King Prempeh's 28-year exile ends amid Ghana's centennial celebrations
- King Prempeh was exiled by British forces in 1896, which included the looting of his palace.
- The 100th anniversary celebration in Kumasi featured Seychelles' President Wavel Ramkalawan and highlighted the complex history.
- The exile of Prempeh and others led to significant educational advancements and the eventual return of the Asante monarch to West Africa.
The Asante kingdom in Ghana marks the centenary of the return of King Prempeh, who was exiled to Seychelles by the British in 1896. During the exile, Prempeh developed literacy, advocating for education among the Asante youth. Alongside him, Yaa Asantewaa, a notable leader of resistance against British rule, and several chiefs also faced exile. In 1924, after years of pleading with British authorities, Prempeh was permitted to return to West Africa with a group of Asante people born in Seychelles. The long-term effects of the exile led to significant changes in the Asante community, fostering new opportunities despite the hardships endured. Celebrations in Kumasi honored the resilience and legacy of Prempeh, emphasizing the mixed emotions surrounding this event in both Ghana and Seychelles.