Mamprusi people
Mamprusis are an ethnic group in Northern Ghana and Togo. Estimates are that there are over 200,000 Mamprusis living in northern Ghana and Togo. They speak Mampruli, a Gur language. In Ghana, the Mamprusis live mainly in Nalerigu, Gambaga, Walewale, Wungu, Yama, Kpasenkpe, Janga, Bulbia, Loagri, Kpatorigu, Sakpaba, Yagba, Kubori, Lukula, Yizeesi, Tantaala, Mankarigu, Nasia, Zuarungu, Yikpabongu, Kparigu, Wulugu, Kurugu, and their surrounding villages in the North East region but also inhabit parts of the Upper East Region—Bawku, Bolgatanga, Tongo, and in the Upper West Region.
The Mamprugu Kingdom was founded around the 13th century by the Great Naa Gbanwah/Gbewah at Pusiga, a village 14 kilometres from Bawku. Which is why Mamprusis revere Bawku as their ancestral home. Naa Gbewah’s tomb is in Pusiga.
The Kingdom spans most of the North East, Northern, Upper West and the Upper East Regions of Ghana, and into Burkina Faso. As a consequence, the King of Mossi of Burkina Faso, to this day is enskinned by the Nayiri – the king of Mamprugu. Thus, establishing this kingdom as the pre-eminent of its kind, and the only kingdom in present-day Ghana whose relevance and authority cuts across national boundaries on the weight of its humble supremacy. The name of the kingdom is Mamprugu, the ethnicity is Mamprusi, and the language is Mampruli. Succession to a skin is hereditary. Only direct descendants of Naa Gbewah, are eligible.
The story of the Mamprusi Monarchy traces its origin to a great warrior named Tohazie the Red Hunter. Tohazie was called the Red Hunter because of his leadership.Tohazie's grandson Naa Gbewaa settled in Pusiga and established the Mamprugu kingdom.
