Anokye

Okomfo Anokye, often called Anokye, was a priest (komfo) and a key figure in the formation of the Ashanti Empire in present-day Ghana during the late 17th century. He is traditionally described as a trusted advisor to Osei Tutu, the first Asante king, and as a foundational figure in uniting the Akan states under a centralized authority.

The most enduring legend centers on the Golden Stool, a symbol of the Ashanti nation’s soul and sovereignty. According to traditional accounts, the Golden Stool descended from the heavens and landed on the lap of Osei Tutu, signifying unity and divine approval. The stool’s sacred status is said to be such that it must never touch the ground, and it serves as a core symbol around which the Ashanti state is organized. Anokye is credited with convincing Osei Tutu to unify the Akan states into a confederation and to adopt the Golden Stool as its emblem.

Historical details of Anokye’s life are sparse, and much of what is known comes from oral history and later writings that blend myth with fact. He is widely regarded as a founding figure in Ashanti political and religious life, and his legacy persists in the cultural significance of the Golden Stool and in the continued reverence for ritual advisors within Ashanti society.