The Adaklu district is one of the 18 administrative districts in the Volta Region of Ghana. The district capital is located at Adaklu Waya, which houses various administrative offices, except for the District Health Directorate and the Department of Agriculture, located at Tsrefe.

Boundaries

Adaklu is bordered to the west by Ho Municipal and Ho West, to the north by Ho Municipal and the Republic of Togo, to the south by Central Tongu, and to the east by Agortime-Ziope. The district is made up of 107 communities.

Population

Total population of 40,780 people, with a breakdown of:

4% expected pregnancies (1,631.2)

4% expected deliveries (1,631.2)

4% under 1 year (1,631.2)

12% children 12-23 months (4,893.6)

16% children 24-59 months (6,524.8)

20% children under 5 years (8,156)

23% adolescents (9,379.4)

24% women of reproductive age (9,787.2)

Economy Activities

The inhabitants of Adaklu traditional area are predominantly farmers. The economic activities in the district include farming (50%), which mainly involves growing crops such as yam, tomatoes, and maize. Other economic activities include bee rearing (10%), livestock rearing (30%), and others (10%). The remaining people are into bee rearing, formal sector, and construction work.

Road Network

The district has a comprehensive road network, but it is limited by its poor condition. Only a few roads have been tarred, including the main Ho-Adidome, Akuetteh-Waya, and Ho-Adaklu Have roads, while some sections have gravel surfaces. The rest of the roads are rough and sandy, making transportation challenging.

Climate

The district has a temperature range that supports plant growth. Food crops such as maize, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, yams, cassava, and groundnuts thrive in these climatic conditions. The mean monthly temperature ranges from 22°C to 32°C. However, during dry season, average temperature rises significantly, making irrigation in river valleys necessary for food crop cultivation. The rainfall pattern consists of two seasons: major season from mid-March to July and minor season from August to November. The dry season, characterized by dry north-east trade winds, occurs from December to February, leading to frequent bushfires that threaten life and property. The mean annual rainfall ranges from 20.1 mm to 192 mm, with highest rainfall occurring in June (192 mm) and lowest in December (20.1 mm).

Vegetation

The dominant vegetation is savannah woodland, with some areas of semi-deciduous forest and borassius species. The district is also home to several species of wild animals, including antelopes, monkeys, and birds.

Hospitality and Tourism

The Adaklu Mountain serves as a tourist attraction to visitors and neighboring districts and municipals.

Ethnic Groups

The district is predominantly made of Ewes and some Ga-Adangbe and Fulani settlers.

Local Governance

The Adaklu District Assembly constitutes the local government in the district, headed by the District Chief Executive (DCE). The District Health Directorate, headed by the District Director of Health Services, is one of the departments of the District Assembly, although it is not yet a decentralized department under the Local Government Service (LI 1961). The Directorate is represented on various committees, including the District Assembly’s Social Services Sub Committee, District Tender Committee, District Tender Review Committee, District Planning and Coordinating Unit, School Feeding Program, and District Education Oversight Committee.

Health Facilities

18 health facilities

Six government health centers

Two CHAG facilities

Ten CHPS compounds

Staff Strength

A staff strength of 189, comprising:

141 nursing and midwifery staff

12 laboratory staff

10 public health officers

11 administrative staff

One medical officer

Six physician assistants

One community oral health officer

Dispensary assistants and drivers

Challenges

Limited access to healthcare services, particularly in rural areas

Shortage of healthcare staff, especially medical officers and physician assistants

Limited infrastructure, including roads and electricity

High rates of maternal and child mortality

Next steps for the district:

Improve access to healthcare services, particularly in rural areas

Increase the number of healthcare staff, especially medical officers and physician

assistants

Upgrade infrastructure, including roads and electricity

Reduce maternal and child mortality rates

Conclusion

The next steps are in line with the national health policy and the Sustainable Development Goals. With a total population of 40,780 people, the district has the potential in the Volta Region.