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Top 10 Notable Mole Dagbani People: Well-Known Individuals

The Mole Dagbani are an ethnic group primarily found in the northern regions of Ghana. They are renowned for their rich cultural heritage, vibrant traditions, and notable contributions to various fields.

Here are 10 of the most popular celebrities and notable people from the Mole Dagbani ethnicity:

  • Ibrahim Mahama: Businessman and brother of former President John Dramani Mahama.
  • Alhassan Suhuyini: Politician and Member of Parliament for Tamale North.
  • Samira Bawumia: Second Lady of Ghana and wife of Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia.
  • John Dramani Mahama: Former President of Ghana and Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress.
  • Abubakar Saddique Boniface: Former Minister of State at the Ministry of the Interior.
  • Alhaji Aliu Mahama: Former Vice President of Ghana.
  • Mohammed Polo: Former footballer and coach.
  • Ibrahim Tanko: Former footballer and coach.
  • Fuseini Issah: Former footballer and coach.
  • Yakubu Moro: Media personality and journalist.
The Kingdom of Dagbon (Dagbaŋ) is the oldest and one of the most organised traditional kingdoms in Ghana 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. It also covered portions of  Burkina Faso, North East Ivory Coast and North West Togo. Since Ghana's independence in 1957, the Kingdom just like all of Ghana's kingdoms and ethnic states has assumed a traditional, customary role.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. The contribution of its women is prominent as it has given birth to Ghana's first female minister,  and  Africa's first female cabinet minister. Historically,  its noble daughter, Yennenga, is regarded as the "mother" of the Mossi kingdoms, a people who constitute nearly half of the nation of Burkina Faso. The Gundo Naa is the head of all female chiefs, and the Zosimli Naa enhances collaboration between cities of Dagbon and sister cities.

Most Famous Mole Dagbani People

Mole Dagbani Mystique: Unraveling Three Key Historical Legacies

The Mole Dagbani community is a traditional community located in northern Ghana. They are part of the larger Dagomba ethnic group, which is made up of several sub-groups including the Mampurugu, Kusasi, and Konkomba. The Mole Dagbani people have a rich cultural heritage and are known for their traditional practices and customs that have been passed down through generations.

Here are three of the most well-known historical inheritances associated with the Mole Dagbani heritage:

  • The Mole National Park: The Mole National Park is one of the largest and most popular national parks in Ghana. It was established in 1958 and covers an area of about 4,577 square kilometers. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, antelopes, baboons, and numerous bird species. It is also known for its lush vegetation and beautiful landscapes. The Mole Dagbani people have a deep connection to the park, as it is located within their ancestral lands.
  • The Dagbani Language: The Dagbani language is the native language of the Mole Dagbani people. It belongs to the Gurunsi language family and is spoken by over 1 million people in northern Ghana. The language is known for its unique tonal system, which distinguishes different meanings through pitch variations. The Mole Dagbani people take pride in their language and use it as a means to preserve their cultural identity and pass down oral traditions.
  • Traditional Kingship: The Mole Dagbani community has a long-standing tradition of kingship, with the Yagbonwura being the paramount chief of the Dagomba people. The Yagbonwura is considered the custodian of the land and is responsible for maintaining peace and order within the community. The position is hereditary and is passed down through the male lineage. The Yagbonwura is highly respected and plays a significant role in the cultural and political affairs of the Mole Dagbani people.
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The Mole Dagbani community continues to celebrate and embrace their cultural heritage through various festivals, music, dance, and traditional ceremonies. These practices serve as a reminder of their rich history and deep-rooted traditions that have been preserved for centuries.

In a striking celebration of diversity, numerous prominent individuals proudly reflect a mosaic of Kist, Ossetian and Azeri roots, highlighting the intricate interplay of cultures within their heritage. From accomplished leaders to acclaimed artists, these figures embody the rich lexical semantic tapestry of ethnic backgrounds, illustrating the vibrant spectrum of human experiences.

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Factsheet About Mole Dagbani People

Region Districts Population
Upper West Wa East, Wa West, Wa Municipal 142,170
Upper East Talensi, Nabdam, Bawku West, Garu-Tempane 184,364
Northern Yendi, Zabzugu, Karaga, Gushegu 533,109
North East Walewale, Nalerigu 76,512
Central Asutifi North, Asutifi South, Asunafo South 289,248
Ghana is a multilingual country in which about eighty languages are spoken. Of these, English, which was inherited from the colonial era, is the official language and lingua franca. Of the languages indigenous to Ghana, Akan is the most widely spoken in the south. Dagbani is most widely spoken in the north.
Ghana has more than seventy ethnic groups, each with its own distinct language. Languages that belong to the same ethnic group are usually mutually intelligible. The Dagbanli, Nanumba and Mamprusi languages of Northern Region, are almost the same and, are mutually intelligible with the Frafra and Waali languages of the Upper East and Upper West Regions of Ghana. The Mole-Dagbani languages are spoken by more than 20% of the population.
Eleven languages have the status of government-sponsored languages: three Akan ethnic languages (Akuapem Twi, Asante Twi and Fante) and two Mole-Dagbani ethnic languages (Dagaare and Dagbanli). The others are Ewe, Dangme, Ga, Nzema, Gonja, and Kasem.In April 2019, the Ghanaian government declared its intention to make French one of Ghana's official languages due to the country being surrounded by Francophone countries (Burkina Faso, the Ivory Coast and Togo) and the presence of a French speaking minority in the country.

The Ancient Heritage of Mole Dagbani Ethnic Groups

References to the Mole Dagbani Ethnic Group

The Mole-Dagbani ethnic group is found in northern Ghana and parts of Burkina Faso. They are one of the largest ethnic groups in Ghana, and their language, also called Dagbani, is spoken by over a million people. The Mole-Dagbani people have a rich cultural heritage, and there are several resources available for those interested in learning more about this fascinating group.

  • “The Dagbamba People of Northern Ghana: A Study of their Traditional Visual Arts and Crafts” by Ferdinand de Jong is a comprehensive resource that explores the traditional arts and crafts of the Dagbamba people. This book provides detailed information on their weaving, pottery, carving, and metalworking traditions, as well as the cultural significance of these crafts.
  • “The Mole-Dagbani People of Northern Ghana: A Historical and Ethnographic Synthesis” by David A. Mills offers a historical and ethnographic overview of the Mole-Dagbani people. It delves into their origins, social organization, religion, and political systems, providing a comprehensive understanding of their culture and society.
  • “Dagbani Proverbs” by David B. Atsu is a collection of Dagbani proverbs, offering insights into the wisdom, values, and beliefs of the Mole-Dagbani people. Proverbs play an important role in Dagbani culture, and this resource provides a glimpse into their oral traditions and language.
  • “The Culture of the Dagomba of Northern Ghana” by I. C. Madugu provides an in-depth exploration of the culture, customs, and traditions of the Dagomba people, who are one of the subgroups within the Mole-Dagbani ethnic group. This resource examines various aspects of their social, economic, and political life, shedding light on their unique practices and beliefs.
  • “The Traditional Political System of the Dagomba of Northern Ghana” by K. Nantogmah offers a detailed analysis of the traditional political system of the Dagomba people. This resource explores their governance structure, the roles of chiefs and elders, and the processes involved in decision-making and conflict resolution.
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These resources provide valuable insights into the Mole-Dagbani ethnic group, offering a deeper understanding of their history, culture, and traditions. Whether you are a student, researcher, or simply curious about this vibrant community, delving into these materials will allow you to explore the richness and diversity of the Mole-Dagbani people.

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