By Nikita A. D. Quarcoo.
How much do you know of Ghanaian history and heritage? What is your favorite story? Who is your role model among Ghanaian historical figures? The GTV Breakfast Show was honoured to pick the brain of Anokye Frimpong, one of the most knowledgeable and insightful historians, who also happens to be a lawyer, and he educated viewers on the history and origin of the Ashantis.
First of all, the Ashantis believe that they migrated from the ancient Ghana Empire, which was conquered by Mali. He detailed the reasons for their migration.
Mr. Frimpong said Ashanti’s were initially known as the Amasie Clans and elucidated that the word Asa-nte means: “because of war, let us come together to fight for our independence and survival at all times”.
The Ashanti Kingdom: A Cultural Heritage https://t.co/WIPJILL4WW
— Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (@thegbcghana) November 1, 2021
Their first settlement was Asantemanso present-day Asumenya. In deciding on capital for the kingdom, Osei Tutu I planted two “Kuma” trees and settled on the tree that flourished. The decision was not only based on this but also on neutrality, commerce and strategy. He elaborated that this is why the Ashanti region is the only region that has its capital at its center.
Mr. Frimpong also spoke on the history of the Golden Stool.
Taking time out to correct the misconception that Ashantis are a warlike or aggressive nation, he shed light on how they started as a farming nation; after being victorious against Denkyira following years of being under their rule, where their journey to becoming the great and powerful Asante kingdom began. He said, unlike the Denkyiras, who call their conquered “Akoa”, the Ashantis call those who they defeat “Yenua”, meaning friend.
Additionally, Ashanti’s are very welcoming of other cultures and will maintain the culture of those they have conquered.
The Asante kingdom is known as the only kingdom in all of West Africa that was able to stand against colonization for 200 years.
Mr. Frimpong spoke on patenting the Kente cloth. He lamented how it is losing its name as a Ghanaian cultural cloth to other countries such as Ivory Coast. He said “it does not matter whether it belonged to those in the Volta Region or the Ashanti Region, once we have come together as a nation, we should fight for its recognition as Ghanaians”, the Historian posited.
