King Prempeh on board ship bound for exile in the Seychelles, 1896

Photograph, 3rd Ashanti War, 1896.

King Otumfuo Nana Prempeh of the Ashanti was deposed in 1896. This came about due to the Ashanti's refusal to become a British protectorate. Eager to keep out any rival European powers, the British wanted to secure the country and its large gold reserves. A force under the command of Sir Francis Scott captured Kumasi without a fight after the Ashanti king instructed his subjects not to resist. Prempeh was forced to sign a treaty of protection and then sent into exile.