Akyem Kingdoms
Akyem Kingdoms | |||||||||||
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| 16th–17th century | |||||||||||
D’Anville’s 1729 map recognizing "Great Akani" (Akyem) as a major polity on the Gold Coast | |||||||||||
| Status | State union with Ghana | ||||||||||
| Capital | Kyebi (Akyem Abuakwa) Oda (Akyem Kotoku) Swedru (Akyem Bosome) | ||||||||||
| Common languages | Twi | ||||||||||
| Religion | Akan religion, Christianity (colonial period onward) | ||||||||||
| Government | Monarchies | ||||||||||
| Okyenhene (Abuakwa), Kotokuhene, Bosomehene | |||||||||||
| History | |||||||||||
• Migration from Adansi | 16th–17th century | ||||||||||
• Victory over Akwamu | c. 1730 | ||||||||||
• Defeat of Asantehene Osei Tutu I | 1717 | ||||||||||
• Incorporation into British Gold Coast administration (indirect rule) | 1874–1900s | ||||||||||
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| Today part of | Ghana | ||||||||||
The Akyem Kingdoms (also known as Greater Akyem, Akim, Great Akim, or Akan Grande) were prominent Akan kingdoms in precolonial Ghana, consisting of the three related states of Akyem Abuakwa, Akyem Kotoku, and Akyem Bosome. Located in the forested southeastern Gold Coast, Akyem emerged as a powerful political and military confederacy known for its abundant gold resources and enduring resistance to rival Akan states such as the Akwamu Empire and the Asante Empire.
European records dating from the 17th century frequently referred to Akyem as "Great Akim" or "Acchem," and recognized it as a major source of gold and a formidable opponent in regional warfare.