14/09/2026
For Historical and Educational Purposes ONLY!
Insults and comments of crass nature = block/delete!!
History Time! Who were the first people to subject themselves to British Protection?
Kuuku Eshun III, digs into the archives.
THE NARRATIVE:
The narrative in relation to the “British Colonial History of the Gold Coast”; is normally inaugurated with the “Bond of 1844” i.e. The Treaty signed between The British Government and the Fante Chiefs (and other Coastal Chiefs)… where it is proclaimed that the “Gold Coast” (Cape Coast to ‘Keta’) became Britains’ first Protectorate; due to a request for British Protection made by the ‘Mfantse Chiefs’ (And other Coastal Chiefs) concerning militaristic threats by Asante.
The narratives then meander their way through an anachronistic assessment of the Anglo-Ashanti wars, into a ”final showdown” i.e. The fourth Anglo-Ashanti war in 1896 (Otherwise called the “Sagrenti war”) and its successive ”skirmishes” (Fifth Anglo-Ashanti war)…
The aforementioned, are then stipulated as the reason, for the “FORCED COLONISATION” of Asante.
How true is this narrative; that we find in many historical references and books? Well, after reading and perusing the undermentioned; the “reasonable man” would surely reply in the negative. This narrative are false!!!
THE TRUTH!!!
The truth is that Asante, was Britain’s first protectorate in the “Gold Coast”. Yes, you read right. ASANTE!!!
Asante signed its first Treaty with the British Government, 27 years (1817) before the “Coastal Chiefs” did. It then became a British Protectorate, 24 years (1820) before the Fante States did.
The first Treaty (1817) was signed between and by; Otumfuo Osei Tutu Quamina (Osei Tutu Kwame Assibey Appouh Bonsu), as King of “Ashantee” and Mr Thomas Edward Bowdich, as the Representative of the British Goverment. Though it did not cede total Dominion, it accepted “subject status” by these clauses - 👇🏾
5th - Residence of a British Officer constantly at Kumasi, for correspondence with Cape Coast Castle.
6th - Governor reserving the right to punish Asantes for Secondary offences.
7th - Convincing neighbouring Kingdoms to “befriend” two British Agents of Colonial Expansion.
The second Treaty (1820) was also made between any by; Otumfuo Osei Tutu Quamina (Osei Tutu Kwame Assibey Appouh Bonsu), as King of “Ashantee” and Mr Joseph Dupuis, as Consul of the British Government. It ceded Dominion and became a British Protectorate by the clauses - 👇🏾
1st - Acceptance of Joseph Dupuis, as “His Majesty’s” Consul at Kumasi, to the full extent and meaning of his Commission.
2nd - The King of Ashantee took an OATH OF ALLEGIANCE and FIDELITY, to the Crown of Britain. Including declaring support, aid and protection of British interests.
6th - The King of Ashantee, after adjustment of present claims upon Cape Coast; could submit future complaints to the Consul only.
7th - No issues with the British Settlements, could be settled without the British Consul.
11th - Another acknowledgment of the OATH and FIDELITY to the Crown of Britain.
These and all the Supplementary clauses included.
Herein lie the unabated questions -
1. Who was/is responsible for the historical narratives in our educational system?
2. Why the choice, to “erase” such key details?
3. What else is hidden?
How do we even believe the current narratives, when FACTS as such; have come to light?
Please find copies of the Treaties and highlighted clauses below.
