Upper West Akim District Assembly
- Name of MMDA: Upper West Akim District Assembly
- Region: Eastern Region
- Type of Assembly: District Assembly
- Capital: Adeiso
- Year Established: 2012. The district was carved out of the former West Akim Municipal Assembly under Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2126 and was officially inaugurated on 30 June 2012.
The Upper West Akim District Assembly (UWADA) is one of the administrative districts located in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The District was established in 2012 following the carving out of the area from the former West Akim District, as part of Ghana’s decentralisation and local government restructuring programme. It was established under Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2126, with Adeiso serving as its administrative capital. The creation of the District was intended to bring governance, development planning and public services closer to communities in the western part of the former West Akim area.
The District is situated in the south-western part of the Eastern Region, within Ghana’s forest and transitional ecological zone. It shares boundaries with West Akim Municipal to the south and east, Birim Central Municipal to the north-east, Birim South District to the north, and parts of the Greater Accra Region to the south-west. Its geographical position provides connections between communities in the Eastern Region and the Greater Accra area. The District’s proximity to major commercial centres and transport routes also supports the movement of agricultural produce and other goods.
In terms of land area, the District covers approximately 342.3 square kilometres, comprising forested areas, agricultural lands, valleys and numerous rural settlements. The area is characterised by a predominantly rural settlement pattern, although Adeiso and other larger communities have developed into important local service and commercial centres. The 2021 Population and Housing Census recorded a total population of approximately 93,391, comprising about 45,548 males and 47,843 females. Females therefore constituted approximately 51.2% of the population, compared with 48.8% males. The District’s population is distributed across a combination of small farming communities and emerging urban settlements.
The economy of Upper West Akim is predominantly driven by agriculture, commerce, forestry, livestock production and small-scale processing. Agriculture employs a significant proportion of the population, with cocoa, oil palm, cassava, plantain, maize, cocoyam, vegetables and other food crops cultivated across the District. Cocoa and oil palm are particularly important cash crops, while cassava, plantain and maize contribute substantially to household food security and local trade. Livestock and poultry production also provide supplementary sources of income for households. The agricultural economy creates opportunities for agro-processing and value addition, particularly in palm oil, cassava, fruit and vegetable processing.
Adeiso is the District’s principal administrative and commercial capital. It serves as the main centre for government administration, trading, education, health services and transportation. Other prominent communities include Asuokaw, Maame Krobo, Akim Oda, Owurakesim, Asikuma, Amanfrom, Akyem Ayirebi, Kwao Bondi, Kofi Pare, Ntoaso, Nyanoa and Abamkrom. Many of these settlements are predominantly agricultural communities whose economic activities are closely linked to cocoa farming, food-crop production and local markets.
Administratively, the Upper West Akim District Assembly is the highest political, administrative and planning authority within the District. The Assembly is responsible for local governance, development planning, spatial planning, agricultural development, environmental protection, public health, sanitation, infrastructure delivery and internal revenue mobilisation. The Assembly works through decentralised local structures and community-level institutions to facilitate grassroots participation and ensure that development programmes respond to local needs.
The Assembly’s governance structure comprises elected Assembly Members representing the various electoral areas, Government Appointees, the District Chief Executive (DCE) as the political and administrative head, and the Member of Parliament for the Upper West Akim Constituency. The General Assembly serves as the principal deliberative and policy-formulating body, while its various committees support the planning, implementation and monitoring of development programmes. The District is represented by one parliamentary constituency, reflecting its role as a distinct local government and political area.
Upper West Akim possesses important agricultural, ecological and cultural assets. Its fertile soils and favourable climatic conditions support cocoa, oil palm and food-crop production, while its forest resources provide opportunities for sustainable forestry and environmental conservation. The District’s traditional communities also possess cultural heritage that can be developed through festivals, traditional institutions, local crafts and community-based tourism. Its rural landscapes and agricultural environment provide additional opportunities for eco-tourism and agro-tourism if supported by appropriate infrastructure and investment.
The District also benefits from its proximity to Accra and major markets in the Eastern Region, creating opportunities for farmers to sell agricultural produce to larger urban markets. Improved road connections between Adeiso and surrounding communities can further strengthen the movement of people, agricultural produce and commercial goods. The development of agro-processing facilities could allow the District to retain greater value from its agricultural production and create employment opportunities for young people and women.
The District faces a number of development challenges, including poor feeder roads, inadequate drainage and sanitation infrastructure, limited access to modern agricultural inputs and technology, inadequate post-harvest storage and processing facilities, and limited access to markets and finance for smallholder farmers. Environmental degradation associated with farming, logging and other activities also presents challenges to the long-term sustainability of the District’s natural resources. Some rural communities continue to require improvements in access to health facilities, educational infrastructure, potable water and other basic social services.
Upper West Akim nevertheless has strong opportunities for commercial agriculture, agro-processing, rural enterprise development, forestry, tourism, livestock production and small-scale manufacturing. The expansion of cocoa and oil-palm value chains, cassava processing, food storage, poultry and livestock production could provide additional employment and income opportunities. Its location within the wider Accra–Eastern Region economic corridor also gives the District potential to attract private investment in agriculture, logistics, housing and commercial services.
With Adeiso as its administrative capital, the Upper West Akim District Assembly occupies an important position in Ghana’s Eastern Region. Its fertile agricultural lands, cocoa and oil-palm resources, forest environment, growing local markets and proximity to the Greater Accra economic area give it considerable potential for sustainable rural and agro-industrial development. Strengthening roads, agricultural infrastructure, social services and environmental management will be important to unlocking this potential.
Key Profile Data
- Population: Approximately 93,391
- Male: Approximately 45,548
- Female: Approximately 47,843
- Female population share: Approximately 51.2%
- Male population share: Approximately 48.8%
- Land area: Approximately 342.3 km²
- Capital: Adeiso
- Parliamentary Constituency: 1 (Upper West Akim Constituency)
- Year established: 2012
- Establishing legislation: L.I. 2126
- Region: Eastern Region
- Administrative status: District
- Major economic sectors: Agriculture, commerce, forestry, livestock and agro-processing
- Major cash crops: Cocoa and oil palm
- Major food crops: Cassava, plantain, maize, cocoyam and vegetables
- Major urban/commercial centre: Adeiso
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- Total Land Area: Approximately 342.3 sq. km.
- Population: 93,391 according to the 2021 Population and Housing Census. The Assembly’s 2026 budget estimates the population at 99,727 for 2026, comprising 48,679 males and 51,048 females.
- Major Towns/Communities: Adeiso, Mepom, Okurase, Asikasu, Asuokaw, Abamkrom, Nyanoa, Odumkyere-Darmang, Sukrong, Krodua, Awenfi, Afarikrom, Kofi Asare, Ntoaso and other surrounding communities. Adeiso is the principal administrative and commercial centre.
Boundaries
The district shares boundaries with eight neighbouring administrative areas:
- North: West Akim Municipal Assembly
- East: Ayensuano District
- West: Agona East District and Awutu Senya West District
- South: Birim Central Municipal Assembly, Nsawam Adoagyiri Municipal Assembly, Ga West Municipal Assembly and Ga South Municipal Assembly
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- District Chief Executive (DCE): Hon. Rebecca Chissah.
- Presiding Member: Hon. Mohammed Kofi Yasimo. He was elected Presiding Member on 7 May 2026. He represents the Kwaobaah Electoral Area.
- Member of Parliament: Hon. Emmanuel Drah, Member of Parliament for the Upper West Akim Constituency. He was elected in the 2024 parliamentary election and represents the constituency in the Ninth Parliament
Assembly Structure
The Upper West Akim District Assembly is the highest political and administrative authority in the district. Its General Assembly serves as the principal deliberative and decision-making body. It is supported by the Executive Committee, which coordinates the implementation of Assembly decisions and development programmes.
The Assembly also operates through statutory and other sub-committees dealing with areas such as:
- Development Planning
- Finance and Administration
- Social Services
- Works
- Justice and Security
- Agriculture
The administrative machinery is headed by the District Coordinating Director, supported by decentralized departments and units.
At the sub-district level, the Assembly has two Area Councils:
- Adeiso Area Council
- Mepom Area Council
The two Area Councils provide a grassroots structure for local governance, revenue mobilisation, community participation and implementation of development initiatives.
Assembly Membership
The Fourth Upper West Akim District Assembly currently has 40 members.
The membership can be presented as:
- 26 elected Assembly Members
- 13 Government-appointed members, including the DCE
- 1 Member of Parliament serving as an ex-officio member
Thus, the Assembly has 40 members in its broader institutional composition, with the MP participating as an ex-officio member. The district has 26 electoral areas, distributed between the two Area Councils: Adeiso Area Council (12 electoral areas) and Mepom Area Council (14 electoral areas).
Assembly Membership: 40 members, comprising 26 elected members, 13 government-appointed members including the DCE, and the MP as an ex-officio member.
- Key Sectors of Focus:
- Agriculture & Agribusiness – Cocoa, 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 Adeiso and other markets.
- Health & Social Services – Expansion of CHPS compounds, upgrading of Adeiso 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 maize processing centres; farmer support with improved seedlings and mechanization.
- Infrastructure: Rehabilitation of feeder roads linking Adeiso to surrounding farming communities; construction of bridges and culverts to reduce flooding.
- Health: Upgrading Adeiso 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, cassava, maize, plantain, and vegetable farming dominate, with poultry and livestock production supporting rural livelihoods.
- Trading & commerce – Adeiso Market serves as a major commercial hub for food crops, livestock, and household goods.
- Agro-processing – Cassava flour, gari production, palm oil extraction, maize milling, and poultry feed processing are common.
- Artisanal activities – Carpentry, tailoring, mechanics, and small-scale manufacturing provide employment.
- Transport & logistics – Strategic location along the Accra–Adeiso corridor makes the district a transit hub for goods and passengers.
- Key Investment Opportunities:
- Agro-processing plants – Expansion of cassava, maize, and palm oil processing facilities for local consumption and export.
- Market infrastructure – Modernization of Adeiso Market and satellite markets to boost trading activities.
- Agricultural mechanization – Tractor services, irrigation systems, and improved seed distribution.
- Logistics & warehousing – Warehousing and cold chain facilities to support agricultural exports and food distribution.
- Real estate development – Affordable housing estates and commercial complexes due to proximity to Accra.
- Tourism promotion – Cultural heritage sites, eco-tourism, and festivals in Adeiso and surrounding communities.
- 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:
- Adeiso Health Centre – The main referral facility serving the district.
- Health Centres – Located in Asuokaw, Oboadaka, 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 Adeiso and surrounding communities.
- Senior High Schools – Institutions such as Adeiso SHS and Asuokaw 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 Adeiso–Nsawam 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 Adeiso 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 Adeiso township to reduce indiscriminate dumping.
- 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 Adeiso and surrounding towns.
- 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 Adeiso 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.
- Urbanization impacts – Rapid expansion of Adeiso increases pressure on waste management, water supply, and green spaces.
- Public Engagement Strategies:
- Town hall meetings – Regularly organized in Adeiso, Asuokaw, and Oboadaka 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 Adeiso and nearby towns.
- Youth councils – Platforms for young people to voice concerns and contribute to policy discussions.