The North Region is the largest of the ten in Ghana, and has a rich history ranging from the 9th century to the present. Because of its size, visitors travelling through the region will discover distinct changes from the landscapes and architecture of the southern regions. The distinctive traditional mud-walled villages, (that are similar to those found in Mali and Burkina Faso), and adapt so well to the demanding climate of the region, provide interesting scenery.
The Region is characterized by its grassy vegetation, open terrain and long dry spells, a scenery that is punctuated by large reddish rocks protruding from the ground often covering large areas, and great numbers of cattle tended by herdsmen. The climate here is hot and sometimes arid.
The hottest time of the year is from December to April. Rains are often torrential during the season, which is in May to August. The Northern Region is worth a visit for its change in scenery, style of life and attire. Generally, the people speak Hausa though there are several local languages peculiar to the various ethnic groups that belong in the region. You will often find the men dressed in their gowns with embroidered skullcaps but some wear the baggy pantalons typical of the Dagomba people. You can buy some of these outfits in the local markets in the region.
The region shows a very interesting architecture that makes a good study into the life and culture of the people. Most communities have cylindrical houses built with clay/mud with thatch roofs, in highly organized compounds and courtyards. Some others show the influence of the Sahel region (the border areas of the Sahara) having rectangular houses with clay/mud rooftops and closely arranged together. You will also find some of the house walls with tapering buttresses typical of a mosque, and many doors and walls of the houses are intricately decorated in interesting colours.
The 13th century Larabanga Mosque is a splendid example of the Sudanese style of architecture that has also influenced the region. At Yikpabango (northwest of the region), an archeological excavation work has revealed terra cotta artifacts and traces of the Koma people, an ancient tribe that lived in that part of the region in the 9th century.
Tamale
Tamale is the capital town of the Northern Region and lies northeast of Sunyani and Kumasi, a distance of 328 km (205 miles) and 380 km (237 miles) respectively. From Accra the distance is 660 km (410 miles). It is easily reached by car from Accra (8 hours) or by air. Travelling by the state transport bus may take about 10 hours making stops at designated rest stops on the route.
From its central location in the region, you can travel quite easily to see the other parts of the region, which is full of history and natural attractions. Tamale has modern service facilities, banks, shops and businesses and a regional hospital. It also has a bustling market where you can find many of the handicrafts and clothing typical of the region. It has good hotels, guesthouses and restaurants.
Other Historic Towns of the region
You may want to visit Nalerigu in the northwestern part of the region which has part of the ancient Slave Route passing close by it and where a defensive wall built in the 16th century to protect the village from raiders, can still be seen. At Salaga which to the south of Tamale is the site of a famous trans-Saharan slave market where the leg shackles and pegs worn on the ankles of slaves can still be seen in the ground. Relics of the colonial era are also found at Yendi (west of Tamale) with its 19th century German cemetery. This is also the site of the grave of Bafatu, one of the most famous West African slave raiders. Daboya, 89km west of Tamale, is a 16th century town from the Gonja kingdom, and a famous centre for hand-made textiles.
