The Kings of Asante
The position of Asantehene is still a complex one. As head of the Kumasi state, he has equal status with the heads of the other states in the Union . As Asantehene, he is commander-in-chief of the Asante army, Chief Priest; Supreme Judge, and Chief Executive. An Asantehene is also head and chairperson of the Asanteman Council, which is the highest legislative authority in Asante . He presides over all meetings of the Council. Asantehene being the commander-in-chief of the army, must be well built, physically strong and healthy. He must also be without blemish, not disabled in any form or lost any part of his body. Bravery and willingness to fight to defend the state is a criterion for selecting an Asantehene. Therefore during the installation of Asantehene he has to demonstrate this by wearing the Batakarikese and fire a gun before the Asantehemaa (Queen Mother), the Mamponghene and the Essumejahene.
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1. Nana Osei Tutu
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1670-1717(?)
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47 years
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2. Nana Opoku Ware II
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1720-1750
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30 years
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3. Nana Kusi Bodom
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1750-1764
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14 years
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4. Nana Osei Kwadwo
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1764-1777
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13 years
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5. Nana Osei Kwame
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1777-1798
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21 years
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6. Nana Opoku Fofie
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1798-1799
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1 year
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7. Nana Osei Bonsu
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1800-1823
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23 years
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8. Nana Osei Yaw Akoto
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1824-1834
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10 years
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9. Nana Kwaku Duah
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1834-1867
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33 years
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10. Nana Kofi Karikari
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1867-1874
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7 years
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11. Nana Mensah Bonsu
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1874-1883
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9 years
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12. Nana Kwaku Duah II
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1884-1884
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40 days
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13. Nana Kwaku Duah III
(Nana Agyeman Prempeh I)
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1888-1931
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43 years
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14. Nana Agyeman Prempeh II
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1931-1970
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39 years
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15. Otumfuo Opoku Ware II
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1970-1999
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29 years
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16. Otumfuo Osei Tutu II
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1999
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To date the Golden Stool has had sixteen occupants - four of them since the British invasion.
