The month of March is here again, bringing with it the opportunity to celebrate Ghana’s rich cultural heritage. It’s a time to reflect on the vibrant traditions and history that define our nation.
To mark #HeritageMonth, today, we’re shining a spotlight on the Golden Stool, known as ‘Sika Dwa Kofi’, which is revered among the Akans.
This remarkable artefact is one of the most significant symbols of the Ashanti Kingdom.
The Golden Stool represents the unity, royalty, and power of the Asante people. It is believed to contain the spirit of the Ashanti nation itself.
Oral history has it that in the late 1600s, Okomfo Anokye, a high priest and one of the founders of the Ashanti Confederacy, conjured the Golden Stool from the skies.
It descended right before Osei Tutu I, who became the first Asantehene (King) of Ashanti. Since then, the Golden Stool has stood as a symbol of the resilience and fortitude of the Asante people, now proudly featured as the centrepiece of the Ashanti flag.
The significance of the stool is reflected in the reverence with which it is treated.
It was never allowed to touch the ground, and sitting upon it was strictly forbidden; even the Asantehene was no exception, who would be ceremoniously lowered and raised over it without making contact.
Priest Okomfo Anokye also imparted a vital warning to all Asante descendants: “If the Golden Stool was ever to be destroyed or captured by the enemies of the Asante Kingdom, the whole kingdom would descend into chaos.”.
The stool holds immense significance for the Asante people, its value only increasing as they transitioned from a confederacy into a full-fledged kingdom.
Before venturing into battle, even the war chiefs sought counsel from the stool, drawing wisdom that often guided them to victory. The story of its arrival is honoured each year during the Akwasidae festival.
Akwasidae is a significant celebration that acknowledges many pivotal moments in Asante history and is regarded as one of the most vital events for the Ashanti diaspora today.
During this festival, traditional leaders and community members come together at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi and reflect on the ancestral battles, share tales of past Asantehenes (Ashanti kings), and recall the legendary moment when Okomfo Anokye summoned the Golden Stool from the skies.
This event is remarkable, offering a cherished space for the celebration of Ashanti culture. In an era when history can fade, gatherings like these provide a wonderful opportunity for people to unite and remember their roots.
The War of the Golden Stool.
The War of the Golden Stool was a pivotal moment in Ashanti history. Like many nations, the Asantes faced numerous conflicts with British imperialists.
By the 19th century, they had fought four wars against the British, losing territory with each encounter.
The year 1896 marked a dark chapter for the Asantes, as the fourth war resulted in the capture of the Asantehene, Agyeman Prempeh, who was then exiled.
Under British colonial rule, the Asante people faced oppression. When a British governor learned of the stool’s importance to the Asantes and requested to sit upon it, he was firmly denied.
In 1900, led by Yaa Asantewaa, the Ashanti ignited their revolt against British rule, sparking what became known as “The War of the Golden Stool.”
The conflict claimed over 3,000 lives, and in the end, Yaa Asantewaa was also exiled. Yet, this war forced the British to recognize the limits of their authority, while the Asante people rediscovered their own power.
The colonialists vowed never to interfere with the stool again.
To this day, the Golden Stool stands as a vital emblem for the Asantes and all Ghanaians.
Don’t forget to visit the Manhyia Palace to look at the Golden Stool, which is deemed one of the most sacred artefacts in the Ashanti Kingdom.
By: Grace Tsotsoo Quaye
