The 10th Asantehemaa, Nana Yaa Akyaa, reportedly made substantial investments in sophisticated weaponry to confront and resist British threats.

Ghanaian historian Eugenia Anderson recounts that upon assuming the role of Asantehemaa after ousting her mother, Nana Yaa Akyaa formed alliances to safeguard the kingdom during a tumultuous period.

Amid internal disputes over the true heir to the Golden Stool following the brief reign of Nana Kwaku Duah II, Yaa Akyaa fought to secure the stool for her son, Prempeh I. This conflict resulted in a prolonged war lasting four years, during which she acted as a rival ruler of Asante, maintaining possession of the Golden Stool to prevent any opponent from being enthroned.

Known for her wealth as a successful trader, Yaa Akyaa used her resources to support her children's ambitions, particularly investing heavily in weaponry.

She acquired a significant supply of snider rifles and ammunition, earning her the title "Obaa Barima." Yaa Akyaa adamantly opposed diplomatic missions.

In 1896, she and her son, Prempeh I, were exiled to Seychelles Island, where she passed away on September 2, 1917, at the age of 77.