https://en.sputniknews.africa/20241228/100-years-after-asante-kings-return-ghanaian-historian-reflects-on-colonial-resistance-1069926586.html
100 Years After Asante King’s Return: Ghanaian Historian Reflects on Colonial Resistance
100 Years After Asante King’s Return: Ghanaian Historian Reflects on Colonial Resistance
Sputnik Africa
This year marks 100 years since Asantehene Prempeh I returned from 24 years of British-imposed exile in the Seychelles. His return in 1924 was a pivotal moment... 28.12.2024, Sputnik Africa
2024-12-28T15:13+0100
2024-12-28T15:13+0100
2024-12-28T15:13+0100
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100 Years After Asante King’s Return: Ghanaian Historian Reflects on Colonial Resistance
Sputnik Africa
This year marks 100 years since Asantehene Prempeh I returned from 24 years of British-imposed exile in the Seychelles. His return in 1924 was a pivotal moment for the Asante Kingdom, symbolizing resilience, the restoration of cultural pride, and the enduring strength of the Asante monarchy.
The Asante Kingdom’s strength stemmed from its advanced governance structures, resource wealth, and the unyielding loyalty of its people to the Asantehene, Professor Kwame Osei Kwarteng, Provost of the College of Humanities and Legal Studies at the University of Cape Coast in Ghana, tells Sputnik Africa.According to Professor Kwarteng, this loyalty was so profound that it led the British to exile Prempeh I, believing that such a separation would sever the bond between the king and his people.The symbolic role of the Asantehene became even more prominent during the colonial period. With the return of Prempeh I in 1924, indirect rule restored some traditional authority and reinforced the Asantehene's position as the unifying force of the kingdom. This moment highlighted the deep connection between the Asante people and their cultural symbols, particularly the Golden Stool, which represented their identity and collective spirit. Professor Kwarteng describes the fierce defense of the stool during British attempts to seize it.The looting of Asante treasures by the British inflicted lasting spiritual and cultural damage. The Ghanaian historian argues that these stolen artifacts, now displayed in European museums, have not only deprived the Asante people of their cultural heritage but were also used to generate immense financial gain.For Professor Kwarteng, reclaiming the history of the Asante Kingdom is also about challenging global misconceptions about African civilizations. He emphasizes the advanced governance and cultural achievements of Africa prior to European colonization, rejecting the narrative that Africans lacked history or civilization.To listen to the full interview with the historian, tune in to the Global South Pole podcast, brought to you by Sputnik Africa.In addition to the website, you can also catch our episodes on Telegram.► You can also listen to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Deezer, Castbox, Pocket Casts, Afripods, Podcast Addict, and Overcast.► Check out all the episodes of Global South Pole.
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100 Years After Asante King’s Return: Ghanaian Historian Reflects on Colonial Resistance
This year marks 100 years since Asantehene Prempeh I returned from 24 years of British-imposed exile in the Seychelles. His return in 1924 was a pivotal moment for the Asante Kingdom, symbolizing resilience, the restoration of cultural pride, and the enduring strength of the Asante monarchy.
The Asante Kingdom’s strength stemmed from its advanced governance structures, resource wealth, and the unyielding loyalty of its people to the Asantehene, Professor Kwame Osei Kwarteng, Provost of the College of Humanities and Legal Studies at the University of Cape Coast in Ghana, tells Sputnik Africa.
According to Professor Kwarteng, this loyalty was so profound that it led the British to exile Prempeh I, believing that such a separation would sever the bond between the king and his people.
“The British realized Asante's were too loyal and dedicated to their chief that they had to take him to Seychelles with the thinking that if they take him there, the Asante won't be able to accompany their chief to that faraway place,” he explains.
The symbolic role of the Asantehene became even more prominent during the colonial period. With the return of Prempeh I in 1924, indirect rule restored some traditional authority and reinforced the Asantehene's position as the unifying force of the kingdom. This moment highlighted the deep connection between the Asante people and their cultural symbols, particularly the Golden Stool, which represented their identity and collective spirit. Professor Kwarteng describes the fierce defense of the stool during British attempts to seize it.
“The Golden Stool represents their soul, their spirit, and everything, and without it, they ceased to be a nation. Therefore, they had to defend it. It took the courage of the woman to inspire the men to resist the British, fight them, and ensure the stool was never taken,” he says.
The looting of Asante treasures by the British inflicted lasting spiritual and cultural damage. The Ghanaian historian argues that these stolen artifacts, now displayed in European museums, have not only deprived the Asante people of their cultural heritage but were also used to generate immense financial gain.
“The British and other European countries have benefited greatly from these artifacts. They’ve collected millions in hard currency from tourists. They need to not only repatriate the artifacts but also pay us compensation for the exploitation of our resources and people,” he insists.
For Professor Kwarteng, reclaiming the history of the Asante Kingdom is also about challenging global misconceptions about African civilizations. He emphasizes the advanced governance and cultural achievements of Africa prior to European colonization, rejecting the narrative that Africans lacked history or civilization.
“Africans had an advanced form of civilization. By the time ancient Ghana, Mali, and Songhai empires emerged, where was Britain? Where was France? They had not even attained nation-states. Yet, they erroneously claimed that Africans had no civilization and came to civilize us,” Kwarteng asserts.
To listen to the full interview with the historian, tune in to the Global South Pole podcast, brought to you by Sputnik Africa.
In addition to the website, you can also catch our episodes on
Telegram.► Check out all the episodes of Global South Pole. 
