The Founding of Ashanti
When Osei Tutu succeeded in about 1690 to the leadership of the small group of Akan forest states around the city of Kumasi, which were already grouped in a loose military alliance, Anokye was his adviser and chief priest. Tutu and Anokye, who must be considered together, carried out the expansionist policy of their predecessors, defeating two powerful enemies, the Akan Doma to the northwest and the Denkyera empire to the south.
It was and still is said by the historians of Ashanti that their people are descendants of the great Mali Empire, which is said to have given them their knowledge and war-like nature. The Ashanti conquered large parts of Ghana during the 17th century by overthrowing their powerful overlords, the Denkyera. Okomfo Anokye was essentially a powerful cleric who served to rally the people to the cause of his king. The Okomfo is also said to have placed a dagger in the middle of the Ashanti region which the Europeans have not been able to take out with any type of technology for over around 500 years. Ashanti was one of the few regions in West Africa to achieve victories against the British in battle.
Read more about this topic: Okomfo Anokye
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