The Sagrenti War is a painful memory for the Asante Kingdom and the people in the Amoaful Paramountcy in the Ashanti region. This civil war, which claimed the lives of over 40 communities in the area, is still being felt 150 years later.
The war was between the Ashanti Army and the British Army, led by Major-General Charles Garnet Wosely, also known as Sargenti. The battlegrounds included vibrant towns like Edwenase, Atemponya, Edomasi, Monyasie, Beposo, Kyekyeso, Adedaase, Fahiakobo, and Twenuase. These communities were decimated as the Ashanti warriors fought to defend their territory.
Sadly, the war took a heavy toll on the people of Amoaful, as thousands of Ashanti troops, including prominent chiefs, lost their lives. To this day, there is little to show for the bravery and sacrifices made by the people of Amoaful.
Efforts have been made to rebuild the lost towns, but progress has been slow. The current Amoafulhene, Nana Opoku Ampomah I, initiated a museum in memory of the war, but it remains incomplete. The Amoafulhemaa, Nana Akua Afriyie III, is calling for the construction of a monument to honor the sacrifices made by the people of Amoaful.
As the 150th anniversary of the war is commemorated, the pain of that devastating conflict still lingers in the hearts of the people of Amoaful. They are appealing to the Asantehene for support in completing the monument and establishing an annual Sagrenti War Festival. It is a tragic chapter in history that should never be forgotten.
