Ghana - Northern Region Sites and Visits
The Northern Region is the largest of Ghana 's 10 regions, occupying nearly a third of the country and stretching across from both the borders of Burkina Faso and Côte d'Ivoire in the west – to Togo in the east. This is the beginning of the Sahel, a semi-arid region of West Africa extending north to eventually become the Saharan Desert. The word Sahel is from the Arabic "shore" ... comparing the desert to a vast sea. But this is a fertile land too, and is also called "The Granery of Ghana " .
Entering the North , you begin to notice changes, both in the landscape and in architectural styles. Several trade routes crossed this land in early times, giving impetus to many empires, including those of ancient Ghana , medieval Mali , and Songhai . Beginning in the 7th century, northern traders brought Islam and literacy, which had a great impact on traditional beliefs, paving the way for jihads (holy wars) across much of the Sahel . By the beginning of the 19th century, these wars reached deep into western Africa . Islam also brought with it architectural innovations, including different styles of houses and mosques. In addition, textile patterns, the horizontal loom (used primarily by men), and clothing styles in this region echo northern prototypes. This part of the Sahel is characterised by savanna, a landscape of sparsely forested plains, dotted with giant lone baobab trees. The square houses of southern Ghana have disappeared, replaced by homes built in a round style. The orchards and fruit trees have vanished, surrendering to fields of cotton, maize, rice, millet and small vegetable gardens. Herds of cattle graze in pastures and open spaces. This is one of the country's final frontiers – where herds of wild animals still roam free. This is the land of the Dagbon, the Gonja and the Konkomba peoples. Welcome to the North!
Tamale is the regional capital, a transportation hub and trade center, with shea nut processing and cotton production among other industries. In the surrounding area, people are chiefly engaged in the activities of cattle raising, farming, and cotton growing. Tamale is home to two government teacher-training colleges and a technical institute. It was founded in the early 1900s by the British as the administrative centre for the Northern Territories protectorate of the Gold Coast. The surrounding terrain is flat and fairly dry with acacia scrub and yellow grasslands. Only the main thoroughfare is paved, and lined with concrete one or two storey buildings, adobe homes and small domestic compounds which spread into a maze of small lanes and courtyards. The town resembles an overgrown village, with goats, dogs and chickens roaming free, and even herds of cattle strolling along the streets. Its main charm lies in the round-house style of many buildings and its many guilds of craftsmen. Tamale is famous for its leatherwork and a visit to the tannery is a must. The region is also known for its basketware and woven textiles. Life is more relaxed here, where both men and women ride motorbikes and bicycles as the main transport.
The Highlight of any trip to the North is a visit to Mole National Park , one Ghana 's crown jewels in the effort to preserve habitat and provide safe sanctuary for the remaining herds of larger mammals. The park encompasses 4840 sq. km. of savannah and rocky outcrops that are home to 93 species of mammals, including herds of elephant, antelope, monkeys and numerous smaller species. The occasional lion and leopard can be seen resting after a kill, and the range of birdlife (approximately 300 species) is considerable. Game viewing can be done from a vehicle accompanied by knowledgeable park rangers - or visitors canalso take "bushwalk" safaris on foot. A comfortable lodge with a swimming pool provides guests with the comfort of air-conditioned rooms and meals at the lodge restaurant. Elephants often visit the nearby lake to drink and are even known to stroll right through the hotel grounds. Unlike the better known game reserves of East Africa, Mole receives far fewer visitors and one can spend several days without seeing another tourist in the bush ... truly a "Natural Paradise " .
The Larabanga Mosque stands at the entrance of the road to Mole Park and is an outstanding example of the Sudanic style. Mosques such as this one are historical evidence of the Islamic Diaspora that followed the rise of Sudanese states, marking the trade routes of the Muslim Dyula traders who migrated southwards from Djenne across the savannah and into the rainforests of southern Ghana . Believed to date from the 14th century, the mosque is built of sun-dried mud bricks and has massive mud columns supporting a flat roof. To save this aging example of a unique architectural style, the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board has made tremendous efforts through comprehensive maintenance and restoration programmes. |
Sheep-skins and woven mats serve as pews or praying mats in the mosques. These are either rolled up or left spread in the mosque after each prayer session. A receptacle is usually kept in the mosque to hold water for ablution. There is another such mosque at Wuriyanga near Garu in the Bawku district. After being placed on the list being considered for inclusion as a UN World Heritage Site, The American Express company has made a grant available to reinforce and restore the Larabanga Mosque to its original architectural integrity
Salaga is an Ancient Town that was once part of the Slave Route . Throughout the 18th century, Salaga was the commercial capital of the middle Volta basin of Ghana . It was also a leading slave market in the late 18th century. At the main market, the usual commerce was conducted in selling livestock and diverse goods, but human beings were also sold. Slaves destined for sale in the Salaga Slave Market were taken to a well located on the outskirts, where they were bathed to make them look presentable. While awaiting sale, they were either imprisoned in cells or - more often the case - just tied to trees. Slavery was simply considered a commercial venture. Local chiefs benefited from the trade, even taking a number of slaves for themselves. Today Salaga is an important stop on Ghana 's historic Slave Route , a place where Diasporans can see the ancient trees, some of the old prison cells and even leg pegs used for chains that were anchored in the ground. Babatu was a notorious slave raider from Niger who frequented the Salaga market. Babatu barely escaped with his life during an internecine battle with other raiders and later took refuge at Yendi in the Northern Region, where he eventually died. Thus ended the life of the notorious Zabarima slave raider whose name became synonymouswith the human trade in the Northern Territories of the Gold Coast. Many of the citizens of Salaga today are themselves descendants of slaves.
Elsewhere in the Northern Region there are a few other historical sites of interest. Daboya is 67 kms west of Tamale and is a 16th century town from the Gonja kingdom. It is known for its hand-made textiles. Yendi is another historic town. It is the seat of the Dagomba paramount chief, known as the Yaa Naa and is by tradition the capital of the Dagbon.
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