Okomfo Anokye

Molefi Kete Asante

Okomfo Anokye, who was born Kwame Anokye Frimpon Kotobre, became the greatest lawgiver and wisest sage of Akan history. Known by historians for his tremendous abilities in healing, regulating nature, and establishing codes of conduct, Anokye was essentially a spiritual leader, hence the title Okomfo, which is usually rendered in English as priest . Anokye was born around 1655 in Akwapem in the kingdom of Akwamu in an area southeast of the important Asante city of Kumasi during the early part of the 17th century. Asante historians have claimed that Anokye's mother was an Asante and his father was an Adansi. Furthermore, some scholars claim that he was related to Osei Tutu, the military leader and cofounder, with Anokye, of the Asante Empire. What is clear, however, is that Anokye was largely responsible for creating the constitution, codes, and customs of the Asante people. At Akwapem, Anokye befriended a young ...

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