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Upper Denkyira East Municipal Assembly

Upper Denkyira East Municipal Assembly

Upper Denkyira East Municipal Assembly cropped resized
  • Name of MMDA: Upper Denkyira East Municipal Assembly
  • Region: Central Region
  • Type of Assembly: Municipal
  • Capital: Dunkwa-on-Offin
  • Year Established: 2007, established under Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 1877 and inaugurated in February 2008

The Upper Denkyira East Municipal Assembly (UDEMA) is one of the administrative municipalities located in the Central Region of Ghana. The Municipality was established in 2007 under Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 1877, following the reorganisation of the former Upper Denkyira District. It was officially inaugurated in February 2008, with Dunkwa-on-Offin serving as its administrative capital. The creation of the Municipality formed part of Ghana’s decentralisation programme aimed at bringing governance, development planning, and public services closer to local communities.

The Municipality is situated in the northern part of the Central Region, between latitudes 5°30′ and 6°02′ North and longitudes 1°W and 2°W. It shares boundaries with Adansi South District to the north, Assin North Municipal Assembly to the east, Twifo/Ati-Morkwa District to the south, Wassa Amenfi East Municipality to the west, and Upper Denkyira West District to the north-west. The Municipality lies within the forest zone of Ghana and is characterised by a forest-dissected plateau, rolling hills, fertile valleys, and the River Offin, which is one of its major natural drainage systems.

In terms of land area, the Municipality covers approximately 524 square kilometre. The Municipality’s landscape is predominantly semi-deciduous forest, although substantial portions have been affected by agricultural expansion, logging, and mining. The 2021 Population and Housing Census recorded a total population of 110,141, comprising 54,861 males and 55,280 females. Females therefore constituted approximately 50.2% of the population, compared with 49.8% males. The Municipality contains a mixture of urban, peri-urban, and rural communities.

The economy of Upper Denkyira East is predominantly driven by agriculture, mining, trading, forestry, and related commercial activities. Agriculture provides livelihoods for a significant proportion of the population, with cocoa, oil palm, pineapple, plantain, cassava, maize, citrus, coffee, cola, and cashew among the crops cultivated in the Municipality. Cocoa is particularly important and covers a substantial portion of the Municipality’s arable land. The Municipality is also endowed with significant mineral resources, particularly gold, as well as deposits of gravel, sand, clay, kaolin, and silica. Small-scale mining has therefore become an important economic activity, although illegal mining has also contributed to environmental degradation and pressure on land and water resources.

Dunkwa-on-Offin is the Municipality’s principal administrative, commercial, and historical centre. Other important communities and settlements include Kyekyewere, Buabin, Buabinso, Mfuom, Kadadwen, Akyempim, Asikuma, Imbraim, Atechem, Oponso-Nzima, Oponsokese, Akrompong, Fosu Asman Camp, and Zion. Dunkwa-on-Offin functions as the principal commercial hub, while several surrounding communities serve as important agricultural and mining centres.

Administratively, the Upper Denkyira East Municipal Assembly is the highest political, administrative, and planning authority within the Municipality. The Assembly is responsible for local governance, development planning, spatial planning, infrastructure delivery, environmental management, public health, education, agricultural development, sanitation, and local revenue mobilisation. The Assembly works through its decentralised local structures and community-level institutions to extend governance and development services to communities across the Municipality.

The Assembly’s governance structure comprises elected Assembly Members representing the Municipality’s 29 electoral areas, Government Appointees, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) as the political and administrative head, and the Member of Parliament for the Upper Denkyira East Constituency. The General Assembly serves as the principal deliberative and decision-making body, supported by the Executive Committee and various statutory sub-committees. The current MCE is Hon. George Anane Coleman, while the current Member of Parliament is Hon. Emelia Ankomah.

Upper Denkyira East possesses significant natural, agricultural, mining, and cultural assets. The River Offin and the Municipality’s forest reserves form important components of its natural heritage, while the Denkyira Kyekyewere Eco Park, located near Kyekyewere, has emerged as a notable local tourism attraction centred around a sacred natural fishpond and riverfront environment. The Municipality’s forest reserves, including the Benso-Ben, Oppong-Manso, and Minta Forest Reserves, also contain valuable timber species and ecological resources. Its agricultural landscape, traditional heritage, and long history as part of the Denkyira area provide additional opportunities for cultural and eco-tourism development.

The Municipality faces several development and environmental challenges, including illegal small-scale mining, land degradation, pollution and siltation of water bodies, inadequate agro-processing facilities, poor roads and farm tracks, perennial flooding, limited agricultural extension services, and inadequate technical and social infrastructure. Illegal mining has particularly affected the Municipality’s forests, agricultural lands, and water resources, while the expansion of mining activities has created additional pressure on communities and public services.

Despite these challenges, Upper Denkyira East has considerable opportunities for cocoa and oil-palm production, agro-processing, aquaculture, responsible mineral development, forestry, commerce, and eco-tourism. The Municipality’s fertile soils, extensive agricultural base, mineral resources, River Offin system, and strategic position between communities in the Central, Ashanti, and Western regions provide a foundation for expanded economic activity. Recent initiatives by the Assembly, including the development of the Denkyira Kyekyewere Eco Park, a youth resource centre, market infrastructure, and large-scale cocoa and oil-palm seedling programmes, also demonstrate opportunities for strengthening local livelihoods and economic development.

With Dunkwa-on-Offin as its administrative capital, the Upper Denkyira East Municipal Assembly occupies an important position in the Central Region’s agricultural and mineral economy. Its rich cocoa-growing areas, gold deposits, forest resources, River Offin, traditional heritage, and emerging tourism attractions make it an important administrative, commercial, agricultural, and mining centre within Ghana’s forest belt.

Key Profile Data

  • Name of MMDA: Upper Denkyira East Municipal Assembly
  • Region: Central Region
  • Type of Assembly: Municipal
  • Capital: Dunkwa-on-Offin
  • Year Established: 2007
  • Inauguration: February 2008
  • Establishing Legislation: L.I. 1877
  • Population: 110,141
  • Male: 54,861
  • Female: 55,280
  • Female Population Share: 50.2%
  • Male Population Share: 49.8%
  • Land Area: Approximately 524km²
  • Electoral Areas: 29
  • Parliamentary Constituency: 1 (Upper Denkyira East Constituency)
  • Current MCE: Hon. George Anane Coleman
  • Current MP: Hon. Emelia Ankomah

Geographical and Demographic Data

  • Total Land Area: Approximately 524 sq. km.
  • Population: 110,141 according to the 2021 Population and Housing Census. The Assembly’s 2026 budget projects the population at approximately 132,391.
  • Major Towns/Communities: Dunkwa-on-Offin, Kyekyewere, Diaso, Oponso, Mfuom, Nkotumso, Buabinso, Asikuma, Achiase, Denkyira Fosu, Abudukrom, Amoafo, Agyempoma, Nkwanta and Atechem.
  • Boundaries:
    • North: Adansi South District
    • East: Assin North/Assin Foso area
    • West: Twifo Hemang Lower Denkyira District
    • South: Upper Denkyira West District

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Governance and Leadership

  • Municipal Chief Executive (MCE): Hon. George Anane
  • Presiding Member: (No Presiding Member currently elected)
  • Member of Parliament: Hon. Emelia Ankomah, (MP for the Upper Denkyira East Constituency)
  • Assembly Structure: The Assembly is the highest political and administrative authority in the municipality. It operates through the General Assembly, Presiding Member, Executive Committee, statutory sub-committees, Municipal Coordinating Directorate and decentralized departments. The Assembly also works through sub-district structures, including Area Councils and Unit Committees. Its legislative and oversight functions are carried out through the General Assembly and its statutory sub-committees.
  • Assembly Membership: The Assembly has 29 electoral areas, represented by 29 elected Assembly Members, and 12 government-appointed members, giving 41 elected and appointed members. The MCE forms part of the broader institutional composition, while the MP is an ex-officio member without voting rights. The 2024 inauguration records confirm the 29 elected and 12 appointed members.

Development Priorities

  • Key Sectors of Focus:
    • Agriculture – Cocoa, oil palm, cassava, maize, and vegetable production, with emphasis on agro-processing and value addition.
    • 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.
    • Governance & Civic Engagement – Strengthening participatory decision-making, transparency, and accountability mechanisms.
    • Environment & Climate Resilience – Afforestation, flood control, and anti–illegal mining campaigns.
  • Flagship Projects & Programmes:
    • Modern market construction in Dunkwa-on-Offin and other towns to boost trade and local commerce.
    • CHPS compound expansion and health centre upgrades to improve access to healthcare.
    • Classroom block construction and ICT centres to enhance education and digital literacy.
    • Feeder road rehabilitation and culvert projects to improve rural accessibility.
    • Water and sanitation facilities including boreholes, toilets, and waste management systems.
    • Agricultural modernization programmes – seedling distribution, farmer training, and agro-processing hubs.
    • Youth and women empowerment initiatives – skills training, entrepreneurship support, and cooperatives.
    • Environmental protection projects – tree planting, flood control, and anti–illegal mining sensitization.
  • SDGs Alignment:
    • SDG 1 (No Poverty) – Local economic development, SME support, and social protection programmes.
    • SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) – Agricultural modernization and agro-processing to improve food security.
    • SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) – CHPS compounds, maternal health services, and disease prevention.
    • SDG 4 (Quality Education) – Classroom blocks, ICT centres, and vocational training.
    • SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) – Boreholes, toilet facilities, and hygiene education.
    • SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) – Market infrastructure, agro-processing, and youth entrepreneurship.
    • SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) – Road rehabilitation, culvert construction, and ICT hubs.
    • SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) – Waste management, sanitation, and disaster risk reduction.
    • SDG 13 (Climate Action) – Afforestation, flood control, and climate resilience programmes.
    • SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) – Participatory governance, transparency, and civic engagement.

Local Economic Development (LED)

  • Main Economic Activities:
    • Agriculture – Cocoa, oil palm, cassava, maize, and vegetable farming are the backbone of the local economy.
    • Trading & commerce – Dunkwa-on-Offin and surrounding towns host vibrant markets 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.
    • Mining – Small-scale gold mining contributes to livelihoods, though environmental concerns persist.
    • Artisanal activities – Carpentry, tailoring, mechanics, and small-scale manufacturing provide employment.
    • Tourism – Cultural festivals, historical sites, and eco-tourism attractions offer growth potential.
  • Key Investment Opportunities:
    • Agro-processing plants – Expansion of cassava, palm oil, and maize processing facilities for local consumption and export.
    • Market infrastructure – Modernization of Dunkwa-on-Offin 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 gold resources.
    • Tourism development – Promotion of eco-tourism initiatives, cultural heritage sites, 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.

Social Services and Infrastructure

  • Health Facilities:
    • CHPS Compounds – Located in rural communities to provide primary healthcare, though many need expansion and better equipment.
    • Health Centres – Offer maternal, child health, and outpatient services.
    • Municipal Hospital – Dunkwa-on-Offin 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 – Dunkwa SHS and other second-cycle institutions.
    • Vocational/Technical Training – Skills training centres for carpentry, tailoring, mechanics, and ICT.
    • Challenges – Inadequate classroom blocks, furniture shortages, and high student-teacher ratios.
  •  Road Network Condition:
    • Major Roads – Key roads linking Dunkwa-on-Offin to Cape Coast and Kumasi, 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.

Environment and Climate Resilience

  • Waste Management Systems:
    • Solid waste collection – Refuse collection services in Dunkwa-on-Offin and major 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, anti–illegal mining campaigns, and community sensitization.
    • Renewable energy promotion – Encouraging solar energy adoption to reduce reliance on unsustainable sources.
  • Environmental Challenges:
    • Illegal mining (galamsey) – Causes river pollution, deforestation, and loss of arable land.
    • 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 cocoa and food crop yields.

Civic Engagement and Participation

  • 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.
  • 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.

Electoral Areas

1 Mbradan
2 Kadadwen
3 Zongo
4 Akyempim-Buabinso
5 Accra Town
6 Compound
7 Pokukrom/Maatodea
8 Aggrey Road
9 Otsin-Crescent
10 Mfuom
11 Batinmhia
12 Canary
13 Dodge City
14 Atechem
15 Amissah/Mpesiem
16 Residential Area-Ahenfie
17 Asikuma
18 Kyekyewere East
19 Kyekyewere West
20 Foso/Asmah Camp
21 Badoo/Amafo
22 Zion
23 Praprababia/Ntontom
24 Akropong-Adwumam
25 Imbraim
26 Kwekudum-Kramokrom
27 Buabin
28 Oponso-Nzima
29 Oponso-Kese