Amoako Atta I

Nana Amoako Atta I, (born Kwasi Panin; 1853– 2 February 1887), was the paramount chief of Akyem Abuakwa in nineteenth century southern Ghana.

After the Sagrenti War of 1874, the British declared Akyem Abuakwa a colonial possession, legally called a ‘protectorate’, as part of the Gold Coast.

As slaves became liberated, baptised and educated, Amoako Atta felt that his authority was being undermined by the Basel Mission, as new Christians lived in their own quarters called Salem.

[1][2][8][9] Furthermore, Amoako Atta I, his sister, Kyerewaa and, the Okyehene's mother, Ampofoaa, other royal courtiers and traditional state functionaries opposed the conversion of domestic slaves to Christianity and the abolition of local slavery as they viewed the practice as a wealth generator for influence peddling.

[2][8][9] He disagreed vehemently with his relations and preached the egalitarian ideals of freedom and justice which diluted the social hierarchy of African traditional authority.

[1][2] The natives blamed the catechist of the Kyebi Basel Mission Church, Joseph Bosompem for the pilfering, which culminated in clashes between traditionalists and Christians.