A Brief History of Asafo Flags
The Fante people, living along Ghana's gold coast, used Frankaa flags as war emblems to protect their communities during centuries of European colonial contact. These flags emerged as symbols of insurgent militias against colonialization, the slave trade, and rival communities such as the Ashanti.
In Akan, the local language, Asafo means 'war people.'
Today, Asafo brigades maintain peace and political balance under paramount chiefs. They play a pivotal role in maintaining the equilibrium of authority particularly during leadership transition. Each Fante town typically has between two and fourteen companies with unique names, regalia, and shrines. A senior commander leads each company, supported by captains and various officials. Asafo authority is dispersed among the various Fante states, however control within the troop is often inherited patrilineally. Over the course of generations, the various Asafo companies have developed intense rivalries. These rivalries were expressed during festivals and led to family feuds that persisted long after Ghana gained independence in 1957.
To join Asafo society, a young man creates a unique flag symbolizing wealth and power, often inspired by Akan proverbs. Frankaa flag designs, made from commercial trade cloth, have been dated back to at least the 15th century. Each flag features unique appliqué and embroidered figures that are mirrored on both sides, which convey company pride, messages to adversaries, historical events, and proverbial wisdom.
Asafo companies can be recognized by their emblematic colors. For instance, Sutherland-Addy, Esi identifies these in "Women and Verbal Arts in the Oguaa-Edina Area" as: Bentsir – red; Anafo – blue and white; Ntsin – green; Nkum – yellow; Amanful – wine and black; Abrofomba (Brofo Nkoa) – white; Ankrampa – white and black.
Fante communities commonly display "Frankaa" flags around sanctified spaces known as posuban, which serve as gathering locations for the Asafo troops. Historically connected with animistic beliefs, the Fante tribe maintains a profound reverence for spiritual entities known as obosom, which are considered to inhabit natural elements. As a testament to their reverence for the divine, the regiment constructs a community structure around a revered clay mound or tree. Initially modest huts, these structures served as repositories for ceremonial possessions and regalia, and play a central role in sacrificial rituals, community festivals and funerals. Posuban have since evolved into visually striking cement edifices, colorfully adorned with animalistic sculptures and symbols of power. Recognizing their cultural significance, local communities are actively engaged in preserving and promoting these sacred sites for posterity.
In 1844, Fante Union Army led by Amfo Otu expelled the Dutch from Elmina. Later, British colonization reduced Asafo companies' combat role, but they maintained significance in village life, handling sanitation, infrastructure, governance, funerals, and entertainment. After centuries of trading with Europeans for gold, ivory, and enslaved people, Asafo companies assimilated colonial symbols, like flags, into their military structure. Notably, the British Union Jack in the upper left corner indicates pre-Ghanaian independence, while post-independence flags display the Ghanaian flag.
Prior to the colonial period, Asafo military organizations were entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring the safety and security of the region. Having endured a century characterized by violence and upheaval, they continue to be one of the fundamental local institutions. Throughout their history, their primary focus shifted from military activities to vibrant and competitive aesthetic displays that serve to project power and dominance. Frankaa flags are imbued with history and come to life during community performances, carrying messages and practices that remain relevant and contemporary for Ghanaian people today.
