DENKYIRA KINGDOM SPREADS OVER TEN (10) REGIONS IN GHANA

The Denkyira kingdom is believed to be the oldest and powerful kingdom in Ghana, despite the fact that they are very quite and do not show off their rich culture and traditions. In fact, they are the originators of most of traditional customs and practices in Ghana.

For instance, Introduction of some unique drums, preservation of bodies of kings who join their ancestors, the use of palanquin, Introduction of linguist, traditional political hierarchy, pouring of libation, Introduction of traditional executioners and guards in palace, proper way of dressing chiefs, etc.

No wonder in 1960 Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah proposed the King of Denkyira to become the King of Ghana.

In the early reigns of Denkyira in 1600s, all Akan traditional rulers were sent to Denkyira palace for training. This practice continued for over 200 years after the formation of some major states in Ghana after their king, Nana Ntim Gyakari was killed by their own people who facilitated some chiefs from Kwaman who became Asantes. The rule of Ntim Gyakari led to the split of many Denkyiras to various regions within and outside Ghana.

Apart from Denkyira junior brothers, that is Bogyesango and Akyem Kotoku who were occupying Oda in the Eastern Region and Adansi in the Ashante Region, most of them were domiciled in Atwima, Asokwa, Agona, Breman, etc all in the Ashanti Region. Some moved to Kwehwu, Aburi, Nsawam, etc in the Eastern Region. Others continued their settlementat in the Volta Region at Vume, Asato, etc with few of them continued to Togo. Some settled in Conja, Chreponi, Troakosi and other part of northern region before moving to settle finally at Nkyiraa. Denkyiras are found in the Western Region at Ahanta, Wassa Akropong, etc. Some migrated to Ivory Coast, Benin, Nigeria, etc.

Denkyiras constitute about 85% of the entire Ahafo region. Most of them moved from Abankesieso to settle at both Upper and Lower Denkyira in the Central Region at Jukwa and Dunkwa respectively. Denkyira still have most of their indigenes in the Bono regions after they moved from Nkyiraa.

The Denkyira kingdom has spread across all the regions in Ghana, making it the most powerful and largest kingdom in the present day Ghana in terms of traditions and customs.

The coming of the new Denkyirahene Odeefuo Boa Amponsen IV is going to set the foundation for integrating and uniting all Denkyiras across the globe.

It is evidenced that the rise of Denkyira is a threat to some traditional states whose kingdom rest on the weakness of Denkyira kingdom. The new Denkyirahene has promised to bring all the Denkyiras and their kings together for growth and development, the kingdom would maintain its place as the beacon of customs and traditions in Ghana.