The old King’s house at Mankessim, headquarters of the Fante confederacy, southern Ghana, c. 1901. Photograph via the British Colonial Office.

The old King’s house at Mankessim, headquarters of the Fante confederacy, southern Ghana, c. 1901. Photograph via the British Colonial Office. 

Through centuries of interaction with European traders on the Gold Coast, the Fante, an Akan subgroup, had created some unique architectural developments, blending local construction techniques and materials with selected European flavors. 

“Mankessim or Oman-kesemu, which literally means “big town,” is believed to be the spiritual and capital town of the Fante state. According to oral traditions, Fante people were led there by three great warriors known as Obrumankoma, Odapagya, and Oson (meaning the whale, the eagle, and the elephant, respectively). According to Nana Akwaa, the “Mankrado” of Mankessim, in a personal interview on January 2, 2012, tradition has it that Obrumankoma and Odapagya died on their exodus to Takyiman (now Techiman) and were embalmed and carried by the Fantes for burial at Mankessim at a site known as nananom powmu. The people of Mankessim are governed by an Omanhene (paramount chief) and are predominantly traders and farmers. Though they had contact with the Europeans, they have maintained significant aspects of their indigenous culture” –Historical Discourse of Selected Fante Asafo Flags and Public Sculptures from Winneba and Mankessim, by Eric Appau Asante and Kofi Adjei of KNUST