ANB-BIA SUPPLEMENT

ISSUE/EDITION Nr 320 - 15/03/1997

CONTENTS | ANB-BIA HOMEPAGE

Ghana

The Ashantis - a pillar of strength

by Samuel Sarpong, Ghana, December 1996

THEME = CULTURE

INTRODUCTION

The Ashantis are one of the best organised and most influential tribes in Ghana. A tribe that has retained its very essence, unity and strength

The story goes that one Friday morning, the chief priest of the Ashantis, Komfo Anokye, summoned the leaders of the various Ashanti groups to a meeting in Kumasi, the capital of the kingdom, to discuss issues affecting the unity of the Ashantis, and the threat by European colonialists.

The Golden Stool

As he performed a magical display, a Golden Stool came from the sky and landed on the lap of the Ashanti king, Osei Tutu. The stool became a symbol of hope, as the Ashantis were then engaged in a war with the British. To this day, the Golden Stool remains an important sign of Ashanti unity. At one time, the British were desperate to get hold of it. They said that once the Golden Stool was captured, the growing Ashanti influence would be destroyed. Sufficient to say, the Ashanti people still retain much of their importance in today's Ghana. Indeed, if there is any place in Ghana that has shaped, and that continues to shape the country, both politically and culturally, then it is the Ashanti kingdom with its capital, Kumasi. Kumasi is some 169 north west of Accra, and is Ghana's second largest city. It is a "must" for any visitor to the country. Ashanti's main attraction has always been gold, and today its surroundings still boast enormous gold production and displays of Ghana's rich culture. The Ashanti people are proud weavers of the Kente Cloth, the multi-coloured strips of cloth which now are found on sale in many of the world's fashionable stores, especially in the United States. Kumasi is also noteworthy as being the stronghold of Ghana's largest opposition political party, the New Patriotic Party.

The Durbar

Recently, the Ashanti kingdom received a great of publicity, because of the mammoth durbar held there. This was the climax to the numerous traditional cultural activities, marking the silver jubilee of the present Ashanti king, Otumfuo Opoku Ware II. The durbar was one of the biggest in recent Ashanti history and had as one of its highlights, the public display of the Golden Stool, for all to view and admire. The event was attended by a number of foreign dignitaries. They were able to witness various Ashanti chiefs riding in the palanquins under giant coloured umbrellas, come to pay their respects to the Ashanti king. Goodwill Zwelithini, King of the Zulus, together with his wife, were special guests at the ceremony. The king could not help saying: "This is a great day for Africa". Officially, the durbar was to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of King Otumfuo Opoku Ware II's accession to the throne. But more than anything else, the festivity conveyed to young Ashantis, a lively impression of the values of their culture, and the importance of their traditions, which must be preserved for future generations. Otumfuo, himself, was overwhelmed by the pomp and pageantry that went with the celebration. He remarked: "This is unprecedented".

King Otumfuo Opoku Ware II

The King studied law in England and pursued a successful career as a lawyer. He was crowned King of the Ashantis in 1970. He has been influenced by his experience of western education but as a monarch, he is deeply involved in his people's culture. He is a committed Christian, belonging to the Anglican Church. Ghana's president, Jerry Rawlings, has this to say: "As a man of many parts, Otumfuo's considerable experience has been brought to bear on the Kingdom. His able leadership has safeguarded the chieftaincy institution in the kingdom". Ashantis are united because they feel the soul of their people rests in the Golden Stool. This sacred relic gives them their identity, and provides a link between themselves and their ancestors.

END

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