Making Peace Between Takyiman and Four Asante Towns Since his enthronement as Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has actively promoted good governance, peace, unity, and amicable coexistence within Ghana. One significant issue that Otumfuo has successfully addressed is the long-standing conflict between Asanteman and Takyiman.

The Takyimanhene claims descent from the original Bono Manso King, Nana Kwaku Amo Yaw (later known as “Ameyaw”), who was defeated by Asantehene Opoku Ware I in 1723. Takyiman emerged as a town when the chief of Tanoso, with permission from the Asantehene, released land to its founder, Takyi Firi, in the 1800s. This new settlement coexisted with four towns: Tanoso, Tuobodom, Tanoboase, and Buoyem.

However, the Takyimanhene’s claim of direct descent from the original Bono Manso King led him to contest the authority over these towns, asserting his independence from the King of Asante, even though Takyiman was part of the Asante Kingdom prior to 1896. The British exiled Asantehene Prempeh I in 1896, resulting in Takyiman’s separation from Asante authority. In 1935, the British restored the Asante Confederacy to its previous status by reinstating Otumfuo Osei Agyeman Prempeh II as Asantehene. This restoration returned to him all traditional lands and influence lost during the exile of Prempeh I.

Consequently, Takyiman and other traditional states were reintegrated into Asanteman. Despite losing multiple court cases, including one as late as 2016 at Ghana’s Supreme Court, the Takyimanhe has continued to seek authority over Tanoso, Tuobodom, Tanoboase, and Buoyem, often using violent means. The chiefs of these towns, however, have steadfastly resisted, maintaining their allegiance to the Gold Stool. This conflict has resulted in several deaths and numerous injuries from gunfire over the years.

Tensions escalated dramatically in 2010 when Oseadeyo Akumfi Ameyaw IV, the Chief of Takyiman, issued a press statement threatening to “kidnap” the Tuobodomhene. This led the Tuobodom chief to seek refuge in Manhyia after being assaulted by agents of Takyimanhene. As tensions rose, then-President John Evans Atta Mills sent then-Vice President John Dramani Mahama to Manhyia to reassure the Asantehene that those responsible for the assault on the Tuobodomhene would be brought to justice. Subsequently, the Takyimanhe sent emissaries to Kumasi to apologize and clarify the situation.

Efforts for mutual understanding continued behind closed doors, leading to a personal visit from Takyimanhene Oseadeyo Akumfi Ameyaw IV to Kumasi, where he offered condolences to Otumfuo over the loss of his mother.

In June 2017, while en route to Nkroansa for the funeral of the late Nkroansahene, Okatakyie Agyeman Kudom IV, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II visited the Palace of the Takyimanhe to reaffirm his commitment to peace. This historic gesture brought relief to the residents of Takyiman and helped restore calm to the entire region and the nation.