Tamale, Ghana

Tamale
Counter-Clockwise from top: entrance to Tamale Teaching Hospital, view of Tamale Central Mosque, Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium
Tamale
Location of Tamale in Northern region, Dagbon
Tamale
Tamale (Africa)
Coordinates: 09°24′27″N 00°51′12″W / 9.40750°N 0.85333°W / 9.40750; -0.85333
Country Ghana
RegionNorthern Region
DistrictTamale Metropolitan District
Established1906
Government
 • TypeMayor-Council
 • Metropolitan chiefAbu Takoro
Area
 • Total
750 km2 (290 sq mi)
Elevation
151 m (495 ft)
Population
 (2021)
 • Total
374,744
 • Density1,282.3/km2 (3,321/sq mi)
 • Ethnicities
 • Religions
Time zoneUTC
Postal codes
NT0000 - NT2701
area code037
ClimateAw
Websitetamalemetro.gov.gh

Tamale (Dagbani: [ˈtamali]) is the capital city of the Northern Region of Ghana. It is Ghana's third largest city, with a population of 374,744 people (185,051 males and 189,693 females) as of 2021 population census). The city has been ranked as the fastest-growing city in West Africa. Tamale is located in the Kingdom of Dagbon, Ghana's oldest Kingdom. It is traditionally inhabited by Dagombas, and other current residents are Gonja, Mamprusi and Akan. As of 2025, the Mayor is Hon. Abu Takoro.

The city grew from a small village to an important economic center in the Northern Territories after the British government established administrative headquarters in the area. It became the capital of the Northern Region in 1960. The local economy is based on agriculture, followed by trading, teaching, and manufactures.

Economic activities in Tamale revolve around farming and trading.