The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has paid homage to the people of Akwamu, specifically the late Nana Ansa Sasraku I, for his pivotal role in the events leading to the establishment of the Ashanti Kingdom.

Receiving the current Akwamuhene, Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III, at his Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, on Monday, September 8, 2025, the Asantehene, regarded as the spiritual successor of Otumfuo Osei Tutu I, the founder of the Ashanti Kingdom, recalled the historical relationship between the Asantes and Akwamus.

He recounted how Nana Ansa Sasraku I welcomed Osei Tutu I in Akwamu and later sent him off with his blessings, accompanied by Okomfo Anokye, whose spiritual powers were instrumental in the establishment of the Ashanti Kingdom.

“His training put me where I sit today. From Denkyira, I settled in Akwamu with Nana Ansa Sasraku. He hosted me. At the time, Obiri Komfo (Komfo Anokye) had also fallen out with the people of Awukugua, who had petitioned Ansa Sasraku to summon him. The chief took Obiri Komfo in to stay with him. It was there that I met Obiri Komfo.

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“He (Obiri Komfo) prophesied that I would be a great King here. It was from that moment that Ansa Sasraku began to mentor me. After some time, messengers were sent to bring me to Kumasi. Led by Adumhene, you (Akwamuhene) sent me away along with 1000 people, including Obiri Komfo, to ensure my safe arrival,” Otumfuo recalled the history of Akwamu and Asante.

Otumfuo noted that when Osei Tutu I was leaving Akwamu, his host did not merely send him off but provided Okomfo Anokye and a company of 1,000 men to accompany him on his journey.

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History records that Osei Tutu I, heir to the stool of Kwaaman (modern-day Kumasi), upon his return to succeed his late uncle, Obiri Yeboah, and with the guidance of Okomfo Anokye, embarked on a power consolidation exercise that ultimately led to the establishment of the Ashanti Kingdom.

The visit to Manhyia by Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III and a high-powered delegation was to console Otumfuo Osei Tutu II on the demise of Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom II.

Very touching! Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II narrates the history and the relationship between Asante and Akwamu, as Akwamuhene Odeneho Kwafo Akoto commiserated with him at the Manhyia Palace today.

📹: Opemsuo Radio #AsantemanMourns #theasantenation pic.twitter.com/XNa2oSYnpf

— The Asante Nation (@Asante_nation) September 8, 2025