The Sagrenti War, a significant conflict between the Ashanti Kingdom and the British in 1874, is frequently told from the Ashanti perspective. On February 8, 2024, marking the 150th anniversary of the war, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, reiterated the Ashanti view that the British, without provocation from the Asantes, attacked the Ashanti Kingdom and looted artifacts valued at over 2 billion pounds.
However, there’s another layer to this historical account. Everything Fante, a pro-Fante organization, offers an alternative perspective highlighting the crucial role of a notable Fante woman, Kate Efua Ketse Dawson, who was instrumental in the events leading up to the war.
Kate Efua Ketse Dawson, a prominent and affluent Fante woman known for her influence and philanthropy, is celebrated for her critical role in protecting the Fante Nation on several occasions.
One significant moment in her legacy occurred when she averted a potential Asante invasion by personally providing £486 worth of gold to the Asantehene, Nana Kofi Karikari.
According to the account, Nana Kofi Karikari had threatened to attack Cape Coast due to its lack of military strength. In response, Kate Efua Ketse Dawson negotiated a substantial payoff of gold to prevent the invasion.
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The Asantehene, who was particularly enamored with gold, was deeply impressed by the large sum Dawson provided, which successfully deterred the attack. This remarkable act earned her the title “Ebum,” which means “The Breaker of the Asantehene’s Mighty Balance.”
In 1873, when Dawson refused further demands for gold from the Asantes, Nana Kofi Karikari retaliated by attacking Cape Coast, leading to the Abakrampa War. The Ashanti Kingdom suffered a major defeat, with over 20,000 casualties.
After this loss, the Asantes once again threatened the Fantes. In response, Kate Dawson rallied six other Fante women to seek British assistance against the Ashanti. They provided a significant amount of gold to the British to initiate a military campaign.
This effort culminated in the Sagrenti War of 1874, a conflict meticulously planned and funded by Kate Efua Ketse Dawson and her six Fante allies, as detailed in G. A. Henty’s “The March to Coomassie (1874)” and highlighted by Everything Fante.
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