Empire of Dagbon Kingdom of Dagbon Royaume de Dagbon Dagbaŋ | |
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![]() Region of the Kingdom of Dagbon (black rectangle) | |
Capital | Yendi 09°26.5′N 00°0.5′W / 9.4417°N 0.0083°W |
Largest city | Tamale |
Official languages | Dagbani (lingua franca), English, French, Arabic |
Ethnic groups | Dagbamba (Dagomba) |
Religion | Traditional, Islam, and Christianity |
Demonym(s) | Dagbamba |
Government | Monarchy |
Gariba II | |
History | |
• Founded | c. 1200s–1300s |
Area | |
• Total | 99,839 squareError in convert: Unit name "square" is not known (help) |
Population | |
• 2019 estimate | 9.8 Million [1] |
HDI (2021) | 0.63 medium |
Time zone | UTC+0 (GMT0) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC+0 (GMT0) |
Today part of | Ghana |
The Dagbon Empire (Dagbaŋ) is the oldest[2][3][4] and one of the most organised traditional Empires in west Africa founded by the Dagomba people (Dagbamba) in the 15th century. During its rise, it comprised, at various points, the Northern, Upper West, Upper East, Savannah Region and North East regions of present-day Ghana.[5] It also covered portions of Burkina Faso, North East Ivory Coast[6] and North West Togo.[7] Since Ghana's independence in 1957, the Kingdom just like all of Ghana's kingdoms and ethnic states has assumed a traditional, customary role.[8]
The kingdom was formed when Naa Gbewaa and his descendants unified the Dagomba and related peoples who were ruled by decentralised chieftains known as Tindaamba.[9] The antecedents of the Dagomba prior to Gbewaa's consolidation remain largely elusive, paralleled by the ambiguous origins of the Gbewaa lineage. Presently, governance within Dagbon entails a coalescence of authority between the Tindaamba and chiefs.The history of Dagbon is complex and misconceptions often arise regarding the Dagomba's origins, erroneously positing external origins. While lineage of chiefs are external, historical evidence affirms the presence and integral role of both the Tindaamba and the general Dagomba populace within the fabric of Dagbon society, prior to Gbewaa.[9][10]
During the kingdom's rise, it established Ghana's oldest learning institution, the University of Moliyili, as a centre for learning and craftmanship,[11] pioneered a writing system,[12] and established centres of healing for the sick, similar to modern hospitals.[13][14]
Dagbon is one of the few kingdoms in Africa where certain chieftaincy titles are reserved for women. They rule, ascend to the position of chieftaincy with male subjects, and own regal lands.[15][16] The contribution of its women is prominent as it has given birth to Ghana's first female minister,[17][18] and Africa's first female cabinet minister.[19][20] Historically, its noble daughter, Yennenga, is regarded as the "mother" of the Mossi kingdoms,[21][22][23] a people who constitute nearly half of the nation of Burkina Faso. The Gundo Naa is the head of all female chiefs, and Zosimli Naa forges friendships, collaborations, and friendships.[24]
On 18 January 2019 Yaa Naa Abubakari Mahama, was elected by Dagbon's kingmakers as king.[25]
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