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The Ashanti EmpireEstablished in the 1670s, the Asante Empire (corrupted as Ashanti) was one of the greatest Akan empires in modern Ghana with its capital being Kumasi. Located in the southern part of Ghana, the kingdom status of Asante seized constitutionally after the country gained independence in 1957 and chose not to be a monarchical state. However, the power of the Asante King and reverence accorded him still remains intact until now. In fact, the Ashanti King is the only monarch mentioned in the constitution of Ghana.Historically, the Ashanti Empire consisted of the entire Ashanti (now Ashanti region), and parts of the Eastern, Brong-Ahafo, Central, Western and Greater Accra regions. This definitely shows how powerful the empire became. The empire extended into some parts of neighbouring countries including modern Cote d’Ivoire and Togo.Achieving this was not by chance but through wars, hence, the name Asante Kotoko (Kotoko means through war). In fact, Asantes were great warriors and highly experienced in warfare due to its military prowess. Other reasons for its success is wealth, due to the high deposit of gold and other natural resources. It may also interest you to know that, the Ashanti Empire is the most extensively studied kingdom in Sub-Saharan Africa by European history writer, especially the British. This is because of its culture, architectural prowess, wealth, and sophisticated way of governance.The Asante Kingdom is composed of several chiefdoms who were previously independent on their own. However, for the purpose of achieving greater heights and gaining enough military strength to combat opposition kingdoms including the Denkyiras, King Osei Tutu through the advice of high priest Okomfo Another, was able to convince the other chief form the empire, with its capital being Kumasi in the 1700s. Kumasi is the seat of the Asantehene (King of Asante). It was during this time that Okomfo Anokye, famously commanded the Golden Stool of Asante (Sika dwa), from the heavens, as a symbol for the unification of the Kingdom. The Asantehene is referred to as Otekokoosuo (sitting on gold) due to the abundance of gold in the kingdom. As such, gold dust became a circulating currency among the people of Ashanti. Every family were in possession of gold and that became a form of security in terms of hard times. It was common to find even an average citizen of the kingdom, having a form of gold ornament, which was the pride of everyone. Having a greater military strength now, the Asante army went on a conquering spree including the defeating Denkyira in the Battle of Feyiase to gain access to the Gulf of Guinea. This was to enhance their trade with the Europeans especially the Dutch. EconomyThe economy of the Ashanti Empire thrived on it its trading association with the Dutch. This gained the empire access to sophisticated weapons for their war campaigns. They traded in mostly gold throughout the 1700s until the 1800s when the kingdom also started trading slaves. Even before establishing a trading relationship with the Europeans, the kingdom traded with neighbouring African states. Governance The governance of the Ashanti Empire was unique in its own right. It was highly sophisticated and still remains so in modern Ghana. The seat of governance is the capital Kumasi, where the Asantehene resides at the Menhyia Palace. The kingdom has separated ministers designated for special purposes or roles. All the ministers are chiefs of other towns in the kingdom. The AsanteheneThe Asantehene is the overload of the kingdom and their reign starts from the day of enstoolment until death. As the head of the kingdom, the Asantehene was and still very powerful personality. He served as the commander of the Asante army during wars until the latter part of the 19th century when the responsibility was allocated to the Minister of War in Kumasi. All other chiefs in the empire pay homage to him and pay annual tributes him, mostly from the sales of lands. Culture They Asantes do not have any major festival like other traditional areas. This is mostly because they did not suffer any major war defeat or encountered a devastating plague. Most festivals in other traditional areas are related to wars, migration and struggles. However, the Asantes have minor festivals like Adae, Adae Kese, Akwasidae and Awukudae. During such festivals, all sub-chief in the kingdom, come to the Menhyia Palace to pay homage to the Asantehene. They take stock and deliberate on the way forward. Such festivals are always a delight to watch, due to the dressing of chiefs and other royalties. This is when Kente (local cloth of the Asante people) come into display. The cloth a chief wears and the type of regalia he uses defines their power and status in the Kingdom.ArchitectureMost of the buildings in the kingdom were not highly sophisticated ones; however, some of them still stand until date and are marked by UNESCO as heritage sites. The buildings were constructed with simple materials like bamboo, palm fronds, and clay. Called atakwame (mud house) in the local language, the clay and bamboo were used in constructing with the palm fronds used for roofing. The royal houses were designed with symbols (Adinkra), which made them easily identified. Every symbol has a meaning and tells a story.EducationEducation in the empire was in various forms. Parents were in charge of the cultural, customs and tradition education of their children. This continued until the arrival of the Europeans, who introduced formal education. The wealthy in the empire were able to send their children abroad to further their education after obtaining the basics in the Kingdom.HealthcareThe use of herbs and consulting deities was the main form of health care delivery in the empire. Herbalists were in charge of healthcare delivery and this still pertains in modern Ghana. If the herbalist fails in his/her treatment, the sick would then be left to die. Author, Stephen Amponsah Mensah ................
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