Meet Fantana’s Parents: Dorcas Affo-Toffey and Joseph Lawrence Ashun

Fantana, born Francine Nyanko Koffi on July 3, 1997, in Atlanta, Georgia, is a Ghanaian-American musician celebrated for her vibrant music and reality television appearances.

Of Ghanaian descent, she hails from the Nzema ethnic group in Ghana’s Western Region, blending her American upbringing with her rich Ghanaian heritage. While her specific religious beliefs are not widely documented, her participation in various cultural and community activities reflects an appreciation for diverse spiritual values.

Fantana‘s father, Joseph Lawrence Ashun, is a businessman, although details of his ventures remain largely private. Her mother, Dorcas Affo-Toffey, is a distinguished Ghanaian politician and entrepreneur, currently serving as the Member of Parliament for the Jomoro Constituency. She also has a sister, Lynelle Koffi, who is a medical professional based in the United States.

Fantana received her primary and secondary education in the U.S., with a focus on Business and Fashion. She later pursued higher education in these fields, although the specific institutions she attended are not widely publicized. This academic foundation has significantly influenced her career, enabling her to excel in both music and fashion. Known for hit tracks like “So What” and “Rich Gyal Anthem,” Fantana has also demonstrated her entrepreneurial prowess by establishing her own fashion boutique.

Her parents, Joseph Lawrence Ashun and Dorcas Affo-Toffey, have been instrumental in shaping her life and career. Their roles as businessmen and political leaders, respectively, have contributed to Fantana‘s upbringing and her commitment to making an impact through her art and entrepreneurial ventures.

Dorcas Affo-Toffey

Dorcas Affo-Toffey was born on May 4, 1972, in Tikobo No. 1, Ghana. She grew up in a large, close-knit family as the youngest of her mother’s five children and the 18th of her father’s 23 children.

After completing her secondary education at Nkroful Agriculture Secondary School, she moved to the United States, where she pursued studies in dental hygiene, real estate management, branding, and customer service. Her academic journey culminated with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and an MBA from Knutsford University College in Ghana.

Dorcas Affo-Toffey has established herself as a prominent political figure in Ghana. A member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), she serves as the Member of Parliament for the Jomoro Constituency in the Western Region. She first won her parliamentary seat in 2020 and successfully retained it in the 2024 elections with a decisive victory.

In parliament, she is an active member of the Gender and Children Committee as well as the Lands and Forestry Committee. She has been a strong advocate for economic development in her constituency, notably pushing for reopening land borders during the COVID-19 pandemic to stimulate local economic activity.

Before entering politics, Dorcas made significant strides in the business world. In Atlanta, Georgia, she founded several companies, including Topeka Properties, Kids Smile Inc., and Queen D Beauty. She also serves as a senior partner at Selfie Homes in the United States. Upon returning to Ghana in 2012, she continued her entrepreneurial ventures, becoming the CEO of Nano Fix IT Company and the Country Representative for Sebastian Closet Inc.

Joseph Lawrence Ashun

Joseph Lawrence Ashun, though less publicized than his wife, Dorcas Affo-Toffey, is recognized as a businessman whose contributions have played a vital role in the family’s success. While details about his specific business ventures are limited, his support has been instrumental in fostering a stable environment for their family and encouraging their daughter Fantana’s flourishing music career.

Together, Joseph and Dorcas have raised two accomplished daughters: Fantana, a celebrated musician, and Lynelle Koffi, a medical professional based in the United States.

The couple has created a family dynamic that values creativity and public service. Drawing from this nurturing environment, Fantana has achieved success with hit songs like Rich Gyal Anthem and her role on the Netflix reality show Young, Famous & African. The family’s commitment to education, business, and community engagement has profoundly shaped Fantana’s career trajectory and public image.

In August 2024, the family faced a harrowing moment when Dorcas Affo-Toffey was involved in a near-fatal accident while returning from campaign activities. Her vehicle narrowly avoided a collision with an overtaking truck, a close call that drew widespread support from her constituents and family. Fantana took to social media to express deep gratitude for her mother’s safety, highlighting the strong bond within the family.