The Upper West Region was created in 1983 and it is the youngest of the ten (10) regions in the country. It is located in the North Western part of Ghana.  It covers the geographical area of 18,476 km² which represents 12.7% of the total land area of Ghana.  By virtue of its allocation it has the potential for international and inter-regional trade and other bilateral relations. The region has a projected population of 772,081.  53% of the population is below 20 years and this implies that there is huge potential labour force for the future.

The region has three (3) major ethnic groups which include the Dagaaba, Wala, and Sissali.  The  other minority tribes include Birifor, Lobi,  Chakali and Kasinas.

The prime occupation of the people is agriculture in which 80% are engaged in. Issues of agriculture development are ranked high in view of the fact that it is the main stay of the population.

Education and health pose a high challenge in the development of the region.  At the functional level, a lot still needs to be done in agriculture, health, education and environment.  90% of trunk roads in the region are earth roads and are usually at the mercy of the rains.

The Upper West Region has a vision of being a prosperous model region, which harnesses it resources in a responsible, equitable, transparent and sustainable manner through a well-developed system to create opportunities for all.

The Regional Coordination Council (RCC) is headed by the Regional Minister, Hon. Alhaji Sulemana Alhassan.  The region has 7 administrative districts and four municipality with 32 paramouncies.

The head of Administration in the region is the Chief Director, Gilbert B. Nuuri-Teg who provides technical and administrative support to the RCC, departments, Agencies and Institutions.   Decentralized Departments and Agencies such as the Central Administration, Agricultural Department, Department of Community Development and Social Welfare, Environmental Health Department, Ghana Education Service, Ghana Health Service, Attorney General’s Department, etc. have been established at the RCC to provide goods and services to better the lives of residents in the region. However, other very important Departments/Agencies such as Registrar General’s Department, Ghana Standards Board etc. are yet to be established in the region. Major hindrances that militate against the functionality of most departments include understaffing and inadequate resources.