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The Akan I
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The most comprehensive group in Ghana are the Akan, consisting of
various divisions. Some of these included Bono, Asanta, Fante and
Sehwi. Collectively they have religious, cultural and political
ascendancy. The most dominant languages of the Akan are Twi and
Fante. Twi is mainly spoken in the country, whereas Fante is spoken
in the coastal regions. However there are other dialects spoken
in the Western Region of the country. By birth the Akan conforms
to the abusua of his mother, receiving the ntoro or kra (the living
spirit) of his father. The maternal and paternal bonds will follow
the Akan were ever they may travel.
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The Bono
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The majority of the Akan trace their origins back to Bonoland, though
it is not certain about the beginnings of the Bono Nation itself.
It is believed that King Asaaman, the first ruler recollected in
history, led his people from the North to southwards. Presumably
from the south-west region, known as Republic of Burkina Faso. During
the time Bono was under the rule of Akumfi Ameyaw I (c. 1328-63),
took advantage of the gold mines, introducing gold dust as currency
and gold weights. This resulted in Bono developing into a wealthy
nation.
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The Denkyira
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The Denkyira lived in the district of
Nkyiraa, in the Bono Kingdom before settling at Abankeisieso (known
as the Asante Region). Denkyira is divided into Upper Denkyia and
Lower Denkyira. In 1701 the new capital Jukwaa, was defeated by
the Asante at the Battle of Feyiase. The bases for Denkyiras success
derived from the increasing number of wars. These were initiated
by Boadu Akafo Brempon (c. 1657-68). It is believed that Boadu Akafo
Brempon expanded his empire with Sehwi, Wasa and Twifo. The Abankwadwa,
the mythical stool of beads and the executioner's sword called the
Sasatia symbolised the Denkyira rulers. It is believed that the
stool of beads descended from heaven. Denkyira established itself
as a powerful nation because of the various wars, the gold mines,
revenue from trade, taxes and tolls.
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Twifo, Heman and Asen
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Twifo is said to be more ancient than most of the Akan states. The
Twifos fore fathers allegedly came from the ground, in the Apagyahina
forest. Being led by Mfotee Amoa from Bono to the South from the
North, over three hundred years ago. When the Twifo settled they
met with the Mokwaa, Heman and Afutuakwa, descendants of the Etsii.
These settlers were a minority therefore the Twifo reduced them
into dependant states.
The Heman originate from Bono, being led by their ruler Agyan Kokobo
integrating with settlers of Etsii. Heman was also entrenched before
other Akan kingdoms. During the time of Otumfuo Asare, some of the
Heman travelled to the East and founded the Akwamu kingdom.
In the sixteenth century, settlements of the Etsii made their new
homes in Asen towns. Asen has been known to change coalitions with
Akyem and Fante to meet Asante threats. Due to these threats the
Asante sought to move to a more acceptable place.
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The Fante
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The Fante originate from Bono, like most of the Akan groups immigrating
to the coast before the fifteenth century. The people of Fante,
which is now known as Ghana, were among the first people to come
into contact with European merchants. Their wealth came from selling
their own goods and acting as distributors. People who lived inland
emigrated to coastal towns Abandze, meaning the foot of the European
fort. This resulted in a new class of people who developed into
a fashionable society. Whereas their children obtained formal education
in their homeland and overseas. This class of people inter-married
to continue their upper class positions, having influence on the
political, economic and social circles.
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