Sawla-Tuna-Kalba Municipal District

Hon. Saaka Sinkina, District Chief Executive -Sawla-Tuna-Kalba Municipal  District

Profile of DCE

Mr. Saaka Sinkina, who was recently endorsed as the District Chief Executive with a resounding 100% approval from assembly members. His unanimous confirmation reflects broad confidence in his leadership and vision for the district. Mr. Sinkina’s appointment marks a pivotal moment for Sawla-Tuna-Kalba, signaling a renewed emphasis on inclusive governance, strategic planning, and community-driven development. With strong institutional support and a mandate rooted in consensus, he is poised to accelerate ongoing initiatives while fostering transparency, unity, and innovation in local administration.

Abount Sawla-Tuna-Kalba Municipal  District

Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District in the western expanse of Ghana’s Savannah Region, is a district of strategic importance and cultural depth. Established in 2004 following its separation from the larger Bole District, it occupies a landmass of approximately 4,173 square kilometers.

The district shares borders with Wa West, Wa Municipal, and Wa East to the north, Bole District to the south, West Gonja to the east, and the international boundary with Côte d’Ivoire to the west. Its capital, Sawla, serves as the administrative and economic nucleus, located roughly 210 kilometers northwest of Tamale.

The district is home to a population of about 112,664, predominantly rural, and characterized by a rich tapestry of ethnic groups including Gonjas, Vaglas, and Lobis. This diversity has shaped the district’s cultural identity and social cohesion, with traditional institutions playing a vital role in governance and community development.

Agriculture remains the backbone of the local economy. Farmers cultivate staple crops such as maize, groundnuts, millet, sorghum, and cassava, while cashew farming has emerged as a key cash crop, drawing traders from across the country. Livestock rearing, shea butter extraction, and rice processing further diversify income sources. However, the district grapples with persistent challenges including environmental degradation, youth unemployment, and gaps in health and educational infrastructure.

In recent years, development efforts have gained traction. A newly constructed 4-unit Outpatient Department and surgical theatre at Gindabour have significantly improved access to healthcare services, particularly in underserved areas. The rehabilitation of the girls’ dormitory at Sawla Senior High School has restored safe and dignified accommodation for female students, reinforcing the district’s commitment to education.

In Nyenge, the reconstruction of the historic Jakpa Palace stands as a testament to cultural preservation and the district’s potential for heritage tourism. Water access has been expanded through the drilling of eight boreholes equipped with hand pumps, addressing long-standing concerns over potable water. Additionally, small earth dams at Nakpala and Dagbigu now support irrigation and livestock farming, while degraded lands in Jentilipe and Sanyeri have been revitalized through cashew tree planting—an environmentally conscious strategy to combat desertification and restore ecological balance.

Profile of DCE

Mr. Saaka Sinkina, who was recently endorsed as the District Chief Executive with a resounding 100% approval from assembly members. His unanimous confirmation reflects broad confidence in his leadership and vision for the district. Mr. Sinkina’s appointment marks a pivotal moment for Sawla-Tuna-Kalba, signaling a renewed emphasis on inclusive governance, strategic planning, and community-driven development. With strong institutional support and a mandate rooted in consensus, he is poised to accelerate ongoing initiatives while fostering transparency, unity, and innovation in local administration.

As Sawla-Tuna-Kalba navigates its developmental trajectory, the district’s blend of cultural heritage, agricultural potential, and emerging infrastructure positions it as a key player in the Savannah Region’s growth agenda. Under Mr. Sinkina’s stewardship, the district is expected to deepen its commitment to social equity, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience—charting a path toward a more prosperous and empowered future.