Stories and facts
Encompassing a total area of 358.3 square kilometers, about 20% of this land is beautifully interspersed with the waters of the Volta Lake. Access to the district is convenient via well-connected roads, such as the one running from Kpando through Kpeve to Accra, and another from Hohoe through Kpeve to Ho.
Historical Background
Established through Legislative Instrument No. 1753 of 2004, the South Dayi District Assembly came into existence by carving it out of the then Kpando District and was officially inaugurated on 24th August 2004. The district's administrative office is based in Kpeve, which also serves as its capital. The District Assembly is led by the District Chief Executive, nominated by the President and approved by a Two-Thirds majority of the District Assembly's members present and voting.
Currently, the Assembly comprises 21 Elected Members representing each of the 21 Electoral Areas, 9 appointed members, and one Member of Parliament (MP) who, however, holds no voting rights.
Climate
Blessed with a tropical climate, the South Dayi District is significantly influenced by the southwest monsoon winds from the South Atlantic and the dry harmattan winds from the Sahara Desert. The district experiences two distinct rainy seasons: the major one from mid-April to early July and the minor one from September to November. The average annual rainfall varies from 900mm to 1,300mm, with marked variations in terms of onset, duration, and intensity.
Topography
The South Dayi District boasts distinctive physical features, including the Akuapim-Togo-Atakora ranges that add to the region's allure. Scattered across the district are hills and ridges, contributing to its undulating topography. Notable examples of these hills include Akpato, Amekulotoe, Gleme, and Abanyakoe.
Religion
The people of South Dayi District originally practiced traditional religion, but over time, the influence of Christianity has grown significantly. Presently, Christianity is the predominant religion among the population, embraced by 88.3 percent, followed by 3.8 percent adhering to Traditional religion, and 3.3 percent practicing Islam. About 0.6 percent adhere to other religious beliefs, while approximately four percent do not identify with any specific religion. The prevalence of Christianity signifies the citizens' willingness to support initiatives that promote Christian values in the district.
Culture and Ethnicity
The people of South Dayi District are united by their homogeneity in language and culture. Ewe is spoken by all the people of the four traditional areas, namely Peki, Tongor, Kpalime, and Kpeve, fostering a shared way of life. The district's residents hold chieftaincy in high regard as a unifying institution, respecting and recognizing their traditional leaders. Regarding ethnicity, Ewes constitute the majority, accounting for about 93.9 percent of the population, followed by Ga-Adangbe (2.1%), Gurma (1.4%), and Akan (1.2%), while other ethnic groups (Guan, Mole-Dagbani, Grusi, Mande, and Others) collectively form 1.4 percent of the population, according to the 2010 Population and Housing Census.
The South Dayi District is a captivating region in Ghana, blessed with diverse geography, a rich cultural heritage, and a populace that embraces religious and ethnic diversity. With its stunning landscapes and historical significance, the district continues to thrive and evolve, making it a fascinating destination for both residents and visitors alike.
