Sisaala

The Sisaala, also spelled Sisala, are an ethnic group in West Africa, with most communities in Ghana and a presence across the border in Burkina Faso. They speak Sissali, a Gur language of the Niger-Congo family; several dialects are spoken across villages. The Sisaala are concentrated in the Upper West Region of Ghana, especially in the Sissala East and Sissala West districts, as well as in neighboring districts around Wa and Lawra. Cross-border communities extend into Burkina Faso.

Traditional life centers on farming and herding. Cereal crops such as millet and sorghum, along with yams and groundnuts, are common staples. Livestock, including cattle and goats, support livelihoods and cultural practices. In urban areas, some Sisaala engage in trading, teaching, and public service. The economy is increasingly diversified with education and development programs.

Social and cultural life is structured around family and local lineages, with chiefs and customary councils administering local affairs under state law. Islam is the major religion among many Sisaala, though Christianity and traditional beliefs are also present, often coexisting within communities. Music, dance, storytelling, and dress reflect a rich cultural heritage.

Historically, the Sisaala formed autonomous communities in the savannah and maintained relations with neighboring peoples through trade and intermarriage. They were incorporated into the administrative structures of the Gold Coast and now Ghana during the colonial and post-colonial periods. Today, Sisaala communities contribute to regional diversity in northern Ghana and maintain cross-border contacts with Burkina Faso.