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The market was established in the early 20th century by British colonialists who had set up administrative headquarters in Tamale around 1907.This development transformed the area into a bustling center of trade and governance. [1]
The Tamale Central Market, located in the heart of Tamale, Ghana, is the largest market in northern Ghana. It serves as a hub of commerce and cultural exchange, attracting traders and visitors from all across Ghana. The market offers a wide variety of goods, including traditional crafts, clothing, and local cuisine. There was an outbreak of fire in the market in 1979, and in 1982 the market was burnt down completely. [2] [3] Renovation was done[ when? ] by the then head of state Ft. Jerry Rawlings, and in 2015 by President John Mahama. The renovation was funded by the World Bank.The Tamale Metropolitan Assembly (TaMA) supervised the renovation. [4]
It has two major sections, that is, the Aboabo Market and old market side (Dakurili in Dagbani local dialect)
The Aboabo Market is a section within the Tamale central market which involves where most of the big wholesale and retail business transactions takes, and it is noted for the trading variety of products, especially local food products. [5]
This area hosts a variety of vendors selling traditional crafts, clothing, and other goods.
Part of the Aboabo Market includes a significant transport yard, facilitating the movement of traders and goods to various parts of the country. [5]
On Wednesday, September 9, 2022, a fire at the Tamale Central Market burned a few stores. Firefighters from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) intervened to help contain the fire and stop it from spreading to numerous other market stores. [6] The market faces challenges with congestion, leading some traders to operate on pavements and unauthorized areas, which contributes to traffic and safety concerns. [7]
In January 2025, a violent clash over a land dispute within the market area resulted in injuries and disrupted trading activities. [8]
The Tamale Central Market is not just a trading center but also a cultural landmark where diverse communities converge, reflecting the rich traditions of Dagombas and the broader Ghanaian society. [5]