History and Traditions of Dagbon

This book may be described as a panorama of life in Dagbon and as a panoply of the Dagomba. It is the first of its kind in Dagomba. It deals with the Dagomba man and woman from birth to death. The book offers an authoritative and exhaustive information on the Dagomba. It focuses on the history of the Dagomba State known as Dagbon. The indigenous system of government exemplified in the institution of chieftaincy is set out in clear and simple English. The customs and customary laws of the Dagomba relating to courtship, marriage and inheritance are exhaustively dealt with. Funeral ceremonies, festivals and markets are given adequate consideration in the text. Traditional worship, soothsaying and witchcraft, which are prevalent in African societies, are given due consideration.

A typical Dagomba man or woman is endowed with proverbs and wise sayings. The book has not overlooked this aspect of the Dagomba people. A myriad of proverbs are set out in the book. The education of Dagomba children and the position of women in Dagomba society make interesting reading. And the history of the Dagomba common man and the rulers of foreign origin, united by social blending and history, give this book a unique character.

Apart from writing from his personal knowledge of the history, customs, traditions and way of life of the people, the author has done a great deal of research into the subjects of this book. The Dagomba reader and a non-Dagomba reader alike will find this book a very useful companion his his or her desire to know the land and people of Dagbon.

Primary school teachers as well as lecturers in tertiary institutions cannot do without this book when it comes to learning and teaching about the Dagomba. And foreign tourists will appreciate Dagbon and its people better when they read this book before they set foot in Dagbon. Finally, several chapters of this book may be read for pleasure. It is a book for knowledge and a book for pleasure.