Akyem
Encyclopedia
The Akyem are an Akan people
. The term Akyem (Akim) is used to describe a group of three states: Akyem Abuakwa
, Akyem Kotoku
and Akyem Bosome
. These nations are located primarily in the eastern regions of modern-day Ghana. The term is also used to describe the general area where the Akyem ethnic group clusters. The Akyem ethnic group make up between 3-9 percent of Ghana's population depending on how one defines the group and are very prominent in all aspects of Ghanaian life. The Akyem are a matrilineal people. The history of this ethnic group is that of brave warriors who managed to create a thriving often influential and relatively independent state within modern-day Ghana . When one talks of Ghanaian history, there is often mention of the big 6 (The Big Six (Ghana)
). These were six individuals who played a big role in the independence of Ghana. Of the big six, people of Akyem descent made up the majority.
to the area that became Bono state.This area is the Origin of modern Akan people.
A group of Akan people
who left Bonoman
later formed the Adansi Kingdom in the mid 14th Century.
The Adansis were known for their ability to build illustrious structures in their kingdom; hence the name "ADANSI" (Builders).
In the Early half of the 17th Century The Area of what is now Ghana was dominated by three States the Denkyera, the Adansi, and the Akwamu
.
Within the Adansi state there were 3 Military posts in the Western Portion Akyem Abuakwa, Akyem Kotoku, and Akyem Bosome.
Eastern Adansi as an entity lost much of its identity due to conflicts with neighboring states namely the Denkyira
and much of it was absorbed in the Denkyira
empire. The remnants of it, the Akyem states on the West were too strong to bring under Denkyira control. This gave rise to the identity and notoriety of the Akyem states in the later 17th Century.
Thus, During the second half of the 17th century the area which became Ghana was dominated by 3 states the Denkyera, Akyem and Akwamu
.
The rising Ashanti Kingdom flourished under the leadership of Nana Osei Tutu, and during their ascendancy assimilated the once powerful Denkyira into the growing empire in the early 18th century. The Akyem nations in an attempt to maintain autonomy and not crumble like the former superpower Denkyira fled across the River Pra to reinforce its military posts.
Nana Osei Tutu
chose to pursue the Akyem across the River Pra to teach them a lesson and, to attempt to further build the Ashanti Empire and expand its influence over another of its former subordinates. The Ashanti states which now included the former Denkyira empire used a methodology which involved overwhelming the opposing nation with sheer numbers and, demanding that they surrender. While crossing the river with his massive army, he was ambushed by the Akyems and fell dead into the river while his massive army defeated. This was on a Thursday; this brought forth, the great oath of the Ashantis, ("Meka Yawada"- I swear by Thursday). The Akyems who carried out this ambush were known as "Abuakwanfo" or "Abuakwafo", (Guerrilla Fighters).
After the battle the Akyem moved southeastwards. As a result of this movement, some of the Akyems, especially the Kotokus, settled in the present day Ashanti-Akyem area.
The majority of the Akyems, however, continued to flee southeastwards and settled in several areas along the way until they came into contact with the Akwamu
another one of the original three 17th century powerful Akan states which had influences from modern day Ghana all the way to Benin.
, the Akyem got control of the land the Akwamu had been occupying which belonged to the Ga
, Nation and, the Ga people were allowed more autonomy in their historic lands. Accra came under Akyem rule as they were Akwamu areas. Frimpong Manso of Kotoku and Ba kwante of Abuakwa shared authority over Accra and the Adangbe area.Owusu Akyem who was a sisters son of the Okyenhene became the administrator of the Adangbe area.
Historian J.K. Fynn writes the following:
After the War the Akyem Abuakwas made their temporary capitals in several former Akwamu areas, including Praso
, until they finally settled at Pameng. However, it was during the reign of NANA OFORI PANIN that the capital of Akyem Abuakwa
was finally moved to "Kyebirie" (named after a black hat used by a hunter using the area as his hunting grounds). It is now known as KYEBI.
The victory opened up trade between the Akyem, a nation described as having some of the largest gold deposits, and Europeans on the coast.
During the reign of the great warrior king(Adontehene) of the Akyems, Nana Owusu Akyem Tenten, who was also known as the "KWAE-BIBIRIMHENE" (King of the Dense Forest), the Guan ethnic group and the Dawu ethnic group appealed to him for help to drive the Akwamus out of their area for them to enjoy peace.
The Akyems, were mercenaries during the trans-Atlantic slave trade and, were known for helping neighboring States fight off the middle men of the slave trade and joining States in other battles which were in the interest of the Akyem States ultimate objective of remaining strong and independent. Nana Owusu Akyem Tenten (King of the Dense Forest) agreed to send his nephew a respected soldier, Odehyee Safori, with an army they were victorious over the Akwamu again these battles and Created the states of Akropong and Amanokrom.
Safori pursued the Akwamus across the River Volta, where they settled up to this day, with their capital at Akwamufie.
See See Aboatakyi Accord for more details
By 1740 the Power within the coast was as follows The Akyem firmly controlling a majority of the Eastern portion of the coastal area; with the Fante, Asante and Ahanta controlling the rest.
J.K.Fynn writes
The Akyem during this tentative period between 1750 and 1816 still continued to show their ability to influence matters and act as Mercenaries helping those being oppressed by stronger states. This was demonstrated by helping the Ada who were being oppressed by the Anlo and defeating them in the battle of Nonombe around 1752
The Ashanti-Akyem relationship post 1816 continued to grow into one of mutual respect which still exists in recent times. It is a common saying among the Akans to this day that “Okyenhene nko ara na Osantehene ne no di nsawoso” literally, “ The King of Ashanti treats none but the King of Akyem on familiar terms”. This is due to the fact that the Akyem were strong and relatively independent during the peak of the Ashanti empire when compared to neighbors.
History has it that during the reign of the famous Nana Dokua (Abirie) as both Okyehene(King) and Ohemaa (Queenmother), a quarrel arose between her and the Kotokuhene at that time. As a result, she ordered part of the Amantomiensa (soldiers of the Paramount stool), the Asiakwahene (King of Asiakwa area of Akyem) and the Begorohene (King of Begoro area of Akyem), to remove the Kotokus from Gyadam. This war, known as the "Gyadam War", forced the Kotoku to leave Gyadam. The Kwabenghene allowed them a safe passage and not a shot was fired when they passed through Kwabeng. The Kotokuhene was given land by the then chief of Wankyi, Barimah Awire (the Oseawuohene (Chief of Oseawuo area of Akyem Abuakwa) to settle at what is now known as Oda, the capital of Akyem Kotoku state.
During the reign of Nana Dokua, a section of the Juabens of Ashanti revolted against the Golden Stool of Ashanti. The rebels, led by their chief, Nana Kwaku Boateng, were forced to leave Juaben in Ashanti for the south. They found settlement at Kyebi, Kwabeng, Tafo, Asamankese and other parts of Akyem Abuakwa. Later, when the trouble in Juaben subsided, some of them returned to Ashanti but came back again. On the third occasion a negotiating settlement on their behalf was met and with the consent of both the Kukurantumihene (the Adontehee
of Akyem Abuakwa), Nana Kwaku Abrante and Okyehene Nana Dokua, the Juabens got land. They settled on it under the leadership and rule of their chief, Nana Kwaku Boateng, calling the area New Juaben, with Koforidua as its capital. An annual fee was agreed to be paid to the Akyem this practice continued until Dr. Kwame Nkrumah abolished it after independence.
ideology that made Ghana unique among its peers. Several of the political and educated elite, were of Akyem descent. This influence continues today in modern Ghana. The Akyem have been assimilated under the common Ghanaian identity where ethnicity does not play a role as it does in other countries.
This is a list of rulers of the Akan state of Akyem Kotoku
.
During the Ohum festival, Akyems thank the creator for blessing their land with such a magnificent river (Birim). The products from the Akyems land and river are symbols which are used to remember ancestors who struggled and persevered to keep the society intact. During the festival the descendants pledge to continue the tradition, to keep OKYEMAN strong and free with peace and prosperity. They then pledge allegiance to their King (OKYEHENE) and their sub-chiefs and elders for their leadership and guidance. This ceremony of thanksgiving to the creator is the great festival of the Akyem people known as . The Ohum festival is celebrated in Akyem Abuakwa in two parts: the Ohumkan and the Ohumkyire. The Ohum festival is celebrated with the chief and people of Akyem Tafo visiting the Gyempremo shrine to perform rituals and make sacrifices to the deity. Legend has it that any person who trips and falls on the return journey from the Gyempremo shrine will not live to see the new year. On the Ohum Tuesday, it is forbidden to make any noise including the pounding of fufu, the main staple diet of the Akan people till dusk.
Akan people
The Akan people are an ethnic group found predominately in Ghana and The Ivory Coast. Akans are the majority in both of these countries and overall have a population of over 20 million people.The Akan speak Kwa languages-Origin and ethnogenesis:...
. The term Akyem (Akim) is used to describe a group of three states: Akyem Abuakwa
Akyem Abuakwa
Akyem Abuakwa describes a traditional geo-political entity in Eastern GhanaAkyen Abuakwa is one of the three independent states along with Akyem Bosome and Akyem Kotoku that forms the Akyem Mansa. This nation state with a non-contiguous land mass exists in the Eastern and Ashanti region of...
, Akyem Kotoku
Akyem Kotoku
Akyem Kotoku describes a traditional geo-political entity in Eastern Ghana.Akyen Abuakwa is one of the three independent states along with Akyem Bosome and Akyem Abuakwa that forms the Akyem Mansa. This nation state with a non contiguous land mass exists in the Eastern and Ashanti region of...
and Akyem Bosome
Akyem Bosome
Akyem Bosome describes a sub national traditional geo-political entity in present-day Ghana. It is the smallest of the three Akyem states, including Akyem Abuakwa and Akyem Kotoku, that form the Akyem Mansa --which is a nation-state of non-contiguous boundaries situated in the Eastern and Ashanti...
. These nations are located primarily in the eastern regions of modern-day Ghana. The term is also used to describe the general area where the Akyem ethnic group clusters. The Akyem ethnic group make up between 3-9 percent of Ghana's population depending on how one defines the group and are very prominent in all aspects of Ghanaian life. The Akyem are a matrilineal people. The history of this ethnic group is that of brave warriors who managed to create a thriving often influential and relatively independent state within modern-day Ghana . When one talks of Ghanaian history, there is often mention of the big 6 (The Big Six (Ghana)
The Big Six (Ghana)
The Big Six were six leaders of the United Gold Coast Convention , the leading political party in the British colony of the Gold Coast. They were detained by the colonial authorities in 1948 following disturbances leading to the killing of three World War II veterans...
). These were six individuals who played a big role in the independence of Ghana. Of the big six, people of Akyem descent made up the majority.
History and Genesis of the Akyem States
Akyemmansa is the three traditional areas of Akyem in the eastern region of Ghana. Historically, it has been attested via oral history that the Akyem people were one of the first Akan people to migrate south from the SahelSahel
The Sahel is the ecoclimatic and biogeographic zone of transition between the Sahara desert in the North and the Sudanian Savannas in the south.It stretches across the North African continent between the Atlantic Ocean and the Red Sea....
to the area that became Bono state.This area is the Origin of modern Akan people.
A group of Akan people
Akan people
The Akan people are an ethnic group found predominately in Ghana and The Ivory Coast. Akans are the majority in both of these countries and overall have a population of over 20 million people.The Akan speak Kwa languages-Origin and ethnogenesis:...
who left Bonoman
Bonoman
Bonoman is a term used to describe the trading State created by the Abron people which culminated in bringing wealth to the Akan people.Bonoman was a Middle Ages Akan Empire in what is now Brong-Ahafo region of Ghana and Eastern Ivory Coast...
later formed the Adansi Kingdom in the mid 14th Century.
The Adansis were known for their ability to build illustrious structures in their kingdom; hence the name "ADANSI" (Builders).
In the Early half of the 17th Century The Area of what is now Ghana was dominated by three States the Denkyera, the Adansi, and the Akwamu
Akwamu
The Akwamu was a state set up by the Akan people in Ghana which existed in the 17th century and 18th century. Originally immigrating from Bono state, the founders settled in Twifo-Heman. The Akwamu created an expansionist empire in the 16th and 17th century...
.
Within the Adansi state there were 3 Military posts in the Western Portion Akyem Abuakwa, Akyem Kotoku, and Akyem Bosome.
Eastern Adansi as an entity lost much of its identity due to conflicts with neighboring states namely the Denkyira
Denkyira
Denkyira was a powerful nation of Akan people that existed in southern present-day Ghana from 1620. Like all Akans they originated from Bono state. Before 1620 Denkyira was called Agona. The ruler of the Denkyira was called Denkyirahene and the capital was Jukwaa...
and much of it was absorbed in the Denkyira
Denkyira
Denkyira was a powerful nation of Akan people that existed in southern present-day Ghana from 1620. Like all Akans they originated from Bono state. Before 1620 Denkyira was called Agona. The ruler of the Denkyira was called Denkyirahene and the capital was Jukwaa...
empire. The remnants of it, the Akyem states on the West were too strong to bring under Denkyira control. This gave rise to the identity and notoriety of the Akyem states in the later 17th Century.
Thus, During the second half of the 17th century the area which became Ghana was dominated by 3 states the Denkyera, Akyem and Akwamu
Akwamu
The Akwamu was a state set up by the Akan people in Ghana which existed in the 17th century and 18th century. Originally immigrating from Bono state, the founders settled in Twifo-Heman. The Akwamu created an expansionist empire in the 16th and 17th century...
.
The rising Ashanti Kingdom flourished under the leadership of Nana Osei Tutu, and during their ascendancy assimilated the once powerful Denkyira into the growing empire in the early 18th century. The Akyem nations in an attempt to maintain autonomy and not crumble like the former superpower Denkyira fled across the River Pra to reinforce its military posts.
Nana Osei Tutu
Osei Kofi Tutu I
Osei Kofi Tutu I was one of the co-founders of the Empire of Ashanti, the other being Okomfo Anokye, his chief priest. The Ashanti were a powerful, warlike, and highly disciplined people of West Africa. Osei Tutu led an alliance of Ashanti states against the regional hegemon, the Denkyira,...
chose to pursue the Akyem across the River Pra to teach them a lesson and, to attempt to further build the Ashanti Empire and expand its influence over another of its former subordinates. The Ashanti states which now included the former Denkyira empire used a methodology which involved overwhelming the opposing nation with sheer numbers and, demanding that they surrender. While crossing the river with his massive army, he was ambushed by the Akyems and fell dead into the river while his massive army defeated. This was on a Thursday; this brought forth, the great oath of the Ashantis, ("Meka Yawada"- I swear by Thursday). The Akyems who carried out this ambush were known as "Abuakwanfo" or "Abuakwafo", (Guerrilla Fighters).
After the battle the Akyem moved southeastwards. As a result of this movement, some of the Akyems, especially the Kotokus, settled in the present day Ashanti-Akyem area.
The majority of the Akyems, however, continued to flee southeastwards and settled in several areas along the way until they came into contact with the Akwamu
Akwamu
The Akwamu was a state set up by the Akan people in Ghana which existed in the 17th century and 18th century. Originally immigrating from Bono state, the founders settled in Twifo-Heman. The Akwamu created an expansionist empire in the 16th and 17th century...
another one of the original three 17th century powerful Akan states which had influences from modern day Ghana all the way to Benin.
18th century Akyem-Akwamu war
The Akyems, especially the elite forces known as the Abuakwas but also the Kotoku's, fought the Akwamus and emerged victorious. In defeating the AkwamuAkwamu
The Akwamu was a state set up by the Akan people in Ghana which existed in the 17th century and 18th century. Originally immigrating from Bono state, the founders settled in Twifo-Heman. The Akwamu created an expansionist empire in the 16th and 17th century...
, the Akyem got control of the land the Akwamu had been occupying which belonged to the Ga
Ga people
The Ga-Adangbe are an ethnic group in the West African nation of Ghana. It is part of the Dangme ethnic group. The Ga people are grouped as part of theGa–Dangme ethnolinguistic group. They speak Kwa languages...
, Nation and, the Ga people were allowed more autonomy in their historic lands. Accra came under Akyem rule as they were Akwamu areas. Frimpong Manso of Kotoku and Ba kwante of Abuakwa shared authority over Accra and the Adangbe area.Owusu Akyem who was a sisters son of the Okyenhene became the administrator of the Adangbe area.
Historian J.K. Fynn writes the following:
The Akyem conquest of Akwamu in 1730 was one of the most decisive victories in Gold Coast history. The event was described by contemporaries as the greatest revolution that had taken place in that part of the world. Since the Akwamu themselves destroyed the old Ga Kingdom in the late Seventeen century.
After the War the Akyem Abuakwas made their temporary capitals in several former Akwamu areas, including Praso
Praso
Praso is a comune in Trentino in the northern Italian region Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, located about 40 km southwest of Trento. As of 31 December 2004, it had a population of 362 and an area of 9.8 km²....
, until they finally settled at Pameng. However, it was during the reign of NANA OFORI PANIN that the capital of Akyem Abuakwa
Akyem Abuakwa
Akyem Abuakwa describes a traditional geo-political entity in Eastern GhanaAkyen Abuakwa is one of the three independent states along with Akyem Bosome and Akyem Kotoku that forms the Akyem Mansa. This nation state with a non-contiguous land mass exists in the Eastern and Ashanti region of...
was finally moved to "Kyebirie" (named after a black hat used by a hunter using the area as his hunting grounds). It is now known as KYEBI.
The victory opened up trade between the Akyem, a nation described as having some of the largest gold deposits, and Europeans on the coast.
Genesis of Akuapem state of Akyem
The Akyem Abuakwa created the Akuapem state out of the greater half of western portion of the former Akwamu state and, it included the Aburi, Berekuso, Abiriw, Apirede and Larte areas. Ofori Dua the Brother of Ofori Panin became the Omanhene of the Akuapem state.During the reign of the great warrior king(Adontehene) of the Akyems, Nana Owusu Akyem Tenten, who was also known as the "KWAE-BIBIRIMHENE" (King of the Dense Forest), the Guan ethnic group and the Dawu ethnic group appealed to him for help to drive the Akwamus out of their area for them to enjoy peace.
The Akyems, were mercenaries during the trans-Atlantic slave trade and, were known for helping neighboring States fight off the middle men of the slave trade and joining States in other battles which were in the interest of the Akyem States ultimate objective of remaining strong and independent. Nana Owusu Akyem Tenten (King of the Dense Forest) agreed to send his nephew a respected soldier, Odehyee Safori, with an army they were victorious over the Akwamu again these battles and Created the states of Akropong and Amanokrom.
Safori pursued the Akwamus across the River Volta, where they settled up to this day, with their capital at Akwamufie.
See See Aboatakyi Accord for more details
Abotakyi Accord
-Background:After this great conquest of the Akwamus, Prince Safori left the camp for a village called Amamprobi and summoned all the Akuapems to go there for a victory meeting. At the meeting, victorious Prince Safori requested the Akuapems to untie the cartridge belt from his waist, meaning that...
By 1740 the Power within the coast was as follows The Akyem firmly controlling a majority of the Eastern portion of the coastal area; with the Fante, Asante and Ahanta controlling the rest.
Post 1740
After 1740 the Akyem control of the Coast was tentative and disagreements among the Akyem states weakened them. Also starting around this time key areas on the Coast were constantly being battled for with the Ashanti until 1816 when the Ashanti firmly established itself on the Eastern half of what became the Gold Coast in the former Akwamu State which the Akyem had won almost a century earlier. This was mainly due to a battle of attrition were the Akyem were out numbered. In the end, the Ashanti inherited some of the lands which had been won from the Akwamu including access to the coastal lands which essentially established the Asante empire as the most power state in the region which controlled all trade from the interior to the Coast. The Akim retreated back to their historic lands in what is now the Eastern Region of Ghana. To conclude, the Akyem are most famous because of the Akan states that existed before the rise of the empire of Ashanti the Akyem states remained the most independent and remained the most relevant.J.K.Fynn writes
The Asante bid for supremacy, however was violently opposed by older Akans states whose kings refused to accept the pretensions and claims of what they considered an upstart dynasty. Of these Akan states, Akyem resistance to Asante political domination was not only persistent but also it was nearly the most successful.
The Akyem during this tentative period between 1750 and 1816 still continued to show their ability to influence matters and act as Mercenaries helping those being oppressed by stronger states. This was demonstrated by helping the Ada who were being oppressed by the Anlo and defeating them in the battle of Nonombe around 1752
The Ashanti-Akyem relationship post 1816 continued to grow into one of mutual respect which still exists in recent times. It is a common saying among the Akans to this day that “Okyenhene nko ara na Osantehene ne no di nsawoso” literally, “ The King of Ashanti treats none but the King of Akyem on familiar terms”. This is due to the fact that the Akyem were strong and relatively independent during the peak of the Ashanti empire when compared to neighbors.
Post 1816
Post 1816 the Akyem enjoyed relative peace in their current location today and all of what became Ghana was under British rule by the early 20th century.Nana Dokua Era
The Nana Dokua era was known as an Era of peace and prosperity due to her way of solving problems.History has it that during the reign of the famous Nana Dokua (Abirie) as both Okyehene(King) and Ohemaa (Queenmother), a quarrel arose between her and the Kotokuhene at that time. As a result, she ordered part of the Amantomiensa (soldiers of the Paramount stool), the Asiakwahene (King of Asiakwa area of Akyem) and the Begorohene (King of Begoro area of Akyem), to remove the Kotokus from Gyadam. This war, known as the "Gyadam War", forced the Kotoku to leave Gyadam. The Kwabenghene allowed them a safe passage and not a shot was fired when they passed through Kwabeng. The Kotokuhene was given land by the then chief of Wankyi, Barimah Awire (the Oseawuohene (Chief of Oseawuo area of Akyem Abuakwa) to settle at what is now known as Oda, the capital of Akyem Kotoku state.
During the reign of Nana Dokua, a section of the Juabens of Ashanti revolted against the Golden Stool of Ashanti. The rebels, led by their chief, Nana Kwaku Boateng, were forced to leave Juaben in Ashanti for the south. They found settlement at Kyebi, Kwabeng, Tafo, Asamankese and other parts of Akyem Abuakwa. Later, when the trouble in Juaben subsided, some of them returned to Ashanti but came back again. On the third occasion a negotiating settlement on their behalf was met and with the consent of both the Kukurantumihene (the Adontehee
Akan Chieftaincy
In many parts of West Africa, there is an old chieftaincy tradition. The Akan of Ghana have developed their own hierarchy which exists aside the democratic structure of the country. The Akan word for the ruler is nana. In colonial times, Europeans translated it to “chief”, which is not equivalent....
of Akyem Abuakwa), Nana Kwaku Abrante and Okyehene Nana Dokua, the Juabens got land. They settled on it under the leadership and rule of their chief, Nana Kwaku Boateng, calling the area New Juaben, with Koforidua as its capital. An annual fee was agreed to be paid to the Akyem this practice continued until Dr. Kwame Nkrumah abolished it after independence.
Akyem people of today
Pre and post colonially, the Akyem have been very involved in the intellectual and pan-AfricanPan-Africanism
Pan-Africanism is a movement that seeks to unify African people or people living in Africa, into a "one African community". Differing types of Pan-Africanism seek different levels of economic, racial, social, or political unity...
ideology that made Ghana unique among its peers. Several of the political and educated elite, were of Akyem descent. This influence continues today in modern Ghana. The Akyem have been assimilated under the common Ghanaian identity where ethnicity does not play a role as it does in other countries.
List of rulers of the Akan state of Akyem Abuakwa
(Dates in italics indicate de facto continuation of office)| Tenure | Incumbent | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| c.1500 | Foundation of Akyem Abuakwa Akyem Abuakwa Akyem Abuakwa describes a traditional geo-political entity in Eastern GhanaAkyen Abuakwa is one of the three independent states along with Akyem Bosome and Akyem Kotoku that forms the Akyem Mansa. This nation state with a non-contiguous land mass exists in the Eastern and Ashanti region of... state (also called Okyeman Akyem Abuakwa Akyem Abuakwa describes a traditional geo-political entity in Eastern GhanaAkyen Abuakwa is one of the three independent states along with Akyem Bosome and Akyem Kotoku that forms the Akyem Mansa. This nation state with a non-contiguous land mass exists in the Eastern and Ashanti region of... ) |
|
| Okyenhene Okyenhene Okyenhene is the title of His Royal Majesty, the king of Akyem Abuakwa, an ancient powerful kingdom in the Eastern Region of Ghana... (Rulers) |
||
| Asona Dynasty | ||
| ???? to ???? | Ba Kwante, Okyenhene | |
| 1704 to April 1727 | Ofori Panyin I, Okyenhene | |
| 1727 to 1742 | Owusu Akyem Tenten, Okyenhene | |
| 1742 to 1765 | Pobi Asomaning II, Okyenhene | |
| 1765 to 1772 | Twum Ampofo I, Okyenhene | 1st Term |
| 1772 to 1783 | Obirikorang Aboree, Okyenhene | 1st Term |
| 1783 | Twum Ampofo I, Okyenhene | 2nd Term |
| 1783 to 1790 | Obirikorang Aboree, Okyenhene | 2nd Term |
| 1790 to 1801 | Twum Ampofo I, Okyenhene | 3rd Term |
| 1801 to 1807 | Nana Saforo Apraku, Okyenhene | |
| 1807 to September 1811 | Nana Atta Wusu Yiakosan, Okyenhene | |
| 1811 | Nana Asare Bediako Kwadwo Kuma, Okyenhene | |
| 1811 to 1816 | Nana Kofi Asante Bayinyiye, Okyenhene | |
| 1816 to 1817 | Nana Twum Ampofo II, Okyenhene | |
| 1817 to 1835 | Nana Afia Dokuaa, Regent | ♀ |
| 1835 to March 1859 | Nana Ofori Atta Panin, Okyenhene | |
| May 1859 to May 1866 | Nana Atta Obuom, Okyenhene | |
| July 1866 to 2 February 1887 | Nana Amoako Atta I, Okyenhene | In exile at Lagos 14 May 1880 to 8 January 1885 |
| 1887 to February 1911 | Nana Amoako Atta II, Okyenhene | |
| April 1911 to 26 November 1912 | Nana Amoako Atta III, Okyenhene | |
| 30 November 1912 to 1927 to 21 August 1943 | Nana Ofori Atta I, Okyenhene | |
| 1927 to 21 August 1943 | Nana Sir Ofori Atta I, Okyenhene | |
| 25/27 September 1943 to 13 June 1958 | Nana Ofori Atta II, Okyenhene | 1st Term |
| 13 June 1958 to 14 April 1959 | Nana Kwabena Kena II, Regent | |
| 14 April 1959 to 5 December 1966 | Nana Amoako Atta IV, Okyenhene | |
| 5 December 1966 to 13 September 1973 | Nana Ofori Atta II, Okyenhene | 2nd Term |
| 1973 to 1 May 1976 | Nana Ofori Atta III, Okyenhene | |
| 2 August 1976 to 17 March 1999 | Nana Kuntunkununku II, Okyenhene | |
| 17 March 1999 to 4 October 1999 | Osabarima Kena Ampaw II, Regent | |
| 4 October 1999 to present | Nana Amoatia Ofori Panin, Okyenhene | |
This is a list of rulers of the Akan state of Akyem Kotoku
Akyem Kotoku
Akyem Kotoku describes a traditional geo-political entity in Eastern Ghana.Akyen Abuakwa is one of the three independent states along with Akyem Bosome and Akyem Abuakwa that forms the Akyem Mansa. This nation state with a non contiguous land mass exists in the Eastern and Ashanti region of...
.
| Tenure | Incumbent | Notes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ante1400 | Foundation of Akyem Kotoku Akyem Kotoku Akyem Kotoku describes a traditional geo-political entity in Eastern Ghana.Akyen Abuakwa is one of the three independent states along with Akyem Bosome and Akyem Abuakwa that forms the Akyem Mansa. This nation state with a non contiguous land mass exists in the Eastern and Ashanti region of... state |
||||
| Kotokuhene (Rulers) | 1400 to ???? | Nana Yaraware, Kotokuhene | |||
| ???? to ???? | Nana Boadi Nanim, Kotokuhene | ||||
| ???? to ???? | Nana Danso Brempon (Akrofi Brempong), Kotokuhene | ||||
| Nana Asiedu Aprenten, Kotokuhene | |||||
| ???? to 1717 | Nana Ofosu Aprenten, Kotokuhene | ||||
| ante/c.1733 to post/c.1733 | Nana Frempong Manso I, Kotokuhene | ||||
| ???? to 1814 | Nana Kwakye Adeyefe, Kotokuhene | ||||
| 1824 to 1825 | Nana Afrifa Akwada, Kotokuhene | ||||
| 1825 to 1867 | Nana Agyeman, Kotokuhene | ||||
| 1867 to September 1927 | Nana Attafua, Kotokuhene | ||||
| 1948 to post/c.1960 | Nana Frempong Manso III, Kotokuhene | ||||
| 19?? to June 1998 | Okofrobour Agyeman Attafua, Kotokuhene | ||||
| June 1999 to present | Oseadeeyo Frempong Manso IV, Kotokuhene | ||||
List of Rulers of the Akan state of Akyem Bosume
| Tenure | Incumbent | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bosumehene (Rulers) | ||
| ante/c.1818 to post/c.1818 | Nana Koragye Ampaw, Bosumehene | |
| post/c.1818 to ante/c.1960>Nana Bosompem Ntow II]], | ||
| ante/c.1960 to post/c.1960 | Nana Oware Agyekum II, Bosumehene | |
Ohum Festival
The traditional area of the Akyem is sometimes known as KWAEBIBIRIM because of its abundance in rich natural resources. This area is in the tropical rain forest with fertile river valleys, deep loamy soil, and fresh fauna. The land is watered by the famous river Birim. The river Birim is the source of Ghana's diamond. The spiritual, physical and philosophical sustenance of the Akyem people are derived from river Birim. The Akyem do not worship the river per se, they revere it as their source of inspiration, giving them life and strength.During the Ohum festival, Akyems thank the creator for blessing their land with such a magnificent river (Birim). The products from the Akyems land and river are symbols which are used to remember ancestors who struggled and persevered to keep the society intact. During the festival the descendants pledge to continue the tradition, to keep OKYEMAN strong and free with peace and prosperity. They then pledge allegiance to their King (OKYEHENE) and their sub-chiefs and elders for their leadership and guidance. This ceremony of thanksgiving to the creator is the great festival of the Akyem people known as . The Ohum festival is celebrated in Akyem Abuakwa in two parts: the Ohumkan and the Ohumkyire. The Ohum festival is celebrated with the chief and people of Akyem Tafo visiting the Gyempremo shrine to perform rituals and make sacrifices to the deity. Legend has it that any person who trips and falls on the return journey from the Gyempremo shrine will not live to see the new year. On the Ohum Tuesday, it is forbidden to make any noise including the pounding of fufu, the main staple diet of the Akan people till dusk.
External links
- http://www.almanach.be/signIn/signIn.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fsearch%2fg%2fgha_akyem+abuakwa.html
- History of Akyem from 1700