Asanteman Traditional Council: Enduring Leadership in the Ashanti Region

What does it take to hold a region together for centuries, through war, colonization, and modern-day governance?

If you’re curious about how leadership works in the Ashanti Region beyond politics and policy, the Asanteman Traditional Council is worth understanding.

The council is more than ceremonial. It functions as a working leadership system with deep roots in Ashanti history, culture, and community responsibility.

Chiefs from all over the region come together to support the Asantehene, uphold tradition, and address regional concerns that affect everyday life.

Council Members and Their Roles in Asanteman

Meeting Frequency and Tradition

The Asanteman Council meets regularly at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi. While there is no fixed public schedule, meetings often align with important cultural events like Akwasidae, or take place when chieftaincy matters or land issues arise.

Emergency sessions may also be called when needed. This flexible approach allows the council to stay responsive to the needs of the region while honoring tradition.

If you’re curious to see how these meetings happen or want a glimpse into real-time updates, Opemsuo Radio, a media outlet affiliated with Manhyia Palace, often broadcasts or reports on council proceedings and traditional events.

Council Size and Representation

The council includes the Asantehene and 65 other chiefs, making a total of 66 members. These include paramount chiefs (Amanhene), divisional chiefs, and Kumasi-based leaders with deep-rooted authority across the Ashanti Region and beyond.

While the exact number may vary slightly depending on active stools or succession, 66 is widely recognized as the “full house” representation of the Asanteman Traditional Council.

Deep Historical Roots

The Asanteman Council traces its roots to the time of Osei Tutu I and Okomfo Anokye. When the Golden Stool was introduced, it united the Ashanti clans. Chiefs from all over swore allegiance to the stool. This event marked the beginning of organized leadership under one kingdom.

The council structure allowed towns to keep their own chiefs and customs. At the same time, they followed the guidance of the Asantehene for decisions that affected everyone.

Even during British colonization, this system held together. After Ghana gained independence, the council continued its work. In 1971, the Chieftaincy Act gave it formal recognition under national law.

The Role of the Asantehene

The Asantehene is the highest traditional leader in the Ashanti Region. He is chosen through matrilineal succession, guided by the Queen Mother and a group of trusted elders. This process takes into account a person’s character, wisdom, and family background.

His responsibilities include:

• Leading the Asanteman Council
• Guiding the process of choosing new chiefs
• Representing the region at public events
• Protecting cultural traditions and sacred symbols like the Golden Stool

He also supports peacebuilding and settles disputes brought before the council.

If the Golden Stool becomes vacant, the Mamponghene serves as Regent until a new Asantehene is chosen. This shows how leadership continues even during transition.

What the Council Handles

The council is active in many areas. Its responsibilities include land matters, chieftaincy, culture, and regional leadership.

Chieftaincy Matters

The council helps with:

• Confirming or rejecting new chiefs
• Solving problems when there are disputes about succession
• Enstoolment and destoolment processes

When a chief can no longer lead well, the council may decide to remove the person from the stool after careful steps are taken.

The Hierarchy of Chiefs in the Council

The Asanteman Council has a strong leadership structure. At the top is the Asantehene. Below him are divisional chiefs called Amanhene. Each Amanhene oversees a large traditional area. Some of the most well-known Amanhene include:

• Mamponghene – second in command and caretaker when the Golden Stool is vacant
• Juabenhene – leader of a key trade region
• Bekwaihene, Offinsohene, Kumawuhene, Nsutahene, Kokofuhene, and Dwabenhene – each with leadership roles tied to governance, land issues, or tradition

These Amanhene are the Asantehene’s main advisors and help lead major decisions.

Next are sub-divisional chiefs, who work under the Amanhene. They include:

• Kontihene – historically led warriors and now oversees defense and order
• Akwamuhene – supports communication across regions
• Edwesohene, Toasehene, Ejisuhene, and others – manage farming areas, festivals, or trade zones

This hierarchy ensures that every chief reports to someone above, and all ultimately support the Asantehene. It keeps the kingdom organized and united.

The Seating Plan at the General Assembly

At major meetings, chiefs are seated in an arrangement that shows their rank and role.

Those closest to the Asantehene are paramount chiefs who carry more responsibility. Chiefs seated farther away tend to oversee smaller towns or serve in specialized roles.

Even the left and right sides carry meaning. Chiefs on the right often handle military matters.

Chiefs on the left focus on spiritual, cultural, or advisory duties. These details show how tradition and structure work together.

The seating isn’t just about formality. It’s a public way of showing leadership, order, and balance.

📝 Note on Majority or Minority Representation
While some may wonder whether the Left (Benkum), Right (Nifa), or Center (Busua) divisions have more influence or numbers, there is no official majority or minority status. Each wing has distinct roles rooted in Ashanti tradition, spiritual, military, and administrative. Representation is balanced by duty, not volume.

The Benkum, Nifa, and Busua Divisions

Traditional Ashanti leadership is also organized into three main divisions: Benkum, Nifa, and Busua.

These divisions help organize how the Asanteman Council functions during meetings, ceremonies, and major decisions.

Each division represents a wing in the traditional structure:

• Benkum means the Left Wing
• Nifa means the Right Wing
• Busua refers to the Center or Rear Guard

These divisions come from the Ashanti military system but are still used in council work today. Each group has its own chiefs, and their positions during meetings reflect this arrangement.

• Benkum (Left Wing)
  This group of chiefs often supports the cultural and spiritual side of governance. They help with rituals, customs, and matters related to the stool house.
• Nifa (Right Wing)
  Chiefs on this side are tied to defense, discipline, and public order. Historically, they supported military strategies and maintained control during war and peace times.
• Busua (Center or Rear Guard)
  These chiefs help with communication and support roles. They may carry messages, manage transitions, and work across both wings to maintain balance.

The seating plan at the Asante General Assembly reflects these divisions. Chiefs sit on the left or right based on their alignment.

This structure ensures that responsibility is shared and respected across all parts of the kingdom.

💡 Not to Be Mistaken With Clan Abusua
The term Busua in this council setting refers to the rear or central wing of the traditional leadership structure. It plays a role alongside Benkum (Left) and Nifa (Right) during meetings and ceremonies. This should not be mistaken for the word Abusua, which refers to a person’s matrilineal clan or family group (like Oyoko, Asona, or Bretuo). A chief’s Abusua determines his lineage and eligibility for leadership, but it does not affect his seat or division in the council.

How the Council Manages Land in the Ashanti Region

Land in the Ashanti Region is held in trust by chiefs. The council plays a key role in:

• Granting land for use
• Solving land-related disputes
• Supervising land offices under customary law
• Working with government agencies like the Office of the Administrator of Stool Lands

This work is done alongside national laws, including the Land Act 2020.

Cultural Leadership

The council helps organize festivals, ceremonies, and events that honor Ashanti history and beliefs. This includes:

• Akwasidae and Adae Kese
• Public rituals and customs
• Community guidelines and traditional protocols

It also supports education about Ashanti values, especially for young people.

Problem Solving and Mediation

The council is called on when major concerns arise in the region. Chiefs often meet to share updates, respond to emergencies, or support affected communities. This includes roles in city planning, safety, and public health.

Local Councils and Their Link to Asanteman

Each area within the Ashanti Region has its own traditional council. These local councils report to the Asanteman Traditional Council.

For example, the Kumasi Traditional Council, which focuses on the city of Kumasi, also participates in regional meetings and decisions.

This structure helps maintain order and makes sure voices from different areas are heard. Local customs are respected, while shared issues are handled together.

The Council’s Role in Modern Ghana

The Asanteman Council is part of Ghana’s present, not just its past. Chiefs continue to play an important role in everyday life:

• Cultural preservation – festivals, rituals, and local customs are still taught and celebrated
• Local development – chiefs support schools, clinics, and clean water projects in their towns
• Dispute resolution – many people still bring land or family issues to their local chiefs first

Some also act as community advisors to local or national government leaders. This helps connect tradition with modern systems.

“In Asanteman, tradition is not behind us. It stands beside us, guiding how we lead, live, and resolve conflict, across generations.”

The Asanteman Traditional Council is an active leadership body. It connects communities across the Ashanti Region, helps resolve conflicts, and preserves traditions.

This system is guided by clear rules, shared history, and the wisdom of elders. It continues to support regional leadership, even as life changes.

The council works with both local leaders and national structures to meet the needs of the people.

If you’ve ever wondered how the Ashanti Region stays connected across towns and generations, the Asanteman Traditional Council is a big part of that story, and understanding it gives deeper meaning to every visit, conversation, and tradition you’ll experience in Kumasi.