Stories and facts

On November 13, 1884, Prince Owusu-Ansah, a dedicated Methodist missionary and respected Ashanti diplomat, passed away in Cape Coast.

His life was a remarkable journey of faith, service, and diplomacy during a turbulent era in the Gold Coast.

Born into Ashanti royalty, Prince Owusu-Ansah and his cousin Owusu Nkwantabisa were handed over to the British in Cape Coast in 1831 as part of a peace treaty with George McLean.

Taken to Britain, they received an education and were converted to Methodism under McLean’s guidance. In 1841, they returned to Ashanti, accompanied by missionaries Freeman and Brooking, ready to begin their work in a land where Christianity was often met with suspicion.

That same year, Owusu-Ansah helped establish a small Methodist school and congregation in Kumasi. For nearly a decade, he tirelessly promoted the Methodist faith, often working alone, in a society cautious of foreign influence.

By 1850, deteriorating Ashanti-British relations led all European missionaries to leave Kumasi, leaving Owusu-Ansah to carry the mission forward until Reverend Timothy Laing arrived in 1852.

By 1853, he was stationed at Abakrampa, the capital of the Fanti state of Abura, serving as a full-time Methodist minister. In 1854, Reverend Thomas Freeman appointed him superintendent of Cape Coast schools, recognizing his leadership and dedication.

Owusu-Ansah’s life was not without danger. During the 6th Ashanti War in 1873, tensions ran high as Ashanti forces approached Cape Coast.

Suspicion of his Ashanti heritage led to a violent mob attack on his home, resulting in the tragic deaths of several Ashanti servants and forcing him, his wife, and child to seek refuge. For his safety, he was secretly sent to Sierra Leone.

By 1878, he had returned to Kumasi, serving as an adviser to King Mensa Bonsu.

Despite accusations and challenges, he continued to navigate the delicate balance between Ashanti and British interests until his death in Cape Coast.

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