ABSTRACT
The Ashantis believe in a world of spirits where all their ancestors live in very much the same way as they lived on earth. Chiefship in Ashanti is a sacred office. The sacred nature of the chief's office is a characteristic feature of chiefship throughout the Gold Coast. Manya Krobo is a State in the Eastern Province of the Gold Coast. The ancestors are believed to be the custodians of the laws and customs of the tribe. Both Rattray and Bowdich have described the big national ceremonies which centred round the Asantehene and his royal ancestors. The Adae ceremonies do not complete the chief's religious functions. But the Odwera ceremony is held in Wenchi, North Ashanti, and in other Divisions in Ashanti. The ritual position of the chief in Ashanti and the ceremonial rites connected with chiefship has remained unchanged.
