It seems clear from oral traditions as well as from archaeological evidence that the Mole-Dagbane states of Mamprusi, Dagomba, and Gonja, as well as the Mossi states of Yatenga and Wagadugu, are among the earliest kingdoms to emerge in modern Ghana, being well established by the close of the sixteenth century.
The Mossi and Gonja rulers come to speak the languages of the peoples they dominate.
In general, however, members of the ruling class retain their traditions, and even today some of them can recite accounts of their northern origins.
Although most rulers are not Muslims, they either bring with them or welcome Muslims as scribes and medicine men, and Muslims also play a significant role in the trade that links southern with northern Ghana.
As a result of their presence, Islam substantially influences the north.
Muslim influence, spread by the activities of merchants and clerics, has been recorded even among the Asante to the south.
Although most Ghanaians retain their traditional beliefs, the Muslims bring with them certain skills, including writing, and introduce certain beliefs and practices that become part of the culture of the peoples among whom they settle.
