Denkyira

Denkyira was a powerful nation of Akan people that existed in southern present-day Ghana from 1620. Like all Akans they originated from Bono state. Before 1620 Denkyira was called Agona. The ruler of the Denkyira was called Denkyirahene and the capital was Jukwaa. The first Denkyirahene was Mumunumfi.

Later the capital of Denkyira moved to Abankeseso. The capital is now Dunkwa-on-Offin. Denkyira became powerful through gold production and trade with Europe.

In the 1690s, wars took place between Denkyira and the Asen and Twifo. The goal of these struggles was to keep open the trade routes to the coast.

The Denkyira state dominated the trade with Europeans on the Western part of what is now Ghana while the Akwamu dominated trade with Europeans on the Eastern part. It dominated the neighboring states apart from the Akwamu and Akyem and Ashanti was a tributary to Denkyira until 1701, when it was defeated by the Ashanti in the Battle of Feyiase, and became a tributary to the Ashanti empire.This was led by Ntim Gyakari the then Denkyirahene.He was the illegitimate son of Osei Tutu who was then a prisoner when the Asantes were under the Denkyira.On fleeing Osei Tutu he also allowed him to go with Okomfo Anokye who became the chief priest for the Asantes.