Wa East is a district in the Upper West Region of Ghana. Its capital is Funsi. The district had a population of 91,457 at the 2021 census, up from 72,074 in 2010. It is one of the region’s largest districts by area and among its most thinly settled.
| Region | Upper West, Ghana |
|---|---|
| District capital | Funsi |
| Status | District |
| Population (2021 census) | 91,457 |
| Population (2010 census) | 72,074 |
Towns and Communities in Wa East
50 towns and communities in Wa East are listed below, in alphabetical order.
- Baayiri
- Baleyiri
- Bantala
- Banungoma
- Bielepong
- Bisikan
- Buffiama
- Bugu
- Bulenga
- Bunaa
- Chago
- Charingu
- Chawuli
- Daeyiri
- Daiyiri
- Du
- Ducie
- Duu
- Funsi
- Gilong
- Gudayiri
- Guonor
- Guropie
- Gurumbele
- Hamonikoa
- Jakanibe
- Jayiri
- Jerbuga
- Jeyiri
- Jumo
- Kandea
- Katua
- Kpalisoka
- Kudondogle
- Kulukpen
- Kulun
- Kundungu
- Kuntaa
- Kunyebin
- Lensuayiri
- Loggo
- Mengwe
- Motigu
- Naha
- Napiriyiri
- Nasa
- Pagalanhe
- Sagu
- Samanbo
- Sawubele
Geography
Wa East covers the eastern side of the Upper West Region, between the regional capital
and the Sissili and Kulpawn river systems that drain south-east. Settlement is dispersed: small
farming hamlets sit far apart across open savanna, and the district has long stretches without a
tarred road. Wa Municipal lies to the west, Sissala
West and Sissala East to the north and north-east.
Economy and Local Life
Farming is the district’s economy. Yam, maize, sorghum, millet, groundnuts, cowpea and
soya are the standard crops, and the eastern parts of the district are known for yam mounds worked on
newly cleared land. Cattle, goats and guinea fowl are kept in most compounds. Shea nut picking is a
major dry-season earner for women. Bulenga on the Wa–Tumu road is the busiest market town, and Funsi
holds the district administration.
Sisaala is spoken in the north and east of the district and Dagaare and Waali in the west, and most people follow traditional religion or Islam. Distances are the district’s central problem: children walk long stretches to school and patients travel far to a health centre. Seasonal work in southern Ghana between December and April supplements farm income for many young men.
Getting There
The Wa–Han–Tumu road crosses the district and carries most traffic; Bulenga sits on it.
Funsi is reached by a branch road running north from that route. Feeder roads to outlying villages are
unpaved and can be cut off during heavy rain between July and September.
FAQ
What is the capital of Wa East?
Funsi is the district capital and the seat of the district assembly.
Which region is Wa East in?
Wa East is in the Upper West Region of Ghana.
What is the population of Wa East?
The 2021 census recorded 91,457 people. The 2010 census recorded 72,074.
How many towns and communities are listed for Wa East?
This page lists 50, sorted A–Z.