North East Region

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The North East Region is one of the sixteen regions of Ghana. It is located in the north of the country and was created in December 2018 after a referendum was voted upon to break it off of the Northern region. The region's capital is Nalerigu.

Creation of Region

The North East Region of Ghana was a proposed new region to be carved out of the existing Northern Region of Ghana. The creation of this new region was in fulfillment of a promise made by the New Patriotic Party prior to the 2016 Ghana general election. Upon winning the elections, the President, Nana Akuffo Addo created the Ministry of Regional Reorganization to oversee policy formulation and implementation, and Hon. Solomon Namliit Boar, Mp for Bunkpurugu Constituency and former Deputy Northern Regional Minister was appointed as the first Regional Minister for the newly created North East Region. In all six new regions were to be created from the existing ten regions of Ghana. The other regions are Western North, Bono, Bono East, Ahafo, Savannah and Oti regions.

A referendum vote held on December 27, 2018 was successful with 81% voter turnout in the proposed region voting 99.8% in favor of the creation of the North East Region. The region's proposed capital is the town of Nalerigu in the East Mamprusi Municipal Assembly.

Cultural and Social Structure

The Nayiri is the King (overlord) of Mamprugu traditional area of which the entire region is a part. He has a traditional council of elders who advise him. The Nayiri is supported by paramount chiefs, divisional and other sub-chiefs under him. His paramountcy extend beyond the boundaries of the North East Region and even the nation. Notable among the chiefs are the Wulugu Naaba, Wungu Naaba, Soo Naaba, Kulgu Naaba, Yunyoorana and Bunkpurugu Naaba and Zuarungu Naaba, Tongu Naaba, Sakuti (all in Upper East Region).

Mamprusi people are the major ethnic group in the Municipality. However, there are also Dagombas, Bimobas, Konkombas, Talensis, Tampulma, Bissa, Mossis, Chakosis and Hausas who have settled in the area. Two traditional festivals are celebrated annually, Damba Festival, Bugum (Fire) Festival. The District is a multi-religious one with the dominant religions being Christianity, Islam and Traditional African Religion.

Tourism and Attractions

Economy

More than 85% of the economically active population are agricultural. The low population density is partly caused by emigration, in addition to geography and climate. 

Districts

The North East Region of Ghana contains 6 districts. 4 are ordinary districts in addition to 2 municipal districts.