Okuapehemaa(Queen of Akuapem), Nana Dokua II

The Okuapehemaa, Queen of Akuapem, sitting in state at Akropong, Akuapem. During the Odwira, 2009, festival of the Chiefs and People of Akuapem. Nana has been Queen for about 43years.

Oh the glittering beautiful crow! With the forbidden flesh--not edible, My fore-fathers come from the Great Street in Akyem Abuakwa Kyebi, before which they came from Banso, before which, they came from Adanse Kokobeante.

My people are noble and live in affluence, Asona Werempeakwa, Grandfather of Nana Wiafe Akenten, Kuntunkununku Damenam nana.

Innumerable as the Sea Sand. My symbol is the Red Snake. Indeed I'm wonderful

Clan Appellation of the Asona.........Royaume Ashanti

Pic Credit: Peacefm Online

Nana Dokua II, a committed Christian and Deaconess of the Pentecost

in a chat at her residence in Akropong, with some Pentecost Elders.

Credit: Pentecost, Ghana.

Nanahemaa, borne aloft in her Sako. Odwira 1976.

Nana Okuapehemaa, borne aloft in her Sako, during an Odwira in Akuapem.
Picture Source Unknown.

Nana in a regal and motherly pose. Credit: Statesman

Nana in her younger days. Credit: Statesman

From Jamaica To Juaben(Dwaben), Nsuta In Pictures

Daasebre Otuo Serebour II. The Current Akuamoa (1971-- ) I.e Dwabenhene.

Daasebre Oti Boateng I. King of New Juaben, stressing a point. To his left, obscured, is the Queen of New Juaben, Nana Yaa Daani II.

The Queen of Juaben(Dwaben), Nana Dwabenhemaa, Akosua Akyaamaa III.

The Queen of Nsuta, Nsutahemaa, Nana Siaburaa Aduwaah II

The Nsutahene, Nana Adu Agyei Bonsafo II. The Nsutahene is one of the 'Uncles' in the classifactory sense of the Asantehene. He is also the head of the Adako Royal Clan and Oyoko Mensa of Asante. I.e in terms of the Oyoko Royal Stools of Asante, he comes after the Asantehene and Juabenhene. Overall however, the Juabenhene, is the Head of the Oyoko Stools of Asante, or Oyokohene of Asante, of which the Stools of Nsuta, Kumasi etc, all form a part.

The Juabenhene in a tete-a-tete with the Asantehene. April 26th, 2009. Kumasi
Credit: Oforione Website.

The Nsutahene, Adu Agyei Bonsafo II, arriving in Kumasi, in 1995 for the Adaekesee Durbar.

The Mamponhemaa, Queen of Mampong, Nana Agyakomaa Dufie II arriving at a durbar in Kumasi, April,2009.
The Adontenhene of Kumasi, who also doubles as Asante Adontenhene, Nana Adu Gyamfi, arriving at a durbar in Kumasi. April, 2009.

The finesse of Asante Queenship. The Queen of Abore, Nana Aborehemaa, in full regalia, at the Adaekesee festival of Asante. April, 2009. She is on the extreme right of this picture.

The Nsutas at the Adaekesee festival in Kumasi, April 2009. In the "stars and quater moon gold studded blue velvet headgear" is the Nsutahene. Then comes the Nsutahemaa and other chiefs of Nsuta. Credit: Oforione website.

The Paramount Chief of Kwamang, Sekyere Area, in Asante, seated at the durbar with his retinue.

Nana Nsutahene and Nana Nsutahemaa, seated at the durbar in Kumasi. It's obvious, where this picture was obtained.

Nana Juabenhene, Nana Juabenhemaa and some Juaben Chiefs at a sitting at Juaben. I.e at the Akuamoa Ahenfie. 2009.

The Dwabenehene, "Bediako" Serebour II, taking leave of the Asantehene, after exchange of greetings. Adaekesee, Kumasi, April 2009. Credit: Oforione website.

The Nsutas at the Adaekesee. Nana Nsutahene, is seen in communication with one of his ahenkwaa or courtiers, a juvenile one in this case. Credit: Oforione, Website.

The Queen of Nsuta, slightly offset from centre of the picture, in Kentenky3 hairstyle, at the festival in Kumasi. 2009. Credit: Oforione website.

The late Queen of Juaben(Dwaben), Nana Akosua Akyaamaa II.(1969 - 1994). Nana, known in private life, as Akosua Domtie, was the biological mother of Daasebre Oti Boateng I of New Juaben, Nana Otuo Serebour II, Juabenhene, Nana Akosua Akyaamaa III, Juabenhemaa and th e the late Abusuapanyin of the Royal family of Juaben/New Juaben, Nana Akrase.

The Current Queen of Nsuta, Nana Asiaburaa Aduwaah II. Credit: Osei Kwadwo's Book

The Nsutahene and courtiers, arriving at the Adaekese3 festival in Kumasi.2009

The Nsutahene, Nsutahemaa and some Chiefs of Nsuta. 2009

Daasebre Oti Boateng I, exchanging greetings with the late Asantehene, Opoku Ware II. This is how, customarily and in keeping with the tenets of Asante, a Juabenhene, ought to greet the Asantehene. I.e with the headgear maintained, not removed, the shoulder not totally bared, and his courtiers, supporting his hand and waist.

The Nsutahene and his retinue. 1900s

Osekyerehene Yaw Sarpong II, Former Occupant of the Yiadom and Hwedie Akonnwakese3(Great Stool) of Juaben. Nana was the Reigning Juabenhene when Amy came to her hometown, Juaben in 1947. Picture, credit:Meyerowitz.

Amy Ashwood Garvey

No matter where one is born, i.e geographical location, one's genes are bound to betray one's antecedents. A cursory glance at this picture of Amy, confirms as much, the Asante/Akan blood in her. Nana Akrase.

The best way to answer Amy's questions(i.e about her origins), her father thought, would be to take her to visit "Grannie Dabas", her 93 year old great-grandmother. Grannie Dabas told Amy that she had been born in Juaben, in the West African nation of Ashanti. While still a girl she had been kidnapped, enslaved, transported across the ocean and sold to a white slaveowner in Jamaica.

The family name "Dabas", the old lady explained, signified "strong or iron will". Her first name in Africa had been Boahimaa, and even after seventy or eighty odd years of exile in a strange land, she manifested a fierce pride in her ancestry and in the martial prowess of her Ashanti people.

In London in 1924, Amy had first met her friend of many years, J.B. Danquah, then a law student. Amy told him of her Grannie 'Dabas' story and asked him where were Darman and Juaben, the 2 places Grannie Dabas had identified in her narrative. Danquah replied that she was probably referring to the State of Juaben in Ashanti. In London again in 1935, Amy met another Ghanaian, one "Barrister Kessie"(actually Cobinna Kessie), who agreed with Danquah's suggestion. Kessie, it was who took Amy to the Asantehene's palace in 1946 and set in motion the chain of events leading to the verification and completion of Grannie Dabas' narrative.

Nana Juaben Serwaa II, The Juabenhene Seated on a Hwedomtea Chair. Prior to becoming the Juabenhene, Nana Serwaa was the Queen of Juaben, i.e the Juabenhemaa. She relinquished both Offices, in the late 1960s, following governmental interferences in the Oman of Juaben, after the overthrow of Kwame Nkrumah in 1966.

Nana Juaben Serwaa II, Queen of Juaben, in the 1960s dancing and singing at a performance of Nkrowaa. Nkrowaa, is unique to Juaben in Asante. It is performed for Royals of Juaben, at their demise, is the preserve of the Queen of Juaben only. I.e the performers of it, come under her direct command. Nana Juaben Serwaa II, is still alive, well past 100.

Daasebre Otuo Serebour II, The Juabenhene arriving with his retinue at the Adaekesee Kese3 of Asante, celebrated in May, 2009. Credit: Ghana Districts.

ASANTE AND FOR THAT MATTER, KUMASI'S, INDEBTEDNESS TO DWABEN

This was written by me, to one, known as Kofi Kumasi...it was to cure him of his ignorance...a mental affliction, unfortunately. Written in May, 2009.

Btw, don't you know, that the Kuntanasehene was on the side of the Dwabenhene in the last clash b/n Kumasi and Dwaben? Don't you know it was the Kuntanasehene who executed the messengers from Kumasi and sent a linguist stick of one of the bearers to Dwaben? Do you not know, that Kuntanase received guns and gunpowder from Dwaben when war became imminent, although when push came to shove, you people cowardly chickened out.

Sorry, in as much as I'm proud to be Asante, and a Royal of, for that matter, I don't do slavish servitude neither my people the Juaben. We are not in the habit of vanquishing one Denkyera, then creating another Denkyera, to come and lord it over us. Asante is a federation, to which all constituent thereof, including the Occupant of the Golden Stool(all due respect to him) are subject to checks and balances. Asante isn't a serfdom, that is not what we let ourselves in for, and won't allow to happen.

To say that, we revolted against the Golden Stool, is to display a crass knowledge of Asante. Yes, we revolted against Osei Yaw Akoto and Mensah Bonsu, and justifiably so. Juaben, shall never be allowed to be reduced to a slavish entity, subject to the whims and caprices of anyone? Do you know how Asante came about, do you know who Killed the Chief Oppressor of the Asantes at Feyiase in a war in which Osei Tutu I, didn't even fire a shot...let alone taking part in the actual combat? Or you think we Juabens are slaves...to be made to render menial services...so someone can grow fat through our efforts...Twea!!!

Do you know who first swore to fight Denkyera? Do you know who sheltered Komfo Anokye when the Kumasi's then Kwamangs wanted to kill him? On whose land and where, did Okomfo Anokye announce he wanted to make Asante Great?

Are you aware of who put Opoku Ware I, back on the Golden Stool, when his Kumasi chiefs deposed him forcefully? Do you know where he fled for his dear life? Do you know who sheltered him?

Opoku Ware I, was so successful in war, do you know which States of Asante, made this possible? Render thanks to Dwaben and Mampon.

Who helped Osei Tutu I to avenge the defeat of his granduncle?

Who saved Asante from an impending disaster, when Osei Kwadwo, Okowia, was forced to retreat in battle, against a formidable force of invaders from the northwesterly direction of Kumasi? All the more serious when the invading force began to penetrate the forests of Asante..which was the last barrier. Upon whose arrival, with his formidable battle hardened army, did enable the battle to be turned around and Osei Kwadwo, begin to proceed on the offensive. Whose decisive action following weeks of inconclusive battles in that conflict, sealed the doom of the oppressors? Who fought and crossed a river, scaled a mountain and killed the leader of the oppressors and much of his army, which led to their defeat? Who saved Asante on that day? Render thanks to Akuamoa Boaten Panin of Juaben, Osekyerehene...you ungrateful people of short fleeting memories.

Who captured and physically did away with Worosa(the slayer of innocent Asante traders)? Say thank you to Kwabiri Ameyaw of Dwaben Adu Ampoforo Antwi Konkori, Atwetwebuo a ehini atuo muooo.

In the time of Nana Osei Bonsu, who slew the Commander of the Oppressor's forces(Nsoko Ni Agyei) leading to their defeat, at a time of grave danger to Asante, when the opposition were overwhelming in number, and matters weren't going the war of Asante?

Who Saved the Golden Stool at Akatamanso...yes, your chief helped, but did he have the necessary forces to retrieve it from the enemies then?

To whom should thanks be rendered for saving the very symbol of Asante nationhood?
Twea, some rebellion you so. After we competed and bested them on the Salaga trade, after we became so wealthy and powerful, after Our King, saved the day at Akatamanso, they grew so jealous...esp. that incompetent,coward called Osei Yaw Akoto. Then he began to contrive cases against Nana Kwasi Boateng I, connived with his fellow sycophantic Kumasi chiefs and other chiefs of Asante, concluded along with his design that Nana Kwasi Boateng I was guilty. No wonder Nana Kwasi Boateng told him point blank, that he wouldn't pay sreko or kobo...why, you think we are cowards or slaves?

Oh yes, thinking that only Kumasi state should grow fat, and the wealth of Asante should be for him and his chiefs in Kumasi only, against the foundational constitution of Asante, they began to draw strategies to diminish, in power and prestige, the memberso of the other Amantuo Num...especially, Juaben, Mampong and Kumawu. More severely against Juaben....they threw away the advise and injunctions of Okomfo Anokye concerning Kumasi and Juaben relations.

Daasebre Otuo Serebour II, Juabenhene, Sitting in State at a durbar in Kumasi. May 2009.

JUABEN(DWABEN), AS HEAD OF ASANTE OYOKO.

1)Then Osei Tutu said to the Juabenhene, "You are the Head of the Oyoko Lineage, give me someone in your place, so when you go to your Capital, he will help me look after Kumasi. So the Juabenhene appointed Kwapon-Di-Awuo and he was Oyokohene.(I.e Oyokohene of Kumasi...in an acting capacity, i.e, for he only acts on behalf of the Juabenhene ...N.A) Busia..1951.

2) As a precondition, and as part of the concessions made by in the formation of the Union, in the words of Prempeh I, and I quote, " King Tutu told to Adarkwar Yiadom the King of Juabin to be the head in commander of the Yukus and Dakus. The Yukus are Kokofu, Bekwi, Insutar(Nsuta), Abohin(i.e Abohyen, in this group, comes the Stool of the Asantehene and his lineage), Atutuo, Bremand (i.e Oyoko Bremang), Contanasi(i.e Kuntenase), Akokofer(Akokofe) and Ajuarsi(Adwaase...nr KNUST)....The history of Ashanti Kings by Prempeh I. Ossei Akoto, I hope, you saw, how Adaakwa Yiadom was described by Asantehene, Prempeh I....Akrase

Juabenhene as Oyokohene of Asante--Head of all the Oyoko families and lineages that ruled the states constituting the 'true' amantuo.

He is the only person who authenticates claims to Oyoko clan membership and subsequent claims of succession to any of the Oyoko Paramount Stools, including the Asantehene ( Inclusive also of the 10 Oyoko Stools of Kumasi, i.e the Oyokoduo Stools) the Oyokohene was/is 'the maker of Kings'

KWADWOM VERSE OF JUABEN

" Osagyefuo fa nsa gu yen ase oo aayi.....Kotokohene br3dwo oo br3dwo oo aayi....Agyepon Akosa kra ko anye....Adonten gu a y3nbusa busa Nana Amponyam Boaten ....Akyampomaa Dufie ba Amponyinam oo aayi.... Okoakwa damirifa, damirifa, damirifa aayi.....Kotokohene Fr3mpon damirifa adwo.

Akuamoa(Title of Juaben Kings) Otuo Serebour II, arriving at a function in Kumasi. 2008.

Ntahera horn players of Juaben, at the Juaben Court. 1960s. The Original Set, that is the authentic Juaben Ntahera however, is at New Juaben, Koforidua. I.e Is Now Domiciled at the Court of the New Juaben.

Ntahera Hornblowers of Juaben, heralding the approach of the Juabenhene in Kumasi, May, 2009.

Courtiers of Juaben, at a performance. Usually, the Strong names and Appellations of the Juabenhene, the heroic deeds of Juabens, will be drummed on the Atumpan drums--known as Ayan--by the Odomankoma Okyerema, followed by the chanting of Kwadwom honourifics by the Kwadwom minstrels(usually a pair of, as seen chanting or 'be kwadwom', to the right of the drummer) then, the State Horns, i.e Ntahera, will conclude with the sounding of some verses of Horn Music.

Darman(sometimes rendered Darmang or Daman), the place of which Grannie Dabas had spoken, turned out to be town in Juaben. Amy now visited Juaben and met with both the Darmanhene and the Juabenhene(king of Juaben). The story that unfolded was a fascinating one and Amy was able to trace her family history back at least to the 17th century . Furthermore, she turned out to be a relative of the Darmanhene himself, Nana Kwadjo (or Kojo) Safo III, who was also the main source of her historical information.

BEDIAKO (ONE OF THE TITLES OF JUABEN KINGS), ARRIVING IN KUMASI, IN MAY, 2009.

Daasebre Oti Boateng I, of New Juaben(seated, left of 2nd row) and Nana Yaa Daani II, Queen of New Juaben(seated, 2 seats removed from Daasebre on his left) at Pres. Obama's Speech Giving in Accra.

Grannie Dabas had been sold into slaverey as a result of the Kumasi-Juaben altercation. ( Bonniayε fuo, yεda mo ase oo). Selling your own people into slavery, Osei Yaw Akoto Adaworoma). Following on, the Juabenhene and most of the Juabens relocated to Akim Abuakwa, where they remained until the death of osei yaw akoto. Two of the Darmanhene's 4 daughters ( actually, nieces...I think...I'm fairly certain...N.A) were with the Juabenhene's party in Akim Abuakwa. The other 2 did not fare so well. They were sold to the King of Sefwi (in modern day Ivory Coast). One remained in Sefwi, married and raised a family. The other disappeared, as it were, without a trace. "But as fate would have it", Amy wrote, "this missing daughter was destined to propagate the Damang family in the New World".

The King of Juaben, Arriving at the durbar grounds in Kumasi.

Drum Interlude of Kwadwom

Osekyere Akuamoa Frampon damirifa
כtכee a wamme, a כtכ bio a כmma wo
Osekyerehene due ne amanehunu
Akuamoa Fr3mfr3 Odamirifa
Osekyere Bediako
Osekyere Poporכ
Osekyere Bediako
Osekyere Yempene

Afia foro ban dime afro ban
Ponkoma kyi dankyire nyanowa eei
Maadwo beafo e'fo asaadom eei
Omia ne komefire ne Akyampon ni eei
Omia ne komefire no woaa no.

Appellations of the Juabenhene, As Recanted on the State Drums.

Osekyerehene Prekope....Sekyere Akuamoa...Akuamoa Bediako...Osekyere Akuamoa eei...Juaben Afrakuma, Kusi Brempon ba....Woyε Katakyie...Woyε Obeema(Obarima...Woyε Obeema dodo...Okatakyie a one dom bεko a....Okura kyem kura akofra...כne dom beko a.....Nnsuro obi kampεsε....Osekyerehene Bediako......Kurodwamansa yenmu yen akona.

King of Osekyere, the Great....Sekyere Akuamoa...Akuamoa Bediako...Osekyere Akuamoa eei...Child of Juaben Afrakuma Kusi the Noble One...You are Valiant...You are a Man....You are indeed a Man....The Valiant Who fights the hosts....In so doing, wields the Shield and the War Sword...He who fears no one...King of Osekyere Bediako(He who came to fightכ....The Tiger who always spoils for a fight.

For after hearing Amy's account of Grannie Dabas' story, the Darmanhene was convinced that she was the fourth sister who had disappeared. He himself was the great-grandson of the sister who remained at Sefwi and he had been recalled only 6yrs earlier to become Darmanhene. The story of Amy's Ashanti ancestry was related to the King of Juaben, Nana Juabenhene(Nana Yaw Sarpong II), who after due deliberation gave it his stamp of approval in January, 1947. Nana Juabenhene, in turn related the story to the Asantehene, Prempeh II, a lineal descendant of the ancient Ashanti Kings.

Osagyefuo, Proceeding in State, flanked by swordbearers.

A TRIBUTE TO OSEKYEREHENE AKUAMOA BOATENG PANIN I

Nana Akuamoa Boaten Panin ascended the Yiadom and Osei Hwede3 Great Stool of Juaben(Dwaben) after the demise of his brother and predecessor, Nana Kofi Akrase I. His reign was from the late 1740s to the 1790s or so, cumulatively. Nana was born into the Royal family of Juaben, to a Queen of Juaben and the Kumawuhene, Barima Kwame Okyere after the contraction of a marriage. Upon, his enstoolment, the province of Bassa, now in the Brong Ahafo region was given him by his father, so the Kumawus say.(This claim however, will need to looked into further, as Nana's predecessor, Akrase Dente, had had some successful ventures in that area...so it could well be, that area had already become a part of Juabenman).

In keeping with his pedigree, he was a King of valour and great commercial acumen. In his time, the continual progress which culminated in the tremendous wealth that came the way of Juaben in that period was accelerated. Juaben became an avid competitor in the Salaga trade and other markets, to the chagrin of others. The spirit of enterpreneurship of the Dwabens, attested to, by the British in historical records, received a significant boost in his time.The Ruler of Dwaben Adu Ampoforo Antwi's reign coincidered with that of Oko-awia, Osei Kwadwo of Kumasi/Asante. In that time, an audacious offensive by some elements to the North West of Asante, posed a great danger to Asanteman.

Infact, so powerful was this threat, that the forces of King Osei Kwadwo and the King himself had to fight on the defensive, and even in so doing, had to fall back into the forests of Asante in the northeastwards direction...the opposing forces even penetrated the forests of Asante then, at which point the situation became very grave.Upon an appeal to him, the forces of Dwaben, under King Akuamoa Panin marched to the aid of his traditional brother. Only upon his arrival, was the situation reversed . They were then able to take the fight to the invaders. A remarkable event, well celebrated in Asante history( well, most will not know, owing to the selective history that pertains to this day) took place, which sealed the doom of the invaders, resulting in their defeat. For this event, yet again, once more Asanteman owes Dwaben a great gratitude.

After weeks of bitter fighting, with no clear winner emerging and severe losses on both sides, Nana Akuamoa Panin, gallantly fought his way, traversed the Nyempene River ( hence his title, now attached to the Yiadom Stool....Okotwa-asuo) climbed/scaled the huge Kasampire Rock, an astounding hill in essence ( hence his other title, Okoforobour...similarly attached to the Stool) all the while under severe assault and did away personally with a very important personality of the invaders. Only after this act of the King of Juaben, did the balance of the battle shift decisively in favour of Asante, and an impending disaster for the Asante Nation decisively checked.In due recognition of his gallant deed and the heroic role he played in that epic battle, some verses of the Dwaben Ntahera State Horns were composed in his honour, amongst other honours.

The verses are: 1) Osekyere Akuamoa 2) Osekyere Nyempene 3) Ataada Kasampire.King Osei Kwame of Asante, after going to the village of Nana Osei Kwadwo, came to meet Nana Akuamoa on the throne of Juaben. Their relationship was a mixed one. In part, cordial, at times, fractious and acrimonious. In his time, King Osei Kwame, relocated to Dwaben from Kumasi for a while.Won over by the alluring beauty of Nana Boaten's niece, the Odehye3 Agyeiwaa Badu, Nana Osei Kwame remained in Juaben for long, neglecting the duties of his office. The relationship which yielded a child, by name Sikayepena, went contrary to the laws of Asante. Nana Akuamoa Boaten, had some differences with Mampon over some jurisdictional disputes concerning lands acquired earlier by both entities.

In common with all humans, Nana had some less desirable aspects of his personality. In that, he was very hot-tempered ( a trait not unique to him, most Kings of Juaben were) fond of abuse and contemptious of advice and admonitions of his elders. For such conduct, he suffered a destoolment. He retired to a village outside of Juaben town proper...in conformity with the custom of those days, for a destooled Ruler, was not allowed to remain in his town for fear of subverting his successor.An incompetent, was enstooled in his stead. At the height of his incompetence, which cost Juabenman, some lands, he was destooled. Apologies were rendered by a now, regretful people of Juaben, and Nana Akuamoa Boaten Panin, was re-enstooled. The rest of his reign was spent in consolidating what he had achieved previously and guarding the constitutional privileges of Juaben, which some were attempting to abuse.

To recall his enstoolment, he ordered a horn to be blown, to be blown thus: Asante Kotoko, wo bekae me, Asante Kotoko, wo bekae me, Asante Kotoko Pakupan...to wit...Asante Kotoko, you will remember me 2x, Asante Kotoko The Ungrateful.For an efficient administration, he created the Ankobea stool.Osekyerehene Akuamoa Boaten Panin I, after a long reign, crossed the Great River to rest forever with Nananom Adikanfo). He was laid to rest in the Royal Mausoleum ( Barim) , his stool consecrated and placed in the Chapel of Stools( Nkonnwafie )(well, if owing to intrigues, it hasn't been shifted aside).

Osekyere Akuamoa, Osekyere Nyempene, Okotwasuo Koforo Kasampire bepo ......Ono no, Dwaben Boaten Nono...Osesedudo...Adwoa nua koran...Okofrobuo...Wona woyee sa, yee saa...foroo Kasampire bepo...Wokotwaa Nyempene nsue....Adinkra Kwadwo se oda wo ase...Ose oda wase ne nonifikatruo daa daa daa daa.....as the Executioners of Juaben recount his deed in that epic battle.Osekyerehene, my Great Forebear, Da yie. Osaman Kokuroko, Okatakyie, Okoampa, Dwaben ne Asante da wase da wase da wase.

The Regional Minister of Asante, Kofi Opoku Manu, greets Osekyerehene Serebour II. In the traditional sense, the Regional Minister is greeting his Ruler, since he hails from Konongo, a part of Juabenman. 2009.

Ex-President John Kuffour, greets Nana Serebour II.




The Queen of Juaben, Nana Akosua Akyaamaa III, in Kente and underneath umbrella, arriving in Kumasi, in May, 2009. Included in her retinue are some Divisional Queens of Juaben, and her courtiers.

He offered his opinion to the Asantehene that the weight of evidence seemed to suggest that Amy hailed from the family of the Darmanhene in the village of Darman in Juaben.The Asantehene was not fully convinced and so, on Thursday February 6, 1947 he personally conducted an inquiry into the matter. Present were Amy, the Juabenhene and "three villagers headed by the Darmanhene," who, in the words of Ashanti Pioneer, "related an enthralling and convincing story of the history of their family..." This paper carried a full report of the Darmanhene's statement on this occasion. He said,

'I returned from Sefwi about 6yrs ago through the services of Nana Juabenhene to assume my title as the Chief of Darman. My great-grandmother and many others of my village were made captives and sold into slavery during the Kumasi/Juaben confrontation of 18ε1.About the same time a young girl of our family disappeared - how, no one knew; she was the youngerst of the four(sic) sisters of my great-grandmother: the remaining two, Acheaa(Akyaa) and Buakyiwaa(Boakyewaa) remained at Juaben, and their descendants are still living, one of them Amporti, the nephew of the Great General Amporti of Juaben, you see here tonight.

State Horns of Juaben(Dwaben), known as Ntahera(ensemble of 7 horns, in the past, they were 12 in no.) honouring the Mamponhene with a customary salutation.The Mponponsuo Swordbearer of Mampong is in the picture. An elder of Mampon, in white cloth, is on the left of the picture. Here, the Mamponhene was calling on the Juabenhene. Kumasi, May..2009.

Some Horn Verses of Juaben Ntahera(Juaben State Horns)

Asokwa Obuadum eei.....Momma moho mmere so.... Osekyere Akuamoa Daasebre...... Ye ma wo akye(adwo).......Obuadume eei momma moho mmere so.....Akuamoa Daasebre yεde wo twa kwa.....Na yεde wo bεsan aba.....Sekyere Akuamoa Daasebre....Due ne amanehunu.... Wofi Juaben Adu Ampofrε Antwi...Osekyere Yempene Akuamoa....Matwa Kasampere....Esuo yiri a na mo frε me.....Agyekum hene Birempon sore......Mokככko anaa mokככ bata?......Yewכ ha yi ara.
Aboa Kankane sεe כpε etwie ayכ wannya.......Mafro boכ, matwa nsuo.......Mafro Kasampere boכ...........Kotwa Mansa dada..... Deε obi awuo na obi nna........ Nkokכ de borכ bekum akoo.
כdo(Oduroכ Sasraku hwan na mmεn ni no?.....Juabenhene na mmεn ni no.........Akuamoa na mmεn ni no.....כdo Sasraku na mmεn ni no.

Asokwa Obuadum eei........Glorify yourselves......Osekyere Akuamoa Daasebre.....We say good morning(night) to you
Obuadume eei, glorify yourselves.........Mighty Akuamoa, we travel with you....We shall return with you.

Sekyere Akuamoa ( Whom we thank endlessly, to the point of weariness.....Condolences......You hail from Juaben Adu Ampofrε Antwi
Osekyere Yempene Akuamoa.......I have crossed Kasampere( a treacherous river.....You seek me only when there is a flood

Awake the great King Agyekum.........Are you here?..... Did you go fighting or trading?...No, we went nether. We are here.

The civet cat wished to turn into a leopard but it could not......I have scaled hills, I have crossed rivers (All the while fighting a formidable enemy I have scaled the Kasampere rock (Kasampere, Rock Mountain to the northwest of Ashantiכ)

You are of old, a formidable tiger/leopard....No one sleeps at the place where another has died...Chicken will kill the parrot with beatings

Odo(Oduroכ Sasraku, who is known by the horns?....It is Juabenhene who is known by the horns....Akuamoa (Title of Juabenhene)כ is the one known by the horns
Oduro Sasraku is the one known by the horns.

MAMPONHENE, CAME TO SAY HELLO TO HIS FATHER(CLASSIFACTORY) NANA JUABENHENE. Recall, it was Juabenhene, Osei Hwedeε, The Slayer, who begot the Mamponhene, Osafo Katanka.

Nana Mamponhene, Osei Bonsu II, Daasebre, approaching the seating area of the Juaben King. ,he is at a halt, and being serenaded by the State Horns of Juaben.(Not in picture)

During the Great War of 1914 - 1918(i.e 1st World War), the Darmanhene said, he joined the Gold Coast Regiment hoping to be posted to Sierra Leone, for he had heard that some of his relatives lived there."Unfortunately," he reflected, "ther ancient gods decreed otherwise, I did not go to Freetown. Thus members of my family(were) scattered far and wide as a result of our own internecine wars" The Darmanhene was convinced that Amy was indeed his relative. He had even had a premonition of her visit. He summed up his case to the Asantehene,

The Mamponhene comes to a halt, once again. In Juaben custom, when a dignitary approaches the Juabenhene and Juabenhemaa--when they are seated or proceeding in state--they are halted momentarily by the Kwadwomfuo( Minstrels of the King) who chant out or recite some verses. In this picture, the minstrels were at their craft. They are in cloth, standing directly behind the Juabenhemaa. Take a look closely, one will notice the upturned palm of the swordbearer(the one seated in front of the Queen) politely signalling to the Mamponhene to pause, as Kwadwomfuo are chanting.

The Mamponhene greets his grandmother(in the classifactory sense), the Queen of Juaben, Nana Akosua Akyaamaa III.

Nana Otumfuo may call it superstitution but, Sir, about three months ago, a Sage or Traditional Priest told me when I went for a consultation that a well-known person would visit my village shortly and I told Nana Juabenhene when he first announced the visit of the woman. I have every reason to believe that this woman(Mrs.Garvey) is a descendant of my ancestor. I, on behalf of the members of my family must thank Otumfuo the Asantehene for taking the initiative to bring us together.

The Darmanhene's statement was then confirmed by those of his relatives who were present. The Asantehene then subjected them to cross-examination and was satisfied. He therefore formally declared Amy"of the family of Darmanhene, a native of Juaben and an Ashanti." Amy could contain her emotions no longer and burst into tears. The Ashanti Pioneer commented, "For a second all was quiet and solemn". The Juabenhene then thanked Otumfuo, the Asantehene, for his gracious interest in the affairs of the state of Juaben.( Well, left to me alone, I would have considered this, an internal Juaben matter, especially, considering the circumstances, which necessitated this woman being relocated in a land so distant.It is such behaviour, which encourages the centre to tread beyond its constitutionally correct limits. Twea, Nana Sarpong paa, what did you have to thank for? For the misdeeds of his ancestors, considering what Juaben did for him especially? Why say thank you, when your reward was pepper?.....N.A)

Nana Osei Bonsu II, Mamponhene, in a hearty greeting with his 'father', Okyerefoכ Otuo Serebour II, Osεkyerεhene.

Okankane(Ntahera Horn Verse) of Juaben.

Obuadum eei....Momma mo homene so oo....Momma so. Yeama yen ho mene so....Tie(Listen)

Moye ye ye a, Okankane...Wontumi.....Wontumi....Wontumi

Osekyerehene....Wontumi....Wontumi.....Okankane....Wontumi....Wontumi....Wontumi

Asante Kotoko hene....Ma wo homene so ooo...Wofiri Dwaben Adu Ampoforo Antwi

Wofiri Asante Kotoko o

Obentwereboo a ne ho bon atuduro....Korobea Asante Kotoko hene....Wofiri Asante Kotoko

Asante Kotokohene....Ma wo homene so o....

Nana Juabenhene(Oyoko Abohyen Mu Piesie Ohene Kokroko) and Nana Juabenhemaa seating in State in Kumasi. May,2009.

Osekyerehene Frampon damirifa...Osekyerehene Frampon damirifa.....Akuamoa Frampon damirifa...Osekyere Nyempene Frampon...Juaben Adu Ampofo Antwihene...Afrakumaa Kusi Brempon ba....Ma wohomene so akudonto....Juaben Adu ma wohomene so...Osekyere Bediako eei Damirifa due ne amanehunu....Osekyerehene wokoo baabi a, bra....Osekyere Nyempene wokoo baabi a, bra....Bediako, wokoo baabi bra... Akuamoa Brempon Twumhene....Yiadom Boakye Birempon Twumhene

Nana Agyeman Prempeh I, in exile in Freetown, Sierra Leone. To his right is his father, Nana Gyambibi and on his left, his mother, Nana Yaa Akyaa(her schemes and machinations, underpinned the troubles that came the way of Asante, in that era) Credit: Sierra Leone

Amy, seated, on the l.h.s of picture, with her relations at the family house in Darmang, Juaben. 1947.

The Asantehene concluded this impressive and touching ceremony with a learned discourse on slavery and its implications for relations among Africans at home and those abroad. His was a message of hope and inspiration and a more fitting climax to Amy's near forty year search for her African roots. He said,

"You must not on any consideration think that you are the descendant of slaves. You as well as many others in America and the West Indies are not. If you are, then not only many of the present day Ashantis but even some of us National Rulers are also slaves; for I remember one of my ancestors was captured in one of our wars and sold at a market in Sefwi and later resold to an Adansi farmer

I think you Africans in the New World should be proud, for many of your ancestors were forced into slavery because of their patriotism and bravery in fighting in one or other of their country's wars and were unfortunately made captives. Captivity where wars are concerned is nothing new. We read of it in the Bible, in British history, in French history, in German history and infact in the history of every country. Be proud, Mrs.Garvey, and so should every West Indian and American African. We are greatly honoured with your prescence here in Kumasi and I am sure a grand reception awaits you in Juaben, your native State."

With her African roots verified, Amy assumed an Ashanti name, Yaa Boahimaa, which had als been Grannie Dabas's name. She also began dressing in African clothing, a practice she continued for the rest of her life. And among her most prized possessions for the rest of her days were two Kente cloths presented to her by the Asantehene.

Credit for Amy's Narrative--inclusive of pictures--goes to Tony Martin, the author of the book, Amy Ashwood Garvey.

As the narrative goes, Amy was the first wife of Marcus Garvey(of the famed Black Star Movement). The marriage was shortlived however. Amy became a Public Speaker of note, a Feminist and an ardent Pan-Africanist in her own right. Amy passed on to eternity, in 1969, having lived some 70+ years.

Tony Martin, ought to be commended for a wonderful piece of work. R.I.P Amy(Daughter of Juaben).