Social Work prof brings Nana Yaa Asantewaa of Ghana to life through a graphic novel and documentary

For Dr. Linda Kreitzer, PhD, professor emerita of Social Work at the University of Calgary, a decades-long relationship with Ghana has culminated in a groundbreaking cultural project: a graphic novel and documentary about Nana Yaa Asantewaa, a legendary Queen Mother and leader of the Asante resistance against British colonization in 1900.

Kreitzer’s connection to Ghana began in 1994 as a Voluntary Services Overseas volunteer and has spanned nearly 30 years of research, teaching, and collaboration. It was during one of these collaborations that the idea of spotlighting Nana Yaa Asantewaa emerged. “I was inspired by conversations with one of our alumni, Francis Boakye, PhD’93, who spoke about the overlooked contributions of African women in history, particularly Nana Yaa Asantewaa,” Kreitzer explains.

The Queen Mother of Ejisu, a city in Ghana, Nana Yaa Asantewaa, famously rallied her people during the War of the Golden Stool, a fierce Asante resistance against British imperialism. Her courage and leadership, however, have often been downplayed in historical accounts.

“Colonial narratives have diminished her contributions, portraying her as a background figure,” Kreitzer notes. “Our project aims to challenge that bias, exploring her story through a feminist lens to highlight her significance as a military leader and cultural icon.”

A multidisciplinary effort

Kreitzer, who also recently released Social Work in Africa: Exploring Culturally Relevant Education and Practice in Ghana, brought together a dynamic team from the University of Calgary and the University of Ghana, including social workers, political scientists, and archaeologists at UCalgary and the University of Ghana for the project.

Supported by a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Insight Grant and a UCalgary Transdisciplinary grant, the research team included Kreitzer, UCalgary political science professor emeritus Don Ray, and Faculty of Social Work PhD candidate Mohammed Nurudeen Musah Yassannah.

The UCalgary scholars were joined by an impressive multidisciplinary team of experts from the University of Ghana that included Prof. Mavis Dako-Gyeke, dean of the School of Social Sciences and professor of Social Work, Prof. Wazi Apoh, dean of the School of Arts and professor in Archaeology and Heritage Studies, senior social work lecturers Dr. Alice Boateng and Dr. Doris (Abena) Boateng, and master of philosophy student Peter Osei Sekyere. Dr. Alice Boateng is also a Queen Mother from the same lineage as Nana Yaa Asantewaa.

The goal was to preserve and elevate Yaa Asantewaa’s legacy, which they did through a blend of meticulous research partnered with creative storytelling.

“We gathered colonial writings, visited museums and archaeological sites, and conducted interviews with descendants and local historians,” Kreitzer shares. “The result was a richly illustrated graphic novel, created by Ghanaian artist Marvin Opuni and a documentary film.”

The collaboration also involved multiple field trips to significant sites in Nana Yaa Asantewaa’s life, from her birthplace in Besease to locations associated with her resistance. “These trips were instrumental in grounding the project in authenticity and ensuring cultural and historical accuracy,” Kreitzer says.

Creating herstory: A feminist perspective

One of the project’s central goals was to reframe Nana Yaa Asantewaa’s story from a feminist perspective. “Her contributions have been undervalued, partly due to male-dominated historical narratives,” Kreitzer observes. “Our work really wanted to showcase both her military leadership and her identity as a woman — a mother, a farmer, and a passionate advocate for her people.”

The feminist lens looks to reclaim Nana Yaa Asantewaa’s legacy while creating an empowering narrative for women in Ghana and beyond.

“It’s about presenting positive role models and challenging the systemic biases that have marginalized women’s voices in history,” Kreitzer emphasizes.

Cultural impact and future aspirations

Both projects were recently launched at a gala affair at the University of Ghana, which drew over 400 attendees, including students, scholars, and queen mothers. Proceeds from sales of the graphic novel are going to support the restoration of Nana Yaa Asantewaa’s shrine in Besease and the printing of more copies of the novel for distribution among local primary, junior and senior high schools.

While the primary impact might be felt in Ghana, Kreitzer hopes it will also resonate with women everywhere, including Canada’s African diaspora. “This is a cultural project with global implications,” she says. “It’s about preserving history, celebrating African women’s leadership, and inspiring new generations.”

If people are interested in obtaining a graphic novel and donating to this cause, please contact Dr. Linda Kreitzer.