Stories and facts
Osino, a bustling town, took on the role of the District Capital. This newly formed district spans a land area of 460 square kilometers and is characterized by a predominantly rural landscape, where communities thrive through agriculture and traditional practices.
Located between longitudes 0032.5’ west and latitudes 6015' north and 6010' south, the Fanteakwa South District shares its boundaries with Kwahu South District to the north, Fanteakwa North District to the west, Abuakwa South District to the south, Atiwa East district to the east. This strategic positioning places it at the crossroads of regional interactions, making it a key player in the Eastern Region's development trajectory.
With a population of 54,634 individuals as of the Ghana Statistical Service's 2021 report, Fanteakwa South District encapsulates a blend of cultural diversity and demographic variance. Males constitute 50.5% of the populace, while females comprise the remaining 49.5%. Notably, the district remains predominantly rural, with all localities having populations below 5,000, except for Osino, an urban enclave with a population surpassing 5,000. This distribution results in a population density of 109 individuals per square kilometer.
The Fanteakwa South District Assembly stands as the supreme administrative and political authority within the district's bounds. Empowered by the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936), the Assembly shoulders diverse responsibilities aimed at fostering comprehensive development. From formulating and executing development plans to nurturing productive activities and supporting social progress, the Assembly plays a pivotal role. It oversees basic infrastructure development, maintains security, and ensures access to justice. Additionally, it safeguards cultural heritage, conducts necessary studies, and undertakes various functions outlined in legislative enactments.
Agriculture serves as the cornerstone of the Fanteakwa South District's economy. Approximately 60% of the economically active population finds sustenance through agricultural endeavors, embracing activities such as crop cultivation, livestock rearing, fisheries, agroforestry, and non-traditional commodity production. The district's heavy reliance on rain-fed agriculture underscores its vulnerability to weather fluctuations. To bolster agricultural output, initiatives like the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) and Planting for Export and Rural Development (PERD) have taken root.
The district grapples with infrastructural constraints that impact its socio-economic landscape. Inadequate road networks, especially during the rainy season, impede the transportation of agricultural produce to market centers, hampering economic growth. Limited access to healthcare, insufficient educational infrastructure, and a dearth of suitable sanitation facilities pose challenges to the well-being of the populace. Furthermore, the district seeks to unlock its tourism potential and address issues stemming from mining-related land degradation.
Despite these challenges, the Fanteakwa South District Assembly has demonstrated commendable strides in various sectors. In the realm of finance, the Assembly achieved a significant 68.15% of its annual budget, generating a total of GH₵ 618,488.12 in Internally Generated Funds (IGF) by July 2021. This financial prowess is instrumental in funding programs and projects aimed at ameliorating living conditions and driving sustainable development.
The journey of the Fanteakwa South District, birthed from a vision of progress and prosperity, is one fraught with challenges and marked by achievements. As it navigates through economic, infrastructural, and social obstacles, the district remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering growth, improving livelihoods, and nurturing a vibrant community that embraces its rich cultural heritage while striving for a brighter future.
