Bono States' Relations with Asante 1712 - 1959

Abstract

A study of the nature of Asante's relations with states in the bono part of the Bono Ahafo Region. The thesis also examines the response of the various Bono states to Asante imperial rule, and how those states which resisted Asante rule were treated by Asante chiefs. The study reveals that prior to the Asante Invasion of 1712, Asante traders bought kola, livestock and pottery from Bonduku, Abesim, Kyeraa, Manso,Tekyiman Ahenekwaku and other settlements in Bono. The invasion of 1712 notwithstanding, economic relations between the two increased. During the early 19th century, Atebubu and Bonduku became important market centers visited on a regular basis by Asante traders . Later in the 1880s, the Kintampo and Wankyi markets expanded into international ones patronized by Asante traders from North Africa. Politically, however, Asante conquest of Bono soured relations between Asante and the Bono States as a result of the frequent capture, and often the murder of Bono chiefs or their subjects. the conquests also resulted in the looting of gold resources of the states, and the replacement of legitimate Bono rulers by persons without any claim to legitimacy. Asante rule resulted in the polarization of Bono society, between pro-Bono and pro- Asante states. these factions became antagonistic towards each other , formed alliances with neighbours who shared their ideology, and fought each other on a number of occasions. Anti- Asante sentiment persisted and grew in intensity from the late 19th century. In pursuit of freedom and independence from Asante rule , the Bono people identified with the Convention Peoples Party (C.P.P) in the1950s. In consideration of their support for the C.P.P. in the general elections of 1954 and 1956, the Nkrumah regime rewarded the bono by constituting their states and Ahafo into an autonomous administrative regime in 1959.