Garu is a district in the Upper East Region of Ghana. Its capital is Garu town, south of Bawku near the Togo border. The district had a population of 71,774 at the 2021 census, up from 58,362 in 2010, a figure that follows the separation of Tempane as its own district.
| Region | Upper East Region |
|---|---|
| District capital | Garu |
| Status | District |
| Population (2021 census) | 71,774 |
| Population (2010 census) | 58,362 |
Towns and Communities in Garu
The district directory lists 50 towns and communities in Garu, from the capital Garu to outlying compound settlements. Names are listed alphabetically.
- Abilatega
- Akaratesi
- Atamidabogo
- Bamamburi
- Bantavarigu
- Barboaka
- Bempiella
- Benwoko
- Biankuri
- Boku
- Bugpiigu
- Bugri
- Bugwia
- Bulpielise
- Damamtega
- Danugu
- Danvorga
- Dasubansi
- Dawsikom
- Dekuliga
- Doadnyediga
- Dogbale
- Dudongo
- Dumisbuliga
- Duri
- Farifari
- Gagbiri
- Garu Natinga
- Gbanterago
- Gbantirigo
- Gbeliginvusi
- Gomne
- Gozesi
- Gumbare
- Gungwia
- Gwotori
- Gyelakologo
- Kagbiri
- Kamsori Tarivago
- Karatesi
- Kolebore
- Kolsabuliga
- Kongo
- Kpalsako
- Kparinboaka
- Kpatuya
- Kpikpira
- Kpunkpanying
- Kpunpareyeni
- Kubonga
Geography
Garu lies in the south-east of the Upper East Region, on flat Sudan savanna drained by tributaries of the White Volta. Soils are light and prone to erosion, and tree cover is limited to shea, dawadawa and baobab left standing in farmland. The single rainy season runs from May to October, with the heaviest rain in August.
The district borders Bawku to the north and Pusiga to the north-east, and lies east of the White Volta valley that separates it from Binduri. Kusaal is the main language, with Bimoba and Moar spoken in southern communities near the Togo frontier.
Economy and Local Life
Farming and livestock keeping are the mainstays. Millet, sorghum, maize, rice, groundnuts, cowpea and soya are grown in the rains, and dry-season gardens produce onions, tomatoes and pepper. Cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and guinea fowl are kept in almost every compound, and animal sales fund school fees and farm inputs.
Garu holds a large weekly market that draws traders from Bawku and from across the Togo border. The town is also a long-established base for agricultural training and rural development work in this corner of the region. Shea collection, pito brewing and groundnut oil pressing give women independent income.
Getting There
Garu is about 30 km south of Bawku on a tarred road, roughly 120 km from Bolgatanga. Travellers come by bus from Accra, Kumasi or Tamale to Bolgatanga or Bawku, then take minibuses or shared taxis to Garu. Feeder roads to Bugri, Kpatuya and the border communities are laterite and slow after rain.
FAQ
What is the capital of Garu?
The district capital is Garu.
Which region is Garu in?
Garu is in the Upper East Region of Ghana.
What is the population of Garu?
The 2021 census recorded 71,774 people. The 2010 census recorded 58,362.
How many towns and communities are listed for Garu?
This page lists 50 towns and communities.