Akyemansa District Assembly
- Name of MMDA: Akyemansa District Assembly
- Region: Eastern Region
- Type of Assembly: District Assembly
- Capital: Ofoase
- Year Established: 2007 (Legislative Instrument 1919, carved out of Birim North District)
The Akyemansa District Assembly (ADA) is one of the administrative districts located in the Eastern Region of Ghana. It was created in 2007 under Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 1919, following its split from the former Birim North District, and was officially inaugurated on 29 February 2008, with Ofoase serving as its administrative capital.
The District is situated in the south-western part of the Eastern Region. It shares boundaries with the Birim North District to the north, Denkyembour District to the east, Birim Central Municipal Assembly to the south-east, Asene Manso Akroso District to the south, and the Adansi South District (in the Ashanti Region) to the west. Its geographic location within the rich cocoa and forest belt of Ghana makes it an important agricultural hub connecting the Eastern and Ashanti Regions.
In terms of land area, the District covers approximately 667.17 square kilometres, consisting largely of arable forest lands, rural communities, and agricultural settlements. The 2021 Population and Housing Census recorded a total population of 91,038, comprising 45,266 males and 45,772 females. Females therefore constituted approximately 50.3% of the population, compared with 49.7% males. The District is predominantly rural, with agriculture forming the basis of community livelihoods.
The economy of Akyemansa is heavily agriculture-driven, complemented by informal commerce, artisanal mining, and small-scale processing. Farming employs the vast majority of the labor force. Key cash crops include cocoa and oil palm, while food crops such as cassava, plantain, maize, cocoyam, and vegetables are produced in large quantities for local consumption and urban markets. Artisanal small-scale mining (galamsey) and palm oil extraction also feature prominently in local economic activities.
Ofoase is the District’s principal administrative and political capital. Other major communities and prominent settlements within the District include Ayirebi, Abenase, Kotokuom, Chia, Akim Ofoase, Anyinase, Afosu enclaves, and Brenasi. The dual urban influence of Ofoase and Ayirebi serves as the central commercial and social axis for the district.
Administratively, the Akyemansa District Assembly is the highest political, administrative, and planning authority within the District. The Assembly is responsible for local governance, spatial development, feeder road maintenance, basic education and health infrastructure, environmental sanitation, and internal revenue mobilization. The District operates through Area Councils, including the Ofoase Area Council and Ayirebi Area Council, to extend local government administration to rural communities.
The Assembly’s governance structure comprises elected Assembly Members representing various electoral areas, Government Appointees, the District Chief Executive (DCE) as the administrative head, and the Member of Parliament for the Ofoase-Ayirebi Constituency. The General Assembly functions as the main local decision-making and policy-formulating body.
Akyemansa possesses rich agricultural, natural, and traditional assets. Key highlights include vast arable lands for cocoa and oil palm cultivation, extensive forest reserves, oil palm processing facilities, and strong traditional allegiances under the Akyem Kotoku Traditional Council. The traditional festivals celebrated by the chiefs and people of the area reflect deep-rooted Akyem cultural values and heritage.
The District faces development challenges common to rural agrarian districts, including bad feeder road networks connecting farming communities to market centers, post-harvest losses, illegal small-scale mining activities causing land degradation and water pollution, limited access to potable water in remote areas, and inadequate revenue mobilization. However, its immense cocoa and oil palm production potential, rich mineral resources, available land for large-scale agribusiness, and active labor force offer strong opportunities for economic growth and industrial transformation.
With Ofoase as its administrative capital, the Akyemansa District Assembly plays an essential role in the agricultural economy of the Eastern Region. Its high cocoa yield, rich cultural heritage, vast natural resources, and strategic agricultural position make it a vital agrarian district in Ghana.
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Population: 91,038
Male: 45,266
Female: 45,772
Female population share: 50.3%
Male population share: 49.7%
Land area: 667.17 km²
Capital: Ofoase
Area Councils: 2 (Ofoase Area Council, Ayirebi Area Council)
Parliamentary Constituency: 1 (Ofoase-Ayirebi Constituency)
Year established: 2007
Year inaugurated: 29 February 2008
Establishing legislation: L.I. 1919
Region: Eastern Region
- Total Land Area: ~ 667.17 km²
- Population: ~ 97,374 (2021 Census estimate)
- Major Towns/Communities: Ofoase, Ayirebi, Abenase, Akokoaso, Adjobue, Etwereso, Brenase
- Boundaries:
- North: Birim North District
- East: Atiwa East District
- West: Birim Central Municipal Assembly
- South: Denkyembour District
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- District Chief Executive (DCE): Hon. Linda Ahenkorah
- Presiding Member: Elected from among Assembly Members
- Member of Parliament: Hon. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah (MP for Ofoase-Ayirebi Constituency)
- Assembly Structure: District Assembly with statutory sub-committees (Finance, Development Planning, Social Services, Works, Justice & Security)
- Assembly Membership: 25 elected members + government appointees + MP
- Key Sectors of Focus:
- Agriculture & Agribusiness – Cocoa, oil palm, cassava, and food crop production, with emphasis on agro-processing.
- Infrastructure & Transport – Road rehabilitation, feeder road improvement, and bridges to connect farming communities.
- Health & Social Services – Expansion of health centres, CHPS compounds, and maternal health facilities.
- Education – Classroom expansion, ICT integration, and vocational training.
- Water & Sanitation – Boreholes, rural water projects, and improved waste management systems.
- Local Economic Development – SME support, market development, and youth employment initiatives.
- Flagship Projects & Programmes:
- Agriculture: Establishment of agro-processing centres for cassava, palm oil, and cocoa; farmer support programmes with improved seedlings and mechanization.
- Infrastructure: Rehabilitation of feeder roads linking Ofoase, Ayirebi, and surrounding farming communities; construction of bridges and culverts.
- Health: Upgrading Ofoase Health Centre and establishment of new CHPS compounds in underserved rural communities.
- Education: ICT labs for schools, vocational training centers, and classroom blocks in Ayirebi and Ofoase.
- Water & Sanitation: Borehole drilling, rural water supply systems, and improved waste collection logistics.
- Youth & Employment: Skills training, entrepreneurship support, and job creation initiatives for young people.
- SDGs Alignment:
- 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): Boreholes, rural water projects, and waste management reforms.
- 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, urban renewal, and community safety.
- SDG 13 (Climate Action): Climate resilience projects, afforestation, and disaster risk reduction.
- Main Economic Activities:
- Agriculture – Cocoa, oil palm, cassava, maize, and food crop production dominate farming activities.
- Trading & services – Local markets in Ofoase, Ayirebi, and surrounding towns serve as hubs for commerce.
- Small-scale agro-processing – Palm oil extraction, gari production, and cassava flour processing.
- Artisanal activities – Carpentry, tailoring, and small-scale manufacturing.
- Timber & forestry – Logging and wood-related activities contribute to local livelihoods.
- Key Investment Opportunities:
- Agro-processing plants – Cassava, palm oil, and cocoa processing for local and export markets.
- Market infrastructure – Modern market facilities in Ofoase and Ayirebi to boost trading activities.
- Agricultural mechanization – Tractor services, irrigation systems, and improved seed distribution.
- Forestry & eco-tourism – Sustainable forestry management and eco-tourism initiatives.
- ICT & innovation hubs – Establishment of digital centers for youth training and entrepreneurship.
- 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.
- Health Facilities:
- Ofoase Health Centre – Provides outpatient, maternal, and child health services.
- CHPS Compounds – Located in rural communities to deliver primary healthcare closer to residents.
- Private Clinics & Pharmacies – Complement government facilities with specialized care.
- Mobile outreach services – Used to reach remote farming communities with immunization and basic care.
- Educational Institutions:
- Basic Schools – Numerous public and private primary and JHS across Ofoase, Ayirebi, and surrounding towns.
- Senior High Schools – Ofoase SHS and Ayirebi SHS serve as second-cycle institutions.
- Vocational & Technical Training – Skills centers supporting youth employment and entrepreneurship.
- Private Training Institutes – Offer ICT and business-related courses.
- Road Network Condition:
- Major Roads – Ofoase–Ayirebi corridor and feeder roads linking farming communities.
- Feeder Roads – Many are untarred and become difficult to access during rainy seasons.
- Transport Challenges – Poor road conditions affect access to farms, schools, and health facilities.
- Ongoing Projects: Road rehabilitation, bridge construction, and culvert installation to improve connectivity.
- Water & Sanitation Coverage:
- Water Supply – Boreholes and rural water projects provide potable water in most communities.
- Sanitation Facilities – Public toilets and household latrines expanded to reduce open defecation.
- Waste Management – Door-to-door collection in urban centers, communal skips, and private contractors.
- Challenges: Irregular waste collection, poor disposal practices, and limited recycling facilities in rural areas.
- Waste Management Systems:
- Door-to-door collection – Managed by private contractors and supported by Zoomlion in urban centers like Ofoase.
- Communal skips – Placed in Ayirebi and other towns to serve densely populated areas.
- Recycling initiatives – Small-scale plastic recycling and composting projects promoted by NGOs and schools.
- Challenges: Irregular collection schedules, inadequate disposal sites, and indiscriminate dumping in rural and peri-urban communities.
- Climate Adaptation Efforts:
- Flood control – Construction of storm drains and desilting of waterways to reduce seasonal flooding in Ofoase and Ayirebi.
- Afforestation projects – Tree planting campaigns in schools, parks, and degraded lands to combat deforestation.
- Watershed protection – Safeguarding river basins and water sources to ensure sustainable supply.
- Community sensitization – Education campaigns on waste disposal, flood preparedness, and climate resilience.
- Urban greening – Development of green spaces and beautification projects to improve air quality and reduce heat.
- Environmental Challenges:
- Deforestation – Logging and farming activities threaten forest reserves.
- Flooding – Poor drainage systems in Ofoase and Ayirebi cause seasonal floods.
- Waste disposal – Indiscriminate dumping of plastics and refuse in open spaces and drains.
- Soil erosion – Farming on slopes without proper conservation measures leads to land degradation.
- Rapid urbanization – Expansion of settlements without adequate planning, leading to environmental stress.
- Public Engagement Strategies:
- Town hall meetings – Organized by the Assembly to discuss budgets, projects, and community concerns in Ofoase, Ayirebi, and surrounding towns.
- Community durbars – Traditional gatherings used to engage residents and solicit feedback on local governance.
- Radio & local media – Local FM stations and newspapers used for sensitization on sanitation, health, and civic duties.
- Digital platforms – WhatsApp groups and social media pages mobilize residents and share announcements.
- Participatory planning – Citizens involved in prioritizing projects and resource allocation, especially in farming communities.
- Youth & Women Inclusion Mechanisms:
- Youth employment programs – Skills training, entrepreneurship support, and job creation initiatives targeting young farmers and artisans.
- Women’s cooperatives – Support groups for women traders, farmers, and service providers to access credit and training.
- Scholarship schemes – Targeted support for girls and vulnerable youth in secondary and tertiary education.
- Microfinance initiatives – Credit facilities for women-led businesses and SMEs in Ofoase and Ayirebi.
- Youth councils – Platforms for young people to voice concerns and contribute to policy discussions.
| 1 | Abenase |
| 2 | Gyaha |
| 3 | Mukyia |
| 4 | Anyinase |
| 5 | Adjobue |
| 6 | Etwereso Camp |
| 7 | Etwereso |
| 8 | Kwaboadi No. 2 |
| 9 | Asabidie |
| 10 | Adubiase |
| 11 | Odumase |
| 12 | Amanfrom |
| 13 | Sewia |
| 14 | Half Assini |
| 15 | Kyemereso Ofoase |
| 16 | Mempedwee Ofoase |
| 17 | Ofoasekuma |
| 18 | Brenase |
| 19 | Kotokuom |
| 20 | Chia |
| 21 | Adwafo |
| 22 | Beposo Akokoaso |
| 23 | Eboom Akokoaso |
| 24 | Asuboa North |
| 25 | Bontodiase |