Builsa South is a district in the Upper East Region of Ghana. Its capital is Fumbisi. The district had a population of 36,575 at the 2021 census, essentially unchanged from 36,514 in 2010, making it one of the smallest districts in the region by population.
| Region | Upper East Region |
|---|---|
| District capital | Fumbisi |
| Status | District |
| Population (2021 census) | 36,575 |
| Population (2010 census) | 36,514 |
Towns and Communities in Builsa South
The district directory lists 33 towns and communities in Builsa South, from the capital Fumbisi to outlying compound settlements. Names are listed alphabetically.
- Alidem
- Bechaunsi
- Bechisi
- Bidema
- Changanesi
- Chansia
- Dambrunsi
- Doninga-Dorinsa
- Dorinsa
- Forinsa
- Fumbisi
- Godemblissa
- Gungoresi
- Gyanasi
- Jakwansatambia
- Jasa
- Jiningsa
- Kanjaga
- Kasisa
- Kiau
- Korogadoni
- Kunkwa
- Nangruma
- Nyambisa
- Nyanbisi
- Nyandem
- Nyapiensi
- Tandem
- Uwasi
- Vare
- Vundum
- Wiasi
- Wupiensa
- Yandawa
Geography
Builsa South occupies the south-western corner of the Upper East Region, where the savanna slopes towards the Sissili and Kulpawn rivers. The Fumbisi valley is a broad seasonally flooded plain and the district’s best farmland. Away from the valley, the land is open grass and farm bush with shea and dawadawa trees, burned over each dry season.
The district borders North Builsa to the north, with Kassena Nankana West and Kassena Nankana further north-east. Its southern boundary faces the North East and Savannah regions. Buli is the main language.
Economy and Local Life
Rice defines the local economy. The Fumbisi valley is one of the largest rain-fed rice areas in northern Ghana, and buyers travel from Bolgatanga, Tamale and Kumasi to buy paddy after harvest. Households also grow millet, sorghum, groundnuts, cowpea, maize and yam, and keep cattle, sheep, goats and guinea fowl. Yam does better here than in the drier districts to the north, and is traded south as well as eaten locally.
Fumbisi, Kanjaga and Wiasi hold the main markets. Shea nut collection, dawadawa processing, pito brewing and basket weaving supplement farm income. Distance from the regional capital and thin road coverage keep other commerce limited, and seasonal migration south is common after harvest. Dry-season gardening near dugouts adds vegetables for household use and local sale.
Getting There
Fumbisi lies about 30 km south of Sandema and roughly 90 km from Bolgatanga, reached through Navrongo and Chuchiliga. A southern route runs from Fumbisi towards Wiasi and on to the Walewale–Tamale road. Shared taxis and minibuses work the Sandema–Fumbisi road; feeder roads to Kanjaga, Kunkwa and Gbedema are graded laterite.
FAQ
What is the capital of Builsa South?
The district capital is Fumbisi.
Which region is Builsa South in?
Builsa South is in the Upper East Region of Ghana.
What is the population of Builsa South?
The 2021 census recorded 36,575 people. The 2010 census recorded 36,514.
How many towns and communities are listed for Builsa South?
This page lists 33 towns and communities.