How Osei Tutu I died | Why no Chief of Ashanti Kingdom crosses the river Pra and moral lessons

Osei Tutu I, the founder of the Ashanti Kingdom, died in 1717 during a battle against the Akyem Kingdom. According to historical accounts, Osei Tutu underestimated the Akyem forces and went into battle without his usual protective amulets. He was also reportedly careless with his personal safety, leaving some of his body armour back in Kumasi, the Ashanti capital.

How Osei Tutu I died

In present-day Ghana, Akyem snipers hiding in the thick vegetation along the riverbank ambushed Osei Tutu and his troops as they were crossing the Pra River, a tributary of the Black Volta River. Bullets struck Osei Tutu, who passed away shortly after. His last words were reportedly, “Ankah me nim a,” meaning “If only I knew,” an expression of regret for his underestimation of the enemy.

Osei Tutu’s death was a major setback for the Ashanti kingdom, but his legacy lived on. He is revered as a great leader and strategist, and his vision of a unified Ashanti nation under a single ruler ultimately came to fruition.

Why no Chief of Ashanti Kingdom crosses the river Pra

The reason why no subsequent Ashanti king has crossed the Pra River is a matter of tradition and respect for Osei Tutu’s memory. The river is seen as a sacred boundary, and crossing it is considered disrespectful to the founder of the Ashanti kingdom.

In addition, the Pra River also serves as a symbolic barrier between the Ashanti kingdom and its southern neighbours, who were often at odds with the Ashanti. By not crossing the river, the Ashanti kings are making a statement of their authority and control over the Ashanti territories.

Moral lessons from Osei Tutu I’s death

The story of Osei Tutu I’s death offers several moral lessons that can be applied to our lives today.

• Never underestimate your opponent. Osei Tutu’s death was a result of his underestimation of the Akyem forces. He entered battle without his customary protective amulets, and Akyem snipers ambushed him. This teaches us that it is important to always be prepared for anything and to never take anything for granted.

• Be prepared for anything. Osei Tutu’s death was also a result of his unpreparedness. He was not prepared for an ambush, and he was caught off guard. This teaches us that it is important to always be prepared for the unexpected and to have a plan in place for any situation.

• Respect your elders and traditions. The reason why no subsequent Ashanti king has crossed the Pra River is a matter of tradition and respect for Osei Tutu’s memory. The river is seen as a sacred boundary, and crossing it is considered disrespectful to the founder of the Ashanti kingdom. This teaches us that it is important to respect our elders and traditions, as they are the foundation of our culture and identity.

• Honour your ancestors. Osei Tutu’s legacy lives on, and he is revered as a great leader and strategist. His vision of a unified Ashanti nation under a single ruler ultimately came to fruition. This teaches us that it is important to honour our ancestors and to continue their legacy.

READ: Bawumia and Asantehene Honor 57th KNUST Congregation

These are just a few of the moral lessons that can be learned from the story of Osei Tutu I’s death. By taking these lessons to heart, we can live more meaningful and fulfilling lives.