Introduction

We ransack another treasure box and unravel an unwavering tale of courage. I take us on a journey to the Gold Coast of the ancient Ashanti Empire of West Africa , which we know today as Ghana, where another woman broke protocols and accomplished feats only men were known to do.

Yaa Asantewaa was fearless and relentless in her quest. She is the true Amazon who via her persistence brought British Colonialism in the Ashanti Empire to a standstill. She fought for what she believed and gained prominence causing the profound change that was needed. That, my friend, is bravery personified. This is her captivating story.

The Beginning Of Queen Yaa Asantewaa

The land of Ashanti was a prosperous empire known for its beautiful river sides and vast gold mines. Situated in West Africa, it was a land filled with prosperity. It also had the most skilled warriors ever known.

Its king at one time was Osei Tutu, a leader vast in the administrative and military governance of his region. Gold was in abundance in the territories. It was so common that even the poor used it as adornment for their clothes and possessions.

It was during the reign of Osei Tutu that the legend of the Golden Stool began. The Golden was no ordinary stool. It was said to have fallen on the lap of Osei Tutu to signify his right to the throne. Every successive king would need to possess the Golden Stool as proof of the divine backing of the gods on his ascension. The Golden Stool was a sacred emblem of power and the people of Ashanti honored its existence.

The Ashanti Kingdom was so rich and influential that they went into business with the French, the British, and the Dutch. In exchange for slaves, which they sold in high volumes, they received firearms and other qualitative goods that were rare in the region.

Things eventually fell apart when the British decided to colonise the Ashanti Empire seeing its vast wealth and influence. The Ashanti people fought vigorously to maintain its stance but the British conquered them, unseating its king and positioning itself as colonial masters over the Ashanti Empire.

Queen Yaa Asantewaa Roars In The Face Of Adversity

Yaa Asantewaa was born into a family of warriors, and from a young age, she displayed qualities of leadership and determination.

Yaa Asantewaa was also a skilled farmer. After her brother, Nana Akwasi Afrane Okpase became King, he appointed her as Queen mother and gatekeeper of the Golden Stool, a revered symbol of the Ashanti.

As the Queen Mother, she was the king's adviser and protector of his interests.  As custodian of the Golden Stool, she was the mouthpiece of the gods and an intermediate between them and the inhabitants of the Ashanti Empire. 

After the death of her brother, Yaa Asantewaa took over as regent of her region Ejisu-Juaben district of the Asante Empire. At this time the British had defeated the then king of Ashanti, Prempeh 1 who had fought valiantly to keep the British out of his lands. He told them clearly that the Ashanti did not need their protection or sovereignty. His statement and disregard of the regency of the Queen of England and Britain led to a war where Ashanti was defeated and the king and prominent members of his government were exiled to Seychelles.

The then-British governor-general ordered the Golden Stool, the symbol of the Ashanti Empire to be handed over to him. It was their pride and joy. The Golden Stool was a heritage passed from father to child as they ascended the throne. It was also regarded as a deity, consulted by the high priest when matters arose concerning governance. It was the heartbeat of the Empire and the British wanted it because they understood its significance and essence. Anyone who possessed the Golden Stool held supremacy over the Ashanti Empire.

At a secret meeting that night by the remaining members of Prempeh 1 cabinet, an argument ensued. The meeting's agenda was to make plans on how to bring the king back from exile. Some members wanted the Golden Stool to be handed to the British. They had accepted defeat.

Yaa Asantewaa was angered by this suggestion. She stood boldly and made the famous speech that brought her into prominence in Ashanti:

" Now, I have seen that some of you fear to go forward to fight for our king. If it were the brave days of Osei Tutu, Okomfor Anokye, and Opoku Ware 1, eight chiefs would not sit down to see their king taken without firing a shot.

No white man could have dared to speak to the chief of Asante in the way the governor spoke to you chiefs this morning. Is it true that the bravery of Asante is no more? I cannot believe it. It can not be. I must say this: if you the men of Asante will not go forward then we will. I will call on my fellow women. We will fight the white men. We will fight till the last of us fall on the battlefield ".

Her determination and bravery got the attention and support of the regional chiefs of the Ashanti Empire and she was made a warlord over the Ashanti's military force. She led a valiant troop of fighters that comprised both men and women.

Her words rallied her people for fierce resistance. Fighting for freedom for several months, Yaa Asantewaa led the Ashanti forces in a determined struggle against the British.

Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, their spirit remained unbroken. The battle that is known in history as the War Of the Golden Stool, or as the Yaa Asantewaa War, was lost by the Ashanti. She and her troop fought valiantly but were overcome by the British.

Yaa Asantewaa and fifteen faithful allies within her cabinet were captured and exiled to the Seychelles. She died three years before King Prempeh 1 was released and returned to Ashanti. He returned to Ashanti bringing back the remains of Yaa Asantewaa and giving her an honorable burial in the land she fought and died for.

Ashanti which we know today as Ghana finally received their independence not long after.

The Legacy of Queen Yaa Asanteewa

Queen Yaa Asantewaa's legacy is one of unwavering courage. She showed that leadership knows no gender and that even in the most challenging circumstances, one person's determination, irrespective of his or her gender, can inspire an entire nation to fight for their freedom. 

In Conclusion

These stories tell us that no matter what we face in our lives we can overcome them. Yaa Asanteewaa was not moved by the number of white men who withstood her troops. She wasn't intimidated by their weapons or warring skills. She was determined to fight for what she believed. She wanted freedom for the Ashanti Empire. Their land would not be possessed by strangers and they would not be slaves on their grounds. Her resolves paid off. She fought for her beliefs and even though she didn't live to see it materialized, she will always be remembered in history as one of the fearless queen warriors that fought for the freedom of Africans.