Stories and facts

Established as one of the newest regions in Ghana, the Savannah Region not only holds historical significance but also stands as the largest region in the country.

The genesis of the Savannah Region can be traced back to the petition presented by the Gonja Traditional Council, under the leadership of Yagbonwura Tumtumba Boresa Jakpa I. The Gonja Traditional Council, advocating for regional autonomy, received overwhelming support from stakeholders in the Northern Region, from which the Savannah Region was eventually carved. The Brobbey Commission, entrusted with the responsibility of creating new regions, oversaw a resounding referendum on December 27, 2018, where an overwhelming 99.7% voted in favor of the new region. The formal establishment was marked by the signing and presentation of Constitutional Instrument (CI) 115 by the President of Ghana to Yagbonwura in a ceremony held at the Jubilee House, Accra, on February 12, 2019. The capital, Damongo, was officially declared, echoing the triumph of the Gonja people.

Spread across the northern expanse of Ghana, the Savannah Region shares borders with the Upper West region to the north, the Ghana-Côte d'Ivoire international border to the west, Bono and Bono East regions to the south, and the North East and Northern regions to the east. With seven districts and constituencies each, including Bole, Central Gonja, North Gonja, East Gonja, Sawla/Tuna/Kalba, West Gonja, and North East Gonja, the region is poised for comprehensive governance and local representation.

A landmark referendum held on December 27, 2018, saw an overwhelming approval rate of 99.52%, reflecting the collective desire for autonomy and regional identity. CI 115, which officially established the Savannah Region, was signed and presented on February 12, 2019.

The Savannah Region, characterized by its proximity to the Sahel and the Sahara, boasts a climate that differs markedly from the southern parts of Ghana. Distinguished by a predominantly grassland vegetation, featuring savannas adorned with baobabs and acacias, the region experiences a dry season from December to April and a wet season from July to November. The climate is conducive to unique flora and fauna, making the region a potential hub for ecotourism.

The Savannah Region is not only a land of diverse landscapes but also home to notable tourist attractions, including Mole National Park, Bui National Park, Larabanga Historic Mosque, and the Wechiau Hippo Sanctuary. These natural wonders contribute to the region's potential as a tourist destination.

Boasting about 2.69 million hectares of land suitable for cropping and livestock rearing, the Savannah Region stands as a key contributor to Ghana's grain and tuber production. The unique climatic and soil characteristics make it an ideal area for cultivating pineapples, yams, cassava, and maize—crucial components of Ghana's non-traditional export sector.

With a low population density, the inhabitants of the Savannah Region predominantly speak languages belonging to the Oti–Volta subfamily in the Niger–Congo language family. The region is a melting pot of cultures, with residents practicing Islam as the majority religion. The region hosts several educational institutions, including Bole Senior High School, Buipe Senior High School, Damongo Senior High School, Salaga Senior High School, Sawla Senior High School, and Daboya Community Day Senior High School.

Governance in the Savannah Region is facilitated through the local government system, comprising seven MMDAs, including Metropolitan, Municipal, and Ordinary Assemblies. Each assembly is led by a Chief Executive, representing the central government, with authority derived from an Assembly headed by a presiding member elected from among the members themselves.

Among the notable figures from the Savannah Region is John Dramani Mahama, a son of Bole. As the region looks ahead, it stands as a beacon of promise, with its rich history, diverse culture, and vast economic potential driving its journey toward sustainable development and prosperity. The Savannah Region, by embracing its unique identity, is poised to contribute significantly to the continued growth and progress of Ghana as a whole.