Denkyira young people performing Akan traditional Adowa Dance at King Boa Amponsem III`s palace at Jukwa in Central Region of Ghana. The Denykira were once powerful kingdom in Ghana that ruled over the Asantes for many years until the Feyiase War which the Asantes led by Osei Tutu and Okomfo Anokye defeated the Denkyira people. Decline/Collapse of Denkyira Kingdom as told by Denkyira Prince, A. M. Kufuor In the period leading up to the Feyiase war, large number of Denkyira subjects fled to Kwaman (now Kumasi) to escape the demands of Abankeseso (also known as Ntibanso - a large city with 77 streets watered by seven streams, was the capital of the Denkyira Empire). Abankeseso had a threshold of Abuakwa (in Kumasi) extended northwards to Jacobu in the Amensi Central District. That is it extended six miles radius from which ‘’Osansa’’ (the hawk) could not fly across. In 1694, King Boa Amponsem I of Denkyira died after 40 years reign; he was succeeded by his relative, Ntim Gyakari (1694-1701). King Ntim Gyakari was philanderer and also a capricious young man of uncertain judgment. His continuous increased in demands provoked resistance from a coalition of his northern tributaries famously led by Osei Tutu of Kumasi. The most important of these demands was when the King sent his messenger, Abebrese, to Kumasi with a message and because Osei Tutu had given protection to Oduro Agyensamoo of Assin (a man wanted in Abankeseso for questioning the King of Denkyira about the circumstances of Boa Amponsem’s death), that because Osei Tutu waged war against Dormaa Kusi of Dormaa his fellow subordinate chief under Denkyira without his permission, the King of Denkyira demanded from the Asantehene the following: firstly, the Asantes should fill the brass-pan (brought by Abebrese) to the brim with pure gold. Secondly, each of the Asante chiefs should send to the King of Denkyira ‘Kyekyerekona’ - a long necklace worn by king’s wives as a sign of submission. Thirdly, each of the Asante chiefs must deliver his favourite wife to the King in marriage. Finally, the Asantehene and each of his provincial chiefs must deliver his beloved child to be sent to Abankeseso. Another reason was the tyrant rule of King Ntim Gyakari and this led to more than half of Denkyiras fighting alongside with the Asantes against him (Ntim Gyakari).
Posted on: Sun, 19 Jan 2014 21:59:36 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015