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The Mamprusi claim, by ancestry, to be the earliest known kingdom of modern Ghana, established circa 1480. They are considered by northern Ghana to be first of the Mole-Dagbani. The Mamprusi occupy the territory of Mampurugu, which lies in the Northern region of Ghana. This population is linguistically heterogeneous but the majority speaks Mampruli. Mamprusi settlements are known for their clusters of circular compounds, which are surrounded by farmland, where they grow Millet, the crop this region is most known for. Two-thirds of Mamprusi marriages are polygamous. Islam predominates the culture and beliefs of the people but traditional beliefs are evident in religious practices. Children are given both traditional names and Muslim names and are circumcised.History is highly reliant upon oral tradition as it is in the majority of Mole-Dagbani culture.However, oral tradition is dependent upon state elders therefore political law and rule over dispute lies in the hands of the elders.This is one reason that records of Mamprusi tradition are scarce and incomplete.

The social structure of this group is patrilineal and acts as the basic unit of structure for society. A person's right to inheritance, property and privileges are defined through this structure.Perhaps the most distinctive feature of Mamprusi society is their political system, which is known as the Nam. This political system is constructed through a complex hierarchy of chiefdoms. The term Nam means office or political authority. When a new officer is installed it is said that he eats the nam signifying the incorporation of the nam with the physical person. Office eligibility is determined through the gate system. This gate system refers to the family lineage and signifies those who are eligible for chiefdom. Competition for office is held on two levels, first between gates in Gbewa's lineage as well as between members of the same gate. Once installed the chief will have final say in all disputes, including marriages, witchcraft trials and succession. Chiefs are regarded as protectors of the Mamprusi.

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