History Of Amanokrom & The Gyaase Of Okuapeman
The War Chant Of the Ancestors
“Wopɛ ko! Wopɛ ko! Wopɛ ko! Ɔko yɛ me adedade.” Meaning You love war! You love war! You love war! War is my nature. War is my life.
Gyasehene Abentia (Horn)
This ancient war chant is attributed to the early forefathers of Amanokrom. It praises their courage, bravery in battle, and their unwavering commitment to justice and the defense of their people. The chant symbolizes the fearless spirit that guided their warriors during their migration from the interior lands until they settled upon the sacred Akuapem Ridge.
The Founding of Amanokrom
Amanokrom, one of the principal Twi-speaking towns of Okuapeman, was founded around 1742 by Nana Amanor Awuah of the Asona Abusua, together with his trusted companion Konton Mensah, a native of Denkyira, particularly from Denkyira Agona. Konton Mensah’s ancestors had already settled in the Dodowa and Amanoakura areas as early as the late sixteenth century.
The ancestors of Nana Amanor Awuah had earlier accompanied their royal kinsman King Safori during the historic formation of the Akuapem State after the Akuapem–Akwamu War. That conflict ultimately freed the Akuapem people from Akwamu control and laid the foundation for the establishment of the Ofori Stool Dynasty.
Nana Amanor Awuah was a descendant of Nana Ahenkorakese, an Asona chief from Adanse Ofoase. Through this lineage he shared ancestry with King Kuntunkununku, remembered as one of the earliest rulers of the Asona people who once lived at Adanse Kokobiante. Traditional accounts narrate that the Ahenkorakese Asona lineage, under Nana Agyapon Tenten, first settled at Adanse Ofoase before migrating with Ofori Panyin to Pamen in the territory of Akyem Abuakwa. Later they moved again with King Safori and became instrumental in the formation of the Akuapem political structure around 1733.
The Dispute At Akropong And The Migration
Around 1740, during the Ohum Festival, a misunderstanding arose between Ofei Boa, who was acting as regent of Okuapeman, and Nana Amanor Awuah concerning the ownership of palm wine. Because of this dispute, Nana Amanor Awuah and his followers departed from Akropong, intending to return to Akyem Abuakwa. Their journey first led them to Adesaase, and later to Odumase close to Dodowa.
It was during this time that Nana Amanor Awuah, who was also known as a skilled hunter, met Konton Mensah, whose family had long lived in the Dodowa and Amanoakura areas. The two men formed a strong friendship and alliance. Together they established a new settlement, which eventually became known as Amanokrom. Because the town was founded by a member of the Asona Clan, the Amanokrom Stool has since its creation been occupied predominantly by descendants of the Ahenkorakese Asona lineage, traditionally referred to as the Okomán.
Amanokrom and The Gyaase in The Akatamansu War
The history of Amanokrom is deeply connected with the Akatamasu War and the role played by the Gyaase communities of Amanokrom, Adawso, and Lower Dodowa within Okuapeman. Amanokrom occupied an important spiritual and military position because it was the seat of the powerful deity Senyani Abena, whose name signifies: “Se wo nya no a, womin” — “Once it possesses you, you cannot escape.” This deity was regarded as the spiritual commander and protector of the warriors.
Before warriors marched to battle, sacred regalia, charms, and ritual objects believed to hold supernatural powers were raised at the outskirts of the deity’s shrine. This sacred ground today corresponds to the area where the Presbyterian Junior High School of Amanokrom now stands.
Historical Timeline
Founding of Amonokrom by Nana Amanor Awuah and Konton Mensah.
Amonokrom becomes part of the evolving political and cultural structure of Akuapem.
Odwira Festival grows into a sacred season of purification, unity, and remembrance.
Modern development focuses on education, governance, sustainability, and youth growth.