Abstract

This paper examines the historical background to the Takyiman disputes with Asante. The study reveals that cordial relations originally existed between Takyiman and Asante. Asante defeat of Takyiman in 1723 notwithstanding, Takyiman dutifully served the Asantehene as a vassal state. Under British colonial rule, Takyiman asserted its autonomy but in 1949 failed to have nine of its villages Asante seized in the 19th century restored to them. Together with other Bono states, Takyiman formed the Bono Kyempim Federation (BKF) and seceded from the Asante confederacy. Since 1959, the Asantehene has continually interfered in Takyiman’s chieftaincy affairs. This paper seeks to examine the background to Asante’s interest in Takyiman affairs. It argues that the Asante and British governments’ interference in Takyiman’s chieftaincy affairs was the major contributory factor to the Takyiman-Asante disputes in the twenty-first century. This study relied on archival data than any other source. Archival research differs from the traditional method which is based on the researcher’s direct observation. The archival method concerns itself with data previously collected and kept in a repository, not necessarily by the researcher. The archival research enabled me to collect data on what actually occurred during the colonial period on the subject. Secondly, data was used from published works on the subject through library research.

Key words: Takyiman, Asante, Asantehene, chieftaincy