: "The great Chief Amankwatia was among the killed [...] Admirable skill was shown in the position selected by Amankwatia, and the determination and generalship he displayed in the defence fully bore out his great reputation as an able tactician and gallant soldier." The campaign is also notable for

14768-467: The inscription From Queen Victoria to the King of Ashantee. A copy of the Times, 17 October 1843. With these were many specimens of Moorish and Ashanti handicraft." This institution assisted the Asantehene and served as an advisory body to the king. The council was made up of Amanhene or paramount chiefs who were leaders of the various Asante states. The council also included other provincial chiefs. By law

14910-423: The late 17th century, the Asante king Osei Tutu ( c.  1695 – 1717) and his adviser Okomfo Anokye established the Asante Kingdom, with the Golden Stool of Asante as a sole unifying symbol. Osei Tutu oversaw a massive Asante territorial expansion, building up the army by introducing new organisation and turning a disciplined royal and paramilitary army into an effective fighting machine. In 1701,

15052-628: The limb, the people found a tree starting to grow. The tree was named Ebisa-dua, or the consulting tree, and its location is today one of the most important shrines in Mankessim. The Fante engage in farming, fishing and animal husbandry. Fante society is matrilineal . A majority of the Fante adhere to Christianity or their traditional beliefs . A minority profess Sunni Islam. Fante people are very well-known for their cuisine. Food plays an integral part of Fante culture and take pride of place. Their traditional food includes Kenkey, Banku (Etsew) that

15194-494: The meeting place for the Fante elders and the head fetish priest when discussing important matters. The first Omanhen (king) of Mankessim was installed here, and later kingmakers would visit the site for consultation. According to the Fante, the spear cannot be removed by mortal hands. The land the Fante reached was initially called Adoakyir by its existing inhabitants, which the Fante called "Etsi-fue-yifo" meaning people with bushy hair. The Fante conquered these people and renamed

15336-545: The modern Fante Confederacy, it will be totally wrong to identity Fante as an Akan group or a Guan group only. However, the Fante are one of the largest groups in Ghana. The Fante have a great deal of history. Despite the rapid growth of the Ashanti Empire and constant war with the Ashanti and allied Dutch in the mid-1800s, the Fante have always retained their state to this day and fought numerous wars to protect their northern flank from Ashanti incursions and several other wars with

15478-671: The new Ashanti Union ( the Ashanti Kingdom ) and allegiance was sworn to the stool and to Osei Tutu as the Asantehene . The newly declared Ashanti union subsequently waged war against and defeated Denkyira. The stool remains sacred to the Asante as it is believed to contain the Sunsum — spirit or soul of the Asante people. In the 1670s the head of the Oyoko clan, Osei Kofi Tutu I , began another rapid consolidation of Akan peoples via diplomacy and warfare. King Osei Kofi Tutu I and his chief advisor, Okomfo Kwame Frimpong Anokye led

15620-415: The new governor with a mandate to shut down some of the more indefensible coastal forts; to ensure that the remaining forts followed the law by only trading with British ships; and to suppress the still flourishing slave trade. MacCarthy was new to the Gold Coast, and the unwillingness of the merchants to co-operate with the man who had been sent to replace their rule left him isolated and thus very ignorant of

15762-489: The one above him—from village and subdivision, to division, to the chief of Kumasi, and finally the Asantehene swore fealty to the State . The elders circumscribed the power of the Asantehene , and the chiefs of other divisions considerably checked the power of the King. This in practical effect created a system of checks and balances. As the symbol of the nation, the Asantehene received significant deference ritually, for

15904-542: The regional governors of the Oyo Empire. In addition to handling the region's administrative and economic matters, the obirempon also acted as the Supreme Judge of their jurisdiction, presiding over court cases. The Kotoko was a government council in the Asante government. Politically, the kotoko council served as the counterweight to the king's council of elders and basically embodied the aristocratic party in

16046-507: The route, relieving the fort on 15 July when they only had a few days of supplies left. The remaining Ashanti court not exiled to the Seychelles had mounted the offensive against the British and Fanti troops resident at the Kumasi Fort, but were defeated. Yaa Asantewaa , the Queen-Mother of Ejisu, who had led the rebellion, King Prempeh I , and other Ashanti leaders were also sent to the Seychelles. The Ashanti territories became part of

16188-468: The royal palace with explosives, leaving Kumasi a heap of smouldering ruins. The British were impressed by the size of the palace and the scope of its contents, including "rows of books in many languages". The Ashanti signed the Treaty of Fomena in July 1874 to end the war. Among articles of the treaty between Queen Victoria and Kofi Karikari , King of Ashanti were that "The King of Ashanti promises to pay

16330-632: The same land unit of individual Asante houses. Fante people According to their oral traditions, the Borbor Fante, an intrusive group, migrated from Tekyiman in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana and settled in Fanteland. They initially established themselves in Kwaman before moving to Mankessim. After residing in Mankessim for a period of time, they went on to establish the states of Abora, Ekumfi, Enyanmaim, Mankessim, and Nkusukum in

16472-463: The settlement Oman-kesemu, meaning large town. The name has evolved into the current name, Mankessim. The Fante settled the land as their first independent kingdom, and buried Obrumakankoma and Odapagya in a sacred grove called Nana-nom-pow. Komfo Amona also planted the limb of a tree he had brought from the Akan homeland in Krako to see if a place was good for settlement. The day after the priest planted

16614-487: The signatory powers. However, despite the treaty a major "palaver" still remained, namely the Ashanti claim to be the overlords of the entire Gold Coast and that the British should pay them "notes" (an archaic term for rent) in exchange for being allowed to occupy forts on the coast. The British refused to pay rent to the Asantehene for their forts, which led to tensions. On 28 February 1820, another British mission headed by Joseph Dupuis arrived in Kumasi in an attempt to resolve

16756-409: The soldiers engaged in the search. The British retreated to a small stockade, 50 yards (46 m) square with 12 feet (3.7 m) loopholed high stone walls and firing turrets at each corner, where 8 Europeans, dozens of mixed-race colonial administrators, and 500 Nigerian Hausas with six small field guns and four Maxim guns defended themselves. The British detained several high-ranking leaders in

16898-449: The state's affairs. Of particular note was Asante's Foreign Office based in Kumasi; despite its small size, it allowed the state to pursue complex negotiations with foreign powers. The Office was divided into departments to handle relations separately with the British , French , Dutch , and Arabs . Scholars of Ashanti history, such as Larry Yarak and Ivor Wilks , disagree over the power of this sophisticated bureaucracy in comparison to

17040-429: The state, which for the most part welcomes quarrels and litigation . Commutations tend to be far more frequent than executions . Asante are repulsed by murder , and suicide is considered murder. They decapitate those who commit suicide, the conventional punishment for murder. The suicide thus had contempt for the court, for only the King may kill an Asante. In a murder trial , intent must be established. If

17182-427: The stool, the King was sacred. He served as the holy intermediary between the people and the ancestors. His powers theoretically were more apparent than real and hinged on his attention to the advice and decisions of the Council of Elders. Kings of the Asante Empire who violated any of the oaths taken during his or her enstoolment, were destooled by Kingmakers. For instance, if a king punished citizens arbitrarily or

17324-447: The sum of 50,000 ounces of approved gold as indemnity for the expenses he has occasioned to Her Majesty the Queen of England by the late war..." The treaty also required an end to human sacrifice and stated that "There shall be freedom of trade between Ashanti and Her Majesty's forts on the [Gold Coast], all persons being at liberty to carry their merchandise from the Coast to Kumasi, or from that place to any of Her Majesty's possessions on

17466-425: The surrounding areas. The burial ground near Mankessim, where the remains of the three leaders of the migrants (Oburumankoma, Odapagyan, and Oson) were interred, became known as Nananom Pow , the most sacred place in the Borbor Fante territory. The Borbor Fante, who share a common language (Fante) and cultural traits, inhabit a concentrated area within Fanteland. The historical and spiritual capital of Borbor Mfantseman

17608-571: The terror of their name to bring us to seek a compromise, and I suppose to extort from the native people under our fort...a contributions of six hundred ounces of gold". MacCarthy asked for and received permission to have the Royal African Corps redeployed from the Cape Colony (modern south-western South Africa) to the Gold Coast. The Royal African Corps, made up of six companies of white soldiers and three companies of black soldiers,

17750-412: The troops were sick. Among the dead was Queen Victoria 's son-in-law, Prince Henry of Battenberg , who was taken ill before getting to Kumasi and died on 20 January on board ship, returning to England. In 1897 Ashanti territory became a British protectorate . Technology was reaching the Gold Coast, a railway to Kumasi was started in 1898 but had not progressed far when another war broke out. The railway

17892-666: Was a "disciplinary corps" of the British Army meant to punish soldiers of "bad character" who been convicted of criminal offenses. The Royal African Corps was not regarded as a high-quality unit, but it was the only British Army unit available for operations in Africa. MacCarthy led an invading force from the Cape Coast in two columns. Moving out to confront the British were an Ashanti force of 10,000 men armed with their "Long Dane" muskets. The Ashanti force were well disciplined as

18034-513: Was a thoroughfare . . . But the part of the palace fronting the street was a stone house, Moorish in its style . . . with a flat roof and a parapet, and suites of apartments on the first floor. It was built by Fanti masons many years ago. The rooms upstairs remind me of Wardour Street. Each was a perfect Old Curiosity Shop. Books in many languages, Bohemian glass, clocks, silver plate, old furniture, Persian rugs, Kidderminster carpets, pictures and engravings, numberless chests and coffers. A sword bearing

18176-489: Was a triumphal progress. The Anamabos and the people of the other villages through which he passed hailed him with enthusiasm". Despite the way that the force that he sent inland had been annihilated, MacCarthy reported the battle to London as a victory. MacCarthy wrote to the Colonial Secretary, Lord Bathurst his belief that the Ashanti were "blustering" and "they were not prepared for war, but depended solely upon

18318-422: Was appointed on 13 August 1873 and went to the Gold Coast to make his plans before the arrival of his troops in January 1874. On 27 September 1873, a team of Royal Engineers landed at Cape Coast Castle . Their job was to expand the single file track that led to Kumasi , 160 miles (260 km) away, into a road that was suitable for troop movements. At the end of each day's march, roughly every 10 miles (16 km)

18460-401: Was exposed as corrupt, he would be destooled. Destoolment entailed kingmakers removing the sandals of the king and bumping his buttocks on the ground three times. Once destooled from office, his sanctity and thus reverence were lost, as he could not exercise any of the powers he had as king; this includes Chief administrator, Judge, and Military Commander. The now previous king was dispossessed of

18602-529: Was forced back by guerrilla fighting from the Fante. The Ashanti captured a British fort at Tantamkweri . In the Ashanti–Akwapim War of 1814–16 the Ashanti defeated the Akim-Akwapim alliance. Local British, Dutch and Danish authorities all had to come to terms with the Ashanti. By 1817, the Ashanti were expanding with an army of about 20,000, so the (British) African Company of Merchants signed

18744-457: Was involved in decision-making alongside the Council of elders and chiefs. Not only did she participate in the judicial and legislative processes, but also in the making and unmaking of war, and the distribution of land. Successful entrepreneurs who accumulated large wealth and men as well as distinguished themselves through heroic deeds were awarded social and political recognition by being called "Abirempon" or "Obirempon" which means big men. By

18886-465: Was passed that changed the status of the Gold Coast from a proprietary colony ruled by the African Company of Merchants to a Crown colony to be ruled directly by the British government. Initially the Gold Coast was attached to the Crown colony of Sierre Leone with no thought for the 900 mile distance between the two. On 28 March 1828, Brigadier General Sir Charles MacCarthy arrived at Cape Coast Castle as

19028-469: Was restored in 1957, and the Asante kingdom entered a state union with Ghana on independence from the United Kingdom. The Asante state was a centralized state made up of a hierarchy of heads starting from the " Abusua Panyin" who was head of a family or lineage. The family was the basic political unit in the empire. The family or lineage followed the village organization which was headed by

19170-514: Was sent against the Ashanti with 2,500 British troops and several thousand West Indian and African troops (including some Fante) and subsequently became a household name in Britain. The war was covered by war correspondents, including Henry Morton Stanley and G. A. Henty . Military and medical instructions were printed for the troops. The British government refused appeals to interfere with British arms manufacturers who sold to both sides. Wolseley

19312-400: Was sent into exile in the Seychelles . Baden-Powell published a diary of life giving the reasons, as he saw them, for the war: To put an end to human sacrifice. To put a stop to slave-trading and raiding. To ensure peace and security for the neighbouring tribes. To settle the country and protect the development of trade. To get paid up the balance of the war indemnity. He also believed that if

19454-414: Was short-lived. The second battle took place between 1863 and 1864. Peace existed for more than 30 years, with both forces sticking to their side of the border. The factor that frequently sparked Ashanti conflicts was not adhering to understood or established territory borders. In the decade prior, Britain had been in a number of conflicts and skirmishes. In the 1860s alone the crown was actively involved in

19596-481: Was taken prisoner. He was spared death when an Ashanti sub-chief recognised him due to a favour Williams had shown him previously. Williams was held prisoner for several months in a hut that also held the severed heads of MacCarthy and Wetherell. MacCarthy's skull was rimmed with gold and was purportedly used as a drinking-cup by Ashanti rulers. An eye-witness stated that he "saw ensign Wetherell, who appeared also to have been wounded, lying close to MacCarthy. Some of

19738-469: Was to attack Smith’s forces at their strongest point. They were effective in taking down the Royal Marines, Smith’s strongest soldiers, but weren’t ready to defend against attacks on both sides. Once Smith and the British made use of their weaponry, the Ashanti began to suffer major losses before retreating entirely. By 1831, a treaty was established with the Pra River being the empire boundary which

19880-480: Was to be completed in 1903. In the War of the Golden Stool (1900), also known as the "Third Ashanti Expedition", on 25 March 1900, the British representative, Sir Frederick Mitchell Hodgson committed a political error by insisting he should sit on the Golden Stool, not understanding that it was the Royal throne and very sacred to the Ashanti. He ordered a search be made for it. The Ashanti, enraged by this act, attacked

20022-513: Was under the command of Amfo Otu, Paramount Chief of Abura, that they laid siege to their own town of Elmina and its European castle, eventually expelling the Dutch from their stronghold in Elmina. The Fante have produced numerous illustrious and prominent people in Ghana, notable among whom are: One of the social contexts of names among the Akan, including the Fante, is that they are used as social tags to indicate personal and group identity. This

20164-509: Was very much in favor of Cape Coast being the main defensive point for British interests. He had detractors and even fell out with his predecessor Charles MacCarthy. Smith set up enforcements in Accra where he had heard a rumor that Ashanti was targeting the town. He led 11,000 troops bolstered by Ashanti enemies, the Denkyiras. Smith’s forces met the Ashanti on August 7th. The Ashanti’s tactic

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