Bolgatanga's name derives from the Frafra words bolga "rock" and tẽŋa "city." Historically Bolgatanga was situated at the southern terminus of the ancient Trans-Saharan trade route. The eastern route converged with the Sahelian route, near Bolgatanga. Along the route, handicrafts—especially straw baskets, hats and fans, as well as leather goods, metal jewellery, and indigenous attires — were exchanged for kola nuts and salt. The Upper East Region, where Bolgatanga lies, is part of what used to be known as the Upper Region. Between 1902 and 1960 the Northern Territory was a British protectorate; it was separated into the Northern and Upper Region on July 1, 1960. The Upper Region was apportioned into Upper East and Upper west region in 1983.
Life in Bolgatanga
Bolgatanga is known as the crafts centre of Upper East region, with a large central market. Apart from items found elsewhere in Upper East region, the so-called "Bolga hats" are made and sold in Bolgatanga. Bolgatanga and its surrounding suburbs also comprise the largest producers of leather works, straw baskets and smocks. The artists sell their works at the Bolgatanga Market, which is open every third day. There is also a museum in the town which houses objects of historical importance of the Upper East region.
Farming is the Main occupation of the people of Bolga. They engage in subsistence farming of millet, maize, guinea-corn, rice, beans, groundnuts and sweet potatoes during the raining season and irrigation farming of onions, tomatoes, and pepper during the dry season. almost every farmer rears at least a bird or animal. the main food of the people of Bolga is Tuo Zaafi
The Bolgatanga library is a notable design of award-winning American architect J. Max Bond, Jr., who was influenced by Le Corbusier. Bond lived in Ghana for four years in the 1960s, escaping racism in the United States. The Bolgatanga library was his first major project while working for the national construction company. The design features perforated walls and an "umbrella" shaped roof, so the structure remains cool and well ventilated.
Forty kilometres from Bolgatanga, is Paga, home to the sacred crocodile ponds. These are purportedly the "friendliest" crocodiles in Ghana, and it is said that the souls of the royal family reside in them. The crocodiles roam freely throughout the ponds and it is unthinkable that anyone should harm them.
