The Senchi and Akosombo Surroundings are both parts of the historical and very cultural kingdom of Akwamu of Ghana. The Akwamus are the Abrade [Aduana] Clan of Akan tribe. According to the oral [as we were told during our recent visit by the King of Akwamu Kingdom] their forefathers migrated from the north, they went through Egypt and settled in Nubia [Sudan] around 500 AD.
Due to the pressure exerted on Nubia by Axumite kingdom of Ethiopia, Nubia was shattered, and they moved to the west and established small trading kingdoms, which later grew and became wealthy and powerful state, and by 750 AD, the kingdom had become the ancient Ghana Empire.
According to history, the Empire lasted from 750 AD to 1200 AD and collapsed as a result of the introduction of Islam in the Western Sudan, and the zeal of the Muslims to impose their religion, their ancestors left for Kong [present day Ivory Coast].
From Kong they moved to Wam. From Wam they moved to Bono Manso, and then to Dormaa [these are both on present day Brong-Ahafo region].
The movement from Kong was necessitated by the desire of the people to find suitable Savannah conditions, since they were not used to Forest life.
Around the 14th century, they moved from Dormaa south and went eastwards to Twifo-Hemang, North West Cape Coast. The move was commercially motivated and they again settled at the Twifo-Heman forest in the later part of the 16th century.
Akwamus are Akans; they belonged to the Aduana family who are blood brothers of Asumennya, Dormaa and Kumawu. According to oral tradition, a succession dispute resulted in Otomfuo [brass-smith] Asare deserting the family to form a new state or city called Asaremankesee [Asare’s big state].
The modern city of Asaremankese was founded and occupied by the Akwamus.
Akwamu expansion started between 1629 and 1710. They migrated into the Akuapem area, including Kyerepon and Larteh, Denkyera, Ga-Adangbe; and the Ladoku states of Agona, Winneba, Afram plains, Southern Togoland and into Ouidah [Juda], the capital of Voodoo worldwide in present-day Benin Republic.
From the Royal Senchi Resort, trips are regularly arranged for guests to tour the wonderful and ancient kingdom, especially to the Akwamu ruler’s Palace, where a small museum is located that has materials dating back to the 12th century depicting their history and most recently their running battles with Danish, Portuguese and the British.
Apart from the museum, the famous Akosombo Dam that supplies almost half of Ghana’s electricity needs built in 1962, is a must see for those that have not visited one before.
The dam has some significant history; especially relating to its operation since 1962.
Finally, a trip to Royal Senchi would not be complete without a visit to the beads making shop in Krobo, another town under Akwamu.
A trip to this part of Ghana will no doubt leave a pleasant memory for a period of time, if not a lifetime impression.
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