Osei Kofi Tutu I was the founder of the Ashanti Confederacy, a loosely knit group of city states.

He became Kumasehene , ruler of the city of Kumasi, in 1675, succeeding his uncle Obiri Yeboah . With the aid of firearms bought from European traders in exchange for gold and slaves he greatly expanded the power of the city-state. He led an alliance of Ashanti states against the regional hegemon the Denkyira , defeating them. Then, through force of arms and diplomacy, he induced the rulers of the other Ashanti city-states to declare allegiance to Kumasi. Through his career he was closely advised by Okomfo Anokye, a religious leader.

The Ashanti Confederacy was officially formed in 1701 and Osie Tutu was crowned Asantehene. He would hold that position until his death in 1717 in a battle against the Akyem .

Okomfo Anokye created the Golden Stool as an embodiment of the royal power of the Asantehene. He also devised the constitution that would govern the confederacy for the next centuries.