Early Life
Okomfo Anokye was born in Awukugua-Akuapim,in Eastern Region of Ghana, West Africa, in the late 1600s. His father, Ano, and mother, Yaa Anubea, were both from Awukugua-Akuapim, part of the Ayade tribe. At the time of his birth, his two palms were firmly held together and could not be separated. Curious to know what he was holding in his hands, his parents tried to separate both palms but to no avail. About two years into his childhood, Anokye went to this father, open his palm and said "Ano-kye" meaning in Guan language, "Ano look". Inside his palm were totem poles believe to be from the gods. His parents and family believe he was sent by the gods to lead the Okere people. Later in life, he attained priesthood and was giving the title "Okomfo". His full name became Okomfo Anokye. His ancestral home (the house he was born in) is opposite the Awukugua Chief Palace. A shrine is also located at Awukugua and is a frequent site of meeting for the Ohum festival in October. The shrine consists of a palm tree, which he climbed wearing his sandals, and a large rock, from which he carved a game of Oware. Other shrine sites are located in Awukugua-Akuapim.
The Denkyeras later heard of his wonders and requested his aid. Through Anokye's help, the Denkyeras successfully defeated the Ashantis. Osei Tutu,the king of the Ashanti at the time, requested Anokye's aid. Anokye went to Osei Tutu's aid in Kumasi, capital of the Ashanti Empire, with a group of his tribesmen and women. King Osei Tutu gave Anokye land to settle on after he helped them to defeat the Denkyera. This land was named Nzemaa. After the Ashanti defeated the Denkyera, Okomfo Anokye brought the golden stool from the sky and gave it to the Ashantis. He also put a sword on the ground as a symbol of unity between the Nzema and the Ashanti. The oath also prevented the Ashanti from fighting the Nzema and allows Ashantis and Nzemas to marry each other with one single plantain as dowry. Okomfo Anokye was born in Awukugua-Akuapim,in Eastern Region of Ghana, West Africa, in the late 1600s. His father, Ano, and mother, Yaa Anubea, were both from Awukugua-Akuapim, part of the Ayade tribe. At the time of his birth, his two palms were firmly held together and could not be separated. Curious to know what he was holding in his hands, his parents tried to separate both palms but to no avail. About two years into his childhood, Anokye went to this father, open his palm and said "Ano-kye" meaning in Guan language, "Ano look". Inside his palm were totem poles believe to be from the gods. His parents and family believe he was sent by the gods to lead the Okere people. Later in life, he attained priesthood and was giving the title "Okomfo". His full name became Okomfo Anokye. His ancestral home (the house he was born in) is opposite the Awukugua Chief Palace. A shrine is also located at Awukugua and is a frequent site of meeting for the Ohum festival in October. The shrine consists of a palm tree, which he climbed wearing his sandals, and a large rock, from which he carved a game of Oware. Other shrine sites are located in Awukugua-Akuapim.
The Denkyeras later heard of his wonders and requested his aid. Through Anokye's help, the Denkyeras successfully defeated the Ashantis. Osei Tutu,the king of the Ashanti at the time, requested Anokye's aid. Anokye went to Osei Tutu's aid in Kumasi, capital of the Ashanti Empire, with a group of his tribesmen and women. King Osei Tutu gave Anokye land to settle on after he helped them to defeat the Denkyera. This land was named Nzemaa. After the Ashanti defeated the Denkyera, Okomfo Anokye brought the golden stool from the sky and gave it to the Ashantis. He also put a sword on the ground as a symbol of unity between the Nzema and the Ashanti. The oath also prevented the Ashanti from fighting the Nzema and allows Ashantis and Nzemas to marry each other with one single plantain as dowry.
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