Stories and facts
The Upper Denkyira East Municipal District is situated in Ghana's Central Region and is one of the thirty-three districts in the area. Originally part of the larger Upper Denkyira District, it was established in 1988 from the former Denkyira District Council. In 2008, it underwent a division, with the northwest section becoming the Upper Denkyira West District, and the remaining part renamed as the Upper Denkyira East District. Later that year, it was elevated to municipal district assembly status, becoming the Upper Denkyira East Municipal District, with Dunkwa-On-Offin as its administrative capital.
The district is one of the 261 Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in Ghana and one of the 22 MMDAs in the Central Region. It covers a land area of 1,020 square kilometers, constituting approximately 10% of the total land area of the Central Region. Geographically, it is located between Latitudes 5º30' and 6º02' North of the Equator and Longitudes 1ºW and 2ºWest of the Greenwich Meridian.
Legislatively established in 2007 through Legislative Instrument (LI 1877), the district was officially inaugurated in February 2008. It shares borders with Adansi South in the north, Assin Central Municipal in the east, Twiffo Atti Morkwa District in the west, and Upper Denkyira West District in the northwest.
As of the 2021 population and housing census, the district's population stands at 110,141, with a relatively equal number of male and female residents.
The Upper Denkyira East Municipality lies within the semi-equatorial zone, experiencing mean annual temperatures ranging from around 29ºC in the hottest months to about 24ºC in the coolest months. The area has two main rainfall periods: heavy rains in June and September to mid-November, and a main dry season from late November to February.
The district falls within the semi-deciduous forest zone, but deforestation due to cocoa and mining activities has significantly reduced the original forest cover. Most remaining forests are now secondary, and the Benso-Benn Forest Reserves cover only 20% of the total forest area. Deforestation, illegal logging, and bushfires pose significant environmental challenges, impacting wildlife populations.
Geographically, the district lies on a forest-dissected plateau, with its highest point reaching about 250 meters above sea level. The River Offin is the major river in the region, accompanied by several smaller streams and tributaries.
The district's principal soil type is forest ochrosols, which are alkaline and nutrient-rich, suitable for crops such as cocoa, oil palm, cassava, plantain, and maize. The area's geology is characterized mainly by Birimian and Tarkwaian formations, leading to rich mineral deposits, especially alluvial gold deposits along the valleys of River Offin and its tributaries.
Culturally, the district has a diverse population, with nine ethnic groups, including Denkyira, Asante, Fante, Wassa, Ewe, Nzema, Sefwi, Frafra, Baasara, and Dagarti. The Denkyira people, being the indigenous group, observe cultural practices such as maternal inheritance and puberty rites celebrated annually in October. The Odwira festival, occurring in November, is a significant event for the Denkyira people and plays a crucial role in initiating development projects and programs.
The district's governance is overseen by the Municipal Assembly, consisting of elected members, appointed members, and the District Chief Executive. Sub-committees focusing on specific functional areas operate under an Executive Committee. The Traditional Council, led by the paramount chief, plays an important role in maintaining law and order, settling disputes, and facilitating development in the traditional area.
The Upper Denkyira East Municipal District faces challenges related to deforestation, environmental degradation, and rapid population growth. However, collaborative efforts between local authorities and communities present opportunities for sustainable development and the preservation of the district's rich cultural heritage and natural resources.
