Kassena Nankana is a municipal district in the Upper East Region of Ghana. Its capital is Navrongo, about 30 km north-west of Bolgatanga. The municipality recorded a population of 99,895 at the 2021 census, down from 109,944 in 2010 after Kassena Nankana West was carved out of the older district.
| Region | Upper East Region |
|---|---|
| District capital | Navrongo |
| Status | Municipal District |
| Population (2021 census) | 99,895 |
| Population (2010 census) | 109,944 |
Towns and Communities in Kassena Nankana
The district directory lists 50 towns and communities in Kassena Nankana, from the capital Navrongo to outlying compound settlements. Names are listed alphabetically.
- Abenpengu
- Akamo
- Akundaw
- Akunkongu
- Amotanga
- Anieregu
- Atiyoro
- Balure
- Bavugnia
- Bawio
- Baziengo
- Bembisi
- Biu
- Bonia
- Bundunia
- Daboo
- Digongo
- Doba
- Gaane
- Gean
- Gomongo
- Gongenia
- Janania
- Kalesesi
- Kandiga
- Kasi
- Kassaningo
- Kazigo
- Kologo
- Korania
- Kuleningo
- Kulnaba
- Kungabnia
- Kungongo
- Longo
- Mangnoro
- Manyoro
- Mirigu
- Nabango
- Naga
- Nagalakinia
- Namolo
- Nangwao
- Natumgo
- Navrongo
- Nawogenia
- Nayagenia
- Nimbasinia
- Nogsenia
- Nyagolongo
Geography
Kassena Nankana sits in the west of the Upper East Region, on the flat Guinea savanna plain that runs south from the Burkina Faso border. The Sissili River feeds the Tono reservoir, the largest irrigation dam in northern Ghana, which lies a few kilometres west of Navrongo. Land is open farmland broken by baobab and shea trees, with compound houses scattered between fields rather than gathered into large villages.
It borders Kassena Nankana West to the north and west, and lies west of Bolgatanga. North Builsa lies to the south-west. Two languages dominate: Kasem around Navrongo and Chiana, and Nankam in the eastern communities.
Economy and Local Life
Farming supports most households. The main rainy-season crops are millet, sorghum, groundnuts, cowpea and maize, planted from May and harvested from September. The Tono scheme allows a second, dry-season crop of rice, tomatoes and onions, and the tomato trade from this area supplies markets as far south as Kumasi. Livestock, guinea fowl and small ruminants are kept in almost every compound as a cash reserve.
Navrongo is the commercial and administrative centre, with a market that draws traders from both sides of the Burkina Faso border. The town also holds a cathedral built in mud in the 1900s, a teacher training college and a university campus, so schooling and public-sector work employ a large share of residents.
Getting There
Navrongo lies on the main road north from Bolgatanga to the Paga border post, roughly 30 km from the regional capital and about 15 km short of Burkina Faso. Buses from Accra, Kumasi and Tamale run to Bolgatanga daily, and shared taxis and minibuses cover the last stretch to Navrongo. Feeder roads reach Kandiga, Doba, Mirigu and Kologo; most are graded laterite and can be slow after heavy rain.
FAQ
What is the capital of Kassena Nankana?
The district capital is Navrongo.
Which region is Kassena Nankana in?
Kassena Nankana is in the Upper East Region of Ghana.
What is the population of Kassena Nankana?
The 2021 census recorded 99,895 people. The 2010 census recorded 109,944.
How many towns and communities are listed for Kassena Nankana?
This page lists 50 towns and communities.