Examining the Anoufom- Dagomba Tribe in Northern Ghana the Case of a Master-Servant Relationship?

Abstract

The general view of most scholars and indigenes is that the Anoufum have always been subjects of the Dagomba. Others have however opposed this view and speak strongly about it. This paper sets out to find the actual relationship between the Anoufom and the Dagombas in Northern Ghana. Is it a subject-master relationship? This study was qualitative in nature. Data was collected from extensive oral interviews conducted with knowledgeable elders from the Dagbon ethnic groups of Kumbungu, Tolon and Yendi in the Northern Region of Ghana The same was carried out among the Anoufom of Ghana (NaloriI) Chereponi and those in Sansane – Mango in the Northern part of present-day Togo. A scrutiny and analysis of the data gathered indicated that the Anoufom have never been subjects of the Dagombas, whether through war or conquest, or peace treaty. What indeed brought about that perception was a result of colonial administrative policies carried by the British colonial administrators. This was done by merging smaller ethnic groups with that of a larger one for administrative convenience. It was revealed that the Anoufom had never been subjects of Dagombas. This research adds to the existing literature on political relations among the various tribes in Northern Ghana. Keywords: Anoufom, Chakosi, Chokosi, Nalori, Bangsi, Dagbon, Subject, Feudalism, Communalism, Sansane Mango (Mango).