# Upper West Region, Ghana – Districts, Population & Map

> Source: https://wherepedia.org/ghana/upper-west/

Region · Ghana 

# Upper West Region

Upper West Region is a region of Ghana. It had an estimated **901,502 people** in 2021 on 19,033 km² (about 47 per km²). Its main town is Wa. It is divided into 11 districts. 911 named villages and localities are recorded here, and 282 mapped services such as hospitals, banks and schools.

- 901,502people (2021)
- 19,033km²
- 11districts
- 282mapped services

## How many people live in Upper West Region?

Upper West Region had an estimated **901,502 people** in 2021 — 2.9% of Ghana, 11th of 16 regions. There are 1,047 women for every 1,000 men (above the Ghana figure of 1,028). Spread over 19,033 km², that is about **47 people per km²**, 15th of 16 regions.

37.9% of people are children under 15 and 5.3% are 65 or older; the median age is about 20 years (it is 22 across Ghana). For every 100 people of working age (15–64) there are 76 children and older people.

0–4 ****120,970**

5–9 ****116,070**

10–14 ****104,709**

15–19 ****101,905**

20–24 ****91,603**

25–29 ****72,359**

30–34 ****60,069**

35–39 ****48,857**

40–44 ****41,283**

45–49 ****31,420**

50–54 ****26,162**

55–59 ****19,031**

60–64 ****19,000**

65–69 ****12,726**

70–74 ****11,318**

75–79 ****8,592**

80–84 ****7,243**

85–89 ****5,230**

90–94 ****1,943**

95+ ****1,012**

Source: [UNFPA via OCHA HDX, population 2021 (COD-PS, CC BY-IGO)](https://data.humdata.org/dataset/cod-ps-gha).

## Where is Upper West Region?

Upper West Region lies in [Ghana](https://wherepedia.org/ghana/). It borders 3 other regions: [Northern East Region](https://wherepedia.org/ghana/northern-east/), [Savannah Region](https://wherepedia.org/ghana/savannah/) and [Upper East Region](https://wherepedia.org/ghana/upper-east/). By area it is the 5th largest of 16 regions in Ghana. It covers 7.9% of [Ghana](https://wherepedia.org/ghana/). The centre of Upper West Region is about 576 km in a straight line from Accra, the capital. The centre point is at 10.3340° N, 2.2149° W.

Source: [Ghana Statistical Services (GSS) via OCHA HDX, administrative boundaries (COD-AB, CC BY-IGO)](https://data.humdata.org/dataset/cod-ab-gha).

## Things to see in and around Upper West Region

OpenStreetMap lists 6 named sights in Upper West Region: 2 attractions; 1 castle or fort; 1 monument; 1 memorial; 1 museum.

- Gwolu Slave Defense Wall · museum
- Lawra Chief Palace · castle or fort
- Hippo Sactuary community center (tourist center) · attraction
- Wechiau Hippo Sanctuary · attraction
- Colonial District Commissioners Residence · monument
- Nyekanga Memorial House · memorial

Source: [© OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), Geofabrik extract — named settlements](https://www.openstreetmap.org/copyright).

Named attractions, museums, viewpoints, historic sites and natural features mapped in OpenStreetMap. Places of worship are not listed.

## Know before you go: Upper West Region

- Time zoneUTC+0, no daylight saving · Africa/Accra
- CurrencyCedi (GHS)
- Country calling code+233
- LanguagesEnglish, Akan, Ewe, Twi
- Plug typesType G · 230 V
- Driving sideRight
- Postcode format15 characters (@@-###-####|@@-###)

### Nearest airports

- Yakubu Tali International Airport (TML) · Tamale171 km
- Ouagadougou Thomas Sankara International Airport (OUA) · Ouagadougou237 km

### Daylight

Days are longest in Jun (about 12.7 hours, sunrise around 05:47) and shortest in Dec (about 11.5 hours, sunrise around 06:18, sunset around 17:49).

Month Sunrise Sunset Daylight 

Jan 06:30 18:04 11.6 h 

Feb 06:29 18:16 11.8 h 

Mar 06:16 18:20 12.1 h 

Apr 05:58 18:19 12.3 h 

May 05:47 18:22 12.6 h 

Jun 05:47 18:30 12.7 h 

Jul 05:54 18:34 12.7 h 

Aug 05:59 18:27 12.5 h 

Sep 05:58 18:10 12.2 h 

Oct 05:57 17:51 11.9 h 

Nov 06:03 17:43 11.7 h 

Dec 06:18 17:49 11.5 h 

Source: [GeoNames country and time-zone files (CC BY 4.0)](https://www.geonames.org/); [Wikidata (CC0) — plug types, mains voltage, driving side; retrieved 2026-11-02](https://www.wikidata.org/); [OurAirports (public domain)](https://ourairports.com/data/).

Airports with scheduled passenger flights; straight-line distances. Daylight is calculated for the 15th of each month in local standard time. Check entry and visa rules with official government sources before travelling.

## Districts of Upper West Region

District People per km² Area km² Localities Services 

[Wa Municipal](https://wherepedia.org/ghana/upper-west/wa-municipal/) 200,672 346 580 76 141 

[Wa West](https://wherepedia.org/ghana/upper-west/wa-west/) 96,957 65 1,492 176 23 

[Wa East](https://wherepedia.org/ghana/upper-west/wa-east/) 91,457 21 4,298 90 18 

[Jirapa](https://wherepedia.org/ghana/upper-west/jirapa/) 91,279 77 1,188 92 14 

[Sissala East](https://wherepedia.org/ghana/upper-west/sissala-east/) 80,619 16 5,095 99 12 

[Nadowli-Kaleo](https://wherepedia.org/ghana/upper-west/nadowli-kaleo/) 77,057 68 1,132 114 22 

[Sissala West](https://wherepedia.org/ghana/upper-west/sissala-west/) 63,828 31 2,050 65 5 

[Lawra](https://wherepedia.org/ghana/upper-west/lawra/) 58,433 111 527 67 18 

[Nandom](https://wherepedia.org/ghana/upper-west/nandom/) 51,328 127 404 64 16 

[Lambussie-Karni](https://wherepedia.org/ghana/upper-west/lambussie-karni/) 51,118 63 811 54 6 

[Daffiama Bussie Issa](https://wherepedia.org/ghana/upper-west/daffiama-bussie-issa/) 38,754 27 1,456 39 7 

Source: [Ghana Statistical Services (GSS) via OCHA HDX, administrative boundaries (COD-AB, CC BY-IGO)](https://data.humdata.org/dataset/cod-ab-gha); [UNFPA via OCHA HDX, population 2021 (COD-PS, CC BY-IGO)](https://data.humdata.org/dataset/cod-ps-gha).

## Villages and localities in Upper West Region

Open gazetteers list **911 villages, towns and localities** in Upper West Region. The largest with a recorded population: Jirapa (91,279), Wa (78,107) and Nyimbale (900). Settlements here lie between about 170 m and 369 m above sea level (median 286 m).

- Amburi
- Anhiwienu
- Anyarayiri
- Asse
- Baalayiri
- Baayiri
- Baazing
- Babile
- Babujan
- Bachembeli
- Baghari
- Bagri
- Bakpa
- Bakpon
- Bakpong
- Bakporayiri
- Bakuwogr
- Balabui
- Balanta
- Baleaufili
- Baleyiri
- Balie
- Balienaa
- Bamahu
- Bamano
- Bamkpoma
- Bamkpongyili
- Bampana
- Bandei
- Bangwon
- Banko
- Banosan
- Bantala
- Banu
- Banungoma
- Bapala
- Barewon
- Basabli
- Basiasan
- Basie
- Bataglu
- Batunuriyiri
- Bavuna
- Bawa
- Bawkolo
- Bayalaw
- Bazuu
- Bechunyiri
- Beglebelia
- Bekpong
- Bekyiiteng
- Bende
- Benebise
- Beniejan
- Benkeme
- Benya
- Berinyasi
- Bezan
- Bichemboi
- Bichiinteng
- Bichooteng
- Bielepong
- Bienya
- Biihee
- Biiregangn
- Bile
- Bilegangn
- Bili
- Billaw
- Birifoh
- Biro
- Birufo
- Bise
- Bisikan
- Bo
- Bodole
- Boe
- Boiri
- Boli
- Bolie
- Bompari
- Bono
- Boo
- Borchin
- Borkudo
- Boro
- Borough
- Boti
- Botonoyiri
- Boyele
- Brutu
- Buayiri
- Buffiama
- Bugu
- Bugubelle
- Buguboi
- Bujan
- Buka
- Buko
- Bule
- Bulenga
- Bulinga
- Bulinzin
- Bulituo
- Bullu
- Bulo
- Bulu
- Bulu Tanga
- Buna
- Bunaa
- Bunkpal
- Buo
- Burbor
- Bure
- Buro
- Burutu
- Busa
- Busane
- Busie
- Bussie
- Butele
- Butolo
- Carlo
- Chabara
- Chaggu
- Chago
- Chala
- Chang
- Changu
- Chansa
- Chaparisi
- Char
- Charia
- Charibile
- Charikpong
- Charingu
- Chato
- Chawuli
- Cheboggo
- Chegli
- Chepuri
- Cherepon
- Chiatanga
- Chiberiyri
- Chincha
- Chirebunge
- Chobaa
- Chocho
- Chogosia
- Chung
- Chunuogagn
- Daa
- Daaberteng
- Dabagteng
- Dabo
- Dabogia
- Dabozie
- Dachea
- Daeyiri
- Daffiama
- Daffiamah
- Dafiama?
- Dahile
- Daiyiri
- Daku
- Damayiri
- Damba
- Dambolteng
- Dandafure
- Dangi
- Danko
- Danlarayiri
- Dapoha
- Dapori
- Darabateng
- Darigiayiri
- Dariyiri
- Dasi
- Dasima
- Dayiri
- Dazugri
- Dehi
- Delaniyiri
- Deligoyiri
- Dende
- Dergu
- Dia
- Dikpe
- Dikpwie
- Dimosan
- Dinaso
- Djan
- Djarwia
- Dobile
- Dobo
- Dochire
- Dodobi
- Dodoyiri
- Dogberipari
- Doggo
- Doguba
- Dolbizan
- Doli
- Domaje
- Domawa
- Domi
- Domowa
- Dompie
- Domweni
- Dondoli
- Dondometeng
- Donkori
- Dontanga
- Donye
- Dorimon
- Doung
- Dounjang
- Doweni
- Dowiri
- Du
- Duasi
- Ducie
- Dungkuelu
- Dunonyuale
- Duori
- Duotange
- Duu
- Duuli
- Duwie
- Eggu
- Eremon
- Erimon
- Falu
- Fatchu
- Fian
- Fielmon
- Fulo
- Funsi
- Ga
- Gabilli
- Gagni
- Gaper
- Gbache
- Gbal
- Gbaliwun Manyayiri
- Gbantala
- Gbari
- Gbele
- Gbembe
- Gberi
- Gberkuo
- Gberu
- Gbetuor
- Gbierun
- Gbingbala
- Gbolikaa
- Gboriyiri
- Gbungberi
- Gengenkpe
- Gilli
- Gilong
- Gingare
- Girigana
- Glang
- Gobi
- Gogi
- Gojiyiri
- Goli
- Gongbile
- Gonggo
- Gongo
- Gopare
- Goribile
- Gorima
- Goripie
- Goyiri
- Goziiri
- Goziri
- Guahe
- Guare
- Gudayiri
- Gugosu
- Gule
- Guli
- Gulli
- Gumo
- Guo
- Guonor
- Guorpuo
- Guri
- Guripala
- Guropie
- Guru-Nore
- Gurumbele
- Gurumuni
- Gurungu
- Guseri
- Gushe
- Guuri
- Gwallu
- Gwasi
- Gwo
- Gwolu
- Gyengegangn
- Halemboi
- Hamale
- Hamile
- Hamonikoa
- Hamoro
- Hamélé
- Han
- Hapa
- Hellembelle
- Hian
- Hiel
- Hiineteng
- Holomuni
- Igentu
- Issa
- Iziri
- Jaang
- Jagulu
- Jakanibe
- Jambusi
- Jande
- Jang
- Jangbogo
- Janguasi
- Janko
- Jankoro
- Janvori
- Jayiri
- Jeffisi
- Jefiyiri
- Jembogo
- Jerbuga
- Jewoyeli
- Jeyiri
- Jijan
- Jijen
- Jijuriyiri
- Jingu
- Jinkpan
- Jinpasi
- Jirapa
- Jiton
- Jolereteng
- Joleriyiri
- Jolinyiri
- Jongo
- Joripiriyiri
- Jumo
- Junkakala
- Juonga
- Ka
- Kabaha
- Kachumangajan
- Kachuu
- Kadiligu
- Kadoli
- Kagu
- Kakalapari
- Kakaribayiri
- Kaleo
- Kalsara
- Kalsare
- Kaluri
- Kamba
- Kambali
- Kampaha
- Kanbale
- Kandea
- Kandemegang
- Kandeo
- Kandia
- Kandomene
- Kane
- Kanfori
- Kango
- Kankanduoli
- Kankanjia
- Kanne
- Kanponyara
- Kantu
- Kantua
- Kanyinguasi
- Kanyini
- Kapachuhu
- Kapule
- Karbogu
- Karne
- Karni
- Kasana
- Kasanpari
- Kasapuoli
- Kassane
- Katang
- Katekunu
- Katha
- Katinia

…and 511 more.

Source: [GeoNames (CC BY 4.0) — settlements, natural and historic features](https://www.geonames.org/); [© OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), Geofabrik extract — named settlements](https://www.openstreetmap.org/copyright).

## Landscape and landmarks of Upper West Region

Named natural and historic features inside Upper West Region, from the GeoNames gazetteer.

### Water

124 rivers and streams.

- Ambalara
- Arko
- Aruba
- Baalakundo
- Baduro
- Bakpon
- Bambulo
- Banaghari
- Begelimbe
- Bekpong
- Bele
- Bele
- Belengma
- Betu
- Bogol
- Bonasi
- Buabilebawo
- Bukwala
- Buwia
- Chaffia
- Chafua
- Chawari
- Chempus
- Chira

…and 100 more.

### Hills and mountains

2 hills.

- Kaleo Hill · 424 m
- Koda Hill · 322 m

### Forests and nature

9 forest reserves; 1 nature reserve.

- Ambalara Forest Reserve
- Bangwon-Barwo Forest Reserve
- Gbele Game Reserve
- Kamba Forest Reserve
- Kulpawn Headwaters Forest Reserve
- Kulpawn Tributaries Forest Reserve
- Lawra Forest Reserve
- Nuale Forest Reserve
- Polli Forest Reserve
- Tapania Forest Reserve

### History

1 ruin.

- Numbeg

### Estates

1 estate.

- Karkar Plantation

### Getting around

1 airport.

- Wa Airport

Source: [GeoNames (CC BY 4.0) — settlements, natural and historic features](https://www.geonames.org/).

Places of worship are not listed. Elevations are from the GeoNames terrain model and are approximate.

## Weather in Upper West Region and the best time to visit

In Upper West Region, the warmest month is Mar (average 31 °C) and the coolest is Dec (25 °C). About 1,088 mm of rain falls in a year; the wettest month is Aug (260 mm) and the driest Dec (0 mm). The most comfortable months for a visit are **October to January**.

- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec

Month Average °C Rain mm 

Jan 25 1 

Feb 28 7 

Mar 31 22 

Apr 31 62 

May 30 104 

Jun 28 138 

Jul 26 216 

Aug 25 260 

Sep 26 192 

Oct 26 79 

Nov 26 6 

Dec 25 0 

Source: [NASA POWER climatology, retrieved 2026-10-29](https://power.larc.nasa.gov/).

## Hospitals, banks and other services in Upper West Region

Places mapped inside Upper West Region in open map data, by type — each number opens the full list with locations.

- Hospitals15
- Banks22
- ATMs1
- Petrol pumps44
- Hotels44
- Schools101
- Colleges and universities16
- Pharmacies12
- Restaurants20
- Police stations7

Source: [Overture Maps places (CDLA-Permissive-2.0) and © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL)](https://overturemaps.org/).

Coverage depends on what has been mapped; contact details are not shown.

## Quick answers

- Where is Upper West Region?In Ghana
- What is the population of Upper West Region?901,502 (2021 estimate)
- What is the median age in Upper West Region?About 20 years (2021 estimate)
- What is the population density of Upper West Region?About 47 people per km²
- What borders Upper West Region?Northern East Region, Savannah Region and Upper East Region
- What is there to see in Upper West Region?Colonial District Commissioners Residence, Gwolu Slave Defense Wall, Hippo Sactuary community center (tourist center), Lawra Chief Palace
- What time zone is Upper West Region in?UTC+0
- What currency is used in Upper West Region?Cedi (GHS)
- What language is spoken in Upper West Region?English, Akan, Ewe (main languages nationally)
- How many villages are in Upper West Region?911 named settlements (GeoNames, OpenStreetMap)
- What is the elevation of Upper West Region?Settlements lie between 170 m and 369 m
- What is the highest point in Upper West Region?Kaleo Hill (424 m, GeoNames elevation model)
- What is the best time to visit Upper West Region?October to January
- How many hospitals are in Upper West Region?15 mapped
- How many banks are in Upper West Region?22 mapped
- How many ATMs are in Upper West Region?1 mapped
- How many petrol pumps are in Upper West Region?44 mapped
- What is the P-code of Upper West Region?GH13 (OCHA common operational dataset)