Tomorrow Marks 150th Anniversary Of Sagrenti War
As we approach February 6, 2024, a milestone emerges – the 150th anniversary of the Sagrenti War, also known as the Sir Garnet Wolseley War.
The Sagrenti War, as named by the British, was not a war from the Asantes’ perspective, according to Juabenhene Nana Otuo Serebuo.
The attack which the Paramount chief called a backdoor attack saw the palace of the then Asantehene burnt to ashes with explosives and other valuables stolen as booty.
In a brief recount last week during an interaction with the press, Juabenhene said the attack on the Palace in Kumasi took place while the Asantehene was away.
It was part of plans to subdue Asantes who had proven to be a thorn in the flesh of the British and hampered their trade operations with other states.
Several events have been organized to commemorate the incident’s 150th anniversary, where Asanteman and the whole of Ghana will reflect on the war’s impact.
First among them is a symposium at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
Speakers for the symposium include Prof. Emmanuel Akyeampong, the Oppenheimer Faculty Director of the Harvard University Centre for African Studies and Professor of History and African and African American Studies at Harvard University, and Dr. Tom McCaskie, the Head of the Centre of West African Studies at Birmingham University.
Other speakers include Mr Samuel Ntewusuo, Mrs Whilemena Donkor, and Dr Eugenia Anderson, all from the KNUST.
A 700-page book titled “History of Asante”, authored by Otumfuo Sir Agyeman Prempeh II and edited by Dr. McCaskie will be launched. The book captures the incidents of the War.
Two days after this, what has been dubbed as “Kuntunkuni” Durbar will be held at Dwabrem at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.
At a press conference on February 2, Juabenhene said some artefacts stolen which found their way to the Fowler Museum will be officially presented to Otumfuo after a successful negotiation.
Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II is expected to attend both events. It will be his first official outing after his return from a two-week leave of absence over the weekend.
