Tindana (Plural Tindamba/Tindaanima) is a title for historical rulers of the Dagbon and many other related peoples of West Africa.
[1] The tindaanima ruled over these lands before the centralisation of the states by Naa Gbewaa and his descendants.
[2] Their historical roles had been religious and spiritual, although this has been changing, with Tindaanima like the Tamale Dakpema, actively engaged in traditional political rulership.
[3] The Tindaanima are not appointed by the Yaa Naa, although they are under his authority.
[4] Tindana is derived from the Dagbanli words: Tiŋ/Ting (Land/Town/City) and Dana (Lord/Owner).