The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, will on Thursday, August 24,2018 pay a historic visit to Akyem Abuakwa state in the Eastern region of Ghana.
Otumfuor Osei Tutu 11 will be a special guest at a durbar being hosted by Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin to climax the 75th Anniversary of the late King of Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area, Nana Sir Ofori Atta.
The seeming traditional rivalry between the two traditional rulers which dates back to history was broken few months ago when the Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, met at the Royal Gulf tourney which was under the auspices of the Asantehene as his guest.
The 75th Anniversary of Nana Sir Ofori-Atta’s life, organized by his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren on the theme “Relaunch of Akyem Abuakwa: 1700-1943 from Ofori Panin to Sir Ofori-Atta” is aimed at highlighting the late King’s major achievements in honour of his memory.
The month long celebration of Nana Sir Ofori-Atta, described as the founder of modern-day Akyem Abuakwa, has been marked by many activities including memorial lecture and exhibition. Other events include the dedication of a High Court Complex in honour of Nana Sir Ofori-Atta, a football match, gospel and highlife rock shows, among others.
A monarchical historian, Osei-Bonsu Sarfo Kantanka is blaming politicians from the pre-colonial era for pitching Ashantis against the Akyems.
Speaking to Joy News ahead of Asantehene’s visit, Mr. Osei-Bonsu said the visit should reconcile the two people through their leadership.
“That is why it is a major occasion, a major historical event; something to be glorified. Now that Akyem Abuakwa has extended an invitation to the King of Ashanti and he is also going as a brother, we think it should end there. No politician should ever succeed in playing Akyem against Asante anywhere, anytime, any day, any longer,” he said.
According to Mr. Osei-Bonsu, pre-colonial politicians such as Captain George Maclean, Commander Hill also pitched Ashantis against the Akyem and other coastal states.
This led to the shooting to death of Opemsuo Osei Tutu II while crossing River Pra in 1717 in a war with the Akyems.
Britain, Netherland, Denmark for instance, planned and executed a war between coastal towns on one side and Ashantis leading to the defeat of the former in 1826.
The Ashantis who were then seeking total control over trading activities at the coast saw their dominance cut in the Battle of Katamanso.
It was on the back of this war that the 1831 Treaty was drafted after Captain George Maclean had organized all coastal states, one time enemies to Ashantis into what then became known as Gold Coast to sign the treaty in 1831 with Asantehene Osei Yaw Akoto.
This was to ensure the Asante Kingdom does not stretch forth beyond the River Pra and also to keep peace with all parties involved in the agreement.
Another pact, the Bond of 1844 at Adansi Fomena supervised by then-governor Commander Hill who succeeded Captain Maclean, a merchant, was signed with between Fante chiefs. This allowed the British to usurp judicial authority from African courts, among others.
Akyem-Abuakwa, Akyem-Bosome and Akyem-Kotoku have one way or the other helped and supported opponents such as Denkyira fight the Ashanti Kingdom.
That notwithstanding, Mr Osei-Bonsu says that does not make Akyems and Asantes rivals. He insists the two tribes are brothers since they are all from one maternal grandparent.
“The people they claim are rival to Ashanti are brothers to Ashanti. Ejisu, Offinso and Abuakwa-they all hail from one maternal grandparent, Nana Dokua from Akyem Abuakwa.
“Under Nana Dokua is where we had Ejisu, Offinso and Abuakwa. They were all in Adansi Akrofrom. Then Abuakwa moved to Akorikeri and then from Akorikeri moved to Banso and from Banso moved to Abuakwa. They have always collaborated as brothers,” he explained.
