Earliest settlements in modern Ghana stem from Neolithic Kintampo Culture around 3000 BC, but major ethnic migrations began circa 1000 AD from the Mossi region (modern Burkina Faso) and beyond.
- Guang (Guan): Arrived ~1000 AD from Mossi region; first major settlers, establishing states ruled by Earth Priests (Tindanas), including Gonja and northern Guan cities.
- Dagomba (Mole-Dagbani): 12th-14th centuries from Lake Chad; founded Dagbon Empire in the north, pioneering early kingdoms and Islamic influences.
- Akan: 12th-16th centuries from western Sudan/Nubia; spread south, forming Bono (11th century), Ashanti, Fante, and others, dominating gold trade.
- Ga-Adangbe: 15th-16th centuries, arrived by sea (Tumgwa We led by Ayi Kushie); settled coast, interacting with earlier Guan (Larteh).
- Ewe: 16th-17th centuries from Notsie (Togo); settled Volta Region, later arrivals among Voltaic groups.
Later groups like Mamprusi and Gonja integrated into northern frameworks.
