List of rulers of the Akan state of Asante

Rulers of the Akan state of Asanteman (Empire of Ashanti)

Territory comprised part of present-day southern Ghana and portions of present-day eastern Côte d'Ivoire.

The Asantehene is the ruler of the Ashanti people. While today it is a strictly ceremonial role, it was once a position of great power as the leader of the Ashanti Empire. The Asantehene is crowned on a golden stool, known as the Sika 'dwa and the office is sometimes referred to by this name.

The Asantehene also holds the title of Kumasehene, ruler of Kumasi, the capital and most important town of the Confederacy.

The current Asantehene is Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II, born Nana Kwaku Dua. He was one of seven descendants who were eligible for the position.

During the period between the death of an Asantehene and the election of a successor, the Mamponghene, the second most powerful ruler, acts as regent Asantehene. This was only changed under the special circumstances of Civil War in the late nineteenth century when the Kwasafomanhyiamu, or governing council itself ruled as regent.

The succession is decided by a series of councils of local notables and other royal family members.

Historical Notes on the Position of Asantehene:

The Ashanti confederacy was made a British protectorate in 1902. The office of Asantehene was discontinued.

In 1926 the British permitted the repatriation of Prempeh I, and allowed him to adopt the title Kumasehene but not Asantehene.

In 1935 the British allowed the title of Asantehene to be revived.

On March 6, 1957, the Ashanti Protectorate, Northern Territories, Gold Coast Crown Colony, and British Mandate of Togoland were united to form Ghana. The office of Asantehene is one of the sub-national traditional rulers of Ghana, which is protected by the Ghanaian constitution.

(Dates in italics indicate "de facto" continuation of office)

ee also

*Empire of Ashanti
*Rulers of Ghana
*Akan
*Ghana
*Gold Coast
*Lists of Incumbents
*Ashanti Confederacy