Savelugu

Savelugu
Town & District Capital
Savelugu Location Savelugu in Northern region
Coordinates: 9°37′N 0°50′W
Country	Ghana
Region	Northern Region
District	Savelugu-Munucipal Assembly
Population  (2021)
• Total	122,888
Time zone	GMT
• Summer (DST)	GMT

Savelugu is a town and the capital of Savelugu Municipal, a municipality in the Northern Region of north Ghana. Savelugu has a 2012 settlement population of 38,074 people. There are many villages under Savelugu kingship. Most of the villages are smaller.

History

In the 19th-century Savelugu was the center of one of the major divisions of the Dagomba and ruled over by Andani who was involved in fighting with the raiding forces of the Zabarima (emirate).

Culture

Savelugu is among the native towns of the Dagbon Kingdom and along with Karaga and Mion. It is one of the three traditional areas that are known as the gate skins to the sacred kingship of the Dagbon Kingdom- the others being Mion and Karaga, reserved only for the Princes of a Ya-Na. Savelugu is also a place where they showcase the culture of Dagbang.

Economy

The town is situated on an economically important route of Tamale-Bolgatanga highway and serves as the administrative and economic capital of the Savelugu Municipal District. Being an Agricultural hub itself and surrounded by towns and villages whose primary economic activity is Agriculture, it hosts the largest market in the district which serves as the main trade point for farmers in the district and other neighboring districts.

Islam has had a profound influence on Savelugu, a town in the Northern Region of Ghana, particularly in shaping its social, cultural, and political life. Here’s an overview of the influence of Islam in Savelugu:

1. Religious Practices and BeliefsWidespread Adoption of Islam: Islam is the dominant religion in Savelugu, with the majority of the population identifying as Muslim. The town's Islamic identity is evident in daily prayers, religious festivals, and the observance of Islamic laws and customs.Mosques as Community Centers: Mosques play a central role in community life in Savelugu. They are not only places of worship but also serve as centers for education, dispute resolution, and community gatherings. The Friday Jummah prayers are especially significant, drawing large congregations.

.2. EducationIslamic Education: Islamic education is a key aspect of life in Savelugu. Many children attend Makaranta (Islamic schools) where they learn to read and recite the Quran, along with other Islamic teachings. This has fostered a strong sense of Islamic knowledge and identity among the residents.Integration with Formal Education: Over time, Islamic education in Savelugu has increasingly been integrated with formal education. Many Islamic schools now offer a dual curriculum that includes both secular subjects and Islamic studies, helping to bridge traditional and modern education.

3. Cultural InfluenceIslamic Festivals: Islamic festivals such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are major events in Savelugu. These festivals are marked by communal prayers, feasting, and charity, reinforcing social bonds and Islamic values within the community.Dress and Social Norms: Islamic dress codes, particularly for women, are widely observed in Savelugu. Women often wear hijabs or other forms of modest clothing, and these practices are deeply ingrained in the town’s culture. Social norms, such as gender roles and family structures, are also influenced by Islamic teachings.

4. Political and Social StructuresRole of Imams and Islamic Scholars: Islamic leaders, such as Imams and Mallams (Islamic scholars), hold significant influence in Savelugu. They are often consulted on matters of religion, law, and community welfare. Their leadership extends beyond religious matters to include social and political issues. The current Overall Imam Of the Savelugu who is only second in command to Nayili Limam is Sheikh Imam Hassan Dahala . Father of the historian writer Muhibdahala ... ****

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Education

The town of Savelugu is known as Yoo yili. Which has Senior High School with the name Savelugu Senior High School (SAVESS), a second cycle institution and the Savelugu School for the Deaf, one of the few schools for the deaf in Ghana. There are also scattered Day-care centers, primary schools and junior high schools within.