Banda State (Ghana)

Banda State Banda
ca. 1720–early 20th century
Status	Former State
Capital	Banda-Ahenkro
Common languages	Nafaanra Twi Ligby Ewe
Religion	Akan religion Islam
Government	Monarchy (rotating chieftaincy)
Omanhene
History
• Founded after the decline of Begho	ca. 1720
• Incorporated into the Asante Empire	1773–1774
• Imposition of Akan political model under British rule	1935
• Disestablished	early 20th century
Currency	Gold dust, Cowries
Preceded by Succeeded by Begho Banda Ahenkro
Today part of	Ghana

Banda was a multiethnic polity that emerged in the aftermath of the collapse of the mercantile center of Begho during the early 18th century. Situated in present-day Bono Region of Ghana, Banda evolved as a frontier society shaped by migrations, warfare, and trade, and was later incorporated into the Asante Empire and eventually restructured under British colonial rule. ^[1]

History

Origins and Ethnogenesis

The Banda polity emerged around 1720 in the political vacuum following the decline of Begho. According to the *Kitāb Ghanja* (Gonja Chronicles), the Banda chief referred to as Sie Taki (Shytaq) died in 1751 after a reign of approximately thirty years. This dating supports the view that the state was established by the 1720s. The early polity was populated by diverse groups, including Nafana, Ligby, Kuulo, Ewe, and others, many of whom migrated into the region due to conflict, famine, or accusations of witchcraft. ^[2]

The Banda polity fits the model of a frontier society built from the “cultural detritus” of other more centralized states, and its formation was marked by ethnic hybridity and negotiated political authority. ^[3]

Political organization

The Banda chieftaincy featured a **rotational succession system** between ruling families, most notably the Sielɔngɔ and Kabruno lineages. This principle of rotation distinguished Banda from other Akan chieftaincies, where paramount stools typically did not rotate between families. Oral histories suggest the stool originally rotated among a broader set of families before narrowing in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. ^[4]

Though Banda later exhibited many Akan political features, this was partly the result of **"Akanization"** during Asante hegemony and **British colonial restructuring**. Gifts of regalia from the Asantehene—including stools, swords, and palanquins—indicated a shift toward Akan ceremonial styles. However, Stahl argues this process was gradual and only culminated in the 1935 reorganization under indirect rule. ^[5]

Military and external relations

Banda was forcibly incorporated into the Asante Empire in the 1773–1774 campaign. Oral accounts link the invasion to a refusal to pay gold tribute or the murder of Asante traders. Later wars included conflict with Nkoranza, Bole, and Gonja. Banda chiefs like Sielɔngɔ and Habaa are noted for their military service under Asantehene Osei Bonsu. A British-era estimate claimed Banda could field up to 20,000–25,000 troops in the Gyaman war, though this number is likely exaggerated. ^[6]

Migration and cultural legacy

The 19th century saw repeated waves of migration into Banda. Four of the seven founding families of Banda-Ahenkro traced their lineage to Kulango, Gonja, and Mo origins. Refugees and war-displaced populations adopted Nafana customs, matrilineal descent, and the Nafaanra language, contributing to a shared Banda identity. ^[7]

Colonial transformation

British colonial officers assumed Banda had an inherently Akan structure and forcibly aligned its chieftaincy with Asante models. From 1902, chieftaincy titles were increasingly rendered in Akan terms (e.g., Odikro, Ohembaa, Nifahene), and by 1935 Banda had a full roster of Akan-style kingmakers. However, this restructuring masked the improvisational, pluralistic nature of Banda’s original governance. ^[8]

Archaeology

Archaeological research led by Ann Brower Stahl has revealed a long sequence of settlement in the Banda area, beginning around the 14th century CE. The earliest major site, Kuulo Kataa, was occupied between roughly 1300 and 1650 CE, during the height of the Niger trade. Excavations at Kuulo Kataa uncovered Begho-style pottery decorated with cord roulette, herringbone, stamped motifs, and mica-painted surfaces. Other finds include iron slag, iron tools, copper ornaments, carved ivory objects, and brass goldweights, as well as locally made clay smoking pipes. Faunal remains such as dog mandibles were also recovered, possibly associated with ritual practices. The site appears to have been abandoned around 1650, coinciding with the decline of Begho and shifts in long-distance trade networks. ^[9]

Following the decline of Kuulo Kataa, settlement shifted to Makala Kataa, where a new village was established by the mid-18th century. This phase, referred to as Early Makala (ca. 1750–1825 CE), reflects the political influence of the Asante Empire in the region. Excavations at Early Makala revealed pottery with diagonal slashing and maize-cob roulette impressions, along with highly individualized locally made smoking pipes. Evidence of agriculture and textile-related activity was also present. Remains of maize and tobacco, introduced from the Americas, suggest changing foodways. The presence of imported goods was minimal. The site was abandoned suddenly around 1818, likely due to conflict during the Gyaman war. ^[10]

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Banda was reoccupied in what is called the Late Makala phase. The settlement layout changed to dispersed, circular structures made of wattle and daub. Pottery styles were less decorated, and imported items became more common. Over 200 fragments of green and clear glass bottles were recovered, most likely associated with alcohol, medicines, or hair products. British-manufactured ball-clay pipes replaced earlier local styles. Deep refuse pits and a carved bedrock cistern were also uncovered. One shallow human burial was found beneath a midden, reflecting continuity of domestic or ritual practices. These changes mark Banda’s incorporation into British colonial systems of trade and governance. ^[11]

Legacy

Today, Banda-Ahenkro and its surrounding settlements remain culturally diverse. While the Nafana dominate politically, Ligby, Kuulo, and Ewe groups maintain distinct identities. The annual *Yualie Festival* and chieftaincy succession debates continue to reflect the long history of pluralism and negotiated authority in Banda. ^[12]

See also

• Begho
• Asante Empire
• Nafana people
• Ligbi people
• Gyaman

References

1. Stahl 2001, pp. 150–155.
2. Stahl 2001, pp. 150–152.
3. Stahl 2001, pp. 52, 150–151.
4. Stahl 2001, pp. 65, 152–155.
5. Stahl 2001, pp. 66–72.
6. Stahl 2001, pp. 155–157.
7. Stahl 2001, pp. 189–199.
8. Stahl 2001, pp. 65–72.
9. Stahl 2001, pp. 115–143.
10. Stahl 2001, pp. 165–185.
11. Stahl 2001, pp. 189–212.
12. Stahl 2001, pp. 67–70.

Sources

• Stahl, Ann Brower (2001). Making History in Banda: Anthropological Visions of Africa’s Past. New Studies in Archaeology. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. ISBN   0-521-80182-6.