Sakassou Department was created in 1988 as a first-level subdivision via a split-off from Bouaké Department.[4]
In 1997, regions were introduced as new first-level subdivisions of Ivory Coast; as a result, all departments were converted into second-level subdivisions. Sakassou Department was included in Vallée du Bandama Region.
In 2011, districts were introduced as new first-level subdivisions of Ivory Coast. At the same time, regions were reorganised and became second-level subdivisions and all departments were converted into third-level subdivisions. At this time, Sakassou Department became part of Gbêkê Region in Vallée du Bandama District.