Kusaal in Ghana

Introduction / History

Kusaal is the language of the Kusasi people. The area that the Kusasi people inhabit is about 2,200 square kilometers in the northeast corner of Ghana. Bawku is the major town in the Kusasi region. The Kusasi are farmers whose staple foods are rice and yams when they are in season. Many farmers migrate in search of more fertile farmland. The languages of Hausa and Moore are often used for trading but the people have a positive attitude towards the use of their language and Kusaal is taught in schools and used in most churches.

The Kusasi say they have always inhabited the area and have no history of migration to the area. Others say they came to the area to escape enslavement by the Mossis and Busani. The Gospel was introduced to the area in 1931 through the visits of Assemblies of God pastors and laymen from across the border in what was then Upper Volta but is now Burkina Faso. Work by churches in the area has been impressive with a hospital, corn mills and regular training courses being established to aid the community. Muslims are beginning to be an influence in the area with a large Muslim community in Bawku.

Where Are they Located?

The Kusasis are believed to have been migrated from Yuiga, Biengu and Zoogo from present day Burkina around the 9th century. The major towns in the Kusasis area are, Bawku, Zebilla, Garu and Pusiga.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Kusasis are many farmers. They farm maize, millet, sorghum etc. Most Kusasis are also cocoa farmers at the southern sector of the country.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Kusasis are Christians. There are also a significant number of Muslims around the Bawku town. Some Kusasis also worship other gods.

What Are Their Needs?

Kusasis need water to be able to do dry season farming.

Text Source:   Anonymous