The Kingdom of Dagbon is one of the oldest and most respected traditional kingdoms in West Africa. It was founded in the 11th century in what is today northern Ghana by a legendary warrior known as Tohazie, also called the Red Hunter.
Tohazie came from the east, possibly the Lake Chad region, and is said to have been a skilled hunter and fighter. He earned the name "Red Hunter" because of his bravery and fierce appearance in battle. According to tradition, Tohazie led his people into what is now the Dagbon region and established the early foundations of the kingdom.
After Tohazie, his grandson Naa Gbewaa is credited with formally organizing the Dagbon kingdom. Naa Gbewaa is seen as the true founding father of the centralized Dagbon state. He expanded the kingdom, united various clans under one leadership, and established the royal customs that are still followed by the Dagomba people today.
The Kingdom of Dagbon has its capital at Yendi. Its rulers are called Ya-Na, meaning "King of Strength." The Ya-Na is chosen from one of the royal families through a traditional selection process that reflects centuries of cultural heritage.
Dagbon played an important role in regional trade and politics. It was connected to the wider trans-Saharan trade routes, interacting with empires and traders from North Africa and other parts of West Africa. The kingdom's influence spread through diplomacy, war, and alliances.
Despite colonization and modern political changes, Dagbon has maintained its royal structures and traditions. It remains a powerful symbol of Ghanaian history and identity, especially among the Dagomba people. Today, the kingdom is respected for its cultural richness, festivals, and traditional leadership system.
The story of Dagbon is a story of survival, leadership, and legacy. From the days of Tohazie, the Red Hunter, to the present-day Ya-Na, the kingdom continues to play an important role in Ghana's cultural and historical landscape.