African History Encyclopaedia

Rifa’ Ah Rafi Al-Tahtawi (1801-73), the first intellectual reformer of modern Egypt and father of modern Arabic literature, was born at Tahta, Upper Egypt in...

Osei Yaw Akoto (Circa 1800-1833) was Asantehene from 1824-1833. Although not usually numbered among the great Asante rulers, he decisively affected the course of the...

Osei Tutu (16?-1717) was the founder of the Asante nation. With the help of Okomfo Anokye, the famous priest, he unified several mutually distrustful states...

Theophilus Opoku (1824-July 7, 1913) in 1872 became the first African to be ordained a pastor on Gold Coast soil by the Basel mission. He...

Opoku Ware (circa 1700-1750), who ruled from 1720-1750, was probably the greatest of the 18th century Asante warrior kings. Under his leadership, Asante defeated the...

Opoku Frefre (Circa 1760-1826) was the talented Gyasehene (royal treasurer) of Asante for a quarter of a century, as well as a commander of some...

Okomfo Anokye (circa 1660? – circa 1712?), a folk hero who was also a historical figure, was a renowned fetish priest who exerted great influence...

Ofori Kuma I, (“Kuma” means “the Younger”),[?-1731), also known as Kwao Safori, or Sakyiama Tenten, was the founder of the state of Akuapem, 30 mi...

Nana Ofori Atta I (October 11, 1881-August 20, 1943), or Aaron Eugene Boakye Danquah, was Omanhene (paramount chief) of Akyem Abuakwa from 1912-1943. During this...

Sir Milton Margai (December 7, 1895 – April 28, 1964) the first prime minister of Sierra Leone, was an outstanding political leader, a pioneer in...