Akyem Abuakwa

Historically, the Akyems were part of the Adansi Kingdom, which was the first nation to build buildings out of mud. They were therefore were named Adansi (Builders). In the 14th century, the Ashanti Empire emerged, and under the leadership of King Osei Tutu, defeated the Adansi and conquered them into the Ashanti Empire. The three Akyem nations which were part of the Adansi Kingdom seceded and crossed the River Pra in order to become independent and not be conquered by the Ashantis.

History

King Osei Kofi Tutu I of the Ashanti Empire decided to cross the river and pursue the Akyems across River Pra against the advice of Okomfo Anokye. While crossing the river with his army, he was shot by the Akyems in an ambush on the other side of the river. He was instantly killed and fell into the river. The Ashantis say "Meka Yawada" which means "I swear by Thursday" because the day the king died was on Thursday and the Akyems were known as "Abuakwanfo" or "Abuakwafo", (Guerrilla Fighters). The Ashantis retreated and this defeat created a taboo for any Ashanti King up to the time of Nana Prempeh I (in 1900) to cross the River Pra to the south except their armies.

After the death of King Osei Kofi Tutu I, his nephew King Opoku Ware I became the King of the Ashanti Empire and vowed to take revenge to avenge his uncle's death and restarted the war against the Akyems. The Akyems knowing that the Ashantis will invade again went southeastwards, because of the travel the most Kotokus and some others settled in present-day Ashanti Akyem region. The majority however traveled until they met Akwamus, who was a powerful nation inhabiting and ruling the tribes from Asamankese to Nyanawase, which was then their capital and part of Akwapim. The Abuakwas fought the Akwamus and settled in the area of the Akwamus. The Abukawas made their temporary capitals in several areas, including Praso, until they finally settled at Pameng. In the reign of King Ofori Panin the capital was moved to Kyebirie. The Abuakwas fought few battles with their rival tribes and were independent state until in 1852, the Abuakwas surrendered to the British Empire and they became a British administrative region. Currently, it is part of Ghana.

See also

• Akan people
• List of rulers of the Akan state of Akyem Abuakwa
• Rulers of Ghana
• Gold Coast region

External links

• Okyeman Association, Toronto
• Akan State