Tenkamenin, The People's King

Tenkamenin, The People’s King

Tenkamenin reigned in what is modern day Ghana from 1062 to 1076. Ghana reached great heights during the short reign of Tenkamenin. Through his tactful management of the gold trade across the Sahara desert in West Africa, Tenkamenin’s empire prospered economically.

Tenkamenin is known as the people’s king due to his empathy for his people. Each day he would ride out on horseback and listen to the problems and concerns of his people. He would spend long hours addressing their issues. He sent out his servants to seek the opinion of his people on issues that affected the kingdom before making decisions. As a result it became clear that Tenkamenin’s most significant quality was in government.

Tenkamenin is also well regarded for the way he structured his leadership, He was very particular about taxes only collecting what would be used to benefit the people of his kingdom. Tenkamenin was very concerned about the social well-being of his people.

His ethos of democracy and tolerance makes him one of Africa’s greatest ever monarchs. During his reign, the kingdom flourished and became very wealthy reaching its peak in economic wealth and power.

Wear his name, tell his story with our statement apparel in our classic t-shirt, vest or tote.