{{Short description|Historical Ghanaian royal}}
'''Naa Gbewaa''' (also known as '''Nedega''' or '''Kulu Gbagha''') is the founder of the Kingdoms of Mamprugu, Dagbon, and Nanug, in what is now northern Ghana. His sons and daughters are credited with founding several states,{{sfn|Lipschutz|Rasmussen|1989|p=168}}{{sfn|Ade Ajayi|Crowder|1976|p=417}} including the Mossi Kingdoms of Burkina Faso.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-04-13 |title=The forgotten kingdom |url=https://africasacountry.com/2018/12/the-forgotten-kingdom |access-date=2023-10-20 |website=africasacountry.com}}</ref> He established a stable and prosperous kingdom.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Origin of Mossi-Dagomba States |url=https://pdfproc.lib.msu.edu/?file=/DMC/African%20Journals/pdfs/Institue%20of%20African%20Studies%20Research%20Review/1971v7n2/asrv007002007.pdf |website=PDF Proc}}</ref> Naa Gbewaa's shrine is located at Pusiga, 90 km east of Bolgatanga.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Naa Gbewaa Shrine – GACL |url=https://www.gacl.com.gh/product/naa-gbewaa-shrine/ |access-date=2023-10-20 |website=Gacl}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-03-19 |title=The Naa Gbewaa Shrine |url=https://www.gbcghanaonline.com/features/the-naa-gbewaa-shrine/2021/ |access-date=2023-10-20 |website=Gbc Ghana Online}}</ref> His descendants continue to pay respects at the shrine.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Naa Gbewaa Shrine – GACL |url=https://www.gacl.com.gh/product/naa-gbewaa-shrine/ |access-date=2023-09-16 |website=Gacl}}</ref>
== Lineage == Naa Gbewaa fathered the following children:<ref>{{Cite web |title=Naa Gbewaa children |url=http://www.adrummerstestament.com/2/2-04_Naa_Gbewaa_children_(list).html |access-date=2023-05-21 |website=adrummerstestament.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-09-04 |title=The History Of Mole Dagbon State • Dagbon Kingdom: Your Gateway to the Best of Culture, History & Tourism |url=https://dagbonkingdom.com/history-of-mole-dagbon-state/ |access-date=2023-05-21 |website=Dagbon Kingdom |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-04-13 |title=The forgotten kingdom |url=https://africasacountry.com/2018/12/the-forgotten-kingdom |access-date=2023-10-20 |website=africasacountry.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=History |first=The African |date=2022-04-08 |title=Kingdom of Dagbon: founded in Ghana by the Red Hunter Tohazee in 11th Century |url=https://theafricanhistory.com/2567 |access-date=2023-10-20 |website=The African History |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-06-30 |title=THE GHANAIAN HIGH SCHOOL CULTURAL FESTIVAL OF NORTHERN GHANA IN PICTURES. |url=https://amoafowaa.com/2014/06/30/the-ghanaian-high-school-festival-of-northern-ghana-in-pictures/ |access-date=2023-10-20 |website=Mum Cee |language=en}}</ref>
* Yemtori (Yennenga), beloved daughter, travelled northward and married Rialle. Their son, Ouedraogo founded the Ouedrago clan of the Mossi Kingdoms. * Gundo Naa Kachaɣu, the eldest child of Naa Gbewa, became the first Gundo Naa. The Gundo Naa title is reserved for only females. * Naa Ʒirli (Zirile), the eldest son of Naa Gbewaa. Younger to Gundo-Naa Kachaɣu. * Fɔɣu (Kufɔɣu), chosen successor of Naa Gbewaa, despite not being the eldest son. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Edu |first=World History |date=2024-10-10 |title=Naa Gbewaa: Founder of the Kingdom of Dagbon |url=https://worldhistoryedu.com/naa-gbewaa-founder-of-the-kingdom-of-dagbon/ |access-date=2025-12-13 |website=World History Edu |language=en-US}}</ref> * Naa Shitɔbu, led majority Gbewaa children as Yaa Naa. * Gmamprugulana Tohigu (Tosugu), younger to Zirile and Kachaɣu, but older than Shitobu. Moved to Gambaga, ruled over a land that will become Gmamprugu. * Bimbila Naa Gmantambo, founded Nanung. * Salagalana Kayilkuna, ruled over Salaga. * Kuɣa Naa Subee Kpɛma. * Karaga Naa Beemoni, ruled over Karaga. * Sunson Naa Buɣyilgu, ruled over Sunsong. * Sanglana Subee Bila, ruled over Sang, in the Mion District of Eastern Dagbon. * Nyensung Yaambana. * Savelugu Naa Yenyoo, ruled over Savelugu. * Nanton Naa Baatanga, ruled over Nanton. * Yamolkaragalana Kayetuli, ruled over Yemokaraga. * Bohinsan Zugulana. * Zantanlana Yirigitundi, ruled over Zantaani in Western Dagbon, now under Tolon District. * Zoggolana Sungburi, ruled over Zoggu. * Nyingaa Ʒibie. * Kpuɣli Kungoo.
== Split of Old Dagbon == When Gbewaa grew old, he preferred Fɔɣu, who was not the eldest son, to be his successor. Zirile, the eldest son, learnt of his father's intentions, and went on to murder Fɔɣu.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2020-01-06 |title=After the death of Naa Gbewaah; the power struggle between Zirli & Kufogu |url=https://www.sanatuzambang.info/2020/01/06/after-the-death-of-naa-gbewaah-the-power-struggle-between-zirli-kufogu/ |access-date=2024-03-28 |website=Sanatu Zambang |language=en-GB}}</ref> When Gbewaa was informed about the death of his preferred successor, it did not take long for him to die. The historians of Dagbon, the Lunsi,<ref name=":1">{{Cite journal |last1=Abdallah |first1=Zablong Zakariah |last2=Locke |first2=David |year=2010 |title=The Lunsi (drummers) of Dagbon: tradition and change |url=https://www.africabib.org/rec.php?RID=339538228 |journal=Research Review |language=en |issue=21 |issn=0855-4412}}</ref> uses a euphemism, that, Gbewaa disappeared in to the ground.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=About the Dagomba – Dagomba Dance Drumming |url=https://sites.tufts.edu/dagomba/about-the-dagomba/ |access-date=2023-10-21 |website=Tufts sites |language=en-US}}</ref> When a King dies in Dagbon, Gmamprugu, and Nanung, euphemisms are used to announce their death.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Lions of Dagbon: Political Change in Northern Ghana |url=http://ndl.ethernet.edu.et/bitstream/123456789/10073/1/165.pdf.pdf |website=Ethernet}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-10-18 |title=Burial and Enskinment by Seton Nicholas |url=https://documentingghana.com/2018/10/18/burial-and-enskinment-by-seton-nicholas/ |access-date=2023-10-21 |website=Documenting Ghana |language=en}}</ref>
Kachaɣu, the eldest child, took on the regalia of Gbewaa and made herself Queen, but Zirile forced her to give it up.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=PEACE EDUCATION AS CORRELATE OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN NANUMBA NORTH (Bimbilla) DISTRICT IN NORTHERN REGION OF GHANA |url=https://www.journal-ijah.org/uploads/ijah_01__39.pdf}}</ref> Not much is recorded about Zirile by the Historians of Dagbon. After Zirile, most of the children, including Kachaɣu, followed Shitobu, and they maintained Dagbon as the name of the lands they ruled.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-10-14 |title=History and origin of Gushegu |url=https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/features/History-and-origin-of-Gushegu-1084771 |access-date=2023-10-21 |website=GhanaWeb |language=en}}</ref> Tohagu, who shared the same mother as Zirile, ruled over a small portion of land in what will become Gmamprugu.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Ratat |first=Lelrey |date=2023-04-13 |title=Brief History of the Dagbon (Dagbaŋ) people of Ghana |url=https://ghinfosite.com/2023/04/13/brief-history-of-the-dagbon-dagban-people-of-ghana/ |access-date=2023-10-21 |website=GH Info Site |language=en-GB}}</ref> Kachaɣu became the first Gundo Naa, the most senior female royal title of Dagbon.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The inescapability of local traditions in women's peace roles in Dagbon – The Nordic Africa Institute |url=https://nai.uu.se/news-and-events/news/2023-06-08-the-inescapability-of-local-traditions-in-womens-peace-roles-in-dagbon.html |access-date=2023-10-21 |website=nai.uu.se |language=en}}</ref> Yennenga (Yemtori) travelled northward and established the Mossi Kingdoms.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Story of the Princess Yennenga |url=https://www.yennengaprogress.se/the-story-of-the-princess-yennenga |access-date=2023-10-21 |website=Yennenga Progress |language=en-GB}}</ref> Gmantambo moved further south and founded Nanung.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SUCCESSION AND DEMOCRACY IN NANUŊ, NORTHERN GHANA |url=https://www.sav.sk/journals/uploads/11261138Asian%20and%20African%20Studies_2_2019_05_Skalnik.P_SUCCESSION%20AND%20DEMOCRACY%20IN%20NANU%C5%8A,%20NORTHERN%20GHANA.pdf}}</ref>
== Eldest kingdom == Although Dagbon is largely recognized as the oldest kingdom in Ghana,<ref>{{Cite web |last=alm |date=2022-04-21 |title=KINGDOM OF DAGBON: One of Ghana's Oldest and Best-organized Traditional Kingdoms (11th Century - ) |url=https://africanleadersmagazine.com/kingdom-of-dagbon-one-of-ghanas-oldest-and-best-organized-traditional-kingdoms-11th-century-2/ |access-date=2024-03-28 |website=Africa Leaders Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bureau |first=Editorial |date=2022-01-18 |title=Dagbon Kingdom – Kennedy intends to play a vital role in Dagbon |url=https://www.britishherald.com/2022/01/18/enskinment-of-a-queen-from-the-diaspora-2-dagbon-kingdom/ |access-date=2024-03-28 |website=British Herald |language=en-US}}</ref> many regard Mamprugu too to be equally old.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-01-06 |title=Mamprusi People; Eldest of the Mole-Dagbani Ethnic Group |url=https://www.sanatuzambang.info/2020/01/06/mamprusi-people-eldest-of-the-mole-dagbani-ethnic-group/ |access-date=2024-03-28 |website=Sanatu Zambang |language=en-GB}}</ref> Both Shitobu and Tohagu were not the oldest of Gbewaa's sons.<ref name=":3" /> Kachaɣu, Zirile and Kufogu were older than these two brothers.<ref name=":4" />
Most of the children of Gbewaa including his eldest child Kachaɣu (female) took Shitobu as the leader of the post-Gbewaa Dagbon.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-10-14 |title=History and origin of Gushegu |url=https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/features/History-and-origin-of-Gushegu-1084771 |access-date=2024-03-28 |website=GhanaWeb |language=en}}</ref> Kachaɣu became the first Gundo Naa. Shitobu retained the royal regalia of Gbewaa,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Malik |date=2021-09-04 |title=The History Of Mole Dagbon State • Dagbon Kingdom: Your Gateway to the Best of Culture, History & Tourism |url=https://dagbonkingdom.com/history-of-mole-dagbon-state/ |access-date=2024-03-28 |language=en-US}}</ref> his kingdom continued to bear the name Dagbon,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-01-26 |title=Dagbon King Is Crowned |url=https://dailyguidenetwork.com/dagbon-king-is-crowned/ |access-date=2024-03-28 |website=DailyGuide Network |language=en-US}}</ref> maintained the Lion of Gbewaa<ref>{{Cite news |last=admin |date=2021-10-05 |title=Lion emblem is preserve of Yaa-Naa |url=https://www.ghanaiantimes.com.gh/lion-emblem-is-preserve-of-yaa-naa/ |location=Accra, Ghana|access-date=2024-03-28 |newspaper=Ghanaian Times|language=en}}</ref> as emblem, and today, the ruler of Dagbon resides in the Gbewaa Palace.<ref>{{Cite news |title=The Gbewaa Palace – Identity of Dagbon Kingdom |url=https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/ghana-news-the-gbewaa-palace-identity-of-dagbon-kingdom.html|location=Accra, Ghana|newspaper=Daily Graphic}}</ref> Shitobu's tomb is located in Karaga guarded by the Tindana of Baɣli.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Time for dagbon to develop historical and tourism sites – Mumuni Yunus |url=https://www.sanatuzambang.info/2020/02/28/time-for-dagbon-to-develop-historical-and-tourism-sites-mumuni-yunus/}}</ref>
The Mamprusi claim to eldership is based on male-preferred/cognatic Primogeniture, where succession is through the oldest male child. However, Gbewaa did not practise this, as he designated the younger Foɣu/Kufoɣu<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wundengba |first=Charles |date=2018-10-16 |title=What You Must Know About the Mamprusi People, Eldest of the Mole-Dagbani Ethnic Group |url=https://northernghana.net/mamprusi/ |access-date=2024-03-28 |website=Northernghana.net |language=en-US}}</ref> to rule over his oldest child Kachaɣu and his eldest son Zirile.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /> The Mamprusi adopted the elephant as its symbol.<ref>{{Cite news |title=The Nayiri Palace is the traditional seat of the Overlord of the Mamprugu Traditional Area. |url=https://www.graphic.com.gh/features/the-nayiri-palace-embodiment-of-chieftaincy-identity-of-mamprugu-kingdom.html|location=Accra, Ghana|newspaper=Daily Graphic}}</ref>
Today, both Dagbon and mamprugu uses a succession by competition rather than primogeniture.
== Eponyms == * Naa Gbewaa Interchange, Tamale<ref>{{Cite web |title=NORTHERN REGIONAL MINISTER EXPRESSED GRATITUDE TO THE PRESIDENT FOR THE NAA GBEWAA INTERCHANGE – NRCC |url=https://northernrcc.gov.gh/2022/04/01/northern-regional-minister-expressed-gratitude-to-the-president-for-the-naa-gbewaa-interchange/ |access-date=2023-10-24 |website=northernrcc.gov.gh}}</ref> * Gbewa Residential Area, Tamale<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-04-12 |title=Disaster looms at Gbewaa residential; residents alert authorities about shoddy work of contractor ahead rainy season |url=https://zaaradio.com/local/disaster-looms-at-gbewaa-residential-residents-alert-authorities-about-shoddy-work-of-contractor-ahead-rainy-season/ |access-date=2023-10-24 |website=Zaa Radio 99.3 FM |language=en-GB}}</ref> * Gbewaa Palace, seat of King of Dagbon<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-06 |title=Ya Na Cuts Sod For New Gbewa Palace Project |url=https://dailyguidenetwork.com/ya-na-cuts-sod-for-new-gbewa-palace-project/ |access-date=2023-10-24 |website=DailyGuide Network |language=en-US}}</ref> * Naa Gbewaa School, Bawku<ref>{{Cite web |title=Naa- Gbeewa Junior High School, Bawku details |url=https://www.coursesghana.com/schools/9758-naa-gbeewa-junior-high-school.aspx |website=Course Ghana}}</ref> * Gbewaa College of Education, Pusiga<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-01-05 |title=Gbewaa College of Education Admission Requirements 2023/2024 |url=https://ghstudents.com/gbewaa-college-of-education-admission-requirements/ |access-date=2023-10-24 |website=GH Students |language=en-US}}</ref> * Gbewaa High Street, Tamale<ref>{{Cite web |title=All affected roads will be reconstructed" – Roads Minister assures people of Greater Tamale – Ministry of Roads & Highways |url=https://mrh.gov.gh/all-affected-roads-will-be-reconstructed-roads-minister-assures-people-of-greater-tamale/ |access-date=2023-10-24 |website=Ministry of Roads & Highways |language=en-US}}</ref> * GNS Naa Gbewaa, Military Ship<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dogbevi |first=Emmanuel |date=2012-07-31 |title=Ghana Navy receives two ships to augment fleet |url=https://www.ghanabusinessnews.com/2012/07/31/ghana-navy-receives-two-ships-to-augment-fleet/ |access-date=2023-10-24 |website=Ghana Business News |language=en-US}}</ref> * Gbewaa Petrochemicals<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-02-18 |title=Gbewaa Petrochemicals |url=https://www.zaatu.com/listing/gbewaa-petrochemicals/ |access-date=2023-10-24 |website=Zaatu |language=en-US}}</ref> * Gbewaa Civil Engineering Construction Limited<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gbewaa CEO Clashes With Martin Amidu Over Judgment Debt Defamation Suit |url=https://www.peacefmonline.com/pages/local/news/201408/209370.php |access-date=2023-10-24 |website=Peacefmonline.com – Ghana news}}</ref> * Gbewaa Boys School, renamed to Tamale Senior High School<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wundengba |first=Daniel |date=2021-08-07 |title=All You Need To Know About Tamale Senior High School, Tamasco |url=http://northernghana.net/all-you-need-to-know-about-tamale-shs-tamasco/ |access-date=2023-10-24 |website=Northernghana.net |language=en-US}}</ref> * Gbewaa Ghana Limited{{cn|date=October 2023}} * Gbewaa Chambers{{cn|date=October 2023}}
== Notes == <references></references>
== References == * {{cite encyclopaedia |encyclopedia=Dictionary of African historical biography |article=Na Gbewa |first1=Mark R. |last1=Lipschutz |first2=R. Kent |last2=Rasmussen |edition=2nd |publisher=University of California Press |year=1989 |isbn=978-0-520-06611-3}} * {{cite book |title=History of West Africa |volume=1 |first1=J. F. |last1=Ade Ajayi |first2=Michael |last2=Crowder |edition=2nd |publisher=Columbia University Press |year=1976 |isbn=978-0-231-04103-4}}
== Further reading == * {{cite book |title=Legends of Northern Ghana |chapter=Na-Gbewa and His Sons |first1=D. |last1=St. John-Parsons |publisher=Longmans, Green |year=1958}} * {{cite book |title=Africa from the sixteenth to the eighteenth century |chapter=From the Niger to the Volta |pages=339–340 |series=General history of Africa |volume=5 |first=Bethwell A. |last=Ogot |publisher=UNESCO |year=1992 |isbn=978-92-3-101711-7}} * {{cite book |title=The Cambridge history of Africa |volume=3 |chapter=The Western Mahgrib and Sudan |first=Nehemia |last=Levtzion |authorlink=Nehemia Levtzion |pages=460 |editor1-first=J. D. |editor1-last=Fage |editor2-first=Roland |editor2-last=Oliver |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-0-521-20981-6}} * {{cite journal |journal=Institute of African Studies: Research Review |volume=7 |issue=2 |year=1971 |pages=95–113 |title=The Origins of the Mossi-Dagomba States |last=Illiasu |first=A. A. |url=http://digital.lib.msu.edu/projects/africanjournals/pdfs/Institue%20of%20African%20Studies%20Research%20Review/1971v7n2/asrv007002007.pdf}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Gbewa, Na}} Category:Dagomba royalty