Hafiz Gunu on Curate Tamale @hafizgunu_20

24th Edition

27th November, 2015.


Experiencing the Northern Region of Ghana through individual stories

Hafiz

Bio

Hafiz is a Sports Presenter and host of Bishara Youth Digest on 97.7mhz. He also considers himself a movie freak. He tweets  @hafizgunu_20



Intro

Good Morning people! It's good to be back again after a short break in memory of our late co-admin; Fareed A. Ibrahim. God rest his soul 🙏🏾

On #CurateTamale today, we've presenter extraordinaire @hafizgunu_20; host of the morning sports show and BYD talk show on Bishara 97.7MHZ



Curator's Tweets

Hello everyone, my name is Hafiz Gunu and i'll be your curator for the day...#CurateTamale

I'm a radio presenter for Bishara 97.7 sports desk and host of Bishara Youth Digest ; a youth based program.....#CurateTamale

I've lived in Tamale for 7 years. Hopefully, that will come in handy in answering ur qstns  abt the city..#CurateTamale

BTW, it's my first time on the curating streets so please be gentle w/ me as i promise to do my very best.#CurateTamale

Tamale is the regional capital and commercial hub of the Northern Region....#CurateTamale

It is home to a population of about 350,000 people.....#CurateTamale

Tamale is a unique City in terms of it's architectural lay out....#CurateTamale

This architectural uniqueness stems from a refreshing blend of thatched and modern houses....#CurateTamale

The thatched houses have assumed a new look as the city continue to embrace the wind of change....#CurateTamale

The thatched houses are slowly being modified by inhabitants to suit current standards..#CurateTamale

It is with worth noting that, the structures still maintain that unique round look.....#CurateTamale

Some say it is gentrification.....i say it's transformation..#CurateTamle

New look of round homes....#CurateTamale


                                


                              



With a simple device such as a phone, one gets a good view of the city on any 3 or 4 storey building.....#CurateTamale

Unlike other cities that struggle w/ traffic congestion....not the case in Tamale..#CurateTamale


                                 


                                      



Unlike de hostile picture of indigenes painted to non-residents, de situation is simply the opposite on de ground.#CurateTamale


Times w/o number I've had friends confess how cathartic it is to visit Tamale....#CurateTamale


Worried abt moving around??...Hitch hiking is a common practice..#CurateTamale

Bikers' are ever ready to offer help to a complete stranger....I know this coz i'm one...#CurateTamale

Most people just shout the words "any lift".....#CurateTamale

Or my personal favorite the weird "sssssss". Lol. No idea where they got that. Maybe is a Ghanaian thing..#CurateTamale


Spare some time to learn at least the greeting in the major languages.....#CurateTamale

Nothing more endearing to the locals than a complete stranger trying to speak the language...#CurateTamale


Football fans looking to catch a live game in a serene atmosphere can do so @ Woodin, Chucks or Mike's Pub..#CurateTamale

Those looking for a raw experience should visit Alhassan Hotel...it is the MECCA of football banter....#CurateTamale

140 characters is woefully inadequate to find the right words to describe this magnificent city....#CurateTamale

Don't just take my word for it......come experience a new world and go back home with your own story...#CurateTamale

Thank you so much for your time. You can reach me directly @hafigunu_20 with your comments.




Email us at tamalenorthernregion@gmail.com to be a curator..

Follow @Tamale_Ghana on Twitter for more.

Jummai on Curate Tamale @DatLuckyGirl

23rd Edition

13th November, 2015.


Experiencing the Northern Region of Ghana through individual stories

Jummai

Bio

Jummai Nasamu (Myra) is a road safety advocate in the Northern Region. Follow her on Twitter: @DatLuckyGirl

Goodmorning to you all,my name is Jummai Nasamu and I will be your curator for today #Curate Tamale

Feel free to ask questions and I would try my best to answer,you can add up too. #Curate Tamale

I have lived here in tamale for over twenty years,I'm a mamprusi. Currently working at National Road Safety commission..#CurateTamale

Currently at Alu Ibrahim Islamic school to talk to students on road safety measures. #CurateTamale 

                             

Students being educated on road safety

Done with school visitations for this week and I'm back to the office. #CurateTamale 

Tamale is a place filled with different people yet they see themselves as one, visit the north you wouldn't want to go back.#CurateTamale

I love how laid-back the city is,everything is so calm and as such one can drive round and get things done without straining.#CurateTamale

Tamale has grown into one of the towns with wider range of successful business ventures over the years.#CurateTamale

SeKaf's Tamale-made shea butter soap and oil were awarded for the best indigenous product at Gh made awards in 2014. 

                            

   If you recall,we learnt from curator @nana_afoe about Tama cosmetics afew weeks ago,made here in tamale from the Shea fruit.#CurateTamale


Today, I'd like us to delve into the structure  and operation of SeKaf Ghana Ltd and products on offer.#CurateTamale


Founded in 2003 by Sena Kpelly and Michael as an export company,SeKaf Ghana Ltd has carved a niche for itself in Shea business#CurateTamale

Wow its almost time for prayers,got carried http://away.lol  would be back after prayers..#CurateTamale


There is a Shea Butter village in Kasalgu, women assemble and process quality unrefined Shea butter in a controlled environment #CurateTamale

The women here really work hard

                                



                          




                           


                             


They practice a triple bottom pine concept,Buying community traded Shea nuts to make Tama Shea butter bath and beauty products.#CurateTamale

Employment for several rural women thereby improving the economic status of women Shea pickers and processors in the north#CurateTamale


   Retailing TAMA products both locally and internationally in bulk volumes to cosmetic companies

         



These are some ground breaking products (indigenous products of the year) Shea butter soap and lotion #CurateTamale

    





Other products include Shea oil for hair and scalp,Shea oil for the body,natural moisturizing black soap


   


                              



Wow its a Friday night wondering where to be?you can visit mikes,wooden or Luxury they are all cool places.#CurateTamale



You can also visit CHUCK'S a place to meet and interact with people of diverse cultural backgrounds.#CurateTamale

  

               



Its been a great honour being your curator for today, thankyou for this opportunity and I hope you enjoyed it. #CurateTamale

Goodnight to you all and enjoy your weekend😊...#CurateTamale

Email us at tamalenorthernregion@gmail.com to be a curator..

Follow @Tamale_Ghana on Twitter for more.

Mighty Daniel on Curate Tamale @mightydaniel190

22nd Edition

6th November, 2015.


Experiencing the Northern Region of Ghana through individual stories

Mighty Daniel

Bio
Mighty Daniel Laryea Aryee is an Industrial Artist and a Former Teaching Assistant at Tamale Polytechnic. My twitter handle is @mightydaniel190

Good Afternoon to Everyone #CurateTamale

Sorry for been late #CurateTamale

I'm your curator for today ☺😎😎

We will learn some interesting stuffs about the North especially Tamale #CurateTamale

#NavroClothLineGh #CurateTamale 

                          

Navro Clothline GH
Produce nd retail original and quality smocks frm the North. Having a fashion show at Radach Lodge and conf centre 2morow

Tamale is an amazing place to be #CurateTamale

The major spoken language in Tamale is Dagbani #CurateTamale

I've been in Tamale for the pass 1year and to be honest I don't feel like returning to Accra!! #AwesomePlace #CurateTamale

I never wanted to come to Tamale bcux of the perception down south, but when I got here I realized it was all false #CoolPlace #CurateTamale


People in Tamale speak good English compared to other places #CurateTamale ☺

Best meal for lunch break is Fried Wagashi #CurateTamale

Wagashi contains nutrients like protein, calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium #CurateTamale

Batakari/Smock is a traditional wear for the people of Northern Ghana and mostly worn during festive occasions

Come to the North especially Tamale and experience, learn, adopt and enjoy rich cultures of the people #CurateTamale

It has been awesome soo far being a curator for the day...hope you're having fun ☺☺☺☺ #CurateTamale

I'm back after a short break #CurateTamale

Tamale is Ghana 's third city and the second largest by area size. #CurateTamale

Upon arriving in the city, one will be quick to notice that the roads of the city are occupied with motorcycles #CurateTamale

The "Mapouka" motor bikes are the most patronised motorcycle in Northern Ghana #CurateTamale


Heard Kalpohin Estates is the Garden Town of Tamale, how true is it? ☺☺☺☺ #CurateTamale

The dry season is usually from November to early April. It is influenced by the dry North-Easterly (Harmattan) winds #CurateTamale

Tamale is the fastest growing city in West Africa at moment....Soo many companies in town #CurateTamale

The weekend has started already....there are soo many places you can hang out with your family and friends in the City #CurateTamale

Places like Mikes Pub, Discovery,  Wooden Bakery and Coffee Shop, Hunters, King David, Piccona, Taco, Giddipass etc #CurateTamale

I've been your Curator for today....More tweets about tamale coming ☺☺ #CurateTamale 

                                              
Hope most of you will be around for the #Smock Fashion Show at Radach Hotel, organize by #NavroClothlineGH
Contact: 0245007732 #CurateTamale

Finally, my time is over ☺ #CurateTamale

Hope we had a great time together #CurateTamale

I'm Mighty Daniel Laryea Aryee, and I've been your curator for today...I'm based at Gumani #CurateTamale

You can follow me on IG @mightydaniel19, twitter on @mightydaniel190 , SnapChat: mightydaniel19 and on Fbook: Mightyy Daniel Jetmann Aryee

Thank you very much @Tamale_Ghana & @mightydaniel190. Your #CurateTamale tweets have been inspiring, wish for more. #GhanaTourism #Wekumei

Good Night everyone ☺☺☺ #CurateTamale




Email us at tamalenorthernregion@gmail.com to be a curator.


Follow @Tamale_Ghana on Twitter for more.          

Abdul-Hak on Curate Tamale @Deerok4 #DagbonHistory

21st Edition

Dagbon History

30th October, 2015.


Experiencing the Northern Region of Ghana through individual stories

Abdul-Hak

Bio
Abdul-Hak is a student, a Muslim, a proud Manchester United fan and a proud Tamale boy. He tweets at @Deerok4


Curator's Tweets

Dasiba...Ansumaa...Ni Ti Maasim.....Good morning everyone I greet you from my room in Wa #CurateTamale

I am Iddriss Abdul-Hak a young man in his 20s and a 3rd year student of the University for Development Studies...#CurateTamale

I study sociology,history and political science.All my life have been lived in the North from Primary to University #CurateTamale

So for that I have so much interest in what happen in the North because dont just consider it as a place I see the North Home #CurateTamale

Don't think I'm a bigot but I must admit that when we talk Ghana I have so much attachment to the North and Tamale  #CurateTamale

Let me go out there and catch some koko (Porridge) and bread so I can continue with #CurateTamale

As a student of politics and history,I'll like to talk more about the linkage between the North and Ghana politics #CurateTamale

Let's focus on the Dagbon political system which has chieftaincy at the top

The Dagban chieftaincy system dates back from the days of Naa Nyagsi the  scion is Shitobu and Grandson Naa Gbewaa

In Dagban like many Northen tribes,Chiefs are enskinned and every One of royal blood is qualified to be a chief....#CurateTamale

Dagban has a hierarchical chieftaincy system with  the Yaa Naa at the paramountcy heading the day to day administration of the Kingdom

There are two main chieftaincies in Dagaban1.Royal-Reserved strictly for royals

2.Non-Royals-Usually on merit and appointment #CurateTamale

The royal division also has 4 sub divisions
1Reserved for children of the Yaa Naa
2Grandsons of the Yaa Naa

3Daughters of the Yaa Naa....

...4 Elders in the court of the Yaa Naa

Under each of the 4 divisions comes with specific places and responsibilities #CurateTamale

We now outline places where each division can be a chief.For the Sons of the Yaa Naa we have;Mion,Savelugu,Karaga,Katinga...#CurateTamale

...Tampion,Sagnerigu,Kunkon,Dimong,Gbungaliga,Zundoli,Sang,Tugu,Zoli,Sung,Pisogu,KpangKpano.Forgive my spelling tho #CurateTamale


It must be noted that in the towns mentioned earlier modern day has allowed the to be shared between both sons and grandsons of the Yaa Naa

The Dagban political system is very gender sensitive and has made way for women to participate in decision making contrary to popular views

There are towns meant for the daughters of the Yaa Naa and they are;Gundogu,Kpatuya,Nakpanzo,Kugulogu,Shilung,Yimahagu,Warigbani...


...Yiwogu,Fuyaa,Saaseyili and Didoge these are all towns (very big) strictly for daughters of the Yaa Naa.Where else can you get this?!

For the Non-royals;Gushiegu,Kugu,Zabzugu,Woribogu,Salankpang,Nyankpala,Dalun,Langa,Kasuliyili,Yeziegu,Zandua,Diyali,Singa,Tolon#CurateTamale


Still on the non-royals,Nanton,Kumbungu,Choggu,Gukpegu and foo #CurateTamale

So how is the Dagban political system structured?! Does it have a relations with modern day government?! Is there democracy and rule of law

The Dagban political system unlike the modern one has the Yaa Naa as the figurehead of the executive,judicial and legislative branches...

Despite all these powers he can still be removed and still has to consult his court before anything final can be made #CurateTamale

Let's take a look at how its structured (both executive and legislative powers);Yaa Naa 
Karaga Naa
Yoo  Naa
Mion Lana

Nakpali Naa...

...
Demong Naa
Gushie Naa
Yelizoli Lana
Gukpe Naa
Nanton Naa
Sunson Naa
Tolon Naa 
Kumbun Naa
Kugu Naa 
Zohi Naa 
Balo Naa

Kum Lana...


...Malle 
Bunnga 
Gagbindana 
Kpahagu 
Gullana 
Chereponi fame
Tuguri  nam

Are those who make the Dagban cabinet #CurateTamale

Now let's look at those who constitute the judicial system;
Yaa Naa (Head)
Kugu Naa (deputy)
Zohi Naa 
Balo Naa 
Kum Lana

Bunnga....


..Gagbindana
Malle
Kpahigu
Gullana
Tuɣuri Nam

These are those who constitute the judiciary and are also king makers #CurateTamale

Many people still think Dagombas are conservative and they're so strict about their culture but this revelation will shock you...

In as recent as 1986 Dagban reviewed it's culture to allow Chiefs of  smaller towns and women were allowed representation in the court...

Some of the new additions were the;
Tijo Naa
Gomle 
Wonchogu Naa and for the women
Gundo Naa
Shilung Naa and

Saaseyili Naa #CurateTamale

How then is the Yaa Naa(Over Lord) selected?Tihi Ni Morilana (owner of the forests) Zug'saa Ni tingban Lana (Owner of the heaven and earth)

Long ago during the early days of Dagban history,kings emerged by waging wars against incumbents but this ended long..yes very long time

The second method is by name calling were princes will have their names called,the nicest name is chosen...Eg Naa Zanjina's case


The most appropriate and widely used is divination but when contradictions set in between the various soothsayers,the king makers vote

The principal kingmakers of Dagban are;The Kugu Naa,Gushie Naa,Gomli and the Tugri Nam.It should be noted that the Kugu Naa has no vote


The chosen one will move from various places after being sought after by king makers.First from the TikubNaa to the Zoyilana then to Gbewaa


Follow Abdul-Hak for more history sessions on Twitter @Deerok4 



Email us at tamalenorthernregion@gmail.com to be a curator.


Follow @Tamale_Ghana on Twitter for more.           

Tawfiq & Iddris at the Bugum Festival

20th Edition

Bugum Festival

23rd October, 2015.


Experiencing the Northern Region of Ghana through individual stories

Tawfiq

Bio
Mohammed Tawfiq Bidda would love to be one of Ghana's biggest entrepreneurs. 

He is @TawfiqBidda on Twitter. He blogs at http://biddaonline.wordpress.com 


NB
This edition was co-curate by Tawfiq Bidda and Iddris Ahmed. Tawfiq curated most of the day and Iddris joined him at night to live-tweet the Bugum Festival from Tamale. The first section of this post will present Tawfiq's tweets and the section section (during the festival at night), features tweets from both Tawfiq and Ahmed. Later tweets will be signed TB (Tawfiq Bidda) and IA (Iddris Ahmed).

Tweets from Curator (Tawfiq)

Good morning beautiful people . I am Mohammed Tawfiq Bidda . Your curator for today. #CurateTamale


Today is the 9th day of the first lunar month of the traditional ( Dagomba) Calender. 

09/Bugum/ ....

It means today is the BUGUM FESTIVAL. #CurateTamale

Everyone is excited about today. Lets get interactive as I take you through the #Bugum edition of #CurateTamale.

Please be at ease to ask on anything bothering your mind. I will be very glad.

I have been in a merry mood since yesterday because the good lord has overseen the safe arrival of my parents from the holy city of mecca .

There are 1000s of others like me in Tamale welcoming their love ones from Mecca. #CurateTamale

Soo the joy is double double. Joy of Bugum and Joy of welcoming.

#CurateTamale

Today is going to be a long day for me. I hope i am able to touch on mosts aspects of our beautiful town.

#CurateTamale

The culture , social-political , education , sports , economy and anything that crops up 

#CurateTamale

We would delve more about the Bugum Festival later in the evening, when the festivity peaks. #CurateTamale

Tamale is different. its a hybrid of urban and rural Ghana .

#CurateTamale

Dagbanli is widely spoken here , but trust me don't try to hoodwink anyone in English you would be caught.

#CurateTamale

Meet my good friend Kulikuli.
The tastiness of this delicacy is even in its name Ku-li-ku-li.

#CurateTamale 

Kulikuli (a snack made with groundnuts)

Anyways there are too big markets in Tamale .Aboabu mkt and the Tamale old mkt. You would find anything market there

#CurateTamale

Its almost 5pm , we should be getting ready to catch up the Bugum frenzy.
#Bugum

#CurateTamale

Before then , this is Kpalou ( weaver). The simple machine that weaves the fabric of the smock we all love . 

                             




Tawfiq Bidda (TB) and Iddris Ahmed (IA)

Time to catch up with the excitement of #BugumFestival.#CurateTamale. IA

Good evening lovely people I'm Iddris Ahmed your co-curator for tonight.with the special edition #BugumFestival

As earlier said by curator Tawfiq,the Bugum choggu(festival) is the first dagomba festival in the lunar year

#BugumFestival is celebrated on the 9th day of Bugum goli (month of fire).#CurateTamale .IA

Right after evening meals the people of tamale start to prepare for the #BugumFestival by getting their tools and weapons ready. IA

#BugumFestival is a typically celebrated with traditional torches made wit grass(mopla).#CurateTamale . IA

Bundled torch ready to be lit

Torch made of dry grass

A woman wielding her torch ready for the festival

We told you today is gonna be special. Double Curators, Double everything. Fantastic Co. Curator Issah Ahmed. TB

#CurateTamale

Yes, your tools and WEAPONS. We are supposed to look warriors tonight. Everything is symbolic.

#CurateTamale

The Bajaj tricycle other wise known as John Mahama in tamale has become a major means of transportation in tamale.IA 

Newest sensation in Tamale

                                               

The #BugumFestival is celebrated by all, men women and even children.#CurateTamale .IA 

Children ready for the Bugum Festival

                                            

Before the start of the #BugumFestival,drummers go to the chief palace to drum him out for the occasion.IA 

Drummers are an important part of the celebrations

All set and ready for the #BugumFestival

                                              

                                    

Meet this young man. He is a Fulani. He says #Bugum is for all and all in Town not Dagombas alone. -TB

#CurateTamale 

                                                  

 

Let the fun begin...the celebration has just began as the torches have been put on fire.

The atmosphere is crazy already and people are fired up to enjoy the celebration #BugumFestival.IA 

Torches have been lit

                                                

                                  

The people are in a frenzy mood and dressed like warriors for the occasion 

                                             

               

                           

At the Tamale central mosque..other celebrants resort to use fire crackers in the celebration.#BugumFestival. IA 

                             

I came across this guy and he said he had used a blind black cat for his rituals before coming out.#BugumFestival IA 

                                   

The mood of the people is warlike. #BugumFestival .IA 

                         

To prevent drops of fire from falling on their clothes and burning them,many of the celebrators wet their clothes.#BukumFestival.IA

The atmosphere is heavily charged and disruptive.#BugumFestival. IA 

                                     

When the people are celebrating #BugumFestival the people sing and dance Ziem.#CurateTamale. IA 

Whiles burning the torch, the crowd moves towards the boundary of the area to throw away the torch.#BugumFestival IA 

The celebrations will continue till dawn.#BugumFestival

While singing yoo yoo yoo ya yo I will gladly sign out on today's special #BugumFestival edition of #CurateTamale.IA 

                                              

It's been a great night of #BugumFestival with yours truly @IddrisAhmed and @TawfiqBidda .#CurateTamale IA

Our very long day seem to have reached its limit. It's been wonderful being your curator today. 

#CurateTamale -TB

I am Mohammed Tawfiq Bidda .

Lets link up @TawfiqBidda. You can email us on any issue at  tamalenorthernregion@gmail.com

God bless you all

Email us at tamalenorthernregion@gmail.com to be a curator.

Follow @Tamale_Ghana on Twitter for more.