History of the people of Tamale (The Dagomba Tribe)

Dakpema Chief

The homeland of the Dagombas is called Dagbon and covers about 20,000 km² in area. The Dagombas are the second largest tribe of the 54 tribes (ethnic groups) in Ghana. Ethnic groups that have also inhabited Dagbon include the Mamprusi, Nanumba, Gonja, Mossi, Gurunsi (in particular the Frafra and Kusasi peoples), the Waala, Ligbi and Konkomba. The area constitutes seven administrative districts in present day Ghana. These are the Tamale Municipality, Tolon/Kumbungu, Savelugu/Nantong, Yendi, Gushegu/Karaga, Zabzugu/Tatali and Saboba/Cheriponi. The overlord of the Dagbon Traditional Kingdom is the Ya-Na, whose court and administrative capital is at Yendi. The Dagbon Kingdom has traditional administrative responsibilities hitherto a cephalous group like the Konkomba, Bimoba, Chekosi, Basaari, Chamba, Wala, Gurusi and Zantasi. The seat of the Ya-Na (literally translated as King of Absolute Power), is a collection of cow skins. Thus the Dagbon or its political system is often called the Yendi Skin (not throne or crown or stool).