Yaa Asantewaa (The Asante Warrior Queen)

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Yaa Asantewaa is widely regarded as a fearsome military leader as she led a strong resistance against the British during what is now known (amongst other names) as the ‘Yaa Asantewaa War’ during the Anglo-Asante Wars (1823-1900s). Yaa Asantewaa's engagement in the 1900 resistance struggle exceeded what was typical for Asante women in politics and the military. Leaders saw her strength in her and chose her as the first female war leader, Osahene; it was a role that was earned and not ascribed.

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Early life

Nana Yaa Asantewaa was born into the Asona Royal Court of the Ejisu around 1940. A tribal grouping that fell into the bigger Ancient Kingdom of present-day Ghana.Growing up in the royal family meant that Yaa Asantewaa was afforded a military leadership role seldom granted to women. These opportunities allowed her to wield great sociocultural, political and spiritual power among the people.Yaa Asantewaa would rise through the royal ranks and finally occupy the position of Queen Mother. The British occupation of Ashanti lands led to the exile of many members of the Ashanti royal family to Seychelles, including King Nana Prempeh I, in 1896. Amongst those exiled was Yaa Asantewaa’s grandson, Afranie, the Ejisuhene and chief of the Edweso. Afranie’s banishment and her headstrong belief in her people’s emancipation secured her as the most senior royal ruler of her kinfolk in a time of civil unrest.

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Achievements

Yaa Asantewaa is widely regarded as a fierce military adversary during the Anglo-Asante War, also known as the Yaa Asantewaa War, or The War of the Golden Stool  In a continued effort to weaken the Asante people, after the exile of the most prominent members of the Asante ruling class, The war was   Governor Frederick Hodgson, Colonial Advisor to the Gold Coast, demanded that the Asante surrender the Golden Stool. Thus ensued a scramble for the most important symbol of Royalty and Unity.  For Yaa Asantewaa, this was the straw that broke the camel's back. This affront to her Kingdom’s power pushed her to galvanize a powerful resistance made up of forces from other Asante rulers such as Kofi Fofie of Nkwansa, Antoa Mensa or Antoahene Mensa, Kwame Afrifa of Atwima, and Osei Kwadwo Kruni. Despite the war leader’s efforts, Asante warriors were no match for British weaponry, the Rebellion was lost and Yaa Asantewaa met the same fate as her predecessors. She was exiled to the Seychelles, where she eventually died.

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Legacy

Nana Yaa Asantewaa’s military leadership was unusual for its time and yet exceeded all expectations placed on the men and women of her time. The War she led personified the scorn against Imperial rule the British maintained on the Asante, as well as the pride she took in the symbols and legacies of Asante unity and strength.To mark the centenary of the Yaa Asantewaa War, the Museum of Yaa Asantewaa was built in her honour in Ejisu Municipal District. She remains a much-loved figure of rebellion and Asante history. The Asante view of their most notable Queen Mother has been embodied by the following song:

Krokro hin ko
Yaa Asantewaa
Oba basia a
Krokro hin ko
Ogyina apermo ano
Yaa Asantewaa