The Komfo Anokye Sword is one of the mysteries in the world as the sword after getting stuck on the ground, removing it has become futile despite all efforts.
Where is the sword of Komfo Anokye?
The Okomfo Anokye Sword is located at Adum in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. The sword is situated at the same spot where the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital is located.
History of the Komfo Anokye Sword
The Komfo Anokye Sword Site which is a tourist attraction and the main seminal in Asante history is over 300 year old. Historically, the sword was planted on the surface of a rock in the year 1695 during a grand durbar of chiefs in the Ashanti Kingdom.
The Asante (Ashanti) Empire is an Akan empire and kingdom from 16th century that expanded from the Ashanti Region to include the Brong-Ahafo Region, Central Region, Eastern Region and Western Region of present-day Ghana as well as some parts of Ivory Coast and Togo.
Due to the empire’s military prowess, wealth, architecture, sophisticated hierarchy and culture, the Ashanti Empire has been extensively studied and has more historic records written by European, primarily British authors than any other indigenous culture of Sub-Saharan Africa.
Why did Komfo Anokye put the sword on the ground?
At the durbar grounds, a fetish priest by the name Okomfo Anokye who is very popular and power for the mysterious doings in Ghana plantain the sword after conjuring the golden stool to land on the lap of King Osei Tutu I (The first king of the Ashanti Kingdom). He planted the sword to strengthen the unification of the Ashanti Kingdom.
It is believed that, Okomfo Anokye further made a pronouncement that no one would be able to remove the sword and so it has remained in spite of attempts. The Ashanti state, it is believed, would collapse should the sword ever be pulled out of the ground.
The site was predicted by the fetish priest to be a healing place for millions of people. Lo and behold, the site happens to be the exact place where the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital is situated.
One fascinating story about the Sword is that, since it was planted in 1695, countless number of attempts had been made to remove it from the ground but to no avail.
Currently, the site has become a tourist attraction for visitors who want to learn about the Ashanti culture.
At the site is also the replica of the golden stool which is the royal and divine throne of kings of the Ashanti people and the ultimate symbol of power in Asante. Also some pictures of past Kings from the Ashanti kingdom or empire.
Other tourist attractions near the Komfo Anokye Sword
- Kumasi Cultural Center
- Armed Forces Museum
- Manhyia Palace Museum
- Kumasi Zoo
- Kejetia Market
Also read about.. The History of Kente
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