Tamale (Dagbani: [ˈtamali]) is the capital city of the Northern Region of Ghana. It is Ghana's third largest city, with a population of 371,351 people (as of 2010).[2]: 67 The city has been ranked as the fastest-growing city in West Africa.[4] Tamale is located in the Kingdom of Dagbon, Ghana's oldest Kingdom.[5] Major ethnic groups who resided in Tamale are Dagomba, Gonja, Mamprusi, Akan, and Dagaaba.[3]
Tamale | |
|---|---|
   Counter-Clockwise from top: entrance to Tamale Teaching Hospital, view of Tamale Central Mosque, Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium | |
  Tamale Location of Tamale in Northern region, Dagbon  Tamale Tamale (Africa) | |
| Coordinates: 09°24′27″N 00°51′12″W / 9.40750°N 0.85333°W | |
| Country |  Ghana |
| Region | Northern Region |
| District | Tamale Metropolitan District |
| Government | |
| • Type | Mayor-Council |
| • Municipal chief | Hon. Sule Salifu |
| Area | |
• Total | 750 km2 (289.58 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 151 m (495 ft) |
| Population | |
• Total | 371,351 |
| • Density | 1,282.3/km2 (495.1/sq mi) |
| • Ethnicities | |
| • Religions |
|
| Time zone | UTC |
| Postal codes | NT0000 - NT2701 |
| area code | 037 |
| Climate | Aw |
| Website | tamalemetro.gov.gh  |
The city grew from a small village to an important economic center in the Northern Territories after the British had established administrative headquarters in the area. It became the capital of the Northern Region in 1960.[6]: 1, 2, 15 The biggest economic sector of Tamale is agriculture, followed by trading, teaching, and manufacturing.[3]: 42
Tamale boasts a thriving artistic and literary scene, evident in its numerous art studios, poets, and musicians. Numerous art studios are scattered throughout the urban landscape.[7] Annual festivals are celebrated all around the city, such as fire festival, Eid ul-Fitr, Eid Adha and the Damba festival.[3]: 4, 5
History
editEarly settlement
edit
The area of Tamale used to consist of small villages, which were under the kingdom of Dagbon. it was a popular destination of cattle trails in the region.[6]: 1 In 1907, the British decided to establish administrative headquarters in the area with help from the Dakpema after German officials have taken over Yendi. With the addition of a road in 1920, nicknamed the 'Great North Road', Tamale turned into an important center of business in the Northern Territories.[8][6]: 2
Throughout the 20th century, the population of Tamale was growing rapidly of people looking for abundant water supply and electricity. This have resulted in massive amounts of land used for infrastructure, threatening residents ability to farm. During this time, a series of disputes between the Gulkpe Na[a] and the Dakpema for power in Tamale occurred. This is in part due to the British incorporated indirect rule in the town, resulting in the imbalance of power between the chiefs. Although local councils were introduced and indirect rule was discontinued, tension between the chiefs continues even to this day.[6]
In 1960, Tamale became the capital of the Northern Region after the region had separated from the rest of the north.[6]: 15
21st century
editLamashegu shooting
editOn 13 February 2022 at approximately 1:00 p.m., Ghana Police officers clashed with youth in Lamashegu, a community in Tamale, due to them driving off after allegedly riding in an unregistered vehicle. This resulted in one person, Abdul Hakim Yakubu, being killed and 8 others getting injured.[9][10]
Economy
edit
Historically ruled by a rural agriculture system, Tamale's economy in recent times have diversified into many different sectors. Most of Tamale's population is employed in agriculture, although the common droughts in the region have threatened this sector. Other popular sectors including trading, teaching, and manufacturing. Even though the economy is considered diverse, Tamale suffers from a high unemployment rate and high rates of poverty. There is also a small amount of NGOs operating in the city.[11][12][3]
Demographics
edit| Year | Pop. | ±% |
|---|---|---|
| 1921* | 3,800 | — |
| 1931* | 13,000 | +242.1% |
| 1948* | 14,500 | +11.5% |
| 1960 | 40,443 | +178.9% |
| 1970 | 84,653 | +109.3% |
| 1984 | 135,952 | +60.6% |
| 2010 | 371,351 | +173.1% |
| *Estimate Source: Ghana Statistical Service.[2]: 66, 67 | ||
As of the 2010 census, Tamale has a population of 371,351 people, a 60.6% increase from the last census.[2]: 67 The city is made up of many different ethnic groups with the majority being the Dagombas. Other groups who lived in the area include the Gonjas, Mamprusis, Akan, Dagaabas and other groups from the Upper East Region. 90.5% of the population are Muslims, followed by Christians, spiritualists and traditionalists.[3]: 35, 4
Administration
edit
Although Tamale doesn't have a mayor on its own, the municipal has a mayor–council form of government. The mayor is appointed by the president of Ghana and approved by the town council, the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly. Although, suggestions have been made by residents to increase accountability of the office by having the mayor elected. The current mayor of the municipality is Hon. Sule Salifu.[13]
Culture
editTamale is home to a culture center which showcases arts and tribes from all over the region. The Dagomba people performed dances such as the Baamaya and Tora, with each having its own meaning behind it.[14] Some annual festivals celebrated in the city are the fire festival, Eid ul-Fitr, Eid Adha and the Damba festival.[3]: 4, 5
Education
edit
The first education institution in the city was a teacher training college in 1944 followed by a secondary school in 1951. Due to the British wanting to keep the Northern Territories strictly agricultural and pastoral, education growth in the city was hindered. Besides that, Tamale eventually became the educational hub of Northern Ghana.[2]: 67 Education Ridge, a suburb in Tamale, is known for being the location of multiple schools crammed into a small area of 3 km2 (1.2 sq mi).[15]
The following is a list of senior high schools, colleges, and universities in Tamale:[16]
| Institution | Type | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Senior High Schools | ||
| St. Charles Minor Seminary Senior High School | Public | Active |
| Tamale Senior High School (TAMASCO) | Public | Active |
| Ghana Senior High School (GHANASCO) | Public | Active |
| Tamale Islamic Science Senior High School | Public | Active |
| Tamale Girls Senior High School | Public | Active |
| Northern School of Business (NOBISCO) | Public | Active |
| Kalpohin Senior High School | Public | Active |
| Viting Senior High School | Public | Active |
| Abubakar Sidiq Senior High School | Private | Active |
| Colleges and Universities | ||
| Bagabaga College of Education | Public | Active |
| Tamale College of Education | Public | Active |
| University for Development Studies | Public | Active |
| Tamale Technical University | Public | Active |
Transportation
editAir
edit
Tamale is served by Tamale International 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 as of 2024. They run regular flights between Tamale and Accra's Kotoka International Airport, along with other regional capitals.[17]
Rapid transport
editThere are public transports from Tamale to major cities such as Kumasi, Accra, Mim, Ahafo, Cape Coast, Sunyani, Takoradi, Tema, Ho, Wa, Bolgatanga, Elubo, Aflao, and Techiman. They are operated by Tamale's bus rapid transit system, tro-tro, MetroMass, STC Bus Lines, and other privately owned bus companies.[3]: 6
Buses and taxis
edit
Taxis in the past used to be one of the most popular means of getting around Tamale for visitors to the town until the arrival of the tricycles, popularly called 'Mahama-Cambuu' or 'yellow-yellow'. It rise to popularity due to being cheaper than the taxi despite being more dangerous.[18] The popular means of travel for locals however is by motorbike.[3]: 6 Motorbikes are the most used means of transport for the locals. In 2024, a record of 600,032 locals possess motorbikes. Another means of transport are huge buses such as intercity STC, VIP, VVIP among others and these buses are being used every day.
Geography
editMetropolitan area
edit
Tamale is located in Tamale Metropolitan District, which has an area of about 647 km2 (250 sq mi). The district bordered the Sagnarigu District to the west and north, Mion District towards the east, East Gonja District to the south and the Central Gonja District towards the southwest.[3]: 1
Climate
edit| Tamale | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Climate chart (explanation) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Tamale has a tropical savanna climate (Köppen climate classification Aw). The metropolis usually only experiences one rainy season a year, effecting staple crop farming. During the rainy season, it comes with tiny sunshine with heavy thunderstorms.[3]: 3 The mean monthly rainfall is about 89 mm (3.5 in) within 95 days of rainfall in the form of tropical showers. The mean monthly temperatures is on average around 34 °C (93 °F) while the minimum monthly temperatures are around 23 °C (73 °F).[20]: table 2 The relative humidity in the city is usually the lowest between December to March at 30% while around August it is the highest at 70%.[20]: sec. 3.2.2
Climate change
editClimate change is threatening the livelihoods of Tamale residents due to droughts, floods, and heatwaves becoming more common. This hinders farmers ability to farm because they need consistent rainfall for their crops to survived. There are national policies and intervention from NGOs to make sure that the impact from climate change in the area is minimal.[21]
| Climate data for Tamale (1991–2020) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °C (°F) | 41.7 (107.1) |
42.8 (109.0) |
42.5 (108.5) |
41.8 (107.2) |
40.5 (104.9) |
37.6 (99.7) |
35.6 (96.1) |
35.4 (95.7) |
35.4 (95.7) |
38.2 (100.8) |
40.1 (104.2) |
39.4 (102.9) |
42.8 (109.0) |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 36.0 (96.8) |
38.2 (100.8) |
38.9 (102.0) |
37.0 (98.6) |
34.6 (94.3) |
32.2 (90.0) |
30.6 (87.1) |
30.2 (86.4) |
31.2 (88.2) |
33.6 (92.5) |
36.5 (97.7) |
36.3 (97.3) |
34.6 (94.3) |
| 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) | 19.5 (67.1) |
23.1 (73.6) |
26.2 (79.2) |
26.1 (79.0) |
25.1 (77.2) |
23.7 (74.7) |
23.3 (73.9) |
23.0 (73.4) |
22.7 (72.9) |
23.0 (73.4) |
22.0 (71.6) |
19.5 (67.1) |
23.1 (73.6) |
| Record low °C (°F) | 10.5 (50.9) |
15.8 (60.4) |
18.6 (65.5) |
20.0 (68.0) |
19.2 (66.6) |
18.9 (66.0) |
19.3 (66.7) |
19.8 (67.6) |
19.0 (66.2) |
19.2 (66.6) |
13.1 (55.6) |
12.2 (54.0) |
10.5 (50.9) |
| Average precipitation mm (inches) | 3.2 (0.13) |
10.4 (0.41) |
34.9 (1.37) |
82.1 (3.23) |
114.4 (4.50) |
139.7 (5.50) |
178.1 (7.01) |
189.3 (7.45) |
206.1 (8.11) |
106.2 (4.18) |
6.0 (0.24) |
3.4 (0.13) |
1,073.8 (42.28) |
| Average precipitation days (≥ 1.0 mm) | 0.2 | 0.9 | 2.4 | 4.8 | 7.2 | 9.5 | 10.5 | 11.7 | 14.3 | 8.8 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 71.1 |
| Average relative humidity (%) | 27 | 32 | 45 | 61 | 70 | 77 | 80 | 79 | 80 | 74 | 59 | 40 | 60 |
| Mean monthly sunshine hours | 238.7 | 219.8 | 229.3 | 232.6 | 233.1 | 208.1 | 173.2 | 158.0 | 175.8 | 252.1 | 262.2 | 253.3 | 2,636.2 |
| Mean daily sunshine hours | 8.6 | 8.4 | 8.1 | 7.7 | 8.0 | 6.8 | 5.2 | 4.5 | 5.2 | 8.4 | 9.4 | 8.8 | 7.4 |
| Source 1: NOAA[22] | |||||||||||||
| Source 2: Deutscher Wetterdienst (mean temperature, humidity, daily sunshine hours 1961-1990)[23] | |||||||||||||
Healthcare
edit
The city is home to the Tamale Teaching Hospital, which helps to handle health related issues for the whole region. It is the 3rd largest hospital in the country. It also offers undergraduate and graduate programs in medicine, nursing, and nutrition.[24]
Sports
edit
Tamale is home to Real Tamale United along with other smaller clubs. They played at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium (formerly Tamale Sports Stadium), which was the location of some of the matches played during the 2008 African Cup of Nations.[3][25] Due to the state of the stadium, FIFA and CAF have prevented international matches to be play at the facility.[26]
Media
editSince the 1970s, modern communication in Tamale is rapid with it being operated by 6 mobile telecommunication companies. There are 11 FM radio stations located in the city.[2]: 68
Sister cities
editThe following shows the cities that Tamale is twined with:
| Country | City | County / district / region / state | Date | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 United States |
 Louisville |
 Kentucky |
1979 | [27] |
 Burkina Faso |
Fada N'gourma | Est Region (Fada N'Gourma) | 2003 | [28] |
 Niger |
 Commune II Niamey |
Niamey |
2007 | [29] |
*Numbers in date column list the year of twinning.
Notable people
edit- Mubarak Wakaso, professional footballer[30]
- Haruna Iddrisu, Member of Parliament for Tamale South and the former Minister for Employment and Labour Relations in Ghana, Minority leader of Parliament[31]
- Abdul Majeed Waris, professional footballer[32]
- Fancy Gadam, Afro-pop and dancehall artist[33]
- Mahamudu Bawumia, politician[34]
- Sheikh Bayan Basha, Islamic preacher[35]
- Alhassan Suhiyini, politician[36]
- Inusah Fuseini, politician[37]
- Alhassan Bashir Fuseini, politician[38]
- Mona 4Reall, Socialite, model, musician, and businesswoman[39]
- Maccasio, Hip hop, hip life artist and an entrepreneur[40]
- Ibrahim Mahama, artist[41]
See also
editExpalanatory notes
editReferences
edit- ^ "Location & Size". Ghanadistricts.com. Archived from the original on 11 July 2011. Retrieved 24 August 2010.
- ^ a b c d e f Fuseini, I.; Yaro, J.; Yiran, G. (2017). "City profile: Tamale, Ghana". Cities. 60. doi:10.1016/j.cities.2016.07.010. Retrieved 25 August 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "2010 Population & Housing Census, Tamale Metropolis" (PDF). Ghana Statistics Service. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
- ^ "The largest cities in Ghana, ranked by population". Mongabay.com. 2013. Retrieved 1 May 2014.
- ^ "Ghana City Tamale". www.ghanaweb.com. Retrieved 23 September 2023.
- ^ a b c d e MacGaffey, Wyatt (2006–2007). "A History of Tamale, 1907-1957 and Beyond". Transactions of the Historical Society of Ghana (10): 109–124. JSTOR 41406735. Retrieved 15 June 2024.
- ^ Hamelo, Gameli (22 August 2023). "Three Institutions Redefining Art in Tamale". Frieze. No. 236. ISSN 0962-0672. Retrieved 24 February 2024.
- ^ "Tamale 1907-1957 : between colonial trade and colonial chieftainship". Universiteit Leiden. 8 May 2012. Retrieved 15 June 2024.
- ^ "Tears Flow For 18-Year-Old Lamashegu Shooting Victim". DailyGuide Network. 15 February 2022. Retrieved 30 August 2024.
- ^ Nyabor, Jonas (15 February 2022). "We'll ensure Lamashegu shooting culprits are punished – Northern Regional Minister". Citi Newsroom. Retrieved 30 August 2024.
- ^ "The Rise of Tamale and its role in Ghana's Economic development". ghanaweb.com. GhanaWeb. Retrieved 17 June 2024.
- ^ "Ghana: Tamale City Profile" (PDF). United Nation Human Settlements Programme. Retrieved 17 June 2024.
- ^ "Sule Salifu confirmed as MCE for Tamale". Citinewsroom - Comprehensive News in Ghana. 30 September 2021. Retrieved 15 November 2021.
- ^ "Dances of Northern Ghana: Possibilities for Cross-cultural Communication" (PDF). Bryn Mawr College. 2000. Retrieved 25 August 2024.
- ^ "Tamale Children's Home Tamale, Northern Region (Ghana)" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 July 2011. Retrieved 17 June 2024.
- ^ "Best public senior high schools in Northern - GhanaHighSchools.com". ghanahighschools.com. Ghana High Schools. Retrieved 17 June 2024.
- ^ GCAA (July 2022). "Traffic Statistics For Domestic Airports In 2021" (PDF). Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). Accra, Ghana. Retrieved 25 August 2024.
- ^ "Tamale: Yellow-Yellow Tricycles Collapsing Taxi Business". Modern Ghana. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
- ^ "Average Conditions | Tamale, Ghana". BBC Weather. 2006. Archived from the original on 15 May 2006. Retrieved 29 August 2024.
- ^ a b Bessah, E.; Amponsah, W.; Ansah, S.; et al. (23 February 2022). "Climatic zoning of Ghana using selected meteorological variables for the period 1976–2018". Meteorological Applications. 29 (1). doi:10.1002/met.2049. Retrieved 17 August 2024.
- ^ COVID-19, climate change and other shocks on the Tamale city region food system: actor’s bane or boon? (PDF) (Report). Food and Agriculture Organization. Retrieved 25 August 2024.
- ^ "Climate Normals 1991–2020". World Meteorological Organization Climatological Standard Normals (1991–2020). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 28 September 2023.
- ^ "Klimatafel von Tamales / Ghana" (PDF). Baseline climate means (1961-1990) from stations all over the world (in German). Deutscher Wetterdienst. Retrieved 18 October 2016.
- ^ "Tamale Teaching Hospital - Ministry Of Health". moh.gov.gh. Ministry of Health, Ghana. Retrieved 17 June 2024.
- ^ "Tamale to host Ghana game - Ghana Football Association". ghanafa.org. Ghana Football Association. Retrieved 17 June 2024.
- ^ "Aliu Mahama Stadium to undergo renovation - Sports Minister hints". Modern Ghana. Retrieved 17 June 2024.
- ^ "Sister City International Listings (Tamale, Ghana)". sister-cities.org. Archived from the original on 31 August 2010. Retrieved 25 August 2024.
- ^ Tamale establishes links with sister city in Burkina-Faso. ghanaweb.com. 31 December 2003.
- ^ TAMALE : Sister city relations should improve trade and investments Archived 14 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine. ndn.nigeriadailynews.com. 2 July 2007.
- ^ "El ghanés Wakaso Mubarak empieza a dejar constancia de sus 'poderes'" [Ghanaian Wakaso Mubarak starts showing his 'powers'] (in Spanish). La Verdad. July 2008. Retrieved 22 August 2024.
- ^ "Hon. Iddrisu Haruna". Parliament of Ghana. Retrieved 22 August 2024.
- ^ "Abdul Majeed Waris". Right to Dream. Retrieved 22 August 2024.
- ^ "Fancy Gadam". mobile.ghanaweb.com. Retrieved 22 August 2024.
- ^ "Bawumia Is 'One Of The Brightest Sparks The NPP Has Seen' – Oppong-Nkrumah". Peacefmonline.com. Retrieved 22 August 2024.
- ^ Gow, James; Funmi, Dijxhoorn; Ernst (2013). Militancy and Violence in West Africa: Religion, Politics and Radicalisation. Routledge. pp. 106–107. ISBN 9781135968502.
- ^ Lartey, Winifred (27 January 2023). "Top 10 Ghanaian journalists who went into politics". Asaase Radio. Retrieved 22 August 2024.
- ^ "'Nothing wrong with criticizing judges constructively' – Inusah Fuseini backs Ayine". Citinewsroom.com. 10 June 2021. Retrieved 22 August 2024.
- ^ "Ghana MPs - MP Details - Fuseini, Alhassan Bashir A." Ghanaweb.com. Retrieved 22 August 2024.
- ^ "Childish to dirty yourselves in public – Mona 4Reall to celebs". Graphic Online. Retrieved 22 August 2024.
- ^ "Rapper and Afrobeat star, Maccasio drops new single". Ghanaweb.com. 20 February 2017. Retrieved 22 August 2024.
- ^ "Ibrahim Mahama". www.documenta14.de (in German). Retrieved 22 August 2024.
