Yet, they remained divided lost to petty rivalries and ancient conflicts. Mekyea wo noble Osei Tutu, Asantehene of the Ashanti people! The Akan states of southern Ghana were renowned centers for trade and gold. However, Okomfo Anokye - one of the Ashanti tribal chiefs, and an advocate of spiritual unity - suddenly bestowed the Golden Stool upon the congregation, and according to legend, as it fell into Osei Tutu’s lap, he was unanimously declared the king of the Ashanti. With unity brought about over cultural and spiritual bonding, it was almost inevitable that the Ashanti would unify - albeit who would rule them was still a point of discussion. In 1701, Osei Tutu called a meeting of all the tribal chiefs of Ashanti states, on the eve of revolt against the Denkyira overlords. Osei Tutu’s reign saw the Ashanti challenge their rule, bringing about a new state that would dominate west Africa for years to come. However, with a large concentration of separate Akan states around this area, it was almost impossible for one state to hold sway over any of the others - divided, the area had long been a puppet state of the Denkyira. The legendary founder of the Ashanti Confederation, Osei Tutu was born into one of the dominant families of the time, his uncle having preceded him as the ruler of the future Ashanti capital, Kumasi. After years of war, the British Empire eventually defeated the Ashanti in 1902, though the Ashanti are still recognised as a sub-state of Ghana today. However, the Ashanti used their massive territorial expansion for economic good as well, given that this opened up trade routes with the European powers, notably the Dutch. The Ashanti fiercely resisted, largely due to their adoption of firearms and devastating military strategy, with an extremely disciplined army.

Originating in the 17th century, the Ashanti came to dominate their portion of the Gold Coast, which was fought over by colonial superpowers in years to come. Occupying most of modern-day Ghana, the Ashanti Empire was one of the most powerful African kingdoms ever to have been in existence.

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