Agortime-Ziope District Assembly
- Name of MMDA: Agotime-Ziope District Assembly
- Region: Volta Region
- Type of Assembly: District
- Capital: Agotime Kpetoe
- Year Established: 2012, under Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2080. The District was carved out of the former Adaklu-Anyigbe District.
The Agortime-Ziope District Assembly (AZDA) is one of the administrative districts located in the Volta Region of Ghana. The District was originally part of the former Adaklu-Anyigbe District and was carved out as a separate district in 2012 under Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2080 as part of Ghana’s decentralisation programme. The District was formally inaugurated in 2012, with Agortime-Kpetoe serving as its administrative capital.
The District is situated in the south-eastern part of the Volta Region, approximately 22 kilometres east of Ho along the Ho-Aflao Highway. It shares boundaries with the Republic of Togo to the east, Akatsi North and Central Tongu Districts to the south, Adaklu District to the west, and Ho Municipal to the north. Its location along the Ho-Aflao corridor and proximity to Togo give the District strategic potential for cross-border trade, commerce, agriculture and cultural exchange.
In terms of land area, the District covers approximately 315.65 square kilometres. The 2021 Census recorded a total population of 39,553, comprising 18,791 males and 20,762 females. Females therefore constituted approximately 52.5% of the population, compared with 47.5% males. The District is predominantly rural, with about 77.8% of its population living in rural localities and 22.2% in urban localities. Major population centres include Kpetoe, Ziope, Afegame and Akpokope.
The economy of Agortime-Ziope is predominantly driven by agriculture, traditional craft production, trade and livestock rearing. Agriculture supports a large proportion of households, with tomato production being particularly prominent, alongside other food and cash crops. The District has considerable potential for commercial tomato production and agro-processing, while livestock activities include the rearing of pigs, sheep, goats and poultry. The District is also noted for clay deposits, including Bismarckia clay, as well as other natural resources associated with the River Tordze.
Agortime-Kpetoe is the District’s principal administrative, commercial and cultural capital. Other important communities and settlements include Ziope, Afegame, Akpokope, Abehenease, Keyime, Agortime-Wodome, Ahiagbakope, Sukpalikope and Datsiedu. The District has approximately 122 communities distributed between its two Area Councils, with the Ziope Area Council containing 75 communities and the Agortime Area Council 47.
Administratively, the Agortime-Ziope District Assembly is the highest political, administrative and planning authority within the District. The Assembly is responsible for local development planning, infrastructure provision, social services, environmental management, sanitation, revenue mobilisation and the coordination of decentralised government activities. The District operates through two sub-district structures, namely the Agortime Area Council and the Ziope Area Council, which help bring local administration and development planning closer to communities.
The Assembly’s governance structure comprises elected Assembly Members representing the District’s 15 electoral areas, Government Appointees, the District Chief Executive (DCE) as the administrative head, and the Member of Parliament for the Agortime-Ziope Constituency. The General Assembly serves as the principal local decision-making and policy-formulating organ. As of 2026, Hon. Alfred Klu Odikro serves as the District Chief Executive, while Hon. Charles Agbeve is the Member of Parliament for the Agortime-Ziope Constituency.
Agortime-Ziope possesses significant cultural and socio-economic assets, with traditional Kente weaving standing out as one of its most distinctive features. Agortime-Kpetoe is widely recognised as an important centre of Kente weaving, with the craft forming both a cultural tradition and an important source of livelihoods. The annual Agbamevor Za, popularly known as the Agortime Kente Festival, celebrates the district’s weaving heritage and attracts visitors, traditional leaders, artisans and tourists from Ghana and neighbouring Togo. The Ziope Traditional Area also celebrates Agbleza, a harvest and food festival that showcases the agricultural heritage of the community.
The District faces a number of development challenges, including inadequate water supply in some communities, sanitation and waste-management concerns, poor road infrastructure in parts of the district, limited tourism infrastructure, agricultural post-harvest losses and inadequate value addition to locally produced crops. The ageing population of master Kente weavers has also created concerns about the transfer of traditional weaving skills to younger generations. Water supply challenges have affected communities as well as institutions such as Agortime Senior High School.
Despite these challenges, Agortime-Ziope has considerable opportunities for sustainable economic development. Its strategic location close to Togo provides opportunities for cross-border trade, while its strong agricultural base offers prospects for tomato processing, agro-processing and commercial farming. The District’s internationally recognised Kente weaving tradition, cultural festivals and traditional heritage provide a foundation for cultural tourism and the expansion of the creative economy. Improved support for young weavers, tourism infrastructure and agricultural value chains could further strengthen local employment and enterprise development.
With Agortime-Kpetoe as its administrative capital, the Agortime-Ziope District Assembly occupies a distinctive position in the Volta Region. Its proximity to Togo, strong agricultural base, vibrant Kente-weaving tradition, cultural festivals and potential for agro-processing, trade and tourism make it an important cultural and emerging economic hub within south-eastern Ghana.
Key Profile Data
- Population: 39,553
- Male: 18,791
- Female: 20,762
- Female population share: 52.5%
- Male population share: 47.5%
- Land area: 315.65 km²
- Capital: Agortime-Kpetoe
- Parliamentary Constituency: 1, Agortime-Ziope Constituency
- District Chief Executive: Hon. Alfred Klu Odikro
- Member of Parliament: Hon. Charles Agbeve
- Year Established: 2012
- Establishing legislation: L.I. 2080
- Region: Volta Region
- Total Land Area: Approximately 315.65 sq. km.
- Population: 39,553 according to the 2021 Population and Housing Census. The Assembly’s 2025 budget projected the population at 40,880.
- Major Towns/Communities: Agotime Kpetoe, Ziope, Agotime Afegame, Agotime Adakope, Agotime-Akuokorpe, Agotime-Lume, Agotime-Kpetoe, Ziope, Wudzedeke, and surrounding communities.
- Boundaries:
- North: Ho Municipal Assembly
- East: Republic of Togo
- West: Adaklu District
- South: Akatsi North District and Central Tongu District
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- District Chief Executive (DCE): Hon. Alfred Klu Odikro
- Presiding Member: Hon. Kudokponu K. Stephen
- Member of Parliament: Hon. Charles Akwasi Agbeve, (MP for Agotime-Ziope Constituency)
- Assembly Structure: The Assembly operates through the General Assembly, Presiding Member, Executive Committee, statutory sub-committees, District Coordinating Directorate and decentralised departments and units. The District has two Area Councils, Agotime and Ziope, and 15 electoral areas.
- Assembly Membership: The Assembly has 15 elected members and 7 government-appointed members, giving 22 elected and appointed Assembly Members. The DCE and MP form part of the broader institutional composition, making 24 members in total.
- Key Sectors of Focus:
- Agriculture – Cassava, maize, rice, vegetables, and livestock farming, with emphasis on agro-processing and irrigation.
- Education – Expansion of classroom blocks, ICT integration, and vocational/technical training for youth.
- Health – Upgrading health centres, expanding CHPS compounds, and improving maternal and child health services.
- Roads & Infrastructure – Rehabilitation of feeder roads, culvert construction, and improved connectivity between farming communities and markets.
- Water & Sanitation – Borehole construction, toilet facilities, waste management, and hygiene education.
- Local Economic Development – Market infrastructure, SME support, and youth entrepreneurship initiatives.
- Tourism & Culture – Leveraging cultural festivals (notably Kente weaving heritage) and eco-tourism sites.
- Environment & Climate Resilience – Afforestation, flood control, and climate-smart agriculture.
- Flagship Projects & Programmes:
- Agriculture: Establishment of cassava and rice processing centres; farmer support with improved seedlings and mechanization.
- Education: ICT labs for schools, vocational training centres, and classroom blocks in rural communities.
- Health: Expansion of CHPS compounds, maternal health outreach, and sanitation improvement projects.
- Infrastructure: Rehabilitation of feeder roads linking farming communities, storm drain construction, and rural electrification.
- Water & Sanitation: Borehole drilling, toilet facilities, and waste segregation projects.
- Local Economic Development: Business incubators for youth, agro-processing SMEs, and automation of IGF collection.
- Tourism: Promotion of cultural festivals, development of eco-tourism sites, and modernization of Kente weaving centres.
- Environment: Afforestation campaigns, flood control, and climate resilience programmes.
- SDGs Alignment:
- SDG 1 (No Poverty): SME support, youth employment, and social protection programmes.
- SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): Agricultural modernization and agro-processing to improve food security.
- SDG 3 (Good Health & Well-being): Strengthening healthcare facilities and maternal health services.
- SDG 4 (Quality Education): Classroom expansion, ICT integration, and vocational training.
- SDG 6 (Clean Water & Sanitation): Improved sanitation coverage and water supply systems.
- SDG 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth): SME support, youth employment, and agro-industrial expansion.
- SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure): Road rehabilitation, ICT integration, and agro-processing facilities.
- SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities & Communities): Flood control, rural electrification, and urban renewal.
- SDG 13 (Climate Action): Climate resilience projects, afforestation, and disaster risk reduction.
- SDG 15 (Life on Land): Forest conservation, watershed protection, and biodiversity preservation.
- Main Economic Activities:
- Agriculture – Cassava, maize, rice, vegetables, and livestock rearing (goats, sheep, poultry) dominate livelihoods.
- Trading & commerce – Local markets in Kpetoe, Ziope, and surrounding towns serve as hubs for food crops, livestock, and household goods.
- Agro-processing – Cassava flour, gari production, rice milling, palm oil extraction, and small-scale processing of vegetables.
- Artisanal activities – Carpentry, tailoring, mechanics, and weaving (notably Kente) provide employment.
- Tourism & culture – Kente weaving heritage in Kpetoe and cultural festivals attract visitors and promote local identity.
- Key Investment Opportunities:
- Agro-processing plants – Expansion of cassava, rice, and palm oil processing facilities for local consumption and export.
- Market infrastructure – Modernization of Kpetoe Market and satellite markets to boost trading activities.
- Agricultural mechanization – Tractor services, irrigation systems, and improved seed distribution.
- Tourism promotion – Development of cultural tourism around Kente weaving centres, festivals, and eco-tourism sites.
- Renewable energy projects – Solar-powered irrigation and rural electrification initiatives.
- ICT & innovation hubs – Establishment of digital centres for youth training, entrepreneurship, and e-commerce.
- Business Support Services:
- Business Advisory Centre (BAC) – Provides training, entrepreneurship support, and SME development.
- Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA) – Offers financial and technical support for small businesses.
- Rural banks & microfinance institutions – Provide credit facilities to farmers, traders, and artisans.
- NGO & donor programs – Initiatives in agriculture, women’s empowerment, and youth employment.
- Farmer cooperatives & market associations – Support collective bargaining, advocacy, and access to inputs.
- Cultural associations – Promote Kente weaving, cultural heritage, and tourism-related enterprises.
- Health Facilities:
- CHPS Compounds – Spread across rural communities to provide primary healthcare services.
- Health Centres – Facilities offering outpatient, maternal, and child health services in Kpetoe, Ziope, and other towns.
- District Hospital – Serves as the main referral facility for complex medical cases.
- Challenges – Shortage of medical staff, limited emergency services, and inadequate supply of essential drugs.
- Educational Institutions:
- Basic Schools – Public and private primary and JHS across communities.
- Senior High Schools – Kpetoe Senior High School and other second-cycle institutions.
- Vocational/Technical Training – Skills training centres for carpentry, tailoring, mechanics, ICT, and weaving (notably Kente).
- Challenges – Inadequate classroom blocks, furniture shortages, and high student-teacher ratios.
- Road Network Condition:
- Major Roads – Roads linking Kpetoe and Ziope to Ho and other regional centres, though some sections suffer potholes and erosion.
- Feeder Roads – Many rural roads are untarred, becoming impassable during rainy seasons.
- Ongoing Works – Rehabilitation projects, culvert construction, and road safety sensitization.
- Challenges – Poor maintenance, flooding, and limited connectivity between farming communities and markets.
- Water & Sanitation Coverage:
- Boreholes – Widespread reliance on boreholes, with ongoing repairs and new installations.
- Toilet Facilities – Public toilets in towns, but rural areas still face open defecation challenges.
- Waste Management – Sanitation exercises, fumigation, and refuse collection services.
- Water Management Teams – Community-based groups trained to oversee water systems.
- Challenges – Inadequate coverage, poor maintenance, and need for improved hygiene education.
- Waste Management Systems:
- Solid waste collection – Refuse collection services in Kpetoe, Ziope, and other towns, though rural coverage remains limited.
- Sanitation exercises – Community clean-up campaigns and fumigation to reduce disease outbreaks.
- Waste disposal sites – Existing dumping sites require proper engineering and maintenance.
- Community-based management – Local water and sanitation teams trained to oversee boreholes and waste systems.
- Climate Adaptation Efforts:
- Tree planting campaigns – Seedling distribution to farmers and schools to restore degraded lands.
- Farmer training – Capacity building on climate-smart agriculture, soil conservation, and water management.
- Disaster risk reduction – Dredging waterways, flood control projects, and community sensitization.
- Renewable energy promotion – Encouraging solar energy adoption to reduce reliance on unsustainable sources.
- Watershed protection – Safeguarding rivers and streams from pollution and overuse.
- Eco-tourism integration – Linking conservation efforts with cultural tourism around Kente weaving centres and natural sites.
- Environmental Challenges:
- Deforestation – Driven by logging, farming expansion, and charcoal production.
- Flooding – Poor drainage and heavy rainfall lead to seasonal floods in low-lying areas.
- Waste disposal issues – Inadequate engineered landfill sites and poor household waste segregation.
- Climate variability – Unpredictable rainfall patterns affecting cassava, maize, and rice yields.
- Soil erosion – Farming on slopes and poor land management practices increase vulnerability.
- Water pollution – Agricultural runoff and improper waste disposal threaten rivers and streams.
- Public Engagement Strategies:
- Community durbars – Traditional gatherings where Assembly officials present development plans, gather feedback, and strengthen accountability.
- Town hall meetings – Regular forums for citizens to interact directly with Assembly leaders on policies and projects.
- Radio and local media – Public education and announcements through community FM stations to reach wider audiences.
- Participatory budgeting – Inclusion of community priorities in annual budgets through stakeholder consultations.
- Feedback mechanisms – Complaint desks, suggestion boxes, and community liaison officers to ensure citizen concerns are addressed.
- Digital platforms – WhatsApp groups and social media pages mobilize residents and share Assembly announcements.
- Youth & Women Inclusion Mechanisms:
- Youth empowerment programmes – Skills training, entrepreneurship support, and involvement in decision-making committees.
- Women’s groups and cooperatives – Platforms for women traders, farmers, and artisans to access credit, training, and advocacy.
- Gender mainstreaming – Ensuring women’s representation in Assembly sub-committees and leadership roles.
- Youth councils – Formal structures for young people to contribute to local governance and community development.
- Social protection initiatives – Targeted support for vulnerable women and youth, including livelihood programmes and scholarships.
| 1 | Kpetoe North |
| 2 | Kpetoe South |
| 3 | Lormnava |
| 4 | Amedikpui |
| 5 | Afegame |
| 6 | Akwetteh |
| 7 | Abehenease |
| 8 | Akpokope |
| 9 | Ziope |
| 10 | Dzremave |
| 11 | Bedzame |
| 12 | Kortsrala |
| 13 | Keyime |
| 14 | Adzonkor |
| 15 | Takuve |