Dr. Thomas Agyarko Poku, Medical Superintendent of Suntreso Hospital and Director of the Asante Cultural and Traditional Institute, has documented decades of Asante history and established a cultural institute aimed at preserving and teaching the traditions of the Asante Kingdom.
Speaking in an interview with Kofi Boakye on Nkwantannanso on Opemsuo Radio, Dr. Agyarko Poku recounted how his passion for Asante culture began at an early age, despite pursuing a career in science.
He explained that although he was trained as a medical doctor, his deep interest in Asante history never faded, largely influenced by his upbringing and the teachings of his grandmother, who introduced him to traditional knowledge from childhood.
Dr. Agyarko Poku revealed that his relationship with the Asantehene dates back to before the monarch ascended the throne, describing how their bond developed over time due to the King’s humility.
“I met him before he became Asantehene, and because of his humility, I did not even know he was a royal. We became very close and would spend long hours talking,” he said.
He noted that after the Asantehene ascended the throne, he followed him to the palace, where he has spent about 27 years, gaining direct access to the customs, traditions, and historical processes of the Asante Kingdom. According to him, his time at the palace revealed that much of Asante history had been documented by foreigners, often based on observation rather than lived experience.
“The books available were mostly written by foreigners who came to observe and document what they saw. But I am here, I have witnessed these traditions myself, so I decided to write our story from our own perspective,” he explained.
This realisation, he said, inspired him to begin documenting Asante traditions and history firsthand.
Dr. Agyarko Poku disclosed that he has so far authored about 130 books, with several others still in progress, capturing various aspects of Asante culture, governance, and heritage.
He emphasised that documenting authentic history requires patience and deep engagement, noting that some insights take years of interaction with traditional authorities to fully understand.
He further explained that the need to preserve and properly teach Asante traditions led to the establishment of the Asante Cultural and Traditional Institute.
The institute, he said, serves as a learning centre for traditional leaders, students, and the general public, providing structured education on Asante customs and values.
He added that experts in various traditional roles are invited to teach, ensuring that knowledge is passed on accurately and preserved for future generations.
Dr. Agyarko Poku stressed that preserving Asante heritage requires deliberate effort, proper documentation, and education, especially from those with direct access to authentic cultural knowledge.
Source:
opemsuo.com
