Talensi

Talensi is an ethnic group residing primarily in the Upper East Region of Ghana, particularly within the Talensi District whose capital is Talensi Town. According to recent estimates the population of the Talensi people is around 250,000, though census figures vary. Their homeland lies along the Sahelian savannah, bordering the Togo-occupied territories to the north. The group traditionally subsists through mixed agriculture, raising millet, sorghum, yams and small ruminants, and by engaging in trade of agricultural produce and artisanal crafts such as weaving and pottery.

The Talensi language, classified as a Gur language of the Niger‑Congo family, is the mother tongue of the community. English serves as the official language of instruction and administration, and many Talensi are bilingual. The cultural life of the people revolves around agricultural milestones, with festivals such as the Akwatia and Nyafare occurring annually to mark planting and harvest. These celebrations incorporate drumming, dancing, and traditional rites, reinforcing communal bonds and affirming social status.

In education, Talensi Senior High School in the district has become a notable institution, offering a broad curriculum and hosting inter‑regional academic competitions. The town also hosts a market that attracts traders from neighboring districts, contributing to local economic integration. Politically, the district falls within the Talensi-Nabdam constituency, and the area is represented in Ghana's Parliament by a Member of Parliament elected at the national electoral cycle. The region benefits from government infrastructure projects aimed at improving road connectivity, electricity distribution, and water access.

Talensi culture has been documented in ethnographic studies focusing on Gur-speaking groups in West Africa. Ongoing research addresses issues such as language vitality, adaptation to climate change, and the impact of urban migration on traditional livelihoods. The community continues to balance preservation of cultural heritage with participation in Ghana’s national development agenda.