The Boy who Spat in Sargrenti's Eye

Kofi Gyan’s Introduction

Kofi Gyan’s IntroductionDO YOU KNOW WHO Sargrenti was? That was the name I gave to Major General Sir Garnet Wolseley, KCMG , Commander of the British Queen Victoria’s army which invaded Asante and sacked its capital, Kumase, in 1874, 21 years ago. Here he is, with his waxed moustache and his medals.

Sargrenti (Major-General Sir Garnet Wolseley)

As for me, I am Kofi Gyan of Elmina. In 1874 I was still a boy, just 15 years old. It was I who gave Sargrenti his name, and it was I who spat in Sargrenti’s eye. Yes, I was that boy who spat in Sargrenti’s eye.

This is my story. If you like it, sing my praises. If you don’t like it, I challenge you to tell a better one.

Before I start, I invite you to join me as I follow our time-hallowed custom and pour libation to our gods and to our ancestors.

Odomankoma nsa.

Asase Yaa nsa.

Nsaman pa nsa.

Yeda mo ase.

Nananom, I greet you with this true story.

Dearly beloved and deeply respected Nana Kobena Gyan, Ohin of Elmina, senior brother of my father, whom the British exiled to Freetown in 1873 and only permitted to return to Elmina after 21 years in exile, and whose mortal remains we buried this last March: I greet you.

Kwaku Tawia, Yaw Kasi and Kwamina Fosu whom the British executed by hanging, Kwaku Tawia before my very eyes, on 28 June, 1872, I greet you.

We the living ask you to give the rulers of Elmina honesty, courage, determination, ability and good sense to rule.

Asafo companies of Elmina, Wombir, Ankobea, Akyem, Nkodwo, Abese, Alatabanfo, Enyampa, Brofonkowa, Maworafu, we ask for prosperity.

Nana Bosom Ampenyi, you are the owner of this town.

I call upon you, your elders and the seventy-seven gods to come and take this drink.

Give us peace and tranquillity.

We ask you for prosperity for Elmina and all other states.

Help all occupants of stools. Give them wisdom and insight into all things.

We ask you for long life for both adults and children.

We ask you to protect our memory of the past that it may strengthen us as we move into an uncertain future.

Drink.

Drink.

Drink.