Okomfo Anokye was born here, no doubt about that – Historian shuts down birthplace controversy
At the launch of the maiden Okomfo Anokye Festival in Awukugua, celebrated historian and legal practitioner, Anokye Frimpong Esq., confidently addressed lingering doubts about the true birthplace of the legendary spiritual leader.
According to him, the debate over where Okomfo Anokye was born has gone on for far too long — and it’s time Ghanaians settled it.
“Let me state this clearly: Okomfo Anokye was born in Awukugua. There’s no need to keep dragging this,” he said during an interview at the event. “He may have lived in Denkyira and later played a huge role in Ashanti history, but that doesn’t change his roots. He was given to the nation, yes — but he was born here.”
His remarks come at a time when the town of Awukugua, located in the Akuapem North Municipality, is gearing up to host the very first Okomfo Anokye Festival.
The festival, jointly organised by Awukuguaman and the Asanteman Council, aims to honour the powerful priest who is revered across Ghana for his mystical works and contributions to nation-building.
Okomfo Kwame Anokye Frimpong Kotobre, more popularly known as Okomfo Anokye, was a revered spiritual leader and co-founder of the Asante Empire in the 17th century. Born in the 1600s, legend has it that he was born holding strange items in his palms — a sign of his divine calling.
He is widely credited with calling down the Golden Stool, the spiritual symbol of the Ashanti kingdom, from the sky — an act that unified the Ashanti people and cemented their identity. As a high priest, lawgiver, and advisor to King Osei Tutu, Anokye helped lay the foundation for what would become one of the most powerful empires in West Africa.
Anokye Frimpong believes celebrating this legacy is long overdue. “If anything, we should have started this 100 years ago,” he said. “But I’m glad it’s starting now — and I want the whole nation to be involved.”
