My random ramblings from Northern Ghana

About a month ago, I had a great opportunity to travel to Northern Ghana for the first time for a project fieldwork. The thrill in this was also that by the end of the visits to Tamale, Wa and Bolgantaga, I would have been to all the 10 administrative regions of Ghana.

I took the opportunity to savour and visit some of the great sites in the regions. This forms a part of the outcome of my visit.

I present to you some random observations I made during my visit cutting across the economic and socio-cultural makeup of the 3 northern regions.

The original contents were serialized on my Facebook page and on the hashtag #NorthernGhanaVibes. You can also visit my blog; www.papayaw.wordpress.com for more.

Enjoy

1. ‘Mahama Camboo’ refers to a tricycle (known as ‘tukuks’ in Kenya) perhaps to honour him for introducing them in Northern Ghana

2. Every Awal is a Mohammed

3. Some brand of smocks are called ‘John Mahama’

4. Northern Ghana is not Tamale! just like #AfricaisnotaCountry

5. Akofem (Guinea fowl) is available on every major staple (so I had Waakye and AKofem in Tamale)

6. The smiles of the daughters of Eve here are quite infectious especially those from Sandema

7. The direction in which you wear a traditional hat can cause you trouble

8. Bolga and Bole are 2 different towns not short names for the other i.e. Bole for Bolgatanga

9. The material used in making the smock is also known as “Northern Kente” by southerners

10. Yes, there is the classic TZ! However, going to Northern Ghana and not having ‘Tumbani’ is an error. What a meal. Tumbani is a steamed cake made from bean flour, originates from the upper west region. The locals tell me it’s a meal “full of energy”

11. The vast amount of arable land in all the three Northern Ghana is gaga gargantuan! Why are we paying lip service to Agriculture in this town?

12. Here motor bikes are the most popular means of transport. Don’t be surprised to go to an official event and find a lot of bikes parked. I describe the scene in one of my Instagram posts as “The Northern Mercedes is here in all its majesty”



13. There is no place for lukewarm weather here. The weather is on the two extremes- very cold or very warm.

14. A northern chief can wear as much as 10 batakari to a function. I wore one and even for that it was not simple. The reason why they fan them when they sit in state.



15. Wise words I heard from, Naba Sigri Bewong (Chairman of the Upper East Regional Peace Council and also the Paramount Chief of the Sakoti traditional area) “When you breed a monster you end up being its prey”

16. I observe the intensive radio ad campaigns on NADAA’s Agric policy of “Planting for food and jobs”. I hope that the resources will not go down the drain.

17. Tamale has taken on the life of Accra - busy, crowded, traffic and high cost of living. Indeed at a popular ‘joint’ behind the Tamale Sports Stadium, you can have a minimum of GH¢3 worth of waakye, if you see the quantity, nobody will tell you to go for GH¢5 which actually is a total cost of a plate of waakye with all its accoutrements I grab at Roman Ridge!

18. The best place to get a smock I gather is at Daboya (in fact, Google even recognizes them. Typing in ‘Daboya’ will bring a first auto-suggest of “Daboya Smock”). Plus the ‘Gonja’ smock I hear is the ‘ish’. They will say you watch ‘JM’

19. I cannot say this enough! The #WaTumuRoad should be fixed. A very important road linking Bolgatanga and Wa needs something better. Mr Finance Minister, the next budget should feature this road.



20. Yeah, you’ve heard a lot about ‘Northern Ghana’ ladies right? I can confirm what you heard is true! Dark, sleek, drop dead gorgeous.

21. So which city come on my ‘top of the pops’? I have a liking for all the three regions for different reasons. However, if I'm pushed to make a choice, #Bolgantanga and the Upper-East for that matter comes up on my radar. For the ambience, serenity, and great getaway from the noisy, hustle and bustle of the places like Accra. The food, the people etc. Oh, yes you guessed right! That was where I had my coronation as the #AdentaNaba

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