As Ghana marks the 2024 month of March; a month in which the country celebrates her heritage, rich culture, and history – also known as Ghana Month, we look at the story of the Yaa Asantewa, a Queen Mother of Ejisu, whose courage and leadership left an indelible mark on the history of Africa.
As we honour her memory on this day, we reflect on her extraordinary contributions to the fight against colonial oppression and her enduring impact on the struggle for freedom and justice.
Born in 1840 in the Ashanti Empire, Yaa Asantewa was a woman of exceptional strength and wisdom. She hailed from the Ashanti ethnic group, known for their rich cultural heritage and strong traditions of governance.
From a young age, Yaa Asantewa exhibited remarkable intelligence and leadership qualities, eventually ascending to the position of Queen Mother of Ejisu, a paramount role in Ashanti society.
Yaa Asantewa’s defining moment came in 1900 when the British colonial authorities sought to annex the Ashanti Empire into their expanding empire. The British governor demanded the Golden Stool, the sacred symbol of Ashanti unity and sovereignty, be surrendered to him.
In response to this affront to her people’s dignity and autonomy, Yaa Asantewa emerged as the voice of resistance and defiance.
In a historic gathering of Ashanti leaders, Yaa Asantewa delivered a stirring speech, rallying her fellow countrymen to stand firm against the British encroachment.
She famously declared, “If you the men of Ashanti will not go forward, then we will. We the women will. I shall call upon my fellow women. We will fight until the last of us falls in the battlefields.”
Yaa Asantewaa’s call to arms galvanized the Ashanti people, igniting a war known as the War of the Golden Stool or the Yaa Asantewaa War.
Despite being a woman in a patriarchal society, she led her forces with unparalleled courage and determination. For several months, her army fiercely resisted the British forces, demonstrating the formidable power of Ashanti unity and resilience.
Though ultimately the Ashanti forces were defeated and Yaa Asantewa was captured and exiled to the Seychelles Islands, her defiance resonated throughout the African continent.
She became a symbol of resistance against colonial oppression and a source of inspiration for future generations of freedom fighters.
Today, Yaa Asantewa’s legacy endures as a beacon of courage, leadership, and female empowerment. Her unwavering determination to defend her people’s rights and dignity serves as a reminder of the power of individuals to effect change, regardless of their circumstances.
As we honour Yaa Asantewa on this day, let us not only remember her remarkable contributions to Ghanaian and African history but also draw inspiration from her example as we continue to strive for a world built on justice, equality, and freedom for all.
