Yaa Asantewaa, Queen Mother of Ejisu in the Ashanti Empire, is an iconic figure of African resistance against colonization. Born around 1840, she made history with her courage and determination to defend her people and traditions.
An exceptional woman in a matrilineal society
The Ashanti society was structured around a matrilineal system, where inheritance and lineage were passed through the maternal line. Women played a predominant political and social role. They participated in village councils, made important decisions, and owned land. As Queen Mother, Yaa Asantewaa had considerable authority and was highly respected. Her role was not limited to domestic affairs: she was a trusted advisor to political leaders and a pillar of the community.
The War of the Golden Stool: An unprecedented rebellion
When the British demanded the Golden Stool, a symbol of Ashanti royalty, Yaa Asantewaa categorically refused to submit. Her famous speech, delivered at a secret meeting, galvanized her people: “If you, the men of Ashanti, will not go forward, then we will. We, the women, will. We will fight.”
The ensuing War of the Golden Stool was a severe test for the Ashanti Empire. Led by Yaa Asantewaa, the rebellion besieged the fort in Kumasi where the British had taken refuge. Ashanti women, alongside the men, fought with exceptional bravery, surprising the colonizers who did not expect such resistance from women. According to documented sources, it took 2,600 men sent by the British colonizers to overcome the determination of these Ashanti resistors.
The role of women in the rebellion
Ashanti women played a crucial role in the rebellion. They provided food, ammunition, and medical care to the fighters. Some even took up arms and fought alongside the men under the leadership of the indomitable queen. Their active participation in the war demonstrated the importance of their role in Ashanti society and their determination to defend their independence.
Forced exile, but an imperishable legacy
Despite the defeat of the rebellion and her capture, Yaa Asantewaa never lost hope. She was exiled to the Seychelles with other Ashanti dignitaries, including King Prempeh I. Her courage and determination inspired entire generations. In 1924, three years after her death, her remains were returned to Ghana by her companions in resistance and exile, where she was honored as a national heroine.
Yaa Asantewaa: An icon of the struggle for freedom
Today, Yaa Asantewaa is recognized as one of the most iconic figures of African resistance. Her story is taught in Ghanaian schools, and she is celebrated through numerous commemorations. Her name is synonymous with courage, determination, and national pride. Yaa Asantewaa remains a beloved figure in the history of the Ashanti people and Ghana for her role in opposing the British colonizers. She is immortalized in the following song: Koo koo hin koo
Yaa Asantewaa ee!
Obaa basia
Ogyina apremo ano ee!
Waye be egyae
Na Wabo mmode
(“Yaa Asantewaa
The woman who fights against the cannons
You have accomplished great things
And you have done well.”)
To highlight the importance of encouraging more women leaders in Ghanaian society, the Yaa Asantewaa Girls’ Secondary School was established in Kumasi in 1960 with funds from the Ghana Educational Trust. In 2000, to commemorate the centenary of the rebellion, a week of celebrations took place in Ghana to honor the deeds of Yaa Asantewaa. As part of these celebrations, a museum was dedicated to her in Kwaso, Ejisu-Juaben District, on August 3, 2000. Unfortunately, on July 23, 2004, a fire destroyed several historical artifacts, including her sandals and war attire (batakarikese), but not her place in history.
A legacy that transcends borders
The legacy of Yaa Asantewaa extends far beyond the borders of Ghana. She has become a universal symbol of the fight for justice and equality. Her story is a reminder that, even when faced with powerful adversaries, resistance can take many forms, and the will of a people can prevail. Her journey also shows that African women have not always been relegated to the background in pre-colonial societies, but have been, and still are, essential to the development and balance of the continent.
Yaa Asantewaa was much more than just a queen. She was a warrior, a strategist, a visionary, and an inspiration. Her example continues to inspire women and men worldwide to fight for their rights, to defend their values, and to let women spread their wings confidently and without condescension from men.