Denkyira people are ancient warlords and matriarchal Kwa-speaking people which forms the sub-set of the larger Akan ethnic group residing in the Central Region of Ghana. The Denkyira people who were once a famous kingdom until Asante people brought it to its knees, speak Akan Twi language and can be found in Twifo Ati-Mokwa (Hemang lower Denkyira) and Upper Denkyira districts.

The Asante Kingdom was a vassal of Denkyira. In 1699, Denkyirahene Ntim Gyakari requested hire taxes from Asantehene Osei Tutu. This action caused war to break out. Initially, the war went the way of Denkyirahene Gyakari, but the tides turned. In 1701, Denkyirahene Ntim Gyakari was defeated by the Asante Kingdom at Feyiase. The Asante Kingdom proceeded to aquire remaining Denkyira territories.

Denkyira was broken into to two regions, metropolitan and provincial. Abankeseso represented the metropolitan area, where the king or denkyirahene resided. Under the king were different officers; Batahene (Minister of Trade), the Sanaahene(Finance), the Gyaasehene(Home Afrairs), the Akyeamehene (Foreign Affairs and Head Linguist) and the Sumankwaahene(Religious Affairs).

The provincial regions represented conquered territories. Kings of conquered territories still remained in authority and served in a council that advised the denkyirahene. They were to pay tax and provide soldiers for the army during wartime.

Denkyira's two broad regions fell into three political/military division: Akumatire(Advance Guard), Kyeremfem (Leftwing) and Agona Adontendom(Right Guard)

The kingdom traded with the Europeans at the coast. Gold and slaves were major items in exchanged for guns and manufactured goods at Elmina. Gold and slaves were heavily taxed by the kingdom. Guns were the most sought after product. It was used to build up the military and support the empire's expansionist thrust. Denkyira held the Note to Elmina Castle of the Dutch, before it was taken by the Asante Empire in 1701. The Note represented overlordship and control of all trading activities.

Source: AkwasiKaakyire