Nana Asamani (or "Asameni") was the first black Governor of Christiansborg Castle,[1] located in Osu, Accra, Ghana, on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea.
Asamani was known as the Akwamuhene who tricked the Danes and seized Christiansborg Castle in 1693. Asamani sold the castle back to the Danes in 1694 for 50 marks of gold, but kept the keys to the castle after the sale.[2][3][4][5]
Personal life
He was known as a businessman who traded with the Danes and the Ga-Adangbe people in Accra. He served as a broker between the Danes, the Ga-Adangbe, and the Akwamu traders.[6]
Seizure of Christiansborg Castle
Asamani planned to seize the castle in 1693. Disguising himself as a cook and interpreter, he studied the traders and merchants who visited the castle, and the arrival and departure of ships. In June 1693, Asamani told the Danes that he and a group of Akwamu traders were visiting to buy ammunition. Asamani and the traders entered the castle under the guise of testing the ammunition before finalizing the purchase, and hid ammunition, powder and shots under their clothes. Asamani attacked the Danes and captured the castle; several Dutch officials were taken as captives.[7]
Asamani replaced the Danish flag with the Akwamu flag. Asamani appointed himself Governor of the castle, where he remained for a full year, and traded with English and Dutch merchants.[2]
The Akwamu kept the 26 silver keys won by Asamani.[8]
References
- ^ WHITE, Michael Jai. "My visit to Ghana attracted negative reaction in US - Actor". The Finder Online. Retrieved 2020-08-15.
- ^ a b "How a Ghanaian Chief, Asamani tricked the Danes". Ghanaian Museum. 2020-03-11. Retrieved 2020-08-15.
- ^ "Name Osu Castle after late Akwamu Chief". MyJoyOnline.com. 2013-04-29. Retrieved 2020-08-15.
- ^ "ACCRA GHANA – Orit Travels and Tours Limited". Retrieved 2020-08-15.
- ^ "National Commission on Culture - Ghana - Ghana @ 50, the Akwamu historical perspective". www.s158663955.websitehome.co.uk. Retrieved 2020-08-15.
- ^ project, A. Moohey & Partners; Addey, Joana. "ASAMANI THE AKWAMU CHIEF WHO ONCE RULED THE CHRISTIANSBORG CASTLE FOR ONE YEAR". SEEKAPOR | an Educational Companion. Retrieved 2020-08-15.
- ^ "Resistance and collaboration: Asameni and the keys to Christiansborg Castle in Accra". the conversation. Retrieved 2020-10-25.
- ^ "How a Ghanaian Chief, Asamani tricked the Danes". Ghanaian Museum. 2020-03-11. Retrieved 2020-10-25./
Real world Implication
Needs updating
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This page was last edited on 12 March 2024, at 21:35