EventsSavannah Region is one of the newest regions of Ghana located in the north. The region was created following a petition by the Gonja Traditional Council which was led by Yagbonwura Tumtumba Boresa Jakpa I. It is yet the largest region in the country, and its capital is Damongo. The Savannah Region is divided into seven (7) districts. She is bordered on the north by the Upper West Region, on the west by the Ghana-Cote d’ Ivoire border, on the south by the Bono and Bono East regions, and on the west by North East and Northern regions.
Mole National Park
This Park is the heart of the attractions in the Northern Region and regarded as Ghana’s largest wildlife refuge and primary African preserve for antelope species, monkey species. It covers an area of 4840sq.km, and 144km from Tamale and 24km north of Damango. The Park offers Savannah and riverine forest landscape with more than 9m mammal species including elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, warthogs, antelope, and primates and about 344 bird species.
Wechiau Hippo Sanctuary
The sanctuary can be found on the south side of the Black Volta. Great efforts have been made by the people of the community, who upon education on the importance of the hippos and the ecology of the river have started an eco-tourism industry in the area. The sanctuary has a visitors’ centre, trained guides, organized cultural activities and a guest house. Transport to the sanctuary is however a challenge which is currently been tackled.
Religion and Language
Majority of the people of the Savannah Region are Muslims. The official language spoken is English, however, most inhabitants speak at least one of the Niger-Congo languages: Gonja, Vagla, Dagbani, Mamprous or Tamprusi of the subfamily, Oti-Volta.
Climate and Vegetation
Due to its proximity to the Sahel and the Sahara, the Savannah Region is much drier as compared to the southern areas of Ghana. The wet season is between July and November with an average rainfall of 750 to 1050mm. Highest temperatures are reached at the end of dry season and in December, and in January, lowest temperatures. The hot Harmattan wind blows frequently between December and the beginning of February, from the Sahara. The temperatures can vary between 40°C during the day and 14°C at night.
The region consists primarily of grassland, especially savanna with cluster of trees which are drought-resistant including baobab and acacias.
Tourism and Attractions
- Mole National Park, near Larabanga.
- Larabanga Historic Mosque, Larabanga.
- Wechiau Hippo Sanctuary.
- Mystery stone at Laranbaga
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