North East Region, Ghana

The North East Region is one of the sixteen regions of Ghana. It is located in the north of the country and was created in December 2018 after a referendum was voted upon to break it off of the Northern region.[2] The region's capital is Nalerigu.[3]

North East Region
Region
Location of North East Region in Ghana
CountryGhana
CapitalNalerigu
District6
Population
 (2020)[1]
588,800
Time zoneGMT
Area code(s)037
ISO 3166 codeGH-NP

Creation of Region
NaYiri shows his support for the North East Region

The North East Region of Ghana was a proposed new region to be carved out of the existing Northern Region of Ghana. The creation of this new region was in fulfillment of a promise made by the New Patriotic Party prior to the 2016 Ghana general election. Upon winning the elections, the President, Nana Akuffo Addo created the Ministry of Regional Reorganization to oversee policy formulation and implementation, and Hon. Solomon Namliit Boar, Mp for Bunkpurugu Constituency and former Deputy Northern Regional Minister was appointed as the first Regional Minister for the newly created North East Region. In all six new regions were to be created from the existing ten regions of Ghana. The other regions are Western North, Bono, Bono East, Ahafo, Savannah and Oti regions.[4]

A referendum vote held on December 27, 2018 was successful with 81% voter turnout in the proposed region voting 99.8% in favor of the creation of the North East Region.[2] The region's proposed capital is the town of Nalerigu in the East Mamprusi Municipal Assembly. [3]

Geography and climate

Location and size

The North East Region is bordered on the north by the Upper East region, on the east by the eastern Ghana-Togo international border, on the south by the Northern region, and on the west by the Upper West region. North East region is made up of 6 districts.

Climate and vegetation

The North East Region is much drier than southern areas of Ghana, due to its proximity to the Sahel, and the Sahara. The vegetation consists predominantly of grassland, especially savanna with clusters of drought-resistant trees such as baobabs or acacias. Between December and April is the dry season. The wet season is between about June and November with an average annual rainfall of 750 to 1050 mm (30 to 40 inches). The highest temperatures are reached at the end of the dry season, the lowest in December and January. However, the hot Harmattan wind from the Sahara blows frequently between December and the beginning of February. The temperatures can vary between 17 °C (63 °F) at night and 47 °C (117 °F) during the day.

Cultural and Social Structure
NaYiri NaBɔhaga at his palace in Nalerigu

The Nayiri is the King (overlord) of Mamprugu traditional area of which the entire region is a part. He has a traditional council of elders who advise him. The Nayiri is supported by paramount chiefs, divisional and other sub-chiefs under him. His paramountcy extend beyond the boundaries of the North East Region and even the nation. Notable among the chiefs are the Wulugu Naaba, Wungu Naaba, Soo Naaba, Kulgu Naaba, Yunyoorana and Bunkpurugu Naaba and Zuarungu Naaba, Tongu Naaba, Sakuti (all in Upper East Region).

Mamprusi people are the major ethnic group in the Municipality. However, there are also Dagombas, Bimobas, Konkombas, Talensis, Tampulma, Bissa, Mossis, Chakosis and Hausas who have settled in the area. Two traditional festivals are celebrated annually, Damba Festival, Bugum (Fire) Festival. The District is a multi-religious one with the dominant religions being Christianity, Islam and Traditional African Religion.

Tourism and Attractions
White Volta & Gambaga Scarp
  • Gambaga Escarpment
  • White Volta and Red Volta Rivers
  • Ancient rock art at Gingana, Kpatiritinga, Jilik, and Tusugu
  • NaYiri Palace in Nalerigu
  • NaJeringa historic slave wall in Nalerigu
  • Gravesites of ancient Mamprusi and Mossi kings in Gambaga
  • Zayaa Mosque/Shrine in Wulugu
  • Ancient Koma Figurines in Yikpabongo
  • Buyuori Cave in Yikpabongo [5]

Economy

More than 85% of the economically active population are agricultural. The low population density is partly caused by emigration, in addition to geography and climate.

Demographics

The North East Region has a low population density, and, along with the official language of English, most inhabitants speak a language of the Gur subfamily in the Niger–Congo language family, such as Mampruli, Tampulma, Bimoba, Kusaal, Dagbani, or Konkomba. The Mamprusi Kingdom is located in the region.

Religion

Most residents in the North East region are affiliated with Christianity, Islam, and/or Traditional African Religion.[6]

Districts
Districts of the North East Region

The North East Region of Ghana contains 6 districts. 4 are ordinary districts in addition to 2 municipal districts.

Districts in North East region
# District Capital Population
1 Bunkpurugu-Nyakpanduri Bunkpurugu
2 Chereponi Chereponi 55,932
3 East Mamprusi Nalerigu 121,009
4 Mamprugu Moagduri Yagaba
5 West Mamprusi Walewale
6 Yunyoo-Nasuan Yunyoo

Famous citizens
Famous native citizens of North East region
# Citizen Settlement
1 Mahamudu Bawumia Nalerigu/Walewale
2 Hon.Solomon Namliit Boar (MP) Bunkpurugu
3 Ambassador Edward N. Mahama Nalerigu
4 Hon. Hajia Alima Mahama (MP) Nalerigu
5 Hon. Dr. Sagri Banbangi (MP) Walewale

References
  1. "Ghana Statistical Services – Population by Regions, North East". statsghana.gov.gh. Retrieved 2021-02-01.
  2. Ngon, Diana (28 December 2018). "Referendum: Residents endorse North East Region with 99.67 YES vote". Citi Newsroom. Retrieved 28 December 2018.
  3. Citi Newsroom (12 February 2019). "Nalerigu selected as capital of newly created North East Region". Citinewsroom Online. Retrieved 12 February 2019.
  4. Bureau, Communications. ""Creation Of 6 New Regions In The Hands Of EC & Ghanaians" – President Akufo-Addo". www.presidency.gov.gh. Retrieved 2018-12-21.
  5. "Discover Ghana's North East Region". Retrieved 27 June 2019.
  6. Ghana Statistical Service (May 2013). "2010 POPULATION & HOUSING CENSUS NATIONAL ANALYTICAL REPORT" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 12 July 2018. Retrieved 28 December 2018.

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