Asafo

As the result of contact with European colonial powers on the Gold Coast (present-day Ghana), the Fante, who inhabit the coastal region, developed an especially complex version of the concept in terms of its social and political organization based on martial principles, and with elaborate traditions of visual art,[2] including flag banners with figurative scenes,[3][4] and designs alluding to historical events or proverbs.

[5] Posuban shrines (the name derived from a corrupted form of the word "post" combined with the word "ban", signifying a fortification) are traditional structures usually made of concrete, intricately designed and painted with bright colours, serving as both military and religious posts for Asafo groups, as well as meeting grounds.

[12] It was only when Governor Jan Pieter Theodoor Huydecoper threatened to fire cannon from Fort Coenraadsburg into Elmina that the conflict was finally settled.

9 Maa wore consisted of the descendants of the slaves who had worked for the Dutch West India Company and who were collectively dismissed in the early 19th century.

This company comprised mulattoes who were considered equals to the European officers, and who often worked in the lower ranks of the Dutch administration.

The leader of the asafo companies is the Tufuhen, also spelled Twafohen or Twaafohen[14][15] (master of arms),[16] who is regarded as the General Captain with responsibility for giving orders and directing affairs if war breaks out.

[17] The asafo companies feature largely in the Fetu Afahye festival of Cape Coast, held annually on the first Saturday of September.