Stories and facts
The Ekumfi District, situated within the Central Region of Ghana, is among the twenty-two administrative divisions in the region. Previously a part of the larger Mfantsiman Municipality, which originated from the former Mfantsiman District Council, the Ekumfi District came into existence on June 28, 2012, following the separation of its eastern portion from the Mfantsiman Municipality. Consequently, the retained section continued as the Mfantsiman Municipal District.
The district's geographical location places it in the south-central area of the Central Region, and its administrative hub is Essarkyir. Officially established through Legislative Instrument L.I. 2170, the Ekumfi District spans along the Atlantic Coastline of the Central Region, encompassing an area of 276.65 square kilometres, constituting approximately 0.12 percent of Ghana's landmass. In the hierarchy of Central Region districts, Ekumfi ranks as the fifth smallest out of the twenty-two.
To its west lies the Mfantsiman Municipality, while its northern border abuts the Ajumako Enyan Essiam District. The eastern boundary adjoins the Gomoa West District, and the district is bordered to the south by the Gulf of Guinea.
As per the 2021 population and housing census, the Ekumfi District is inhabited by 56,741 people, including 26,384 males and 30,357 females.
The district's inception occurred under the authority of Legislative Instrument L.I. 2170, inaugurated in June 2012, designating Essarkyir as its capital. Geographically, the Ekumfi District spans latitudes 0.916451oW to 5.367043oN and longitudes 0.925398oW to 5.424463oN.
In terms of topography, the district comprises primarily low-lying terrain with loose quaternary sands. Elevation remains below 60 meters above sea level, with coastal areas featuring cretaceous-Eocene marine sands alongside thin pebbly sands and scattered limestone. Geological composition encompasses upper and lower Birimian rocks and intrusive Tarkwaian rocks containing various metallogenetic materials, such as precious metals, light metals, and base metals like talc and diamonds.
The climate in Ekumfi District is influenced by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in mild temperatures ranging from 24o C to 28o C. The relative humidity averages around 70 percent. Rainfall patterns exhibit double maxima, with peaks in May-June and October. Annual rainfall totals vary from 90 cm to 160 cm.
Vegetation mainly consists of dense scrub, tangled growth, and grass, with remnants of relatively dense forest found around fetish groves and isolated regions.
Economically, pineapple production is a primary agricultural activity, complemented by vegetable and fruit cultivation, fishing along the coastline, and small-scale salt mining in Suprodo and Narkwa. Trading thrives across the district, particularly in Essuehyia, focusing on agricultural products and merchandise. The district also houses valuable clay deposits and hosts a clay factory in Ekumfi Swedru.
Transport infrastructure includes the Trans ECOWAS highway, linking the district to both Tema and Takoradi harbors. However, certain feeder roads require improvement to mitigate challenges posed during the rainy season.
As for social services, health facilities like Essuenhyia Health Centre, Eyisam Clinic, and others cater to the population, while water supply remains a challenge in many communities due to pipeline issues and water salinity concerns.
The Ekumfi District presents a landscape characterized by distinct geographical, economic, and developmental features, playing a role within the broader framework of administrative divisions in Ghana.
