People
Who they are
The Dagomba live mainly in Dagbon, in the Northern Region of Ghana. They speak Dagbani. The king, called the Yaa Naa, is the highest authority and is based in Yendi.
The history of the people is kept alive by the lunsi, a group of specialists who preserve the history and genealogies of chiefly families. They recount this history through singing and playing proverbs on drums.
History and origin
In March 2002, three days of fighting in Yendi ended in the death of King Ya Na Yakubu Andani. The underlying cause was a dispute over succession to the throne of Dagbon, linked to rivalries between families and interference by politicians.
The throne remained vacant for many years. In January 2019, a new Yaa Naa was installed, accepted by both royal houses, Abudu and Andani.
Where they live
2
Countries
1.6M
World population
| Country | Share of the people | Population |
|---|---|---|
Ghana Partially reached
|
99%
|
1.521.000 |
Togo Partially reached
|
1%
|
15.000 |
How they live
Life revolves around the yili, the family compound. The head of the yili distributes land among relatives and decides how much of the harvested food the family keeps in the communal storehouse.
Some fields are close to the homes, while others are several kilometers away. They grow yams, cassava, maize, millet, sorghum and peanuts, as well as rice in the lowlands. Crops provide food for the family and are also grown for sale.
What they believe
Most Dagomba are Sunni Muslims, and mosques and Islamic schools are widespread. Some still practice ancestor worship, with shrines, diviners and rituals.
At many funerals, Islamic and traditional rites are combined, sometimes with animal sacrifices. There are also Christians among the Dagomba.
Language and the Bible
The complete Bible is available in Dagbani. Since learning through listening is common among the Dagomba, radio, audio Bibles and films about the gospel are important tools.
The Bible in this people's language
A people only truly understands the gospel when they hear it in the language of their heart. See how far the translation has come.
Dagbani
Complete Bible
- Translation started Done
- Portions Done
- New Testament Done
- Whole Bible Current stage
Audio recordings Available
Jesus Film Available
Translation data: Joshua Project.
Gospel progress among the unreached
Christians (all traditions)21.8%
Evangelicals8.7%
Barriers to the gospel
Social pressure makes turning to Christ very difficult. Those who become Christians often lack established support to teach them and help them grow in their faith.
Needs
A study published in 2017 in two villages in the Tolon-Kumbung district showed that fields near homes had become smaller between 2004 and 2015 and that soil nutrient loss is a major problem for farmers.
Dagomba Christians need communities that support them and teach the faith in their own language in ways they can understand through listening.
What to pray for
Intercede for this people
Pray for lasting peace between the royal families of Dagbon following the 2019 agreement.
Pray for Dagomba farmers to have fertile soil and food for their households.
Pray for the Scriptures in Dagbani, on the radio, in audio recordings and in films, to reach those who learn through listening.
Pray for those who follow Jesus and face pressure from their families and communities to receive support and guidance.
Pray for the churches among the Dagomba to teach and care for new Christians.
Pray for Dagomba
Intercede for this people alongside Christians around the world.
Open the Prayer Calendar