Wa West is a district in the Upper West Region of Ghana. Its capital is Wechiau. The district had a population of 96,957 at the 2021 census, up from 81,348 in 2010. The Black Volta forms the district’s western boundary.
| Region | Upper West, Ghana |
|---|---|
| District capital | Wechiau |
| Status | District |
| Population (2021 census) | 96,957 |
| Population (2010 census) | 81,348 |
Towns and Communities in Wa West
50 towns and communities in Wa West are listed below, in alphabetical order.
- Anyarayiri
- Asse
- Babile
- Bakpon
- Bakporayiri
- Balabui
- Baleaufili
- Bamkpoma
- Batunuriyiri
- Bavuna
- Bawa
- Bechunyiri
- Berinyasi
- Bienya
- Borkudo
- Boro
- Buka
- Bulinzin
- Bulituo
- Bulu
- Bulu Tanga
- Chabara
- Charibile
- Chiatanga
- Chiberiyri
- Chocho
- Chogosia
- Dabo
- Dabogia
- Dabozie
- Daku
- Damayiri
- Danlarayiri
- Dariyiri
- Dehi
- Delaniyiri
- Deligoyiri
- Dochire
- Dodobi
- Dogberipari
- Doli
- Domawa
- Domowa
- Dompie
- Donkori
- Dontanga
- Donye
- Dorimon
- Duasi
- Eggu
Geography
Wa West lies on the western edge of the Upper West Region, between the regional capital
and the Black Volta. The river bottomlands along the western boundary are the district’s defining
feature; away from the river the land is flat Guinea savanna cut by seasonal streams. The Wechiau
Community Hippo Sanctuary runs along the Black Volta here, managed by the riverside communities.
Wechiau and Dorimon are the two traditional paramountcies. Wa Municipal lies
to the east and Nadowli-Kaleo to the north-east.
Economy and Local Life
Almost every household farms. Maize, sorghum, millet, groundnuts, cowpea, yam and
increasing amounts of rice in the river lowlands are the main crops, with cattle, goats and guinea
fowl kept alongside. Fishing and dry-season vegetable gardening support villages close to the Black
Volta. Shea nut collection and butter processing are widespread. Community-run tourism at the hippo
sanctuary brings visitors and a small guiding and lodging trade to the Wechiau area.
Dagaare is the main language, with Birifor spoken in communities along the Black Volta and Waali near the boundary with Wa. Households farm on compound land held under family custom, and many young people travel south to Kumasi, Techiman or the cocoa districts for work between harvest and the next planting. Remittances from that seasonal move pay school fees and buy fertiliser.
Getting There
Wechiau is reached from Wa on the road running south-west out of the regional capital;
the last stretch to the river is unpaved and slow in the rains. Dorimon sits on a separate road west
of Wa. Shared taxis and minibuses run from Wa station to both towns daily.
FAQ
What is the capital of Wa West?
Wechiau is the district capital and the seat of the district assembly.
Which region is Wa West in?
Wa West is in the Upper West Region of Ghana.
What is the population of Wa West?
The 2021 census recorded 96,957 people. The 2010 census recorded 81,348.
How many towns and communities are listed for Wa West?
This page lists 50, sorted A–Z.