Welcome to the
Upper East
Region
About Upper East Region
Capital
Bolgatanga
Population
1.3 million
Regional Size
8,842 km square
The Upper East Region of Ghana serves as a historic crossroads for trans-Saharan trade, located in the northeastern corner of the country and acting as a gateway to Ghana from Burkina Faso and Togo.
It is the second-smallest of Ghana’s ten administrative regions. The capital, Bolgatanga (often referred to as Bolga), has been a significant meeting point for traders from Mali and Burkina Faso.
Visit Bolgatanga
Handicrafts and Culture
Bolgatanga is renowned for its handicrafts, such as straw hats, baskets, cloth, and jewelry. The local market, held twice a week, is ideal for visitors to bargain for unique items. Cultural attractions include the Paga Crocodile Pond, the Bolgatanga Museum, and the Kulungugu Bomb site, where an assassination attempt on Ghana’s first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, occurred.
Historical Sites
The region features archaeological treasures in the River Sissili Basin and distinct sites like the Tongo Hills, Navrongo church, and Sandema, where significant historical events related to the end of the slave trade took place. Visitors can explore the Paga-Nania slave camp, local game reserves, and the mysterious Kukula dam.
Festivals
The Upper East Region hosts various festivals celebrating planting seasons and harvests, such as Feok, Willa, and the prominent Samanpiid festival by the Kusasi people.
Unique Experiences
The Paga Crocodile Pond is a sanctuary where crocodiles coexist safely with humans, allowing for unique encounters. Local legends treat these crocodiles as sacred, and they are considered harmless, attracting visitors to interact closely with them.
Unique Experiences
Predominant languages include Ka, Buli, Frafra, Kusal, Kasem, and Koma.
Major Attractions
Key attractions include: Paga Crocodile Pond, Tongo-Tenzug Shrine, Sirigu Art and Pottery Village (SWOPA).
