HISTORY OF AKYEM STATE

OKYEMAN TE ASE!

OKYEMAN is a traditional area in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Historically, it has been attested that the AKYEMS were one of the first Akan tribes to migrate southwards after the fall of the ancient SONGHAI EMPIRE. The Akyem states, commonly known as "AKYEM MANSA", consists of three main independent states, all grouped in the Eastern Region, with common language, culture, customs and historical background. The states are:
AKYEM ABUAKWA - the largest of the states in terms of land, size, population and natural resources.
AKYEM KOTOKU - the second largest.
AKYEM BOSOME - the smallest of the three.

Click here for Rulers: >> Abuakwa >> Kotoku >> Bosome

Okyenhene in pictures (courtesy of www.peacefmonline.con)

The Akyems, according to history were a part of the then all powerful ADANSI KINGDOM, the first nation to build mud houses in their kingdom at that time; hence the name "ADANSI" (Builders). The Ashanti Kingdom emerged and under the leadership of Nana Osei Tutu, they fought and defeated the Adansis about the 14th Century and absorbed the Adansi Kingdom into the growing Ashanti Kingdom.

The Akyem nations which were then part of the Adansi Kingdom, broke away and crossed the River Pra to settle on its banks to avoid becoming subjects of the Ashantis. Nana Osei Tutu decided to pursue them across the River Pra to teach them a lesson. That was a great miscalculation! While crossing the river with his army, he was shot by the Akyems who were lying in ambush on the other side of the river. He fell dead into the river. This was on a Thursday; hence, the great oath of the Ashantis, ("Meka Yawada"- I swear by Thursday). For this, the Akyems who carried out this defeat became known as "Abuakwanfo" or "Abuakwafo", (Guerrilla Fighters). The Ashantis retreated and this tragedy made it a taboo for any Ashanti King up to the time of Nana Prempeh I (circa 1900) to cross the River Pra to the south except their armies.

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