Tamale, Ghana

Last updated

Tamale
Major city
Road, Tamale.jpg
Road in Tamale, Northern Region.
Tamale Metropolitan Assembly (TaMA) logo.jpg
Tamale Metropolitan logo
Ghana physical map.svg
Red pog.svg
Tamale
Location of Tamale in Northern region, Dagbon
Africa relief location map.jpg
Red pog.svg
Tamale
Tamale (Africa)
Coordinates: 09°24′27″N00°51′12″W / 9.40750°N 0.85333°W / 9.40750; -0.85333
Country Flag of Ghana.svg  Ghana
Region Northern Region
District Tamale Metropolitan District
Government
 • Type Mayor-Council
 • MayorSule Salifu
Area
[1]
 • Total750 km2 (289.58 sq mi)
Elevation
151 m (495 ft)
Population
 (2010)
 • Total950,124
 • Density480.77/km2 (1,245.18/sq mi)
Time zone UTC
Postal codes
NT0000 - NT2701
Area code 037
Website tamalemetro.gov.gh

Tamale ( Dagbani: [ˈtamali] ) is the capital city of the Northern Region of Ghana. [2] It is Ghana's third largest city, with a population of 950,000. [3] The city has been ranked as the fastest-growing city in West Africa. [2] [4] It is located 600 km (370 mi) north of Accra. [5]

Contents

Tamale is located in the Kingdom of Dagbon, Ghana's oldest Kingdom. Traditional authority are subservient to the King of Dagbon, the Ndan Yaa Naa, who is resident at Yendi (Yani). Yendi is the traditional capital and seat of Governance of the king. The language of the people in Tamale is Dagbani. [6]

Tamale boasts a thriving artistic and literary scene, evident in its numerous art studios, poets, and musicians. [7] Numerous art studios are scattered throughout the urban landscape. Local musicians frequently organize well-attended shows, filling stadiums with music and energy. [8] Notably, the Dagbanli language holds a special place in the city's poetic expression, with the "Lunsi" (historians and poets) playing a significant role in preserving and transmitting cultural heritage through their spoken word performances and compositions. [9]

Tamale sits at a strategic location due to its greater proximity European, West African, and North African markets compared to Ghana's southern cities . It serves as a political, economic and financial center of the Northern Ghana.The city connects the coastal and forest area of Ghana to West and North Africa. The city's central business district hosts regional branches of financial institutions and a considerable number of international and local non governmental organisations. [10]

The hospitality industry has grown significantly, with increasing investment in infrastracture. [11] [12] Tamale grew from a conglomeration of towns with an architectural blend of traditional mud houses and modern buildings. Tamale's new and modern facilities include the newly constructed Tamale Stadium (now Aliu Mahama sports Stadium named after late Ghana's vice-president, Alhaji Aliu Mahama), replacing the town's former principal football pitch, Kaladan Park. Improvements to Tamale's infrastructure occurred in the period leading up to the 2008 African Cup of Nations. [12] The Tamale sports stadium was renamed after the late Vice president, Alhaji Aliu Mahama in the year 2018. Motorcycles are a common form of transportation.

More than 80% of residents are Dagombas, and 90.5% are Muslims. [13] This is reflected by the multitude of mosques in Tamale, most notably the Tamale Central Mosque, Afa Ajura Mosque (Anbariya Mosque), Afa Basha mosque (Nuuria mosque) and The Ahmadiyyah Muslim mission Mosque. There are also many Churches in the city.

History

The National Archives UK - CO 1069-40-54.jpg
Aerial view: Tamale native town and police barracks (1929)
Tamale, Ghana.JPG
Highway in Tamale

Tamale is located on the crossing of three ancient trade routes; it started to grow as a commercial centre for the Northern region centuries ago. The north–south road from Paga and Bolgatanga to Salaga had raiders passing, whilst other merchants brought their goods into Tamale. Salt came from Daboya, to the north-west of Tamale, and followed a road that continued to Yendi. A third road linked Gushegu to the capital and continued to the Gonja kingdom, Damongo. The present locations of the central market and the palace of the Gulkpe naa, [14] opposite Barclays Bank and near the library, mark the junctions of the ancient roads.

Around this palace, a residential neighbourhood began to grow. It is now known as Dagbangdabi-Fong (the name means "Traditional men area"). This was followed by Changli, Belipiela, and BuglanaFong ("Fetish Priest's area") further to the south. Each neighbourhood got its own local chief. As the distances to the market place grew, people started to settle elsewhere around the crossing, so the quarters of Tishigu and Abu-Abu came up. An influx of northerners from present-day Burkina Faso led to the building of Moshi Zongo. In the same time, the remote village of Vitteng came into existence.

Garden cities were brought to Tamale and at the back of Sakasaka grew Kalpohin Estates, even now a pleasant neighbourhood with plenty trees, big gardens, and small houses. In the 1970s, urban extensions such as Zogbeli, Lamakara, and Lamashegu were built, neighbourhoods characterised by checkboard planning of square house plots and orthogonal streets and alleys. Since 2000, Tamale seems to have grown more rapidly, so the whole district of Tamale is now urban agglomeration.

Climate

Tamale features a tropical wet and dry climate under the Köppen's climate classification. The metropolis experiences one rainy season from April to September or October, with a peak in September and August. The mean annual rainfall is 1100 mm within 95 days of rainfall in the form of tropical showers. Consequently, staple crop farming is highly restricted by the short rainy season. [15]

The dry season is usually from November to early April. It is influenced by the dry north-easterly (Harmattan) winds, while the rainy season is influenced by the moist south-westerly winds. The mean daytime temperatures range from 28 (December and mid-April) to 43 (March, early April) degrees Celsius, while mean nighttime temperatures range from 18 (December) to 25 (February, March) degrees Celsius. The mean annual daily sunshine is about 7.5 hours.

Climate data for Tamale
MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecYear
Record high °C (°F)40.0
(104.0)		41.5
(106.7)		42.7
(108.9)		42.8
(109.0)		40.2
(104.4)		37.8
(100.0)		35.6
(96.1)		35.4
(95.7)		34.8
(94.6)		38.2
(100.8)		39.2
(102.6)		38.6
(101.5)		42.8
(109.0)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F)35.4
(95.7)		36.9
(98.4)		37.1
(98.8)		35.4
(95.7)		33.6
(92.5)		31.1
(88.0)		29.8
(85.6)		29.2
(84.6)		29.9
(85.8)		32.2
(90.0)		34.8
(94.6)		34.9
(94.8)		33.4
(92.1)
Daily mean °C (°F)27.9
(82.2)		30.1
(86.2)		30.9
(87.6)		29.8
(85.6)		28.6
(83.5)		26.8
(80.2)		26.0
(78.8)		25.8
(78.4)		25.9
(78.6)		27.3
(81.1)		28.2
(82.8)		27.5
(81.5)		27.9
(82.2)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F)20.4
(68.7)		22.8
(73.0)		24.6
(76.3)		24.6
(76.3)		23.6
(74.5)		22.5
(72.5)		22.1
(71.8)		21.9
(71.4)		21.8
(71.2)		21.9
(71.4)		21.6
(70.9)		20.3
(68.5)		22.3
(72.1)
Record low °C (°F)15.0
(59.0)		16.1
(61.0)		18.9
(66.0)		19.4
(66.9)		18.9
(66.0)		18.9
(66.0)		18.3
(64.9)		18.9
(66.0)		18.9
(66.0)		18.9
(66.0)		16.1
(61.0)		13.9
(57.0)		13.9
(57.0)
Average precipitation mm (inches)4
(0.2)		12
(0.5)		48
(1.9)		88
(3.5)		112
(4.4)		146
(5.7)		142
(5.6)		198
(7.8)		231
(9.1)		92
(3.6)		14
(0.6)		3
(0.1)		1,090
(42.9)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.3 mm)11471012131519122197
Average relative humidity (%)27324561707780798074594060
Mean monthly sunshine hours 266.6237.3251.1231.0248.0204.0161.2139.5156.0260.4282.0272.82,709.9
Mean daily sunshine hours 8.68.48.17.78.06.85.24.55.28.49.48.87.4
Source: Deutscher Wetterdienst [16]

Government

Tamale Metropolitan District Mayor-Council Government Office and Secretary Visit tamale own pictures 012 (5348920586).jpg
Tamale Metropolitan District Mayor–Council Government Office and Secretary

Tamale has a mayor–council government system in which the mayor is vested with extensive executive powers. The mayor is appointed by the Ghana president and approved by the town council, the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly, although suggestions have been made by the residents of Tamale to increase accountability of the office by having the mayor elected. The current mayor of Tamale is Hon. Sule Salifu. [17] The name Tamale Metropolitan Assembly serves both for the local parliament and for the local executive. Local policies are always executed in this name, so for example, illegal constructions often show the command "remove by TMA" (meaning that the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly or its executive has ordered to remove the building as it is contrary to current urban land-use planning). As the local executive, Tamale Metropolitan Assembly is the strong arm of the mayor, his or her civil service. If mention is made of assembly women or men, however, the reference is to the elected representatives of the inhabitants of Tamale. They form the assembly properly speaking, and must decide about local by-laws before they can come into force. The name "Tamale Metropolitan District" is used in the geographical sense, to refer to the area within its borders.

Education

The new University for Development Studies (UDS) Entrance of the central administration block of the new University for Development Studies (UDS) in Tamale.jpg
The new University for Development Studies (UDS)

Tamale is the principal centre of education in Northern Ghana. Currently, a total of 742 basic schools are within the metropolis. This comprises 94 kindergartens, 304 primary, 112 junior high, and 14 senior high schools. The rest are technical/vocational institutions, two colleges of education, a technical university and two other universities – one public and the other private. [11]

In the Education Ridge neighbourhood in the north-western part of the town and covering an area around 3 km2, 20 schools ranging from kindergartens through junior high and senior high schools, teachers' training colleges, the Tamale Technical University, and a university are located. The numerous trees lining the streets in this part of the town give it a tropical rainforest outlook. The University for Development Studies (UDS) has two campuses located in Tamale and one in nearby Nyankpala. The headquarters of the UDS is also located in Tamale. [18]

Primary schools
Junior high schools
Senior high schools
Colleges and Universities
Driving Schools

Transportation

Tamale is served by Tamale Internationa Airport. Located about 11 km (6 nmi; 7 mi) from downtown Tamale, the airport is mainly used by commercial airlines such as Africa World Airlines and Passion Air which are the only operational companies currently. They run regular flights between Tamale and Accra's Kotoka International Airport, along with other regional capitals. [19]

There are Public Transports from Tamale to major citie such as Kumasi; Accra, Mim, Ahafo  ; Cape Coast, Sunyani; Takoradi; Tema; Ho; Wa; Bolgatanga; Elubo; Aflao, Techiman; Public transportation in the form of taxis used to be the most convenient means of getting around Tamale for visitors to the town until the arrival of the Tri-cycles, popularly called "Mahama-Cambuu" or yellow-yellow. Mahama Cambuu is a coined name by the local people from the expression "Mahama can do". This is because these Tri-cycles (mostly yellow in color) came in the era of the former president, H.E John Dramani Mahama. It is comparatively cheaper than the Taxis and usually on the move unlike the Taxis that are regularized and stationed at a points. It is however, not very safe compared to the Taxis. The popular means of travel for the locals, however, is by motorbike. This phenomenon is helped by the existence of bike paths in the town, making it one of the most bike-friendly settlements in the Northern region. Transportation out of town is facilitated by the Tamale's bus rapid transit system, tro-tro private mini-bus system, MetroMass Bus-Based Mass Transit system, and STC Bus Lines, along with a host of charter bus companies, all of which provide transport to connect Tamale with the many other surrounding towns and cities.

Tamale interchange side view Tamale interchange.jpg
Tamale interchange side view

Sister cities

Tamale has sister city relations with:

CityCountryDateReference
Flag of the United States.svg Louisville, KentuckyUnited States1979 [20]
Flag of Burkina Faso.svg Fada N'gourma Burkina Faso 2003 [21]
Flag of Niger.svg Commune II Niamey Niger 2007 [22]

Key Landmarks

Notable people

Ongoing Project

Communities in Tamale

Hotels and Guest Houses in Tamale

1. Picona Hotel

2. Radarch Lodge and Conference Centre

3. Miricha Hotel

4. Nim Avenue Hotel

5. Modern City Hotel

6. Sabonkudi estates

7. Regal hotel

8. Target Hills hotel

9. Pioneer lodge

10. B Sheini hotel

11. Naat guesthouse

12. Ganaa hotel

13. Global dream hotel

14. Aisha Homes

Related Research Articles

The Dagombas or Dagbamba are an ethnic group of Ghana, and Togo. They number more than 3.1 million people. The term Dagbamba is originally extended to refer to other related peoples who were unified by Naa Gbewaa including the Mamprusi and Nanumba. The Dagomba country is called Dagbon and they speak Dagbanli language. Dagbanli is the most spoken language of northern Ghana and second most widely spoken local language of Ghana. Dagbanli belongs to the Mabia (Mole-Dagbani) subgroup of the Gur languages, a large group of related languages in West Africa. The Dagomba practises both patrilineal and matrilineal systems of inheritance.

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The Mole-Dagbon, also called Mossi-Dagbon or Mole-Dagbani are a meta-ethnicity and western Oti-Volta Gur ethno-linguistic group residing in six present-day West Africa countries namely: Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Mali and Togo. They number more than 15 million. The Mole/Mossi/Moore people are located primarily in Burkina Faso while Dagbon is in Ghana.

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References

  1. ↑ "Location & Size". Ghanadistricts.com. Archived from the original on 11 July 2011. Retrieved 24 August 2010.
  2. 1 2 GhanaWeb.com ghanaweb.com
  3. ↑ "Tamale, Ghana Metro Area Population 1950-2023". www.macrotrends.net. Retrieved 23 September 2023.
  4. ↑ "The largest cities in Ghana, ranked by population". Mongabay.com. 2013. Retrieved 1 May 2014.
  5. ↑ Tamale, Northern Region (Ghana). icli.nl.
  6. ↑ "Ghana City Tamale". www.ghanaweb.com. Retrieved 23 September 2023.
  7. ↑ Hamelo, Gameli (22 August 2023). "Three Institutions Redefining Art in Tamale". Frieze. No. 236. ISSN   0962-0672 . Retrieved 24 February 2024.
  8. ↑ "Forget about filling Tamale Sports Stadium, go international with live music - King Ayisoba tells Fancy Gadam, others".
  9. ↑ "Oral History in Dagbon: The Role of the Lunsi in Traditional African Society | Center for Advanced Study". cas.illinois.edu. Retrieved 24 February 2024.
  10. ↑ Tamale, capital of Northern region, Ghana. ghana-net.com.
  11. 1 2 Tamale Children's Home Tamale, Northern Region (Ghana). catointl.org
  12. 1 2 Tamale metropolitan
  13. ↑ "About TaMA – Tamale Metro Assembly" . Retrieved 17 October 2023.
  14. ↑ The Gulkpe naa is one of the seven district chiefs in the Dagbon; in rank directly under the Paramount Chief, he overlooks the local chiefs in and around Tamale.
  15. ↑ "Advances in forecast verification". Weather. 70 (1): 14–14. January 2015. doi:10.1002/wea.2445. ISSN   0043-1656.
  16. ↑ "Klimatafel von Tamales / Ghana" (PDF). Baseline climate means (1961-1990) from stations all over the world (in German). Deutscher Wetterdienst. Retrieved 18 October 2016.
  17. ↑ "Sule Salifu confirmed as MCE for Tamale". Citinewsroom - Comprehensive News in Ghana. 30 September 2021. Retrieved 15 November 2021.
  18. ↑ Introduction to Tamale and the Northern Region. sclou.org.
  19. ↑ Tamale Airport Listings. Ghanapedia.
  20. ↑ Sister City International Listings – Directory Search Results – Tamale, Ghana Archived 31 August 2010 at the Wayback Machine . sister-cities.org.
  21. ↑ Tamale establishes links with sister city in Burkina-Faso. ghanaweb.com. 31 December 2003.
  22. ↑ TAMALE : Sister city relations should improve trade and investments Archived 14 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine . ndn.nigeriadailynews.com. 2 July 2007.
  23. ↑ "Hon. Iddrisu Haruna". Parliament of Ghana.
  24. ↑ "Abdul Majeed Waris". Right to Dream. Retrieved 18 September 2020.
  25. ↑ "Fancy Gadam". mobile.ghanaweb.com. Retrieved 18 September 2020.
  26. ↑ "'Nothing wrong with criticizing judges constructively' – Inusah Fuseini backs Ayine". Citinewsroom - Comprehensive News in Ghana. 10 June 2021. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
  27. ↑ "Dr Ibrahim Anyars Archives - MyJoyOnline.com". www.myjoyonline.com. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
  28. ↑ "Rapper and Afrobeat star, Maccasio drops new single". GhanaWeb. 20 February 2017. Retrieved 4 August 2023.
  29. ↑ "Ibrahim Mahama". www.documenta14.de (in German). Retrieved 20 November 2023.
  30. ↑ "Ghana to start construction of phase II of Tamale Airport". Construction Review Online. 16 August 2019. Retrieved 23 September 2021.
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