The Akyem are an Akan people. The term Akyem (Akim) is used to describe a group of three states: Akyem Abuakwa, Akyem Kotoku and Akyem Bosome. These nations are located primarily in the eastern regions of modern-day Ghana. The term is also used to describe the general area where the Akyem ethnic group clusters. The Akyem ethnic group make up between 3-9 percent of Ghana's population depending on how one defines the group and are very prominent in all aspects of Ghanaian life. The Akyem are a matrilineal people. The history of this ethnic group is that of brave warriors who managed to create a thriving often influential and relatively independent state within modern-day Ghana . When one talks of Ghanaian history, there is often mention of the big 6 (The Big Six (Ghana)). These were six individuals who played a big role in the independence of Ghana. Of the big six, people of Akyem descent made up the majority.

Akyemmansa is the three traditional areas of Akyem in the eastern region of Ghana. Historically, it has been attested via oral history that the Akyem people were one of the first Akan people to migrate south from the Sahel to the area that became Bono state.This area is the Origin of modern Akan people. A group of Akan people who left Bonoman later formed the Adansi Kingdom in the mid-14th Century. The Adansis were known for their ability to build illustrious structures in their kingdom; hence the name "ADANSI" (Builders).