Talensi-Nabdam was a district in the Upper East Region of Ghana, south-east of Bolgatanga. It was split in 2012 into Talensi District, with its capital at Tongo, and Nabdam District, with its capital at Nangodi. Talensi recorded a population of 87,021 at the 2021 census, against 81,194 for the older combined area in 2010; Nabdam recorded 51,861.
| Region | Upper East Region |
|---|---|
| District capital | Tongo |
| Status | District |
| Population (2021 census) | 87,021 |
| Population (2010 census) | 81,194 |
Towns and Communities in Talensi-Nabdam
The district directory lists 46 towns and communities in Talensi-Nabdam, from the capital Tongo to outlying compound settlements. Names are listed alphabetically.
- Balungu
- Bari
- Biung
- Datoko
- Ditimbule
- Dusi
- Dusi Bulbuog
- Dusi Damol Tindongo
- Dusi Nayiri
- Gari
- Gbega
- Gbego
- Gorogu
- Kalboka
- Katansiga
- Kologo Kanvawya
- Kondzua
- Kopielga
- Kpale
- Kpetabon
- Kumbude
- Namawgo
- Ndongo
- Nmakoam
- Nungu
- Pusu-Namogo
- Pwalugu
- Sakwati
- Santienga
- Santoga
- Satoga
- Shiega
- Shiga
- Tenzugu
- Tongo
- Tula
- Wawgo
- Winduri
- Winkogo
- Yale
- Yamnega
- Yazore
- Yazore Kpatia
- Zanwure
- Zoan Buliga
- Zubiong
Geography
The former district lies south-east of Bolgatanga, where the flat savanna plain is broken by the Tongo Hills, a belt of granite outcrops and boulder fields that rise above the surrounding farmland. The White Volta forms the southern boundary near Pwalugu, and the Red Volta runs along the eastern side. Rainfall comes in one season, May to October.
This page covers the whole former district. Its northern and eastern communities now form Nabdam, and it borders Bolgatanga to the north-west and Bongo further north. Talensi is the home of the Talensi people; Nabt and Gurune are the main languages.
Economy and Local Life
Farming is the mainstay: millet, sorghum, groundnuts, cowpea, maize and rice in the rains, with dry-season gardening along the river valleys. Livestock and guinea fowl are kept in almost every compound. Pwalugu, on the White Volta, is a long-standing trading point on the road south to Tamale.
Small-scale gold mining is significant around Datoko, Gbane and Nangodi, where reef gold has been worked for generations; it draws migrant labour and carries well-documented safety risks. The Tongo Hills and the Tengzug shrine attract visitors, and stone quarrying and basket weaving supply extra income.
Getting There
Tongo lies about 15 km south-east of Bolgatanga on a tarred road; Nangodi is roughly 30 km east of the regional capital. Buses from Accra, Kumasi and Tamale terminate at Bolgatanga, and shared taxis run from there to Tongo, Winkogo and Pwalugu. Pwalugu sits on the main Bolgatanga–Tamale trunk road, so through traffic passes the southern edge of the district.
FAQ
What is the capital of Talensi-Nabdam?
Tongo was the capital of the combined district and remains the capital of Talensi. Nangodi is the capital of Nabdam, created from the northern part in 2012.
Which region is Talensi-Nabdam in?
Talensi-Nabdam is in the Upper East Region of Ghana.
What is the population of Talensi-Nabdam?
The 2021 census recorded 87,021 people. The 2010 census recorded 81,194.
How many towns and communities are listed for Talensi-Nabdam?
This page lists 46 towns and communities.