"Ramseyer to Basel"

Report on a visit to Asante Akim. He remarks that he has been twice delayed by the war in Eastern Ashanti, and indeed did not go so far as Agogo partly, because he heard that there were very few people in that town, but more because he wanted to avoid any hint that he was interested in acting as a go-between between the two parties. Indeed he had been asked secretly whether he would do this when a messenger came to the Abetifihene from the Namponghene as to whether he would act as arbitrator. He feels however the governor was wise to advise the Abetifihene against undertaking this duty. En route they missed their way at the foot of the Kwahu- scarp and found themselves en route for Agogo. On this path was an area where gold-digging had been carried on. Nearby a type of altar made of pick-handles on which were lumps of sand 'bound up in cloth. After spending the first night in the bush, they spent the second in Ahyiresu, and reached Bompata next day. In Bompata they found the town in uproar during the burial of a fetish priest - but were able to preach to the chief and people who seemed genuinely pleased to welcome them back. However Ramseyer attacked them for not troubling over the past four years - during which time no missionary had been able to visit Asante Akim to pursue the question of whether they were to have a teacher. He likened the situation to one where, if someone is really thirsty they do not wait to be offered water. He found however that they still temporised for they wished to consult their king – Ata Fue of Akim Kotoku before inviting a teacher to come to Bompata and work there. From Bompata they visited Wankwyi Mmmso Kyekyebiase, Domeabra, Dwansa, Krufa and Adomfe. They found the people welcoming and attentive but troubled by the strife between Kumasi and Mampong - they were especially afraid of the young Juaben kings who allied with Kumasi had settled in Konongo and was already threatening Asante Akim. In Kyekyebiase they found a string stretching right through the village - this was to protect them against the danger of war (This gave the missionary party a sermon subject). Ramseyer notes that in conversations in the houses he learned that although people wish to seem eager for a resident preacher in fact with many there is little anxiety for this. In Dwansa they met the chief of Asante Akim, Kwahu Kru, who out of fear of war with Juaben has deserted his real residence in the farming village of Bima. Kru and several of his elders told Ramseyer that all his lands were open to the mission, and they would be especially pleased if a mission settlement started in one of the villages around them. Adomfe they were able to persuade a crowd to desert a fetish priest in the middle of one of his ceremonies - Ramseyer preached on the vanity of putting their trust in a man they knew as a cheat. They received close attention throughout. From Bompata again they visited Asankare, Asuboa and Dampong.

06.11.1888

06.11.1888

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