Asante Kingdom Is Citadel Of Africa’s Culture & Heritage – Abeiku Santana

Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey Santana, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Marketing and Special Duties) of the Ghana Tourism Authority, has praised the Asante Kingdom, describing it as one of Africa's most revered. During a recent appearance as a guest judge for Ghana’s Most Beautiful (GMB), Santana highlighted the Asante Kingdom's exceptional preservation of cultural heritage.

He emphasized that there is no traditional paramountcy that has maintained its heritage like the Asanteman. Santana pointed out that the Asante Kingdom is acknowledged among the 11 to 15 most powerful kingdoms in Africa, highlighting its rich history, from ancient military prowess to its vibrant culture and traditions that have been meticulously preserved.

Santana specifically referenced the Manhyia Palace Museum as a testament to the kingdom's remarkable historical preservation. He noted that the museum houses effigies of every king and queen from the first occupant of the Golden Stool to the current occupant, the 16th. According to Santana, no other traditional paramountcy has such a comprehensive record of its lineage.

Furthermore, he underscored the global significance of Asante culture, noting that the flag of Asante bears similarities to the flag of Jamaica. This cultural connection is rooted in the fact that the Maroons of Jamaica trace their heritage back to the Asante. Santana emphasized that the Asante Kingdom's influence extends beyond Ghana, reaching into neighboring countries such as Côte d’Ivoire, the Oti Region, the Volta Region, and the Eastern Region, where regions like Asante Akyem also play a crucial role.