The original people of west Africa are
diverse and include various ethnic groups, such as the Mandé, the Hausa, the Yoruba, the Akan, and the Fulani, among others. These groups have unique cultures, languages, and traditions that shape their identities and ways of life. Some of the earliest known civilizations in West Africa include the Nok culture, the Kingdom of Ghana, and the Kingdom of Mali. Indigenous religions, as well as Islam and Christianity, are also part of the region's rich cultural heritage.
The original people of West Africa are from various ethnic groups that have inhabited the region for thousands of years. These include but are not limited to:
1. Mandé Peoples: This group includes the Mandinka, Soninke, Bambara, Malinke, and other ethnic groups mainly found in countries like Mali, Senegal, Guinea, and Gambia.
2. Hausa-Fulani: The Hausa and Fulani ethnic groups are predominantly found in Nigeria, Niger, Ghana, and Cameroon.
3. Yoruba: The Yoruba people primarily reside in southwestern Nigeria, as well as parts of Benin and Togo.
4. Igbo: The Igbo people are largely concentrated in southeastern Nigeria.
5. Akan: The Akan people reside in Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire, and are known for their subgroups such as the Ashanti, Fante, and Akuapem.
6. Wolof: The Wolof people are found in Senegal, Gambia, and Mauritania.
7. Tuareg: The Tuareg people are nomadic pastoralists and inhabitants of the Saharan and Sahel regions, including parts of Niger, Mali, Algeria, Libya, and Burkina Faso.
It is important to note that West Africa has immense cultural diversity and many other ethnic groups exist in the region. This list provides a brief overview of some of the major groups.