Stories and facts

Approximately 70 percent of the total population resides in rural areas. The district exhibits a sex ratio of 91.2. The age distribution skews toward a youthful demographic, with 40.6 percent of the population falling within this category. This results in a population pyramid characterized by a broad base that narrows as it ascends, reflecting a smaller proportion of elderly individuals (6.5%). The district's total age dependency ratio stands at 83.2, with males registering a higher rate (87.2) compared to females (79.7).

Situated at the heart of the Ashanti Region, the Bosomtwe District occupies a land expanse spanning 422.5 square kilometers. Geographically, it is positioned at latitudes 6° 43’ north and longitudes 1° 46’ west, anchoring its position within the broader context of both the national and regional frameworks.

Fertility, Mortality, and Migration

The fertility landscape of the Bosomtwe District reveals a Total Fertility Rate of 3.5. Within the 15-49 age group, the General Fertility Rate is measured at 109.4 births per 1000 women. Notably, the Crude Birth Rate (CBR) stands at 27.6 per 1000 population. In terms of mortality, the district records a crude death rate of 5.6 per 1000. Among the male population, the highest death rate (48 deaths per 1000) is observed in those aged 70 and above. For females, the age group with the highest death rate (25 deaths per 1000) is 65-69. In terms of causes, 10.0 percent of all deaths in the district are attributed to accidents, violence, homicide, or suicide, while the remaining 90.0 percent are due to other causes. Migration patterns show that 33 percent of the district's population originated from other regions, while 65.8 percent were born within the Ashanti Region but outside the Bosomtwe District.

Household Dynamics

Within the Bosomtwe District, households amount to 22,895, accommodating a population of 92,253 individuals. On average, each household consists of 4 persons. The composition of these households reveals that children comprise the largest segment, constituting 42.6 percent of the household members. Spouses account for 10.4 percent. Notably, nuclear households, characterized by the head, spouse(s), and children, represent 30.4 percent of the district's total households.

Marital Patterns

Marital patterns in the district portray a diverse landscape. Among those aged 12 years and above, 40 percent have never been married, while 38 percent are married. Additionally, 10 percent are in consensual unions, 5.1 percent are widowed, 4.6 percent are divorced, and 2.1 percent are separated. Analyzing specific age groups, a noteworthy trend emerges: at ages 25-29, over half of females (52.0%) are married compared to 27.3 percent of males. In the senior age bracket (65 and above), a striking 55.6 percent of females are widowed, whereas widowed males account for 10.3 percent. Educational status is correlated with marital status, as 19.8 percent of married individuals have no formal education, compared to 4.5 percent of unmarried individuals. Employment among the married is substantial, with 83.7 percent engaged, while 3.8 percent are unemployed and 12.5 percent are economically inactive. Among the unmarried, economic inactivity is higher, reaching 62.8 percent, with an unemployment rate of 5.6 percent.

Nationality and Literacy

The district's population is predominantly Ghanaian by birth, with a proportion of 96.4 percent. Those who have undergone naturalization represent 0.5 percent, while non-Ghanaians constitute 1.6 percent. Regarding literacy, among individuals aged 11 years and above, 83.6 percent are literate, while 15.4 percent lack literacy skills. Gender-wise, literacy rates are skewed, with 91.5 percent of males being literate compared to 74.4 percent of females. An impressive majority (66.3%) possesses the ability to read and write both English and Ghanaian languages.

Economic Engagement

Economically, the district showcases a considerable degree of activity, as 73.2 percent of those aged 15 years and above are economically active, while 24.5 percent are not engaged in economic activities. Among the economically active, 92.5 percent are employed, leaving 7.5 percent without employment. Notably, more than half (53.6%) of the economically inactive population are students, while 19.0 percent fulfill household duties and 12.0 percent are either disabled or too unwell to work. For the unemployed segment, 62 percent are actively seeking employment for the first time.

Occupational Landscape

Delving into the occupational profiles, 35.6 percent of the employed population are involved in skilled agricultural, forestry, and fishery roles. Service and sales positions account for 23.6 percent, craft and related trades for 17.5 percent, and managerial, professional, and technical roles encompass 5.0 percent of the workforce.

Employment Structure and Sectors

Among the populace aged 15 years and above, 64.6 percent are self-employed without employees, while 18.0 percent are employed as workers. By and large, men dominate each employment category except for those who are self-employed with employees, contributing family workers, and house help. Notably, the private informal sector emerges as the dominant employer in the district, engaging 86.2 percent of the population, followed by the private formal sector at 7.7 percent.