Kwaebibirem Municipal Assembly
- Name of MMDA: Kwaebibirem Municipal Assembly
- Region: Eastern Region
- Type of Assembly: Municipal Assembly
- Capital: Kade
- Year Established: 1988 (originally carved out of the former West Akim District Council as an ordinary district in 1988. Following the carving out of its southern territory (Denkyembour District) in 2012, it was later elevated to a Municipal status on March 15, 2018, under Legislative Instrument (L.I. 2270)
The Kwaebibirem Municipal Assembly (KMA) is one of the administrative districts located in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Originally established as an ordinary district assembly in 1988, it was elevated to municipal status on 15 March 2018 under Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2270. Following the creation of the Denkyembour District in 2012, the remaining administrative territory retained its status as the Kwaebibirem Municipal Assembly, with Kade serving as its administrative capital.
The Municipality is situated in the south-western portion of the Eastern Region. It shares boundaries with the Atiwa West District and Atiwa East District to the north, Abuakwa South Municipal Assembly to the east, Denkyembour District to the south, and Birim North District to the west. Positioned deep within the semi-deciduous forest belt, the Municipality serves as a major agricultural and industrial processing center in the region.
In terms of land area, the Municipality covers approximately 803.47 square kilometres, characterized by tropical forest vegetation, fertile agricultural plains, and large-scale industrial plantations. The 2021 Population and Housing Census recorded a total population of 121,698, comprising 60,110 males and 61,588 females. Females therefore constituted approximately 50.6% of the population, compared with 49.4% males. The Municipality features a mix of urbanized processing hubs, rural farming settlements, and plantation quarters.
The economy of Kwaebibirem is heavily driven by commercial agriculture, industrial agro-processing, and informal commerce. The Municipality is nationally renowned as one of Ghana’s premier hubs for oil palm production, hosting major commercial plantations and large-scale industrial mills, most notably the Ghana Oil Palm Development Company (GOPDC) centered at Kwae. Agriculture employs a major share of the population, with cocoa, rubber, cassava, plantain, and maize cultivated extensively alongside oil palm.
Kade is the Municipality’s principal administrative, commercial, and transport capital. Other major communities, plantation enclaves, and prominent settlements within the Municipality include Kwae, Pramkese, Otumi, Techiman, Asonkore, Abaam, and Subi. Towns like Kade and Pramkese function as vital commercial trade centers for agricultural commodities.
Administratively, the Kwaebibirem Municipal Assembly is the highest political, administrative, and planning authority within the Municipality. The Assembly is responsible for local governance, spatial planning, feeder road maintenance, social infrastructure delivery, environmental protection, and internal revenue mobilization. The Municipality operates through Zonal/Town Councils, including the Kade Town Council and Pramkese Zonal Council, to bring administration closer to community members.
The Assembly’s governance structure comprises elected Assembly Members representing various electoral areas, Government Appointees, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) as the administrative head, and the Member of Parliament for the Kwaebibirem Constituency. The General Assembly serves as the primary local decision-making and policy-formulating organ.
Kwaebibirem possesses rich natural, industrial, and agricultural assets. Key landmarks include the extensive GOPDC oil palm plantations and industrial processing complexes, the Oil Palm Research Institute (OPRI) of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) located at Kusi/Kade, fertile arable lands, and deep traditional roots under the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council (Okyeman). The traditional festivals celebrated across the Municipality reflect the rich cultural heritage of the Akyem people.
The Municipality faces socio-economic and environmental challenges, including feeder road deterioration connecting farming communities to processing mills, environmental pressures from artisanal gold and diamond mining in certain enclaves, post-harvest losses among smallholder farmers, and sanitation demands in expanding urban towns. However, its world-class agro-industrial processing base, leading national position in oil palm research and production, vast agricultural potential, and strong labor force offer outstanding opportunities for economic expansion and industrial development.
With Kade as its administrative capital, the Kwaebibirem Municipal Assembly occupies an indispensable position in the Eastern Region. Its leading contribution to Ghana’s agro-industrial sector, national research institutions, rich agricultural lands, and vibrant commercial centers make it a premier industrial and agricultural municipality in Ghana.
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Population: 121,698
Male: 60,110
Female: 61,588
Female population share: 50.6%
Male population share: 49.4%
Land area: 803.47 km²
Capital: Kade
Zonal/Town Councils: 2 (Kade Town Council, Pramkese Zonal Council)
Parliamentary Constituency: 1 (Kwaebibirem Constituency)
Year elevated to Municipality: 2018
Establishing legislation: L.I. 2270
Region: Eastern Region
- Total Land Area: ~ 803.47 km²
- Population: ~ 121,698 (2021 Census estimate)
- Major Towns/Communities: Kade, Asuom, Pramkese, Akwatia (parts), Abaase, Subi
- Boundaries:
- North: Denkyembour District
- East: Birim Central Municipal Assembly
- West: West Akim Municipal Assembly
- South: Agona West Municipal Assembly (Central Region)
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- Municipal Chief Executive (MCE): Hon. Emmanuel Kofi Nti
- Presiding Member: Elected from among Assembly Members
- Member of Parliament: Hon. Alexander Kwadwo Agyare
- Assembly Structure: Municipal Assembly with statutory sub-committees (Finance, Development Planning, Social Services, Works, Justice & Security)
- Assembly Membership: 39 elected members + government appointees + MP
- Key Sectors of Focus:
- Agriculture & Agribusiness – Cocoa, oil palm, cassava, maize, and vegetable farming; promotion of agro-processing and value addition.
- Infrastructure & Transport – Road rehabilitation, bridges, and drainage systems to connect farming communities to markets.
- Health & Social Services – Expansion of CHPS compounds, maternal health facilities, 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 agro-processing centres for cassava and palm oil; farmer support with improved seedlings and mechanization.
- Infrastructure: Rehabilitation of feeder roads linking Kade and surrounding communities; construction of bridges and culverts.
- Health: Upgrading Kade Government Hospital, expanding CHPS compounds, and maternal health outreach programmes.
- Education: ICT labs for schools, vocational training centres, and classroom blocks in rural 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.
- Main Economic Activities:
- Agriculture – Cocoa, oil palm, cassava, maize, and vegetable farming are the backbone of the municipality’s economy.
- Mining – Small-scale gold mining and quarrying activities contribute to livelihoods in some communities.
- Trading & commerce – Local markets in Kade, Asuom, and Pramkese facilitate vibrant trade in 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.
- Key Investment Opportunities:
- Agro-processing plants – Expansion of cassava, palm oil, and maize processing facilities for local consumption and export.
- Market infrastructure – Modernization of Kade Market and satellite markets to boost trading activities.
- Agricultural mechanization – Tractor services, irrigation systems, and improved seed distribution.
- Mining value addition – Investment in jewelry-making and polishing industries to add value to mineral resources.
- ICT & innovation hubs – Establishment of digital centers for youth training, entrepreneurship, and e-commerce.
- Tourism development – Promotion of cultural heritage sites and eco-tourism initiatives.
- 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:
- Kade Government Hospital – The main referral hospital serving the municipality.
- Health Centres – Facilities in Asuom, Pramkese, and other towns provide outpatient and maternal health services.
- CHPS Compounds – Spread across rural communities 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 Kade, Asuom, and Pramkese.
- Senior High Schools – Institutions such as Asuom SHS and Pramkese SHS serve the municipality.
- 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 Kade–Asuom 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 Kade, 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 Kade and other urban centers.
- Communal skips – Placed in densely populated areas to serve households without direct collection services.
- Recycling initiatives – Small-scale plastic recycling, composting, and school-based waste segregation projects.
- Challenges: Irregular collection schedules, inadequate disposal sites, and indiscriminate dumping in rural communities.
- Climate Adaptation Efforts:
- Flood control – Construction of storm drains and desilting of waterways to reduce seasonal flooding in Kade, Asuom, and Pramkese.
- 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 Kade and Asuom 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 Kade, Asuom, and Pramkese 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 and newspapers 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 mining 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 Kade and nearby towns.
- Youth councils – Platforms for young people to voice concerns and contribute to policy discussions.
| 1. | Abaase | |
| 2. | Adankrono | |
| 3. | Adjobue | |
| 4. | Akyem Takyiman | |
| 5. | Asuom | |
| 6. | Atimem | |
| 7. | Bawdua | |
| 8. | Bompata | |
| 9. | Bomso | |
| 10. | Chia | |
| 11. | Dwenase | |
| 12. | James Town | |
| 13. | Kade Central | |
| 14. | Kade East | |
| 15. | Kade North | |
| 16. | Kade South | |
| 17. | Kade West | |
| 18. | Kusi | |
| 19. | Kwabeng | |
| 20. | Mereponso | |
| 21. | Miaso | |
| 22. | Mmo | |
| 23. | Nkwanta | |
| 24. | Osenase | |
| 25. | Osiem | |
| 26. | Okyinso | |
| 27. | Prah | |
| 28. | Sakyikrom | |
| 29. | Sagyimase | |
| 30. | Subriso | |
| 31. | Takrowase | |
| 32. | Tweapease | |
| 33. | Wurudu | |
| 34. | Asene | |
| 35. | Akim Aboabo | |
| 36. | Akim Achiase | |
| 37. | Akim Manso | |
| 38. | Akim Swedru | |
| 39. | Kade Zongo | |