The Asafo flags, known locally as "frankaa", are vivid and powerful symbols of identity, pride, and historical continuity among the Fante people of coastal Ghana. These flags are not merely decorative; they form a vital part of Fante cultural and spiritual life, particularly through the Asafo companies—traditional male military organizations that historically defended their communities and now play prominent roles in festivals, rituals, and communal events.

Each Asafo company possesses a frankaa, which is displayed and paraded during important occasions such as annual festivals, funerals of company members, and rites of passage. These flags are designed to assert the power, wealth, and reputation of the group, often incorporating striking imagery tied to proverbs or moral teachings, challenging rival companies through symbolism rather than physical confrontation. This tradition reflects the deep value Akan culture places on proverbial wisdom and metaphorical storytelling.

During the height of the transatlantic slave trade, the Fante acted as intermediaries between European slave traders and inland groups such as the Asante, giving the Asafo companies both economic and military relevance. Their military role gradually diminished after the British colonial occupation in the late 19th century, yet the Asafo structure endured, transforming into a ceremonial and community-based system that remains integral to Fante society today.

Each Asafo company is centered around a shrine known as a Posuban, typically an ornate concrete structure adorned with brightly painted figures. The Posuban serves both as a spiritual center for sacrifices and prayers, and as a secure place to store the company’s regalia—including drums, costumes, and, of course, their flags.

Frankaa are central to this regalia, often handmade from lightweight, imported cloth. Because they are displayed outdoors for extended periods and reused over many years, most older flags show signs of wear—holes, patches, discoloration—which are viewed not as flaws, but as "battle scars" that authenticate their history. Flags with no damage at all are usually modern reproductions, made either for sale to tourists or for ceremonial replacements.

The design of the flags varies widely, but earlier versions made before Ghana's independence in 1957 typically include the British Union Jack in one corner, symbolizing the colonial context of their time. More recent flags may feature the Ghanaian national flag, reflecting the nation's post-independence identity and pride. Despite this evolution, the core purpose of the frankaa remains unchanged: to represent, challenge, and inspire.

In the 1990s, interest in Asafo flags surged internationally. Their bold visual language and deep cultural significance attracted collectors from Europe and North America, making authentic older flags increasingly rare. This global fascination has helped shine a light on the rich traditions of the Fante people, but it has also raised concerns about the commodification of sacred cultural items.

Still, in Fante communities, the Asafo companies and their flags continue to thrive, passed down through generations, woven into the rhythm of daily life, festivals, and spiritual expression. They remain a testament to the resilience, creativity, and enduring heritage of the Fante people—an art form with roots in military duty, rich in meaning, and very much alive today.