Anlo Kotoko: Historical and Cultural Reference

Anlo Kotoko refers to the people of the Anlo Kingdom (also known as the Anlo Ewe, a subgroup of the Ewe ethnic group in southeastern Ghana), who were honored with the title Kotoko by the Asante Kingdom as a symbol of their enduring military alliance and brotherhood.
This appellation underscores the Anlo’s status as trusted allies and warriors within the Asante Empire, akin to the Asante’s own self-designation as Asante Kotoko (“porcupine of the Asantes”), which evokes resilience, unity, and formidable defense (like the porcupine’s quills). Origins of the Alliance: The bond dates back to the 19th century, particularly the 1869 Treaty of Thirtle (or Thirte), a secret pact between Asantehene Kofi Karikari and Anlo leaders during the Anglo-Asante Wars. The Anlo, facing British colonial pressures and conflicts with neighbors (e.g., Ada, Accra, Akyem), sought Asante military aid in exchange for loyalty and coastal access. Envoys like Geraldo de Lima and Togbe Akrobotu facilitated this, disguising it as a feigned peace with the British.

•  Conferral of the Title: As a mark of deep respect, Kofi Karikari presented a ceremonial sword to Awadada Axorlu I (Anlo’s military commander), sealing the pact.
The Anlo were then dubbed Anlo Kotoko, granting them privileges like settling in Kumasi (naming a district Anloga Junction after their Volta Region homeland) and participating in Asante rituals, such as stool house ceremonies during festivals like Akwasidae or Odwira.

Anlo ne Asante yɛ Anuanom mmeinu✌️

We may have disagreement on certain issues but that shouldn’t in anyway set adversity between us. Asante de anidie ne obuo ma mmpaninfoɔ, Ahenfo ne ɔdasani biara firi sɛ yɛwɔ nteteɛ Sei Kutuu. Nnsi dabiara da sɛ Santeni de Ohene bi anim bɛyɛ fɔm da!

Sɛ yɛka sɛ Anlo Kotoko a, ne nkyerɛm mu nyinaa ne sɛ, Anlo ne Asante ayɛ korɔ sɛ wɔte wɔn abibiman mu na Broni se wɔrebɛ gye yɛn asaase abɔsoɔ deɛ, nneɛ yɛ ne wɔn de bɛbɔ so taann! Anlo ne Asante ayɛ koro nti, yɛyɛ dodoɔ nti sɛ “wokum apem a, apem bɛba”. Ɛnam yie nso na yɛ nyaa Kotoko.

Kotoko a bɛyɛ mmeranee bi a ɛda yɛ ne yɛn adɔfo ntɛm

Mo Peaw