Basic 4 · History · The People of Ghana
The Formation of the Asante Kingdom
In this topic you will describe how the Asante Kingdom was formed.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Explain the situation before Asante was formed
- Describe the roles of Osei Tutu and Okomfo Anokye
- Explain the importance of the Golden Stool
What you already know
- The origin of the Akan (Basic 3)
Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.
- Strand
- My country Ghana
- Sub-strand
- The People of Ghana
- Indicator
- B4.2.1.1.1 – Describe how one major kingdom was formed and the reasons behind its expansion
Introduction
About 350 years ago, small Akan states around Kumasi paid tribute to the powerful Denkyira kingdom. They wanted freedom. Two great leaders united them to form the Asante Kingdom.
1. Before Asante
- Small Akan states like Kumasi, Mampong, Juaben, Kokofu and Bekwai were separate.
- They were ruled by Denkyira and paid heavy tribute.
2. The Founders
| Leader | Role |
|---|---|
| Osei Tutu | became the first Asantehene (king of Asante) |
| Okomfo Anokye | a priest who advised Osei Tutu and brought the Golden Stool |
3. The Golden Stool
Tradition says Okomfo Anokye called down the Golden Stool (Sika Dwa Kofi) from the sky. It landed on Osei Tutu's lap.
The stool holds the soul (sunsum) of the Asante nation. All the chiefs swore loyalty to it, which united the states.
4. Defeat of Denkyira
In about 1701, the united Asante defeated Denkyira at the Battle of Feyiase. Asante became free and powerful, with Kumasi as its capital.
New words
- kingdom
- A state ruled by a king.
- tribute
- Payment made by a weaker state to a stronger one.
- Asantehene
- The king of Asante.
- Golden Stool
- The sacred symbol of Asante unity.
- unite
- To join together as one.
- capital
- The main town of a kingdom.
Summary
- Small Akan states paid tribute to Denkyira.
- Osei Tutu and Okomfo Anokye united them.
- The Golden Stool became the symbol of Asante unity.
- Asante defeated Denkyira at Feyiase in about 1701.
Class activity: Kingdom Map
- Find Kumasi and the old Denkyira area on the Ghana map.
- Draw arrows showing states joining the Asante union.
- Retell the Golden Stool story.
You need: Ghana map, Printed photographs of traditional stools, Palaces, Locally made timeline cards
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Who was the first Asantehene?
- A. Osei Tutu
- B. Okomfo Anokye
- C. Prempeh I
- D. Opoku Ware
Show answer
Answer: Osei TutuHe founded Asante.2. Which kingdom did Asante defeat at Feyiase?
- A. Denkyira
- B. Dagbon
- C. Akwamu
- D. Fante
Show answer
Answer: DenkyiraAsante became free.3. What does the Golden Stool hold, according to tradition?
- A. The soul of the Asante nation
- B. Gold coins
- C. The king's clothes
- D. Food
Show answer
Answer: The soul of the Asante nationIt unites Asante.4. Okomfo Anokye was a priest.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueHe advised Osei Tutu.5. The Golden Stool is sat on by the king every day.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: FalseNo one sits on the Golden Stool.6. Payment by a weaker state to a stronger one is ______.
Show answer
Answer: tributeAsante states paid tribute to Denkyira.7. Explain the role of Okomfo Anokye in forming Asante.
Show answer
Answer: He was the priest who advised Osei Tutu and brought the Golden Stool that united the states.He was a key founder.8. Why did the small Akan states unite?
Show answer
Answer: To free themselves from Denkyira's heavy tribute and rule.Unity gave strength.
Homework
- Ask an elder or read about the story of the Golden Stool.