Bolgatanga
Bolgatanga | |
|---|---|
 View of a street in Bolgatanga | |
| Country |  Ghana |
| Region | Upper East Region |
| District | Bolgatanga Municipal District |
| Population (2012) | |
• Total | 66,685[1] |
| Ranked 27th in Ghana | |
| Time zone | GMT |
| • Summer (DST) | GMT |
Bolgatanga, colloquially known as Bolga, is a town and the capital of both the Bolgatanga Municipal District and the Upper East Region of Ghana. Bolgatanga is the twenty-seventh most populous settlement in Ghana, in terms of population, with a population of 66,685 people.[1] Bolga is the major town between Tamale, 161 km (about 100 miles) to the south, and the border with Burkina Faso.
The Upper East Region is bounded by the Republic of Burkina Faso, 32 km (about 20 miles) to the north of Bolga, the Upper West Region 65 km (40 mi) to the west at the Sisili River, and the Republic of Togo, about 100 km (about 60 miles) to the east of the city. Bolga lies in the Red Volta River Valley (which serves as a major migration route of elephants), with the White Volta River and the cliffs of the Gambaga Escarpment to the south of the city forming the southern boundary of the region.
The Hon. David Apasera (PNC), was the Parliamentary Representative up to 2008, and now, Akolbire Opam Brown (NDC), for the Bolgatanga Municipal Constituency.
History of Bolgatanga
Historically Bolgatanga was situated at the southern terminus of the ancient Trans-Saharan trade route. The eastern route traveled through Northern Nigeria, converging with the Sahelian route from Mali via Burkina Faso, near Bolgatanga. Along the route, handicrafts—especially straw baskets, hats and fans, as well as leather goods, metal jewellery, and indigenous attires — were exchanged for kola nuts and salt.
Oral history has it that, the first chief (Bolga Naba) was Naba Apasinyaba, who got the title as a prize for wining a dancing competition. After Naba Apasinyaba that, Naba Adongo I became chief, then to Naba Adabase and to Naba Azaanam, Naba Azaanam was imprisoned. Imprisoned Naba Azaanam was replaced by his uncle Naba Awugiya in colonial times, after Naba Awugiya that, Naba Abilba I, then to Naba Patrick Abilba II and now the Current chief Naba Martin Abilba III, who was enskinned in 1970.
The Upper East Region, where Bolgatanga lies, is part of what used to be known as the Upper Region. Between 1902 and 1960 the Northern Territory was a British protectorate; it was separated into the Northern and Upper Region on July 1, 1960. The Upper Region was apportioned into Upper East and Upper West Region in 1983 during the PNDC rule.
Life in Bolgatanga
When early Europeans arrived in Bolga, the population welcomed them warmly.[3]
Today, Bolga is known as the crafts centre of northern Ghana, with a large central market. Apart from items found elsewhere in Ghana, the so-called "Bolga hats" are made and sold there. Bolgatanga and its surrounding villages also comprise the largest producers of leather works, straw baskets and smocks in the country. The artists sell their works at the Bolgatanga Market, which is open every third day.[3] There is also a museum in the town which houses objects of historical importance of the region.[3]
Architecture and sights of Bolgatanga
Tongo Hills
The Tongo Hills is located, 17 kilometers (about 10 miles) southeast of Bolgatanga. With its landscape dominated by large granite formations.[3]
Naa gbewaa shrine
The "tomb" of, Naa Bbewaa, the founder of the Dagomba tribes, is located in Bolgatanga. Legend states that Naa Gbewaa never died but simply vanished during a heated battle. The shrine was thought to have been built in the 14th century in commemoration of Naa Gbewaa, and is today a place of spiritual reverence.[3]
Bolgatanga Library
The Bolgatanga library is a notable design of award-winning American architect J. Max Bond, Jr., who was influenced by Le Corbusier. Bond lived in Ghana for four years in the 1960s, escaping racism in the United States.[3] The Bolgatanga library was his first major project while working for the national construction company. The design features perforated walls and an "umbrella" shaped roof, so the structure remains cool and well ventilated.[3]
Paga crocodile ponds
Forty kilometres (about 25 miles) from Bolgatanga, along the Burkina Faso border, is Paga, home to the sacred crocodile ponds.[3] These are purportedly the "friendliest" crocodiles in Ghana, and it is said that the souls of the royal family reside in them. The crocodiles roam freely throughout the ponds and it is unthinkable that anyone should harm them.[3]
Referencecs
- ^ a b "World Gazetteer online". World-gazetteer.com.
- ^ http://www.daftlogic.com/
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Touring Ghana - Upper East Region. touringghana.com.
