Asantehene: Kwamang Chiefs Illegitimately Using “Barima” as Title

The Monarch of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has clarified that the “Barima” title used by some traditional authorities who have ascended the Kwamang male stool was not conferred in accordance with tradition.

This makes its use illegitimate, His Majesty indicated during an Asanteman Council meeting on October 16, 2025, when Nana Debrah Boateng Bediako stood to take an oath of allegiance.

The Asantehene drew out the history of how the self-acclaimed title came about.

“Your grandfather, Kwame Ayensua was the Dikro for Kumawuhene at the time of the Akatamanso war. He went to that war with Kumawuhene. When they returned, he illegitimately conferred the title Barima on himself because, according to him, he had gone to war with Barima Kumawuhene.”

Otumfuo stated that this was against tradition.

“That is not right. They stopped using the title, but recent occupants of the stool have gone back for the title.”

His Majesty said the stool got elevated to paramountcy in the recent past after they moved to subject themselves under Tafo as an Aduana clan.

Story by Hajara Fuseini