The maps of the Ashanti Region

The Ashanti Region is often referred to as Asanteman by a section of the public, but are the two the same?

Lawyer and historian, Nana Obiri Boahen, in a recent interview on Wontumi TV/FM, gave a vivid explanation of the Ashanti Region and Asanteman.

He indicated that it was out of ignorance that people say the Ashanti Region and Asanteman are the same.

He explained that while the Ashanti Region is the area identified in the map of Ghana as such, Asanteman transcends regions in Ghana.

He pointed out that Asanteman includes the Ashanti Region, the greater part of the Ahafo Region, parts of the Western Region, the Eastern Region, the Bono Region, the Central Region and even the Oti Region.

“There is a difference between the Ashanti Region and Asanteman. Without any apology, the ignorant ones say the two are the same. The Ashanti Region is the region depicted on the map of Ghana. It is bordered by Kwahu, Techiman, Bechem… This is the Ashanti Region.

“But for Asanteman, it includes areas like Sampa, Japakrom, Berekum, Seikwa, Banda, Obofuman, Tiobodom, Tano Obuasi, and Nkoranza. It also includes Amanti in the Bono East Region. If you go to the Eastern Region too, Koforidua Juabeng is part of Asanteman,” he explained in the Twi dialect.

The map of Asanteman

He added; “When you also go to the Oti Region, we have Worawora. Odumase II is also part of Asanteman, Anafiapri (Sunyani Fiapri) is also part. Bibebin has also joined… Tronie has also joined. Also, with the entire Ahafo Region, except where there is debate, like Bomaa and Ejinasi, which belong to the people of Dormaa.”

Watch the video below (from 3:00 to 8:00):

BAI/AE