14th century – 15th century
Gurma, Pusuga and northern Ghana
Na Bawa, also known as Gbewа and Na Nedega in Dagomba and Mossi traditions, is presented as the first Mamprusi sovereign. He established his residence at Pusuga and expanded authority through warfare against the Kusasi and Bisa. His descendants became central figures in the formation of Mamprusi, Nanumba and Dagomba dynastic traditions.
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The Story
Na Bawa occupies a central place in northern Ghanaian traditions about the origins of Mamprusi political authority. He is identified as the son of Kpogonumbo and Soyini, whose marriage followed a conflict between Kpogonumbo, chief of Biun, and Daramani, king of Gurma. The tradition gives Na Bawa alternative names, including Gbewа and Na Nedega.
At the head of a large band of warriors, Na Bawa entered what is now Kusasi territory and established his residence in Pusuga. From this base he waged war against the Kusasi and the Bisa to establish authority over the region. His movements and campaigns connect the Gurma zone with the later political formations of northern Ghana.
Na Bawa had nine children, including Kachiogo and eight sons. A succession crisis followed when he selected Kufogo rather than the eldest son Zirili as heir; Zirili arranged Kufogo's death, and Na Bawa died upon learning of it. The resulting conflict among his descendants contributed to the emergence of the Mamprusi, Nanumba and Dagomba dynastic formations.
14th century – 15th century
Gurma, Pusuga and northern Ghana
Na Bawa, also known as Gbewа and Na Nedega in Dagomba and Mossi traditions, is presented as the first Mamprusi sovereign. He established his residence at Pusuga and expanded authority through warfare against the Kusasi and Bisa. His descendants became central figures in the formation of Mamprusi, Nanumba and Dagomba dynastic traditions.
Continue exploring
The Story
Na Bawa occupies a central place in northern Ghanaian traditions about the origins of Mamprusi political authority. He is identified as the son of Kpogonumbo and Soyini, whose marriage followed a conflict between Kpogonumbo, chief of Biun, and Daramani, king of Gurma. The tradition gives Na Bawa alternative names, including Gbewа and Na Nedega.
At the head of a large band of warriors, Na Bawa entered what is now Kusasi territory and established his residence in Pusuga. From this base he waged war against the Kusasi and the Bisa to establish authority over the region. His movements and campaigns connect the Gurma zone with the later political formations of northern Ghana.
Na Bawa had nine children, including Kachiogo and eight sons. A succession crisis followed when he selected Kufogo rather than the eldest son Zirili as heir; Zirili arranged Kufogo's death, and Na Bawa died upon learning of it. The resulting conflict among his descendants contributed to the emergence of the Mamprusi, Nanumba and Dagomba dynastic formations.
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