Omanhene

In several Akan nations of Ghana, the Omanhene (Pl. Amanhene) is the title of the supreme traditional ruler ('king') in a region or a larger town. The omanhene is the central figure and institution of the nation. He has no function in the Ghanaian state, but has an enormous effect on the people that constitute it. Today 'Hene' can be found in titles of other rulers in Ghanaian nations. For example, the chief of the Dagomba in the north of Ghana is known as the 'Dagombahene'.

The Akan omanhene and collectively the Ahemfo are major land owners, and are the heads of an essentially feudal system. They commit the land they theoretically hold in trust to caretakers.

Omanhene are appointed by Ohemma (queen mothers) that are often but not necessarily their birth mothers. Dynastic succession tends to follow a matrilineal pattern. The exception to this is found, though, in the case of the Omanhene of Elmina.

Not all Akan nations have the Omanhene as the supreme ruler. The Ashanti, for example, have as supreme ruler the person of the Asantehene ( or 'Emperor'), who is superior to the Omanhenes of Asanteman.