Akwamu

At the peak of their empire, Akwamu extended 400 kilometres (250 mi) along the coast from Ouidah, Benin in the East to Winneba, Ghana, in the West.

The Akwamu were ruled by the king of the Yaa Ansaa Royal Family of the Aduana abusua (maternal clan).

They expanded into the Akuapem area, including Kyerepon and Larteh, Denkyera, Ga-Adangbe; and the Ladoku states of Agona, Winneba and Afram plains.

He ruled over them until Asonaba Nana Ofori Kuma and his followers, after a succession dispute in an effort to form their own state, engaged them in a fierce war.

These Asona family members and their followers were given a piece of land by the Guan and Kyerepon, the original settlers, to form the Akuapem state.

[5] According to Akwamu tradition, Otumfuo Ansa Sasraku I, also played an important role in the life of King Osei Kofi Tutu I of Ashanti by protecting him from Denkyira.

[6] During the third and fourth Anglo-Ashanti wars, Akwamu tried to help the Ashanti but withdrew their aid, because a diplomatic agreement with British government signed in 1867.

[7] The Akwamu thus controlled many of the trade routes from the interior to the coast in the eastern half of what is now Ghana and created a capital at Nyanoase.

[12]Erik Tileman documented in the late 17th century that the capital was two Danish miles long and 160 feet wide as there was a single major street that contained the royal residence at the center of the city.

[15] According to historian Ivor Wilks, "Akwamu possessed such an array of cannon that Sir Dalby Thomas thought the days of European forts might well be over.