"Kromer's Report for the Third Quarter of 1870"

Writes of the many palavers between the missionaries and the Okyenhene and the people of Kibi concerning Asante's stay in Begoro. These interrupted his activities in repairing the mission buildings. The report also involves some discussion of Mohammedan influences, sources not quoted, presumably Mohammedans with whom Kromer had spoken. There is a town Yenni 10 days North-East of Kumasi whose inhabitants outnumber the combined population of Akims and Akwapims. It is a Mohammedan town, and for a long distance around it no other people live. About 50 years before, the Asantes, with their guns, had conquered the town, and made it liable to pay tribute - 1000 dollars and 500 slaves. It is as a result of this that Mohammedans are to be found in Asante and to the south. They are welcomed because of their reputation as providers of strong medicine, and they can earn a living in these terms. Kromer classifies such people into two groups - those who effectively prosper by fetish - the provision of amulets. These are usually illiterate, and cannot read Arabic. The others are well educated and literate in Arabic. People of the first type once came to Gyadam, people of the second type were currently in Kibi. The present group in Kibi had been in Fante for 5 years, and had got themselves a great reputation (Kromer comments that they were able to cross frontiers even at time of war, and thus had gone to Fante when they did). They sent to Kibi with the news that they could turn earth to gold, were invited to visit the Okyenhene and were received in a magnificent procession with guns firing etc. Their present to the Okyenhene was a fine embroidered robe. They have not clashed with the Christians, though they have entry everywhere In Kibi, including with the Okyenhene who has made the Chief Mohammedan one of his advisors with a seat on the council. There is a short subscript by Mader dated 19 October 1870 who remarks that there are Mohammedans settled in British Accra, who have their own sort of school, and visit Akwapim singly.

October 1870

October 1870

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