The Current Feud Between Otumfour and Dormahene can be traced back to the 18th century

The Current Feud Between Otumfour and Dormahene can be traced back to the 18th century.

This is what started the conflict between Dormah Ahenkro and the Ashantis.

The war between the Asante and the Dormaa Ahenkro, often referred to as the Asante-Dormaa War, is part of the larger history of conflict and alliances among the Akan states of what is now modern-day Ghana.

This war reflects the complex relationships between the Ashanti Empire and its neighbors, especially the Dormaa State.
The war between the Asante and Dormaa is believed to have taken place in the early 18th century.

Initially, the Ashanti Kingdom was divided, with each community governed by its own chief. At that time, there was no paramount chief or king known as Otumfuo. However, there was a king named Nana Obiri Yeboah, who ruled over Kumasi, which was then called Kwaaman.

The nearby villages around Dormaa Ahenkro united with Dormaa Ahenkro, forming a stronger collective. As a result, when conflicts arose between Dormaa Ahenkro and Kumasi, they often triumphed over the Ashantis because the Ashantis were still divided at the time.

During that time, the Ashantis had a chief priest named Ɔkɔmfoɔ Yamoah. One night, Nana Obiri Yeboah, the king of Kwaaman, had a dream in which the ancestors of the Ashantis warned him. They urged him to unite all the communities in Ashanti, so they could stand stronger and defeat the people of Dormaa Ahenkro in battle.

Nana Obiri Yeboah then summoned Ɔkɔmfoɔ Yamoah to interpret the meaning of the ancestors’ message. In the dream, the ancestors were holding a broom, symbolizing the strength that comes from unity.

When Ɔkɔmfoɔ Yamoah arrived, he explained the meaning of the dream to the king. He told Nana Obiri Yeboah that the dream was about the Ashanti Kingdom, and that the ancestors were urging them to unite in order to fight and overcome the people of Dormaa Ahenkro.

When the people of Dormaa Ahenkro heard that the Ashanti Kingdom planned to unite and fight back, they launched an unexpected attack. They came swiftly to k!ll Ɔkɔmfoɔ Yamoah and Nana Obiri Yeboah, the king of Kwaaman.

The Ashantis, recognizing the need for a unified leadership, decided to appoint one person to rule over the entire Ashanti Kingdom. During their discussions, one of the Queen Mothers mentioned that they had a royal living in Denkyira, named Osei Tutu, who could take on this role.

At that time, Ɔkɔmfo Anokye had been enstooled as the chief of Agona and also served as the Chief Priest for the Ashanti Kingdom, following the death of his brother, Ɔkɔmfoɔ Yamoah. It was through the partnership of Nana Osei Tutu and Ɔkɔmfo Anokye that the Ashantis united, leading them to victory in their battle against Dormaa Ahenkro.

Today, Dormaa Ahenkro is the capital of the Dormaa Traditional Area, and the Dormaa people remain an important part of Ghana’s cultural and political landscape. The relationship between Dormaa and the Asante has evolved over time, from one of conflict to one of mutual respect within the context of Ghana’s modern nationhood.

Last Updated on April 2, 2025 by samboad