Ajo Writes: Golden Stool Debate – Why a Self-Styled Historian Cannot Diminish Asante Identity

The Asante Golden Stool is more than a symbol of kingship; it is the very soul of the Asantes. For centuries, its story—that it descended from the sky, summoned by the spiritual power of Okomfo Anokye—has been the bedrock of Asante identity.

Recently, however, Dormaahene, Osagyefo Agyeman Badu II, our self-styled Asante Historian, stirred controversy by claiming the Golden Stool was never from the heavens but rather crafted by human hands.

His remarks, unsurprisingly, ignited passionate responses across the nation.

At first glance, one might dismiss this as another clash of traditions in Ghana’s rich chieftaincy landscape. But at its core, this debate is not simply about where the stool came from—it is about the meaning of symbols, the politics of history, and the pride of a people who refuse to let their identity be trivialized.

Myths and Meaning

Every great civilization has sacred stories that serve as anchors of identity. Whether it is the Ark of the Covenant for ancient Israel, Rome’s story of Romulus and Remus, or Japan’s tale of emperors descending from the sun goddess, these narratives transcend historical scrutiny.

They are not valued for factual accuracy but for the meaning they give to a people’s existence.

The Golden Stool is no different. To argue whether it fell from the sky or was physically forged is to miss the point. Its power lies in what it represents: unity, resilience, and the spiritual essence of the Asante nation.

The Politics of History

In Ghana, chieftaincy is not only about tradition—it is about influence. Questioning the origins of the Golden Stool is not just historical commentary; it challenges the very foundation of Asante authority.

Yet, history is never neutral. Oral accounts, myths, and rival narratives will always exist. The real question is whether such debates should be used to undermine unity or to enrich Ghana’s cultural diversity.

Why the Golden Stool Endures

Regardless of how it came into being, the Golden Stool remains untouched, revered, and central to the life of the Asante Kingdom.

Colonial powers recognized its significance when the British Governor demanded it in 1900, sparking the Yaa Asantewaa War of resistance. No one fought and died for a mere wooden artifact—they fought for what it meant.

That history alone proves that the stool’s power transcends the question of its physical origin.

Respecting Symbols Beyond Facts

To diminish the Golden Stool because of doubts about its descent from the heavens is to misunderstand how culture works.

Symbols endure not because they can be verified but because they embody collective belief. For Asantes, the stool embodies their very soul. To question it casually risks inflaming unnecessary divisions in a country that should be celebrating, not undermining, its diverse traditions.

The Bigger Lesson for Ghana

Instead of fixating on whether the stool was wielded or descended, Ghana should take pride in the fact that such symbols still command reverence in the 21st century.

At a time when globalization erodes identities, the Golden Stool remains a powerful anchor for Asantes—and by extension, for Ghana’s cultural heritage.

The Dormaahene’s comments may spark debates, but they will not erase centuries of belief and identity tied to the Golden Stool.

Whether from the skies or from skilled hands, its true descent is not measured in history books but in the hearts of the people who live by its meaning.

And that truth is untouchable.

Story by Adwoa S. Danso