Kwaku Dua I Panyin, or Barima Fredua Agyeman (c. 1797 – 27 April 1867) was the Asantehene (King of the Ashanti) from August 25, 1834 until his death in 1867.
He took part in the fighting against the Gyaman in 1818–19, and commanded a division in the Battle of Katamanso in 1826.[1] In 1834, Kwaku Dua I Panyin succeeded Osei Yaw Akoto as Asantehene. His wives included Nana Takyiau and Nana Konadu Somprema (sister of Nana Takyiau).
On 18 March 1837, Kwaku Dua signed a contract between him and King William I of the Netherlands. He would deliver 1,000 recruits for the Dutch East Indies Army within a year. He received 2,000 guns by way of advance payment, with the promise of 4,000 more to come. Moreover, the Dutch obtained permission to open a recruitment agency in Kumasi which, for the next few years, would be headed by Jacob Huydecoper, a mulatto from Elmina. Witnessing the frequent human sacrifices in Ashanti, the Dutch were convinced that the Asantahene and his court controlled vast amounts of manpower, some of which could be made available to the Dutch army. As recruitment was still supposed to be voluntary, slaves offered to the recruiting agent received an advance payment to purchase their freedom. As part of the deal two young Ashanti princes, Kwasi Boakye and Kwame Poku, accompanied the Dutch back to The Netherlands, where they were to receive a Dutch education.
From 1841 to 1844 he fought against the Gonja and Dagomba to the north. In 1863 he occupied territory to the south, then under British protection, which soured his relations with the British.[1]
Kwaku Dua I died in 1867 and was succeeded by Kofi Karikari.