Brief History Of Ghana formerly Gold Coast

History

Brief History Of Ghana formerly Gold Coast

Eriq   May 28, 2021

According to oral traditions, the ancestors of the Akan people, today the largest ethnic group, entered the country from the north and spread southwards between CE 1200 and 1600. The Fanti State of Denkyira was at that period already established on the coast. By 1400 the Akan had established their Bono and Buida kingdoms in the forested central region.
Their highly developed culture was centred on the city-state, surrounded by vassal villages, and rule by a court where the queen mother was often a more powerful figure than the king who, being sacred, was hidden from the people and consequently often politically isolated. The Akan traded gold and kola nuts for salt and cloth, in the west and north, and were also involved in the slave trade.
In the 15th century, the Ashanti people waged war against the Denkyira Kingdom and by 1700 had gained control of the slave trade. They developed a powerful army and a centralised state, ruled by the Asantehene (king of the Ashanti nation).
Portuguese traders, arriving after 1450 in search of gold and ivory, named the country Gold Coast; appropriately since, by the end of the 16th century, it produced ten per cent of the world’s gold.
From the middle of the 16th century other Europeans began arriving; in the mid-18th century there were Dutch, Danish and British settlements.
The British became involved in internal conflicts when they backed the Fanti against the Ashanti who were extending their power into the coastal areas. There were four wars in the 19th century.
The Bond of 1844, entered into by Britain and the Fanti chiefs, endorsed British control of small pockets of settlement; six years later Britain set up a legislative council to govern these areas. The British took over abandoned Danish settlements in 1850 and the Dutch settlements in 1871. By Orders in Council (1901) Britain declared the southern territory a colony by settlement, the northern territory a protectorate and Ashanti a colony by conquest.
In 1922 a part of the adjoining German territory of Togoland was placed under British administration by a League of Nations Mandate and after World War II it became a UN Trust Territory. The principle of elections was introduced under the 1925 constitution.
During the first half of the 20th century, there was growing national pressure for self-determination, and the UK gradually surrendered control.
The 1946 constitution required the legislative council to have an African majority. Following civic disturbances in 1948, the UK agreed that a committee consisting entirely of Africans should examine the structure of the country’s government.
In 1949, Kwame Nkrumah set up the Convention People’s Party (CPP) to campaign for independence.
Elections took place in 1951, and the following year Nkrumah became the country’s first Premier. The 1954 constitution provided for a legislative assembly of 104 directly elected members, and an all-African Cabinet; the UK kept responsibility for foreign affairs and defence. The CPP campaigned for full independence. The general election of 1956 returned the CPP with a big majority.
Modern-day Ghana was formed when the British-administered part of Togoland voted to join the Gold Coast in an independent state, in a UN-supervised plebiscite in May 1956. Ghana achieved independence within the Commonwealth on 6 March 1957.
In 1960 Ghana became a republic, with Nkrumah as President, and in 1964 a one-party state, the CPP being the sole authorised party.
However, less than a year later, Nkrumah was removed by military coup, the first of four coups.
The army and police set up a National Liberation Council, which dissolved the legislative assembly and suspended the constitution while a new one was drafted.
Political activity was permitted again in 1969; a general election followed in August. It returned the Progress Party; its leader Dr Kofi Busia became Prime Minister, with the National Alliance of Liberals as the opposition.
Two weeks before the elections were to be held in June 1979, a military coup led by junior officers ousted the government. Flt-Lt Jerry J Rawlings and the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council declared that they had assumed power, in order that an honest election could take place. Elections were held as scheduled; they returned the People’s National Party, whose leader Dr Hilla Limann took office as President in September 1979.
Another coup, in 1981, put Rawlings back in power. He suspended the constitution and banned political parties. From December 1981 until November 1992 Ghana was ruled by a Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC). In May 1991 the PNDC government set up a 260-member consultative assembly to oversee the restoration of multiparty democracy.
A committee of constitutional experts was appointed to draft a new constitution for submission to this assembly. In April 1992 the draft constitution was overwhelmingly approved in a referendum; political associations were unbanned; and six opposition movements were granted legal recognition.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) was formed to contest the elections on behalf of the PNDC. The November 1992 presidential election (witnessed by Commonwealth observers, and considered ‘overall free and fair’) returned Jerry Rawlings (with 58.3 per cent of the vote).
The parliamentary elections of December 1992 returned the NDC with 189 of 200 seats in the new Parliament. The NDC united with the National Convention Party (NCP) and the Every Ghanaian Living Everywhere Party to form the Progressive Alliance.
In January 1993 Rawlings was sworn in as President, and the Fourth Republic was inaugurated. In May 1995, the NCP left the coalition. In the December 1996 elections, President Rawlings was re-elected with 58 per cent of the votes. Turnout was 75 per cent. His party, the NDC, won 133 seats.
The opposition alliance of the New Patriotic Party and the People’s Convention Party won 66 seats, just reaching the level at which they could successfully oppose constitutional changes (which need a two-thirds majority).
The elections were seen as a step towards full multiparty democracy; the opposition had boycotted the 1992 parliamentary elections, but accepted defeat the second time round.
Ghana thus acquired a significant legislative opposition for the first time in 15 years. After Rawlings was chosen as ‘life chairman’ of the party in December 1998, the NDC suffered a serious split in its ranks with the formation by some of its founding members of the National Reform Party, which was registered in July 1999. In 1972, another military coup led by Colonel Ignatius Acheampong overthrew Busia’s government and set up a National Redemption Council. In 1978 Acheampong was replaced by General Frederick Akuffo, who promised civilian rule by the middle of the following year.
 

Brief History Of Ghana formerly Gold Coast

History

Brief History Of Ghana formerly Gold Coast

Eriq   May 28, 2021

According to oral traditions, the ancestors of the Akan people, today the largest ethnic group, entered the country from the north and spread southwards between CE 1200 and 1600. The Fanti State of Denkyira was at that period already established on the coast. By 1400 the Akan had established their Bono and Buida kingdoms in the forested central region.
Their highly developed culture was centred on the city-state, surrounded by vassal villages, and rule by a court where the queen mother was often a more powerful figure than the king who, being sacred, was hidden from the people and consequently often politically isolated. The Akan traded gold and kola nuts for salt and cloth, in the west and north, and were also involved in the slave trade.
In the 15th century, the Ashanti people waged war against the Denkyira Kingdom and by 1700 had gained control of the slave trade. They developed a powerful army and a centralised state, ruled by the Asantehene (king of the Ashanti nation).
Portuguese traders, arriving after 1450 in search of gold and ivory, named the country Gold Coast; appropriately since, by the end of the 16th century, it produced ten per cent of the world’s gold.
From the middle of the 16th century other Europeans began arriving; in the mid-18th century there were Dutch, Danish and British settlements.
The British became involved in internal conflicts when they backed the Fanti against the Ashanti who were extending their power into the coastal areas. There were four wars in the 19th century.
The Bond of 1844, entered into by Britain and the Fanti chiefs, endorsed British control of small pockets of settlement; six years later Britain set up a legislative council to govern these areas. The British took over abandoned Danish settlements in 1850 and the Dutch settlements in 1871. By Orders in Council (1901) Britain declared the southern territory a colony by settlement, the northern territory a protectorate and Ashanti a colony by conquest.
In 1922 a part of the adjoining German territory of Togoland was placed under British administration by a League of Nations Mandate and after World War II it became a UN Trust Territory. The principle of elections was introduced under the 1925 constitution.
During the first half of the 20th century, there was growing national pressure for self-determination, and the UK gradually surrendered control.
The 1946 constitution required the legislative council to have an African majority. Following civic disturbances in 1948, the UK agreed that a committee consisting entirely of Africans should examine the structure of the country’s government.
In 1949, Kwame Nkrumah set up the Convention People’s Party (CPP) to campaign for independence.
Elections took place in 1951, and the following year Nkrumah became the country’s first Premier. The 1954 constitution provided for a legislative assembly of 104 directly elected members, and an all-African Cabinet; the UK kept responsibility for foreign affairs and defence. The CPP campaigned for full independence. The general election of 1956 returned the CPP with a big majority.
Modern-day Ghana was formed when the British-administered part of Togoland voted to join the Gold Coast in an independent state, in a UN-supervised plebiscite in May 1956. Ghana achieved independence within the Commonwealth on 6 March 1957.
In 1960 Ghana became a republic, with Nkrumah as President, and in 1964 a one-party state, the CPP being the sole authorised party.
However, less than a year later, Nkrumah was removed by military coup, the first of four coups.
The army and police set up a National Liberation Council, which dissolved the legislative assembly and suspended the constitution while a new one was drafted.
Political activity was permitted again in 1969; a general election followed in August. It returned the Progress Party; its leader Dr Kofi Busia became Prime Minister, with the National Alliance of Liberals as the opposition.
Two weeks before the elections were to be held in June 1979, a military coup led by junior officers ousted the government. Flt-Lt Jerry J Rawlings and the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council declared that they had assumed power, in order that an honest election could take place. Elections were held as scheduled; they returned the People’s National Party, whose leader Dr Hilla Limann took office as President in September 1979.
Another coup, in 1981, put Rawlings back in power. He suspended the constitution and banned political parties. From December 1981 until November 1992 Ghana was ruled by a Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC). In May 1991 the PNDC government set up a 260-member consultative assembly to oversee the restoration of multiparty democracy.
A committee of constitutional experts was appointed to draft a new constitution for submission to this assembly. In April 1992 the draft constitution was overwhelmingly approved in a referendum; political associations were unbanned; and six opposition movements were granted legal recognition.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) was formed to contest the elections on behalf of the PNDC. The November 1992 presidential election (witnessed by Commonwealth observers, and considered ‘overall free and fair’) returned Jerry Rawlings (with 58.3 per cent of the vote).
The parliamentary elections of December 1992 returned the NDC with 189 of 200 seats in the new Parliament. The NDC united with the National Convention Party (NCP) and the Every Ghanaian Living Everywhere Party to form the Progressive Alliance.
In January 1993 Rawlings was sworn in as President, and the Fourth Republic was inaugurated. In May 1995, the NCP left the coalition. In the December 1996 elections, President Rawlings was re-elected with 58 per cent of the votes. Turnout was 75 per cent. His party, the NDC, won 133 seats.
The opposition alliance of the New Patriotic Party and the People’s Convention Party won 66 seats, just reaching the level at which they could successfully oppose constitutional changes (which need a two-thirds majority).
The elections were seen as a step towards full multiparty democracy; the opposition had boycotted the 1992 parliamentary elections, but accepted defeat the second time round.
Ghana thus acquired a significant legislative opposition for the first time in 15 years. After Rawlings was chosen as ‘life chairman’ of the party in December 1998, the NDC suffered a serious split in its ranks with the formation by some of its founding members of the National Reform Party, which was registered in July 1999. In 1972, another military coup led by Colonel Ignatius Acheampong overthrew Busia’s government and set up a National Redemption Council. In 1978 Acheampong was replaced by General Frederick Akuffo, who promised civilian rule by the middle of the following year.
 

Adansiman History: The story of Adansi Akrokerri Pt 2

Obuasi History

Adansiman History: The story of Adansi Akrokerri Pt 2

Eriq   May 16, 2021

NANA ASARE BEDIAKO:   He was a warrior King with exceptional ability to organize his people for warfare; he conquered Ntiamoa Amankuo of the Beretuo family who lived at Abusa near Dompoase, and made him head of the Akwamu Wing – his descendants still enjoy this privilege.

5.         NANA ASARE BUTUO:    He was modest, and had the most peaceful reign.

6.         NANA ASARE KUMANIM: He evacuated with his people to ATUASE near the confluence of the Offin and Oda rivers (Adaboye); he introduced the musical play ‘amanmehwe’ or Atopre, performed for criminals awaiting execution; while at Atoase the Tekyiman under Ameyaw Kwakye (1712-1740) was attacked by Asante through Baafo Pim, the traitor,

7.         NANA ASARE MINTIM:   He spent most of his time on the battlefield, accompanied by his son, Awarade Basa.

8.         NANA OTIBREKO ASARE:   He amassed wealth and besides was so powerful that he fought the Denkyira hence, Mumumfi, without success. After his death the sword of Authority (‘Afena Kwao’) was handed to Awurade Basa thus all resident in Adanse transferred their alliance to him. The story is that Awurade had as his chief spokesman, Nkrafo (or Mfoafo) through whom he exercised his authority.  He was intolerant to his subjects who were apprehensive to mention his name except that of his Okyeame. This gave rise to the saying ‘Yekase Nkrafo (Mfoafo) nsoyene Awarade Basa’, meaning ‘We complain against Nkrafo (Mfoafo) but we mean, however, Awarade Basa himself’.  Be that as it may, Awarade Basa’s otherwise prosperous reign was marred by only one disaster.  He marched against the eight Denkyirahene, Boadu Akafu Brempon, who completely destroyed Adanseman.

9.         NANA OBEN ADUA:   This time matrilineal system was ushered in. He continued to rule at ATUASE.

10-26.              Little is known about the successive rulers.

27.       NTORI BONKYI:   He amassed great wealth, and he was able to pay ransom for his subjects in exile to enable them return home.  HE MADE SEVERAL REGALIA WHICH EARNED HIM THE HONOUR OF REFERRING TO THE PRINCIPAL stool of Adanse – ‘Ntori Bonkyi Agua’.

28.       DWAPANIN AFARI:  In his reign the Denkyira moved from Tutumbe to the western border of Adanse and founded their famous capital Abankesieso by the Oda River near the present village of Abuakwa; he also became of solid gold.

29.       ANTWI SAMPA PANIN:  Through the recommendation of his hunters he made exodus with his people from Nyantaso, and established on the bank of the Akyerekyere Stream. It is the name of this stream with has been corrupted to AKROKERI and from which the settlement derived its name.

Finally, the policy of Nana Owusu Sampa III was essentially the continuation and fulfilment of the wishes of his predecessors that the occupant of the “Ntori Bonkyi Stool” occupies his proper place in society of chieftaincy and to regain its lost glory. Apparently, the restoration of the independence of Akrokeri from the subordinate position under Fomena was the object of this progressive chief. To achieve this, he forwarded a Resolution dated August 16, 1910 to the Fomenahene Kwabena. Fori through the Provincial Commissioner, Kumase, since he is reckoned among the principal Stools of clans in Asante (qv. Busia K.A. “The Position of the Chief in the Modern Political System in Ashanti”, 1958. P. 215).

Subsequently, in February, 1958, the Kwame Nkrumah Government elevated the status of the Akrokerihene to that of paramountcy”. This, according to Nana Owusu Sampah III, was based on history and traditions of the people. But in 1966, immediately after the Nkrumah government was toppled by the “Armed Forces and the Police”, the National Liberation Council (NLC) deemed the elevation of some chiefs traditionally unconstitutional, and without precedence.   By decree, ‘Chieftaincy (Amendment) Decree No. 112 of 1966’, many Paramount Chiefs which included the Akrokerihene were degraded. He reverted to the subordinate rank of Ohene.

In pursuance of the Decree the Akrokerihene and his twenty-seven chiefs on December 22, 1966, petitioned the NLC through the Asantehene to confer upon Akrokeri State paramount Status to serve directly under the Asantehene.

Nana Owusu Sampah III, devoted much energy to the development of the state. In his reign was the establishment of a Teacher Training College in modern buildings. A Health Centre was built by the Government. He agitated for the insertion of the right of Akrokeri in the Ashanti Goldfield. Concession Agreement of 1987, and in pursuance of the Obuasi Concession, Nana Owusu Sampah III, in his capacity as the land owner, elected Kwasi Afoakwa as the Odikro of Obuasi.

Source: Kwame Ampene.

Adansiman History: The story of Adansi Akrokerri Pt 2

Obuasi History

Adansiman History: The story of Adansi Akrokerri Pt 2

Eriq   May 16, 2021

NANA ASARE BEDIAKO:   He was a warrior King with exceptional ability to organize his people for warfare; he conquered Ntiamoa Amankuo of the Beretuo family who lived at Abusa near Dompoase, and made him head of the Akwamu Wing – his descendants still enjoy this privilege.

5.         NANA ASARE BUTUO:    He was modest, and had the most peaceful reign.

6.         NANA ASARE KUMANIM: He evacuated with his people to ATUASE near the confluence of the Offin and Oda rivers (Adaboye); he introduced the musical play ‘amanmehwe’ or Atopre, performed for criminals awaiting execution; while at Atoase the Tekyiman under Ameyaw Kwakye (1712-1740) was attacked by Asante through Baafo Pim, the traitor,

7.         NANA ASARE MINTIM:   He spent most of his time on the battlefield, accompanied by his son, Awarade Basa.

8.         NANA OTIBREKO ASARE:   He amassed wealth and besides was so powerful that he fought the Denkyira hence, Mumumfi, without success. After his death the sword of Authority (‘Afena Kwao’) was handed to Awurade Basa thus all resident in Adanse transferred their alliance to him. The story is that Awurade had as his chief spokesman, Nkrafo (or Mfoafo) through whom he exercised his authority.  He was intolerant to his subjects who were apprehensive to mention his name except that of his Okyeame. This gave rise to the saying ‘Yekase Nkrafo (Mfoafo) nsoyene Awarade Basa’, meaning ‘We complain against Nkrafo (Mfoafo) but we mean, however, Awarade Basa himself’.  Be that as it may, Awarade Basa’s otherwise prosperous reign was marred by only one disaster.  He marched against the eight Denkyirahene, Boadu Akafu Brempon, who completely destroyed Adanseman.

9.         NANA OBEN ADUA:   This time matrilineal system was ushered in. He continued to rule at ATUASE.

10-26.              Little is known about the successive rulers.

27.       NTORI BONKYI:   He amassed great wealth, and he was able to pay ransom for his subjects in exile to enable them return home.  HE MADE SEVERAL REGALIA WHICH EARNED HIM THE HONOUR OF REFERRING TO THE PRINCIPAL stool of Adanse – ‘Ntori Bonkyi Agua’.

28.       DWAPANIN AFARI:  In his reign the Denkyira moved from Tutumbe to the western border of Adanse and founded their famous capital Abankesieso by the Oda River near the present village of Abuakwa; he also became of solid gold.

29.       ANTWI SAMPA PANIN:  Through the recommendation of his hunters he made exodus with his people from Nyantaso, and established on the bank of the Akyerekyere Stream. It is the name of this stream with has been corrupted to AKROKERI and from which the settlement derived its name.

Finally, the policy of Nana Owusu Sampa III was essentially the continuation and fulfilment of the wishes of his predecessors that the occupant of the “Ntori Bonkyi Stool” occupies his proper place in society of chieftaincy and to regain its lost glory. Apparently, the restoration of the independence of Akrokeri from the subordinate position under Fomena was the object of this progressive chief. To achieve this, he forwarded a Resolution dated August 16, 1910 to the Fomenahene Kwabena. Fori through the Provincial Commissioner, Kumase, since he is reckoned among the principal Stools of clans in Asante (qv. Busia K.A. “The Position of the Chief in the Modern Political System in Ashanti”, 1958. P. 215).

Subsequently, in February, 1958, the Kwame Nkrumah Government elevated the status of the Akrokerihene to that of paramountcy”. This, according to Nana Owusu Sampah III, was based on history and traditions of the people. But in 1966, immediately after the Nkrumah government was toppled by the “Armed Forces and the Police”, the National Liberation Council (NLC) deemed the elevation of some chiefs traditionally unconstitutional, and without precedence.   By decree, ‘Chieftaincy (Amendment) Decree No. 112 of 1966’, many Paramount Chiefs which included the Akrokerihene were degraded. He reverted to the subordinate rank of Ohene.

In pursuance of the Decree the Akrokerihene and his twenty-seven chiefs on December 22, 1966, petitioned the NLC through the Asantehene to confer upon Akrokeri State paramount Status to serve directly under the Asantehene.

Nana Owusu Sampah III, devoted much energy to the development of the state. In his reign was the establishment of a Teacher Training College in modern buildings. A Health Centre was built by the Government. He agitated for the insertion of the right of Akrokeri in the Ashanti Goldfield. Concession Agreement of 1987, and in pursuance of the Obuasi Concession, Nana Owusu Sampah III, in his capacity as the land owner, elected Kwasi Afoakwa as the Odikro of Obuasi.

Source: Kwame Ampene.

Adansiman History: The story of Adansi-Akrofuom

Obuasi History

Adansiman History: The story of Adansi-Akrofuom

Eriq   May 16, 2021

Tradition says that originally, the ancestors of Adansi Akrofuom lived at Kokobiante near the Seben River in Adansi. Their Queenmother was Nana Aso, a beautiful woman whose family members were always greeted with “Aso Nana” (i.e Aso’s grand-children) and from this response Asona originated, and her descendants have since been called Asonafo.

Due to constant bickering coupled with internal dissension, the Asona clan members at Kokobiante became disintegrated. It was on a Wednesday that they dispersed with families going their own way; hence the famous and sacrosanct oath “Wukuada”(Wednes— day) instituted for the Asona clan.
The Akrofuom ancestors first moved to Afekopon at the source of the Oda River from where they migrated to other places such as Odumase and Eseneagya within the same geographical area, and finally settled at Old Akrofuom in a dense forest.

The first male ruler was Nana Amponsahene who died on the stool, and was succeeded by Nana Gyekye whose slave discovered the stream which provided the inhabitants with drinking water.
The myth is that the colour of the stream was then as red as the eyes of Nana Gyekye, so they named it Gyekyeani (i.e Gyekye’s eye). Its original name was Taninanom. They built a new township, Kurofoforo-mu on its banks. This became corrupted into Krofuom.

Tradition further relates that in those days, the main occupation was rubber tapping. Since the rubber oozed in great quantities to fill all the containers provided, visitors named the place Mankyem (lit, rubber leaks outs). The Akrofuom township has since expanded to absorb Amankyem (there is another town in Adansi called Anwiaso Akrofuom).

Nana Gyekye, who was nicknamed Tuoko Nana Afoakwa, did not wage any war, instead he used his wealth in developing the town and won the appellation “Odonyina” (lit he loves all) His successor, Nana Atta Amofa, was appointed by the Asantehene to go with the Kokofuhene to capture the Gyamanhene Adinkra who had made for himself a Golden Stool. For the bravery, the Kokofuhene took the name “Okogyeasuo” i.e the man who fights to reach the river (Tain), while the Akrofuomhene was nicknamed “Amofaa Okyere dom” i.e Amofa the one who captures enemies.

The “abomaa” drum he acquired from the Asantehene was the first in the whole Adansi state among the Gyenkyimadu group comprising the Asona and Asakyiri clan brothers.
Successive chiefs were Nana Opuni, Nana Obo, Nana Okai and Nana Afoakwa Buroni.
From fairly early times, Adansi chiefs were independent of one another and acknowledged the overlordship of none other than the occupant of the Golden Stool, hence the saying “Adansi nkotowa, nkotowa, yededa yen bom” (lit. Adansi, similar to crabs, live in respective holes). However, in time of war, they organised themselves into war path as follows: Fomena and Ayaase (Adonten or Main Body), Edubiase and Dompoase (Nifa or Right Wing), Akrokerri and Akrofuom (Benkum or Left Wing).

It was after the Yaa Asantewaa War, that they eventually became subjects to Fomena (otherwise Asomenaso) because during the war, the Fomenahene Nana Nkansa was on the side of the British, so the British made Fomenahene overlord of the whole Adansi State till other paramount chiefs emerged.

Source: The Spectator.

Adansiman History: The story of Adansi-Akrofuom

Obuasi History

Adansiman History: The story of Adansi-Akrofuom

Eriq   May 16, 2021

Tradition says that originally, the ancestors of Adansi Akrofuom lived at Kokobiante near the Seben River in Adansi. Their Queenmother was Nana Aso, a beautiful woman whose family members were always greeted with “Aso Nana” (i.e Aso’s grand-children) and from this response Asona originated, and her descendants have since been called Asonafo.

Due to constant bickering coupled with internal dissension, the Asona clan members at Kokobiante became disintegrated. It was on a Wednesday that they dispersed with families going their own way; hence the famous and sacrosanct oath “Wukuada”(Wednes— day) instituted for the Asona clan.
The Akrofuom ancestors first moved to Afekopon at the source of the Oda River from where they migrated to other places such as Odumase and Eseneagya within the same geographical area, and finally settled at Old Akrofuom in a dense forest.

The first male ruler was Nana Amponsahene who died on the stool, and was succeeded by Nana Gyekye whose slave discovered the stream which provided the inhabitants with drinking water.
The myth is that the colour of the stream was then as red as the eyes of Nana Gyekye, so they named it Gyekyeani (i.e Gyekye’s eye). Its original name was Taninanom. They built a new township, Kurofoforo-mu on its banks. This became corrupted into Krofuom.

Tradition further relates that in those days, the main occupation was rubber tapping. Since the rubber oozed in great quantities to fill all the containers provided, visitors named the place Mankyem (lit, rubber leaks outs). The Akrofuom township has since expanded to absorb Amankyem (there is another town in Adansi called Anwiaso Akrofuom).

Nana Gyekye, who was nicknamed Tuoko Nana Afoakwa, did not wage any war, instead he used his wealth in developing the town and won the appellation “Odonyina” (lit he loves all) His successor, Nana Atta Amofa, was appointed by the Asantehene to go with the Kokofuhene to capture the Gyamanhene Adinkra who had made for himself a Golden Stool. For the bravery, the Kokofuhene took the name “Okogyeasuo” i.e the man who fights to reach the river (Tain), while the Akrofuomhene was nicknamed “Amofaa Okyere dom” i.e Amofa the one who captures enemies.

The “abomaa” drum he acquired from the Asantehene was the first in the whole Adansi state among the Gyenkyimadu group comprising the Asona and Asakyiri clan brothers.
Successive chiefs were Nana Opuni, Nana Obo, Nana Okai and Nana Afoakwa Buroni.
From fairly early times, Adansi chiefs were independent of one another and acknowledged the overlordship of none other than the occupant of the Golden Stool, hence the saying “Adansi nkotowa, nkotowa, yededa yen bom” (lit. Adansi, similar to crabs, live in respective holes). However, in time of war, they organised themselves into war path as follows: Fomena and Ayaase (Adonten or Main Body), Edubiase and Dompoase (Nifa or Right Wing), Akrokerri and Akrofuom (Benkum or Left Wing).

It was after the Yaa Asantewaa War, that they eventually became subjects to Fomena (otherwise Asomenaso) because during the war, the Fomenahene Nana Nkansa was on the side of the British, so the British made Fomenahene overlord of the whole Adansi State till other paramount chiefs emerged.

Source: The Spectator.