North Tongu District was, at the time of its establishment in 1989, known as Adidome District. The name was changed to the current one in response to agitation for a more unifying name.

Geographically, the North Tongu District shares common borders with South Tongu to the south east, Dangbe East and West Districts to the southwest and with Asuogyaman District to the west. To the north, the district is bordered by Ho Municipal and to the east by Akatsi District.

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