Okomfu Anokye was a founding father of the Ashanti Empire of West Africa, the modern Ashanti Empire in the Republic of Ghana. Influential political and religious leader, he is believed to have performed miracles. The story of Okomfo Anokye, including his supernatural powers, his political power, and a legend about his wife, is recounted in this article.
Okomfu Anokye persuaded the divided Asante chiefdoms to unite under the leadership of Osei Kofi Tutu and create the Asante Empire (Asante Twi: Asanteman). Toto received the title of Asante (king) in 1695 and ruled until 1717. From 1701 to 1901, the empire lasted from 1790 to 1901, with Kumasi as its capital and the golden stool of Asante as its unifying symbol.
Born in Ghana around 1655, Okomfo Anokye was the son of Ano and Yaa Anubea. He was the son of Ano and Yaa Anubea, both of Awukugua in the Nifa Division of Okere State, according to Akuapem tradition.
It is said that when he was born in Awukugua, he brought with him gifts from the gods: totem poles firmly attached to his palms so that no one could open them; and in the other hand there is already a short, white cow’s tail.
This claim was later validated by Osei Tutu II during his visit to Awukugua in 2014.
What is Okomfo Anokye’s real name?
The real name of Okomfo Anokye is Kwame Anokye Frimpon Kotobre. He was given the title of Okomfo (priest) when he became a religious leader of the Asante empire. That’s why many have known him as Okomfo Anokye throughout history.
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How was Okomfo Anokye born?
Okomfo Anokye was born holding a short white cow’s tail (Podua) in his right hand, and his left hand was firmly clenched in a fist that no one could open. So the midwife called his father to help him open the fist.
Baby Anokye opened his eyes, looked at his father, opened his hand and said: ‘Ano…Kye’. His father took the talisman/totem (a ring or stone bearing an inscription and supposed to have magical powers and bring good luck) from the child’s hand and called him Anokye.
Who did Okomfo Anokye marry?
There is a myth that Okomfo Anokye’s wife was a Krobo who worked in the sex industry, but her name is not mentioned. It is also claimed that Anokye pronounced a curse on Krobo women, condemning them to promiscuity until the end of time.
While it is not known whether he married, sources have indicated that he had a son. Once there, Okomfo and his son Agyapa go to the kyenkyen tree, which Okomfo climbed to observe Ntim Gyakari’s camp at Feyiase. Okomfo’s footprints are visible in the trunk of the tree after he climbed down and left.
