Asanteman is not an empire, Says Historian
A Historian, Professor Sarfo Kantanka, has clarified that the Asanteman is a kingdom, and not an empire.
In an interview on Nkwantannanso, he explained that a kingdom is made up of paramountcies and not states, whereas an empire is made up of states.
“Although the paramountcies were once states, what exists now is a kingdom with paramountcies,” he emphasised.
Prof. Kantanga also refuted claims that the Ashantis originate from the Sudan Empire, Egypt or Ancient Israel, calling them half-truths.
He clarified that, “It was the Akans who originated from those regions, and the Ashantis didn’t exist at the time, although they are now included as part of the Akan group.”
Regarding the use of the Ashanti Kingdom flag instead of the Ghana flag for King Charles III coronation flyer, Prof. Kantanga explained that the President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo represented the country, while the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II was invited as the King of the Asante Kingdom, making it impossible to use the Ghana flag to represent the kingdom.
The Asantehene and wife, Lady Julia attended the coronation of King Charles III on Saturday, May 6, 2023.
Amidst the buzz and excitement, the only royal family from Ghana at the event represented themselves in kente outfits, capturing the attention of all eyes present.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II donned a traditional kente cloth and adorned himself with gold jewellery, while Lady Julia looked elegant in a gorgeous Kaba and slit outfit that blended traditional Ghanaian kente with a contemporary touch.
