Salaga- Travel Tips

What to See, How to Plan & Tours

Salaga, located in Ghana's Savannah Region, serves as the capital of East Gonja District and has a population of approximately 25,472. Historically, it was a pivotal trading hub in the 18th and 19th centuries, facilitating the regional kola trade and acting as the largest slave market in the area. Known as the "Timbuktu of the South," Salaga attracted a cosmopolitan population, including Gonjas, Hausas, Wangaras, Dagombas, and Gurmas. The town was central to the Zabarima emirate's emergence in the 1860s and played a significant role in trade routes connecting the Sahel to coastal regions. Notable historical sites include "Wonkan Bawa," a pond once used by enslaved individuals, and a baobab tree marking the former slave market. Salaga's past is intertwined with significant events like the 1892 civil war, which reshaped its demographic landscape.