Battle of Amoaful
Amoafo, Ashanti Region, Ghana
What happened
A British army under Sir Garnet Wolseley fought the Asante (Ashanti) army led by Amankwatia. In the Third Anglo-Ashanti War, Britain sent an army toward the Asante capital, Kumasi. Amankwatia chose a strong defensive position in thick forest at Amoafo, and his army fought hard. The British won the battle, and Amankwatia fell.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It opened the road to Kumasi, which British troops entered and burned a few days later. A British report afterwards praised Amankwatia's 'admirable skill' in choosing his position.
What came next
The British left soon afterwards, before the rainy season. The Asante kingdom remained independent until 1900-1902.
Did you know?
Wolseley was so well known for efficient planning that 'all Sir Garnet' became an English saying meaning 'everything is in order'.
Timeline
- 1873Wolseley is sent to lead the campaign.
- 31 January 1874The British win at Amoaful.
- 1874British troops enter and burn Kumasi.