The Northern Region of Ghana

The Northern Region of Ghana is the largest region in the country, covering over a third of the entire land mass. It borders the regions of Upper East and Upper West to the north and Brong-Ahafo and Volta Regions to the south. It stretches from the border of Cote D’Ivoire to the west and Togo to the east. The capital city is Tamale, which is the fourth largest city in the country.

Although it is the largest, it is also one of the most underdeveloped and least populated, due in fact to emigration because of the extreme poverty in the region. Most of the economy depends on agriculture.

There is still much to offer visitors to the region however, such as the Mole National Park in the West Gonja District. It is the largest National Park in Ghana, with a restaurant and basic hotel located in the park for visitors overlooking an elephant bath. Some of the amazing wildlife to view while visiting the park include thousands of warthogs, buffalo, waterbucks, roam antelopes, elephants, hartebeests, and countless leopard, lions and hyenas. There is also a wide variety of primates that can be seen as well.

Some of the other attractions to the region include the Larabanga Mosque and Larabanga Mystery Stone. Moorish traders first built the mosque in the 13th century and it is considered to be the holiest in all of Ghana. It has been widely photographed due to the beautiful structure and look of the mosque. Not that far away is a mysterious stone that has long been the subject of a local legend.

The region is home to many festivals and events that visitors can enjoy, including the Bugum Chugu (Fire) Festival, Gobandawu (Yam) Festival, Kpini Chugu (Guinea Fowl Festival), Damba Festival and Jintigi Fire Festival. All festivals are meant to honor and celebrate, and each has its own special meaning to the locals.

Although the Northern Region may not be as popular among tourists visiting Ghana, it should not be overlooked when wanting to experience everything the country has to offer.