Yehyiahyiaoo

Asafo flags can be traced to 18th century Ghanaian Fante communities like Cape Coast, Elimina and Winneba. The flags belong to Asafo Companies (meaning ‘War People’ in Akan) who are key facilitators of security, entertainment,and cultural rites like funeral rites, sanitation and community projects. The flags, known in the local Mfante language as ‘Frankaa’, illustrate Akan proverbs, riddles and other sayings.

Patrick Tagoe Turkson’s work focuses on contemporary Asafo flags. He is interested in the tension and contradictions people bring to objects when they are transmuted or placed in new contexts. He likes the story and relaxation that comes with hand stitching.
Tagoe Turkson believes the Effutu Asafo Flag Art form is losing its compelling visual and moral values to contemporary audiences in the wake of emerging pop culture. His rendition of the Effutu Asafo flag is his contribution towards the preservation and revitalization of the flag–making culture.
‘Yehyiahyiaoo’ is derived from the saying ‘Osi oano na osi maano na ɔkyirε nuado.’ The saying means brotherliness is exhibited when we both have our mouths full. The work is hinged on the premise that a true friend will part freely with what they have.