However, on 6 February 2012, the northern part of the district was later split off to create North Gonja District; thus the remaining part has been retained as West Gonja District. Later, it was elevated to municipal district assembly status on 27 January 2020 to become West Gonja Municipal District.
In February 2012, the northern part of the district was split off to create the North Gonja District. The remaining area became the West Gonja District.  Later, in January 2020, it was upgraded to a municipal district assembly status and renamed the West Gonja Municipal District.