STOOLS CREATED UNDER THE REIGN OF ASANTEHENE OPOKU WARE I 1720-1750

Asantehene Opoku Ware I, the second Asantehene of the Asante kingdom after succeeding his Uncle Asantehene Osei Tutu I in 1720 and reigned for 30 years. During the reign of Asantehene Opoku Ware I, he created five (5) stools namely; the Ananta, Gyase, Nnibi, Bohyen and Derma.

ANANTA STOOL
The Ananta stool was created for Ofosu, a servant at the court in recognition of the spirit of initiative and colour displayed when he repulsed an attack by Nana Apotwe, the chief of Assin. The troops of Ofosu were made part of the Kings royal guards. The Anantahene goes to the krafie on ceremonial occasions to keep guard whilst the Asantehene worships his soul. He was equal to the status of the Bantamahene in military affairs. He can challenge the Bantamahene if he is trying to bring trouble or seize power in state.

GYASE STOOL
The Gyase stool was created by Asantehene Opoku Ware I for his son Adusei Atwenewa. When Adusei died, he was suceeeded by his uncle Ntim Panin but he was soon destooled for mismanagement. Asantehene Osei Bonsu gave the stool to Opoku Frefre, a stool servant for faithful and long service in the palace. Opoku Frefre was a slave of Oyokohene Buapon and often accompanied his master to the Asantehene’s court. Asantehene Osei Kwadwo was much impresses by Opoku’s talents and nicknamed him frefre(Tia frede-frede). On the death of the Oyokohene, Opoku Frefre was taken as part of death duties and placed in the Asantehene’s treasury department for training. Frefre served under the Sanaahene (State Treasurer) and the Fotosanfohene(Chief Treasurer). He soon rose to become the Fotosanfohene. During the reign of Asantehene Osei Bonsu, he was appointed Gyasehene. Frefre was therefore elevated to the highest political office so far as the Asante financial administration was concerned. Under him were the Sanaahene(State Treasurer), the Fotosanfoↄ (Cashiers), Togyefoↄ and Nsumgyefoↄ(collectors of tributes and taxes) and Batafoↄ traders. Frefre was among three (3) officials who were put in charge of the conquered provinces. He was put in charge of the provinces of Akyem and Akwamu.

Opoku Frefre was also a great warrior and much involved in Asante military affairs. In 1802, Opoku Frefre held a military command in the expeditionary force sent to the northwestern provinces. Five years later, he led the forces which invaded Fanteland and invaded Anomabo. In 1811, he was appointed by the Asantehene to command an expedition against the people of Winneba and Bereku, to prevent the attacks upon Accra. He campaigned in Akyem, Akuapem, Shai, Ada, Krobo etc. he arrested Flindt, the Danish Governor of the Ada fort but ultimately ransomed him for 100 ounces of gold. Between 1818-1819, he held a senior command in the Gyaman expeditionary force. In the early 1820’s he was regarded as the best and most powerful of the Asante Generals after he commanded Asante force to the Eastern provinces. The Gyase stool also came to be known as Obu abasa(breaker of arms). The Gyase stool also be known as Obuabasa stool. The Gyase stool became a special stool in Asante because in spite of its servile background, succession became vested in perpetuity in the sons of Opoku Frefre by Asantehene Osei Bonsu.

NNIBI STOOL
The Nnibihene belongs to the Gyase division of the King. He is still directly under Sanaahene. He therefore performed the role of the assistant treasurer to the King.

BOHYEN STOOL
The Bohyenhene is still one of the Traditional Priests attached to the King’s Mausoleum at Breman. He was made responsible for the pouring of libation to the ancestral gods on Mondays, Thursdays and after the celebration of Awukudae and Akwasidae festivals. He was also made responsible for the outdooring and indooring ceremonies of the skeleton of Asantehene Kwaku Duah I.

DERMA STOOL
The Derma stool was created for Ntiamoah, a faithful servant and hunter. The role of the Dermahene was to supply meat to the Asantehene regurlarly.

By Kofi Frimpong( The Kingdom of Asante)
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