Asianab Francis Afoko
Francis Asianab Afoko was a prominent figure from northern Ghana, specifically the Upper East Region. He was a leading member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and played a significant role in regional politics. As a representative of the Upper East Region, he served as a member of the Council of State under President John Agyekum Kufuor’s administration for two terms, spanning from 2001 to 2008.
Private Life
In his private life, he was a successful businessman and historian who provided Prof. R. Schott and Dr. F. Kröger, German social anthropologists, with valuable information on the history of Sandema and the royal Ayieta family. Asianab Afoko was the head of the Royal Ayieta Family (Ayieta-Yeri-Nyono) in Sandema, located in the Builsa Traditional Area. After his death, his eldest son, Paul Awentami Afoko—a former National Chairman of the NPP—became the acting head of the Ayieta family.
Death and Burial
After suffering from a protracted illness, he was rushed from his residence in the Bolgatanga Estate to the Tamale Teaching Hospital on Sunday, August 2, 2015, where he died at the age of 90. The traditional funeral rites for the late Asianab Francis Afoko, Ayieta-Yeri-Nyono, were held at the Sandema Chief Palace on May 17, 2025. The event attracted visitors from across Ghana. Among the high-ranking personalities in attendance were a representative of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II; Mr. Kwadwo Mpiani, former Chief of Staff and Minister of Presidential Affairs in the John Kufuor administration; Navro-Pio, Pe Balinia Adda Asapaare II; and the Upper East Regional Minister, Honourable Donatus Atanga Akamugri, who read a message on behalf of His Excellency President John Mahama.
Sources: Funeral flyer of the family, Copilot, Graphics Online, Daily Guide
