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Territory comprised part of present-day southern Ghana and portions of present-day eastern Côte d'Ivoire.

The Asantehene is the ruler of the Ashanti people. While today it is a strictly ceremonial role, it was once a position of great power as the leader of the Ashanti Empire. The Asantehene is crowned on a golden stool, known as the Sika 'dwa and the office is sometimes referred to by this name.

The Asantehene also holds the title of Kumasehene, ruler of Kumasi, the capital and most important town of the Confederacy.

The current Asantehene is Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II, born Nana Kwaku Dua. He was one of seven descendants who were eligible for the position.

During the period between the death of an Asantehene and the election of a successor, the Mamponghene, the second most powerful ruler, acts as regent Asantehene. This was only changed under the special circumstances of Civil War in the late nineteenth century when the Kwasafomanhyiamu, or governing council itself ruled as regent.

The succession is decided by a series of councils of local notables and other royal family members.

Historical Notes on the Position of Asantehene:

The Ashanti confederacy was made a British protectorate in 1902. The office of Asantehene was discontinued.

In 1926 the British permitted the repatriation of Prempeh I, and allowed him to adopt the title Kumasehene but not Asantehene.

In 1935 the British allowed the title of Asantehene to be revived.

On March 6, 1957, the Ashanti Protectorate, Northern Territories, Gold Coast Crown Colony, and British Mandate of Togoland were united to form Ghana. The office of Asantehene is one of the sub-national traditional rulers of Ghana, which is protected by the Ghanaian constitution.

(Dates in italics indicate de facto continuation of office)

=== See also ulers of Akan Kingdom of Baule {Baule Empire covering eastern Cote d'Ivoire) {Rulers of Baule) (Asante and Baule-One indivisible Royal Family}

• {ADAKO AND OYOKO ROYAL DYNASTY}
• The Founder of Baule Kingdom was Co-Founder and Queen of Asante
• until the death of King Osei Tutu in 1717
• Civil war after the death of King Osei Tutu forced Nana Abena Pokua to migrate
• and found the Baule Kingdom -Civil war 1717-1719 Opoku Ware l enstooled after
• the departure of Nana Abena Pokua in 1720
• 1720-1730 The departure and building of new Kingdom of Baule
• 1730-1760 Nana Pokua reigned as the First Akan Queen in Cote d'lvoire

links nanafofie@hotmail.com ===

• Empire of Ashanti
• Rulers of Ghana
• Akan
• Ghana
• Gold Coast
• Lists of Incumbents
• Ashanti Confederacy