Asene Manso Akroso District Assembly
- Name of MMDA: Asene Manso Akroso District Assembly
- Region: Eastern Region
- Type of Assembly: District Assembly
- Capital: Akyem Manso
- Year Established: 2017 under Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2340; the Assembly was inaugurated in March 2018 after being carved out of the former Birim Central Municipal Assembly.
The Asene Manso Akroso District Assembly (AMADA) is one of the administrative districts located in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The District was carved out of the former Birim Central Municipal Assembly as part of Ghana’s decentralisation and local government reforms. It was established under Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2340 in 2017 and officially inaugurated on 15 March 2018, with Akim Manso serving as the administrative capital. The creation of the District brought together the traditional areas of Asene, Manso and Akroso under a separate local government structure.
The District is situated in the south-western part of the Eastern Region. It shares boundaries with Birim Central Municipal to the north, Denkyembour District and West Akim Municipal to the east, Birim South District and Agona East District to the south-east and south, and Achiase District to the west. Its location places it within an important agricultural zone linking the Eastern Region with neighbouring districts in the Central Region. The District is characterised by forest vegetation, fertile agricultural lands and numerous rural settlements.
In terms of land area, the District covers approximately 471.82 square kilometres. The 2021 Population and Housing Census recorded a total population of 77,498, comprising 37,808 males and 39,690 females. Females therefore constituted approximately 51.2% of the population, compared with 48.8% males. The District has a mixed settlement pattern, with 40,727 people living in urban areas and 36,771 in rural areas.
The economy of Asene Manso Akroso is predominantly driven by agriculture, which employs approximately 55% of the labour force. Farming includes both crop production and livestock keeping, with about 27,105 hectares of land under cultivation according to the District’s 2024 budget profile. The area’s soils are suitable for important tree and industrial crops including cocoa, oil palm and rubber, while cassava is also significant as an industrial raw material. Food crops such as maize, plantain, cocoyam and vegetables contribute to household food security and local commerce.
Akim Manso is the District’s principal administrative centre. Other major communities and settlements include Asene, Akroso, Awisa, Odumase, Beposo, Petenyinase, Dadiesoaba, Amantem Nkwanta, Suponso, Asuboa, Salem Asuboa, Asanteman, Mofram, Amanfrom Akroso, Nkwantanan, Apontuaso, Kyinso, Akroso New Town, Asuoso, Badukrom, Teacher Atta, Bantama and Eshiem. The District contains approximately 150 communities, including smaller settlements and hamlets, reflecting its predominantly rural character.
Administratively, the Asene Manso Akroso District Assembly is the highest political, administrative and planning authority within the District. The Assembly is responsible for local governance, development planning, spatial development control, infrastructure provision, agricultural development, environmental management, sanitation, public health, education support, market development and internal revenue mobilisation. The District operates through three Zonal Councils: Asene, Manso and Akroso, which provide a decentralised structure for bringing local administration and development activities closer to communities.
The Assembly’s governance structure comprises elected Assembly Members representing the District’s electoral areas, Government Appointees, the District Chief Executive (DCE) as the political and administrative head, and the Member of Parliament for the Asene/Akroso/Manso Constituency. The General Assembly serves as the principal deliberative and policy-formulating organ of the District, supported by its Executive Committee, sub-committees and the Zonal Councils. The Assembly currently has 22 elected members and 10 Government Appointees, giving a total of 32 Assembly Members.
Asene Manso Akroso possesses important natural, agricultural, forest and cultural assets. The District contains parts of the Asubone Forest Reserve, which contributes to the area’s ecological value and provides opportunities for environmental conservation and nature-based activities. The District’s extensive cocoa, oil palm and other agricultural landscapes also create opportunities for agricultural tourism and community-based tourism. Traditional festivals, durbars and local cultural practices further contribute to the District’s emerging tourism potential.
Agriculture remains central to the District’s identity and development prospects. The combination of cocoa, oil palm, rubber, cassava, maize, plantain and other food crops provides a broad agricultural base that can support agro-processing and value addition. The District has also participated in regional commodity market initiatives designed to improve market access for farmers and strengthen linkages between agricultural producers and consumers. These activities provide opportunities for expanding rural enterprise, particularly for women and smallholder farmers.
The District faces a number of development challenges, including poor feeder roads, inadequate agro-processing and storage facilities, limited irrigation infrastructure, environmental degradation, deforestation, open defecation and uncontrolled refuse disposal. The predominantly agricultural economy also remains vulnerable to post-harvest losses and limited access to modern farming technologies. The District has identified the need to improve roads, agricultural extension services, sanitation infrastructure, health facilities and other basic services in order to reduce disparities between its major towns and smaller rural communities.
Asene Manso Akroso nevertheless has strong opportunities for commercial agriculture, agro-processing, cocoa and oil palm value chains, rubber production, livestock development, small-scale manufacturing, tourism and local enterprise development. Cassava processing, palm oil production and other agricultural value-addition activities could generate employment and increase incomes, while improved roads and market infrastructure could strengthen links between farming communities and regional markets. The Assembly has also identified entrepreneurship and SME development as important avenues for creating employment, particularly among young people and women.
With Akim Manso as its administrative capital, the Asene Manso Akroso District Assembly occupies an important position in the Eastern Region. Its combination of fertile agricultural land, cocoa and oil palm production, forest resources, numerous rural communities and strategic connections to neighbouring districts makes it an important agricultural and rural development hub. Continued investment in feeder roads, agro-processing, environmental protection, sanitation, health, education and local enterprise development will be central to unlocking the District’s full economic and social potential.
Key Profile Data
- Population: 77,498
- Male: 37,808
- Female: 39,690
- Female population share: 51.2%
- Male population share: 48.8%
- Urban population: 40,727
- Rural population: 36,771
- Land area: Approximately 471.82 km²
- Capital: Akim Manso
- Zonal Councils: 3
- Asene Zonal Council
- Manso Zonal Council
- Akroso Zonal Council
- Electoral Areas: 22
- Assembly Members: 32
- 22 elected
- 10 Government Appointees
- Parliamentary Constituency: 1 (Asene/Akroso/Manso Constituency)
- Year established: 2017
- Year inaugurated: 2018
- Establishing legislation: L.I. 2341
- Region: Eastern Region
- Parent Assembly: Birim Central Municipal Assembly
- Estimated communities: About 150, including hamlets
- Major crops: Cocoa, oil palm, rubber, cassava, maize, plantain, cocoyam and vegetables
- Major natural asset: Asubone Forest Reserve
- Total Land Area: 471.82 sq. km.
- Population: 77,498 (2021 Population and Housing Census); projected population for 2025 was 79,357.
- Major Towns/Communities: Akyem Manso, Akroso, Asene, Eshiem, Kyeremase, Mante, Bantama, Osamankwah, Debinamewohe, Kwasi-Ntum, Otaipro, Mensakwaa, Oboyambo, Bonsakro, Takorase, Ofoase, Asibirim, Ntaanom, Sedaase and Kwakukyerekwaa.
- Boundaries:
- North – Birim Central Municipal Assembly
- East – Denkyembour District and West Akim Municipal Assembly
- West – Achiase District
- South – Agona East District
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- District Chief Executive (DCE): Hon. Eric Ahinakwa.
- Presiding Member: Hon. Michael Konotey.
- Member of Parliament: Hon. George Kwame Aboagye, MP for Asene-Akroso-Manso.
- Assembly Structure: The Assembly is the highest political and administrative authority in the district. It operates through the General Assembly, Executive Committee, statutory and other sub-committees, the District Coordinating Directorate and decentralized departments. The district is further administered through three zonal councils and Unit Committees.
- Assembly Membership: The Assembly has 22 elected Assembly Members and 10 Government Appointees, making 32 Assembly Members. The DCE is among the government appointees. The district has 22 electoral areas.
- Key Sectors of Focus:
- Agriculture & Agribusiness – Cocoa, oil palm, cassava, maize, and vegetable farming; promotion of irrigation, mechanization, and agro-processing.
- Infrastructure & Transport – Road rehabilitation, bridges, and drainage systems to connect farming communities to Akroso, Manso, and Asene markets.
- Health & Social Services – Expansion of CHPS compounds, upgrading of Akroso Health Centre, and improved sanitation systems.
- Education – Classroom expansion, ICT integration, and vocational training for youth.
- Local Economic Development – MSME support, entrepreneurship training, and revenue mobilization.
- Environmental Management – Waste management, afforestation, and climate adaptation programmes.
- Flagship Projects & Programmes:
- Agriculture: Establishment of cassava and palm oil processing centres; farmer support with improved seedlings and mechanization.
- Infrastructure: Rehabilitation of feeder roads linking Akroso, Manso, and Asene; construction of bridges and culverts to reduce flooding.
- Health: Upgrading Akroso Health Centre, expanding CHPS compounds, and maternal health outreach programmes.
- Education: ICT labs for schools, vocational training centres, and classroom blocks in rural and peri-urban communities.
- Local Economic Development: Business counselling for MSMEs, entrepreneurship training, and automation of IGF collection.
- Environment: Waste segregation and recycling projects, afforestation campaigns, and flood control measures.
- 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 improved sanitation coverage.
- 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.
- SDG 15 (Life on Land): Forest conservation, watershed protection, and biodiversity preservation.
- Main Economic Activities:
- Agriculture – Cocoa, oil palm, cassava, maize, plantain, and vegetable farming dominate, supported by fertile soils and rainfall.
- Trading & commerce – Local markets in Akroso, Manso, and Asene serve as hubs for food crops, livestock, and household goods.
- Agro-processing – Cassava flour, palm oil extraction, gari production, and maize milling are common small-scale processing activities.
- Artisanal activities – Carpentry, tailoring, mechanics, and small-scale manufacturing provide employment.
- Forestry & timber – Logging and wood-related activities contribute to local livelihoods but require sustainable management.
- Key Investment Opportunities:
- Agro-processing plants – Expansion of cassava, palm oil, and maize processing facilities for local consumption and export.
- Market infrastructure – Modernization of Akroso and Manso markets to boost trading activities.
- Agricultural mechanization – Tractor services, irrigation systems, and improved seed distribution.
- Tourism development – Promotion of cultural heritage sites, eco-tourism initiatives, and hospitality services.
- ICT & innovation hubs – Establishment of digital centers for youth training, entrepreneurship, and e-commerce.
- Renewable energy projects – Solar and mini-hydro systems to support rural electrification and sustainable development.
- 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:
- Akroso Health Centre – The main referral facility serving the district.
- Health Centres – Located in Manso, Asene, and other communities, providing outpatient and maternal health services.
- CHPS Compounds – Spread across rural areas to deliver primary healthcare closer to residents.
- Private Clinics & Pharmacies – Complement government facilities with specialized care and laboratory services.
- Educational Institutions:
- Basic Schools – Numerous public and private primary and JHS across Akroso, Manso, and Asene.
- Senior High Schools – Institutions such as Akroso SHS and Manso SHS serve the district.
- Vocational & Technical Training – Skills development centers focusing on carpentry, tailoring, ICT, and agriculture.
- Private Training Institutes – Provide ICT, business, and technical courses for youth employment.
- Road Network Condition:
- Major Roads – The Akroso–Manso corridor is tarred but requires periodic maintenance.
- Feeder Roads – Many rural roads are untarred, becoming muddy and inaccessible during rainy seasons.
- Transport Challenges – Poor feeder roads affect access to farms, schools, and health facilities.
- Ongoing Projects: Road rehabilitation, culvert construction, and drainage works to improve connectivity and reduce flooding.
- Water & Sanitation Coverage:
- Water Supply – Boreholes, hand-dug wells, and small-town water systems provide potable water.
- Sanitation Facilities – Public toilets and household latrines expanded to reduce open defecation.
- Waste Management – Door-to-door collection in Akroso township, communal skips, and private contractors like Zoomlion.
- 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 in Akroso township to reduce indiscriminate dumping; supported by Zoomlion.
- Communal skips – Placed in densely populated areas to serve households without direct collection services.
- Recycling initiatives – School-based waste segregation, small-scale plastic recycling, and composting projects.
- Challenges: Irregular collection schedules, inadequate disposal sites, and poor compliance with sanitation bye-laws in rural communities.
- Climate Adaptation Efforts:
- Flood control – Construction of storm drains and desilting of waterways to reduce seasonal flooding in Akroso, Manso, and Asene.
- 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, farming, and settlement expansion threaten forest reserves and river catchment areas.
- Flooding – Poor drainage systems in Akroso and riverine communities 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.
- Mining impacts – Small-scale mining activities contribute to land degradation, water pollution, and biodiversity loss.
- Public Engagement Strategies:
- Town hall meetings – Regularly organized in Akroso, Manso, and Asene to discuss budgets, development projects, and local concerns.
- Community durbars – Traditional gatherings used to engage residents, strengthen accountability, and solicit feedback on governance.
- Radio & local media – Local FM stations provide civic education on sanitation, health, and Assembly initiatives.
- 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 and trading communities.
- Youth & Women Inclusion Mechanisms:
- Youth employment programs – Skills training, entrepreneurship support, and job creation initiatives targeting young farmers, traders, 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 Akroso and nearby towns.
- Youth councils – Platforms for young people to voice concerns and contribute to policy discussions.
| 1 | Awisa West Asene |
| 2 | Odumase Asene |
| 3 | Awisa East Asene |
| 4 | Beposo Manso |
| 5 | Petenyinase |
| 6 | Dadiesoaba Manso |
| 7 | Amantem Nkwanta |
| 8 | Suponso |
| 9 | Asuboa |
| 10 | Salem Asuboa |
| 11 | Asanteman |
| 12 | Mofram |
| 13 | Amanfrom Akroso |
| 14 | Nkwantanan Akroso |
| 15 | Apontuaso Akroso |
| 16 | Kyinso Akroso |
| 17 | Akroso New Town |
| 18 | Asuoso |
| 19 | Badukrom/Tabita |
| 20 | Teacher Atta |
| 21 | Bantama |
| 22 | Eshiem |