Stories and facts

The Yaa Asantewaa Museum was established in 2000, coinciding with the centenary of the Yaa Asantewaa War. The primary objective of the museum was to recreate a typical Asante royal residence from the early 1900s, providing visitors with a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Ashanti people.

Yaa Asantewaa

Yaa Asantewaa gained fame for her fearless leadership during the "War of the Golden Stool," where she fiercely fought against British encroachment on the Ashanti Kingdom's sovereignty. When a British government official demanded to sit upon the sacred stool, symbolizing the soul of the entire kingdom, Yaa Asantewaa rallied the Ashanti men to defend their honour. Her iconic words echoed through history: "If you, the men of Asante will not go forward, then we will. We, the women, will. We will fight till the last of us falls on the battlefields."

The Devastating Fire

Tragically, in 2004, the museum fell victim to a devastating fire that consumed the building and resulted in the loss of many precious relics. Only a few clay pots managed to survive the inferno. This catastrophic event had a profound impact on the local tourism industry, leading to a significant decrease in visitors to the area. The Yaa Asantewaa Museum, before the fire, served as a vibrant hub attracting approximately 300 tourists each month and providing employment to tour guides. However, the devastating fire caused a steep decline in tourism and eventually led to the collapse of numerous hospitality businesses in the vicinity, such as the Sampene.

The Call for Restoration

Recognizing the importance of the Yaa Asantewaa Museum and its potential for promoting cultural tourism, local leaders expressed their desire to refurbish and revive the museum. In October 2009, plans were set in motion to reconstruct the facility, and in 2016, UNICEF pledged US$10 million towards its reconstruction. The new museum will be built on a 14-acre plot of land, ensuring a more expansive and immersive experience for visitors. The restoration of the Yaa Asantewaa Museum will not only reconstruct the physical structure but also rekindle the spirit of resilience and cultural heritage that Yaa Asantewaa embodied. The refurbished museum will offer visitors insights into Yaa Asantewaa's childhood, her life as a queen, the courageous leadership of the Ashanti army against the British in 1900, and her capture and exile in the Seychelles Islands.

The Yaa Asantewaa Museum stands as a testament to the bravery and indomitable spirit of Yaa Asantewaa, an influential leader in Ghana's history. Despite the devastating fire that reduced the museum to ashes, efforts are underway to restore this cultural landmark to its former glory. By preserving Yaa Asantewaa's legacy, the museum will continue to inspire visitors and future generations with the story of a remarkable woman who fearlessly fought for her people's freedom.