Prof. Sarfo Kantanka, a renowned historian, has provided illuminating insights into the history of the Ashanti Kingdom, casting light on its existence prior to Ghana's independence.
The research of Prof. Kantanka reveals the existence of multiple states preceding Ghana, with the emergence of Asanteman resulting from the consolidation of these states.
"In the past, these states frequently fought to expand their territories, with many of the states that eventually formed Asanteman having been enslaved by other states such as Denkyira," explains Professor Kantanka, emphasizing the region's complex dynamics of power struggles.
Prof. Kantanka disclosed in an interview on Opemsuo Radio heard by GhanaWeb that certain southern Ghanaian regions were once an integral part of Asanteman but were later divided by colonizers and renamed the Gold Coast. He elaborates, "The colonizers convinced those in the Gold Coast that the Ashanti Kingdom was their enemy, and they joined forces to defeat the Asanteman."
According to him, this manipulation led to a century-long conflict between the Ashanti Kingdom and the colonizers.
Prof. Kantanka emphasizes the Kingdom's emphasis on forming alliances and engaging in commerce by stating, "The Kingdom fought against the colonizers for roughly a century until its defeat. Approximately twenty years after the Ashanti Kingdom was defeated, Ghana attained independence."
The Ashanti Kingdom continues to be of great cultural and political significance in Ghana, with Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II functioning as a prominent symbol of traditional authority and leadership.
Recently, the King commemorated the 24th anniversary of his ascension to the Golden Stool on April 26, 2023, a milestone in the Ashanti Kingdom's enduring legacy.