UPPER EAST REGION AT GLANCE

The Upper East Region with its capital, Bolgatanga is bordered in the north by Burkina Faso, west by Upper West Region, south by the Northern Region and east by Togo. It covers an area of 8,842 square kilometers and has a population of 964,500 as at 2002.. The region has eight administrative districts. They are Bolgatanga Municipality, Bawku Municipality, Kassena Nankana District, Bongo District, Garu-Tempane District, Talensi-Nabdam District, Builsa District and Bawku District.

The main ethnic groups in the area are the Bimoba, Bissa, Buli, Frafra, Kantobi, Kasam Kusaal, Mamprusi and Moshi
THE ECONOMY: The region’s economy is based on agriculture, primarily cattle and cereal such as, millet, sorghum and rice. The region is also known for its handicrafts and locally brewed beer popularly referred to as Pito. At the Bolgatanga market, one can buy straw mats, baskets, leather goods metal goods and traditional clothing.

SMALL-SCALE INDUSTRIES: Small-scale industries constitute the most important industries in the region. The craft include smock weaving at Namoo, Zokko, Navrongo and Paga. Leather straw works is done around Bolgatanga and surrounding villages. Investment in this sector has the potential to generate local raw materials and resources.

MINING/QUARRYING: The two forms of extractive activities in the region are mining and quarrying. Quarrying is being exploited actively in the area. The commercial quarries currently operating in the region are the Upper Quarry Limited at Pwalugu, Granite and Marble Company at Tongo . Small-scale gold mining has become rampant Tongo, Duusi Pelungu Sheaga and other villages.

BRICK AND TILE INDUSTRY: The Brick and Tile Industry have potential in the region due to availability of various types of clay. Areas with clay deposits include: Gambibgo, Zamlerigu, Yikine and Kalbeo.

TOURISM POTENTIALS: The region has numerous tourist attractions. Notable among them are Paga crocodile pond, Navrongo Catholic Cathedral, Sisigu Pottery and Art, Naagbewaa Shrine at Pusiga and Kulungugu bomb site. Others are Woriyanga Legendary mosque, Tongo Hills and Tenzug Shrines and Red River Valley Eco-Tourism.

FESTIVALS: The major festivals are Samapiid. It is celebrated by the people of Bawku between November and December. Feok festival is celebrated by the Bulisas in December. Fao which is thanksgiving and harvest festival is celebrated by the Kassena’s . Adaakoya is celebrated by the people of Bolgatanga. Golgo festival by Talensis and Zenbeni festival by Bongo people.

DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS: To improve the standards of living of the people in the region, the municipal and district assemblies have embarked on varied development projects. The projects cut across education, health, agriculture and roads. List of some of the projects undertook by the assemblies in 2007 include the following:

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