Stories and facts
Designed under the legislative instrument LI 2327, this administrative unit finds its headquarters in Barekese. Positioned in the western expanses of the Ashanti Region, the Atwima Nwabiagya North District encapsulates both historical significance and contemporary potential.
Officially inaugurated on March 15, 2018, the Atwima Nwabiagya North District Assembly was inaugurated alongside 37 other newly formed districts, solidifying its role in the evolving administrative landscape.
Geographically, the district shares boundaries with the Atwima Nwabiagya Municipality to the west, the Ahafo Ano South West District to the west, the Offinso Municipality to the north, the Kumasi Metropolis to the south, and the Afigya Kwabre South District to the east. This strategic positioning enables synergistic interactions with neighboring regions, enriching the district's socio-cultural fabric and economic dynamics.
Demographic Profile
The district's population comprises approximately 149,025 individuals, predominantly residing in rural enclaves, accounting for 68.5% of the populace. Gender distribution reveals that females constitute a slight majority at 51.7%, resulting in a sex ratio of 93.3 males per 100 females. Notably, the district houses a substantial youth population, with those under 15 years constituting a significant 38.8% of the overall populace. This youthful demographic contributes to a dependency ratio of 73.8.
Fertility, Mortality, and Migration
The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) for the district stands at 3.4, slightly surpassing the regional average of 3.3. The General Fertility Rate (GFR) is noted at 99.9 births per 1000 women aged 15-49, higher than the regional average of 96.4. Within this context, the Crude Birth Rate (CBR) rests at 27.0 per 1000 population, while the Crude Death Rate is recorded at 5.89 per 1000. Remarkably, over half (51.2%) of the total population is constituted by migrants, with a substantial 64.7% originating within the Ashanti Region. Among those born outside the region, the Brong Ahafo Region accounts for the largest proportion at 27%.
Household Dynamics
The district accommodates a household population of 146,076, distributed across 35,205 households, yielding an average household size of 4.1 individuals. The demographic composition of households highlights that children of the head of the household make up the largest share at 42.9%, with heads of households themselves constituting around one fourth (24.1%) of household members. Gender analysis reveals that male heads of households account for a higher proportion (30.6%) compared to their female counterparts (18.1%).
Marital Status and Nationality
Marital status in the district indicates that 38.6% of those aged 12 years and above are married, while 43.5% have never been married. A small fraction reports being in consensual unions, divorced, separated, or widowed. Notably, only around five percent of the population aged 12 years and older are engaged in various marital relationships. A significant majority (96.2%) of the district's population hold Ghanaian nationality by birth, with dual nationals and naturalized Ghanaians constituting smaller segments. Non-Ghanaians comprise less than two percent of the district's population, with a balanced distribution across genders.
Education and Literacy
Education remains a cornerstone of the district's developmental landscape, with 80.5% of individuals aged 11 years and above reported as literate. Among the literate population, a majority (67.4%) possess literacy in both English and Ghanaian languages. A smaller proportion (0.2%) holds proficiency in both English and French, while 12.5% are exclusively literate in Ghanaian languages. Current school enrollment reveals that over 45.2% of the district's population in educational institutions are in primary schools, and approximately 18.6% are enrolled in Junior High Schools. Among those who have previously attended school, a noteworthy 36.7% of females and 30.7% of males have attained JHS/JSS education. Comparatively smaller proportions have progressed to post-middle/secondary education.
Economic Landscape and Employment
Economic activity pervades the district, with more than two thirds (68.7%) of individuals aged 15 years and above actively participating in economic endeavors. Within this group, 92.2% are gainfully employed, while 94.2% have participated in work activities. A segment of individuals (5.7%) reports not currently working but possessing job prospects to return to (5.5%) or having engaged in voluntary work without compensation (0.2%). Gender dynamics are evident in economic activity, with females exhibiting a higher tendency to be economically inactive (33.0%) compared to their male counterparts.
Occupation and Employment Sector
When considering occupation, the employed population showcases diverse roles, with service and sales workers constituting the majority (23.6%), followed by skilled agricultural, forestry, and fishery roles at the same percentage. The district's predominant industries include wholesale and retail trade, agriculture, forestry, and fishing, highlighting the multifaceted nature of economic engagement. Among the employed, 60.8% are self-employed without employees, while 21.0% are formal employees. Sector-wise, the private informal sector emerges as the primary employer, engaging 84.8% of the workforce, followed by the public sector, which employs 7.0%.
The Atwima Nwabiagya North District Assembly, born of a restructured administrative landscape, is an evolving hub of diverse demographics and economic activities. Its blend of rural and urban characteristics, coupled with its youthful population and dynamic economic endeavors, position it as a promising entity within the Ashanti Region.
