The Ashanti threat In the early 19th century, the Ashanti  began expanding their control over Ghana , sending many people fleeing to the coast. Fante communities outside of Mankessim  became targets of the Ashanti, and  decided to unite in defense.  In 1806, the first Ashanti–Fante War resulted in a humiliating defeat for the Fante. This Fante until this time were the most powerful and most dominant Kingdoms in the Gold Coast. They controlled all trade between various European nations and the interior. This hedgemony was being threatened by the Ashanti. The Fante had also been fighting a long and taxing war with the Dutch to their west from Elmina all the way to Axim. In fact, at some point, Fante Union army surrounded their own town of Elmina threatening to destroy the Dutch and all inhabitants. The Dutch had become allies of the Ashantis and they saw the need to drive them away from their lands.
The Ashanti threat In the early 19th century, the Ashanti after finally breaking free from the Denkyira, whom they were a vassal state began expanding their control over the central Gold Coast through a series of conquering wars , sending many people fleeing to the coast. The Fante aided and granted asylum to the Denkyira, Assin and others. Fante communities outside of Mankessim therefore became targets of the Ashanti, and they decided to unite in defense. Of their lands and trade routes to the coast. In 1806, the first Ashanti–Fante War resulted in a humiliating defeat for the Fante. This Fante until this time were the most powerful and most dominant Kingdom in the Gold Coast. They controlled all trade between various European nations and the interior. This hedgemony was being threatened by the Ashanti. The Fante had also been fighting a long and taxing war with the Dutch to their west from Elmina all the way to Axim. In fact, at some point, Fante Union army surrounded their own town of Elmina threatening to destroy the Dutch and all inhabitants. The Dutch had become allies of the Ashantis and they saw the need to drive them away from their lands.
A
after finally breaking free from the Denkyira, whom they were a vassal state
R
Ghana
the central Gold Coast through a series of conquering wars
R
Fante
The Fante aided and granted asylum to the Denkyira, Assin and others. Fante
A
therefore
A
they
A
Of their lands and trade routes to the coast.
R
Kingdoms
Kingdom