During a lecture at the British Museum on July 19, 2024, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II informed the British about a symbolic gift from Nana Mensah Bonsu, the 10th King of the Ashanti Kingdom, to the late Queen Victoria, but it is believed that the true meaning of the message has not been deciphered.
The gift, a gold axe, was sent to the Queen just eight years after the devastating Sagrenti War, which set Kumasi ablaze and saw British troops steal its treasure.
The gift was misconstrued as a declaration of war. But in reality, it reflected the reconciliation and peace that characterize the kingdom.
“Lyle has an antique gold axe that was part of the royal collection and was a gift to Queen Victoria in 1882 by my great-uncle, Nana Mensah Bonsu. British diplomats at the time were aghast. They saw the gift of the axe almost as a declaration of war, since the axe is considered a weapon of violence or destruction.
“But what was the motive for making the gift? It was a symbol of diplomacy of negotiation, intended to convey to the Empress that in Asante the axe is used to resolve difficult issues such as misunderstandings and disputes. And it must convince them of the willingness of the Asantes to resolve all misunderstandings and unite to achieve peace.”
This quality is deeply rooted in the Asantes, said His Majesty, referring to King Agyeman Prempeh I, who returned from exile and extended the hand of friendship to the British, despite the unforgivable pain they had caused them.
“The fact that we have overcome the pain of the past speaks to the profound value system contained in the cup of our heritage, which has made us steadfast in defending our independence and pragmatic and wise in our pursuit of peace.”
