The Asante Succession Crisis 1883-1888

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Periodical article

Title:	The Asante Succession Crisis 1883-1888
Author:	Aidoo, Agnes Akosua
Year:	1972
Periodical:	Transactions of the Historical Society of Ghana
Volume:	13
Issue:	2
Period:	December
Pages:	163-180
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Ghana
Subjects:	succession History and Exploration Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups)
External link:	https://www.jstor.org/stable/41406403
Abstract:	The war of 1873-1874, in which the Asante kingdom was finally defeated by Major-General (later Sir) Garnet Wolseley, had a profound impact on the Asante Union. For many of the leading states of the Union like Dwaben, Kokofu, Bekwai, Nsuta and Mampon, the defeat brought acute demoralisation and political uncertainty. The failure of the largely incompetent Asante rulers Kofi Karikari (1867-1874) and Mensa Bonsu (1874-1883) plunged Asante into a terrible crisis of succession which lasted for five years. Other factors which contributed to the situation which quickly deteriorated into rebellion, secession or threat of secession and war were: the deep-seated jealousy and rivalry for power between the Kumasi chiefs (Nsafohene) and the chiefs of the leading confederate states (Amanhene); the very active role played by the Gold Coast Government (supported at times by the Colonial Office); the influence of some semi-educated Fante men, the so-called 'scholars', mainly from Cape Coast. Described are the circumstances of the deposition of Karikari and Mensa Bonsu and the two phases in the wars of succession (1881-1888). Notes.