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| A Dagomba man in his traditional attire |
Origin and Migration of the Mole-Dagbani
The mole-dagbani is made up of the Mamprusi, the Dagomba, and Nanumba, the
Mole-Dagbani occupy the northern territories of Ghana. Available historical
information asserts that the first three states (which were founded in about
the first half of the fifteenth century) claim common ancestry in Tohajie - the
Red Hunter. As an invading force from the east, probably from the Lake Chad
region, they moved westward into Zamfara in northern Nigeria and
south-westwards (through Medieval Mali). Tohajie’s grandson known as Gbewa or
Bawa moved westward to settle at Pusiga where he started building his own
kingdom through wars of conquest. The conquests led to the extension of the
kingdom as far as Fada n’ Gurma in the north-east, Gambaga in the south and
Sansane Mango in the east. Bawa gave birth to eight children, Zirile being the
eldest of the sons. The eldest was Yamtori who was a girl and thus by custom,
could not succeed to the throne. Zirile thus succeeded his father as demanded
by tradition. On the death of Zirile, there was a succession dispute as each of
the younger brothers wanted to be the king. The throne should have been given
to Tohogu who happened to be the eldest among the surviving brothers. However,
Tohogu’s succession was disputed by his younger brothers led by Sitobu and
Mantambu. Civil war broke out between the brothers and Sitobu and Mantambu
chased Tohogu away from the capital. Under the circumstance, he had to flee. After
a brief stay, he returned to Gambaga where he founded the Mamprugu kingdom. The
people took the name Mamprusi whilst the king was called Nayiri. The capital of
the new Kingdom was later transferred to Nalerigu. The other brothers - Sitobu
and Mantambu (Ngomantambu) also moved south and founded Dagbon and Nanumba
respectively. All the states regard Mamprugu as their "parent’ kingdom and
Nalerigu as their ’spiritual" home.
The Rise of the Mole-Dagbani States
The Mole-Dagbani states developed during the second half of the 15th century. The states consisted of Dagomba, Nanumba, Mamprusi and Mossi. The rise of the Mole-Dagbani can be attributed to the following factors:
1. Trade
The trade with the Hausa states and Mali helped the rise and growth of the Mole-Dagbani states. The Mande and Wangara traders who controlled the routes established some commercial centers at Wa, Bola and Begho. This area was, therefore, economically potential and attracted a lot of traders.
2. Agriculture
Agriculture also played a role in the rise of the Mole-Dagbani states. The people of the Mole-Dagbani states engaged in agriculture. They paid taxes on their produce and these provided revenue for the administration and their cavalry armie
3. Possession of superior weapons
The possession of superior weapons by the invaders and bravery of their leaders helped them to defeat the indigenous people. For example, Gbewa, the grandson of Tohajie built kingdoms through wars of conquest. Other states developed as a result of bitter struggle for power among the children of the founders. For example, Tohugu, Sitobu and Mantambu. Tohugu, the eldest surviving brother of Zirile founded Mamprugu. With its capital at Gambaga. Sitobu and Mantambu founded Dagomba and Nanumba respectively.
4. The absences of any strong kingdom in the north
The absence of any strong kingdom in the Northern part of Ghana to halt the advance of the invaders enabled them to build kingdoms. The Vagala, the Sisala, Tampulensi and others did not have strong centralized kingdoms.
5. Islam
Islam also contributed to the rise of the Mole-Dagbani states. Islam united the people together. For example: Islamic marriages, ceremonies, laws, mode of dressing etc. were adopted by the rulers to enhance the development of the states.
6. Strategic position
Furthermore, the
strategic geographical position of the Mole-Dagbani states contributed
tremendously to their rise. The kingdoms were situated along the trade routes
between the forest zone and the Hausa states. They established commercial centers
and controlled trade routes. For instance, leather products were exported from
northern Ghana to Hausa land. Revenue from trade helped them in building the
states. It could be concluded that the Mole-Dagbani states are related.
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