I have chosen the topic, Islam, Politics and Development: Negotiating the Future of Dagbon for good reason.  Islam, since its introduction into Dagbon in 1700 through the conversion of Na Zangina,  has exerted great influence on the Dagomba people. Dagomba customs and traditions are inextricably interwoven with Islamic ones. Naming, marriage and funeral ceremonies all show considerable Islamic influences. Even the most important festival of the Dagomba people, Damba, is celebrated to commemorate or coincide with Prophet Muhammad’s birthday. As far back as 1820, Joseph Dupuis, the British Consul to Ghana, on the testimony of Yendi traders, classified Dagbon among “governments which are either purely Moslem, or countries where the Koranic law had been received and serves for the civil code of the believer and infidel.  more >>>

The Wuaku Commission report, submitted in November 2002, stated: “Having considered the totality of evidence before the Commission, we have come to the conclusion that the events that took place in Yendi on 25th, 26th, and 27th March, 2002, were criminal acts of an act of war fought between two Gates for which individuals from both Gates are blameable.”It further found that “the illegal stockpiling of arms and ammunitions by both Abudu and Andani royal families and sympathisers made it easier for them to resort to violence.”

History tells us that in the 14th century Na Gbewaa established the ancient Kingdom of Greater Dagbon with Pusiga as the capital.  His death resulted in a power struggle which saw one of his sons, Zirli murdering his brother, Kufogu in order to assume the skin.  That historical account informs us that the killing of Prince Kufogu led to a full-blown war, which ended in the break-up of the Greater Dagbon Kingdom. 

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WASHINGTON, March 31, 2011 The Government of Ghana over the past one week has been granted a total of US$295 million by the World Bank Board to support its developmental process.

The Land Administration Project-2 (US$50m) was approved today, March 31 2011; whilst the Skills and Technology Development Project (US70m) and Local Government Capacity Support Project (US$175m) were approved on March 29th and March 22nd ,  2011 respectively.

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