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78-459: Koforidua , also popularly known as K.dua or Koftown and now Kofcity , is a city and the capital of Eastern Region of Ghana . The city has a population of 183,727 people as of 2010. The city is a blend of colonial and modern architecture. Koforidua serves as the commercial center for the Eastern region . The city is home to many businesses, with the exception of heavy duty industries. The city

156-626: 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

234-595: 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

312-458: 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

390-530: 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,

468-416: 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

546-706: 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

624-612: A notable contingent also originating from the Kwahu mountains. Koforidua, during that era, held a significant status as a trading hub, hosting numerous lively events every week, and therefore, was home to a substantial female population. According to Legend, the Obuotabiri mountain, found in New Juabeng,both north and south districts, was the home to the gods who protected the people. It was believed to be inhabited by dwarfs and thus

702-447: A presiding member elected from among the members themselves. The MMDA's were increased from 9 to 15 in 1988; then from 15 to 17 in 2004; then from 17 to 21 in 2008; then from 21 to 26 in 2012; and recently from 26 to 33 in 2018. The current list is as follows: 6°30′N 0°30′W  /  6.500°N 0.500°W  / 6.500; -0.500 Asanteman The Asante Empire ( Asante Twi : Asanteman ), also known as

780-410: 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

858-527: 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

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936-507: Is Hecta School Complex, established in 1962, and others. Achiase District was carved out of the existing Birim South District and inaugurated on 22 February 2019. The Afram Plains District has since been split into two and renamed as Kwahu Afram Plains North District with its capital being Donkorkrom and Kwahu Afram Plains South District with its capital also being Tease. The Akuapim South District , East Akim District and Kwahu West Districts have been upgraded to Municipal status with

1014-682: Is a major hub of education not just in the region but in the country as a whole. Pope John Senior High School and Minor Seminary was ranked 9th of the over 200 senior high schools in Ghana. The city is home to the Koforidua Technical University , All Nations University College and Ghana telecom University College. The city is also home to a couple of notable high schools. List of high schools in Koforidua are as followed: The schools listed have been consistent in representing

1092-505: 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

1170-480: Is home to Intravenous Infusions Limited, one of the oldest pharmaceutical companies in West Africa. The recent construction of the four-lane highway road linking the Koforidua Technical University and Koforidua to Oyoko brings commerce to the city. The highway also serves as a valid alternative route to reach Kumasi . Koforidua today is a multi-ethnic city with people from various ethnic groups in Ghana calling

1248-776: Is home to one of Ghana's oldest pharmaceutical Manufacturing companies i.e. Intravenous infusion Ltd which manufactures drips and injections for the West African Market. Other Industrial activities of Koforidua include textiles, crafts , soap, carpentry and joinery , traditional medicine , pottery and ceramics , and the production of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Koforidua is also home to many financial services companies ranging from Universal Banks, Micro-finance, Rural Banks and Savings and Loans Companies to Insurance Companies. The city currently depends mainly on Government Administration, Retailing, hospitality, commercial and Education services. With inhabitants in

1326-520: Is hot and humid year-round, but significant rainfall is usually only seen between April and June, although in wetter years in September and October also will see substantial falls. Presently the city's population is 127,334 people and is dominated by Akans . The 'Akwantukese' (The Big Journey Festival) is celebrated yearly to mark the movement of the inhabitants of Koforidua's ancestors from ' Asanteman ' to their present location of Koforidua. The city

1404-412: 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

1482-691: Is the Agartha Market, a satellite marketplace situated to the south of the Eastern Regional Coordinating Council (ERCC) vicinity, along the route leading to the Old Estate community. Koforidua is close to predominant tourism attractions such as Obuo Tabri Mountain, Akosombo Dam (which holds Lake Volta , the world's largest man-made lake), Akaa Falls , Boti Falls , and the Umbrella Rock . Koforidua

1560-462: 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

1638-463: 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

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1716-511: 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

1794-711: 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

1872-512: 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

1950-596: 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

2028-600: 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

2106-550: 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

2184-690: 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,

2262-467: 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

2340-404: 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

2418-466: 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

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2496-552: 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 ,

2574-432: The 1950s. As recounted by certain elderly residents of the city, the name finds its roots in the allure of the women who migrated to the city during the turn of the century for trading endeavors. Many of these women chose to make the city their permanent home, effectively becoming part of the local population. Primarily in their late teens and early twenties, they were predominantly hailing from areas like Krobo and Akyem, with

2652-492: 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

2730-709: The Akosombo Hydroelectric Project flows into the Gulf of Guinea on the Atlantic Ocean . The Akosombo Dam was completed in 1965 as part of the Volta River Project. The dam measures at 440 ft (134 m) above ground level. The large electric power generating capacity is 912 megawatts. The dam helps supplies electricity to an economically important town called Tema . The region also boasts of some quality basic schools one which

2808-546: 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

2886-560: 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

2964-587: 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

3042-423: 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

3120-417: 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

3198-552: 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

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3276-685: 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

3354-608: 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,

3432-552: 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

3510-694: The Central Market, Agatha Market (also referred to as the Farmer's Market), Effiduase Market, Adweso Market, and the Zongo Market among several other small markets. Koforidua, characterized by its Akan majority population, fits into this classification by designating Mondays and Thursdays as market days. On these particular days, the municipality experiences a temporary halt as individuals converge from both distant and nearby locales to purchase essential groceries. The focal point of this bustling activity

3588-559: The Cornubations (Outskirt surrounding communities) engaging in some form of subsistence farming. Koforidua produces cocoa. However, as cocoa production has moved westward to the Ashanti Region and Brong-Ahafo Region areas of virgin soil , Koforidua has become increasingly dependent upon its commercial and business administrative functions. The city of Koforidua has only small-medium scale industries today. Koforidua accommodates several markets within its township, encompassing

3666-484: 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

3744-481: The Eastern region. The moniker "Koforidua Flowers" has firmly entrenched itself and is likely to endure, even though some older individuals have attempted to explain that the name originated from the abundant flowers spanning the stretch between Akwadum and Koforidua, as one approached the city. However, the prevailing and widely accepted perspective contradicts this. This figurative name has been in circulation since

3822-612: 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

3900-704: 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

3978-574: 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

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4056-428: The addition of Birim Central Municipal District which is entirely new. Other new districts include Akyemansa District and Kwahu East District . The Manya Krobo District has been split into Lower Manya Krobo District and Upper Manya Krobo District . The political administration of the region is through the local government system. Under this administration system, the region is divided into 33 MMDA's (mMDAsMd by

4134-475: 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

4212-429: 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

4290-489: The city their home. On March 4, 2024, Koforidua played host to the celebration of the 67th anniversary of the independence of Ghana. Based on oral tradition, the city owes its name to an Akan man named Kofi Ofori, who had built his hut under a huge mahogany tree. This tree provided shelter for weary farmers who were returning from their farms. Over time, it became common for the farmers to say that they were going to rest under Kofi Ofori's tree. In their local language, Twi ,

4368-509: 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,

4446-459: 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

4524-491: The east and south, and Suhum-Kraboa-Coaltar District to the west. The city of Koforidua (New Juabeng) is made up of several neighbourhoods and settlements , including Effiduase, Asokore, Oyoko, Jumapo, Suhyen, Dansuagya, Betom, and Srodae. Koforidua is two hours by road from Accra . The city is located in the heart of the Dahomey Gapresulted in it having a tropical savanna climate ( Köppen Aw ). The weather

4602-425: 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

4680-530: 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

4758-488: 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

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4836-460: 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

4914-564: 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

4992-467: 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

5070-423: 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,

5148-580: The municipality and the region as large in the famous annual National Science and Maths Quiz . 6°05′00″N 0°15′00″W  /  6.08333°N 0.25000°W  / 6.08333; -0.25000 Eastern Region, Ghana High-capacity electricity generation Akosombo Hydroelectric Project contains three main tributaries : the Black Volta ; the White Volta and the Red Volta and

5226-671: 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

5304-489: 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

5382-542: 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

5460-449: 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

5538-429: 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

5616-427: 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

5694-439: The word for tree is 'dua'. The combination of Ofori's name and tree becomes 'Koforidua'. Koforidua was founded in 1875 by Akan migrants from Asanteman . The completion of the Kumasi railway in 1923 saw Koforidua becoming an important road and rail junction. Koforidua is one of the country's oldest cocoa-producing centers. It is also noted today for its weekly Thursday bead market, which draws bead buyers and sellers from all over

5772-513: 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

5850-544: Was considered to be the soul of the area. The New Juaben Municipality falls within the Eastern Region of South Ghana. The municipality covers an estimated area of 110 square kilometres, constituting 0.57% of the total land area of the Eastern Region. The municipality has 48 electoral areas. The New-Juaben municipality shares boundaries with East-Akim Municipality to the northeast, Akwapim North District to

5928-401: 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

6006-457: 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

6084-469: 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

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