Overview
South Dayi is one of the 18 districts in the Volta Region of Ghana. It was carved out from the then Kpando District by LI 1753 in 2005 with its capital at Kpeve. The district has one Hospital called the Peki Government Hospital and a population of about 61,466 (projected from the 2021 Census). It is one of the deprived districts and has five subdistricts mapped into four Networks of practice (NOP) for enhanced service delivery. The South Dayi District shares boundaries with Adfadzato South, Ho West, the Volta Lake, and Asuogyaman District in the Easthern Region. The Eastern corridor road passes through the district capital, kpeve to Peki through Asikuma Junction to Accra. In terms of governance, Hon. Godwin Kwame Dadzawa is the current district chief executive whilst the Hon member of parliament is Hon Rockson-Nelson Etse kwami Dafeamekpor. See below pictures on how health activities are rendered in the district
Demographic Information
The district has about 65 communities and several hard-to-reach communities which require the use of boats and canons across the volta lake to render healthcare.
– Population growth rate: 2.5% per annum
– Age distribution: 40% under 15 years, 55% between 15-64 years, 5% 65 years and older
– Ethnic groups: Ewe, Akan, Guan
Socio-Economic Characteristics
The district has four paramount chiefs, four second cycle schools, one college of Education and a TVET institution.
– Economic activities: agriculture (mainly cocoa, maize, and cassava), trading, fishing, and small-scale mining
– Income levels: low to moderate
– Poverty rate: 30% (2020 estimate)
– Education: literacy rate of 70% (2020 estimate)
– Health indicators: high infant mortality rate (50/1000 live births), moderate access to healthcare with vigorous roll out of activities towards Universal Health Coverage.
– Population density 240/km2(630/sq m)
– Total area 236km2(91 sq miles)
– Festivals: kpezekpo festival (to honour ancestors), Glimetoto festival (to mark the beginning of harvest season) and yam fectival
Infrastructure and resources
The district has 5 health centres, one hospital in Peki, 17 CHPS, a CHAG facility (EP Clinic), one private Clinic and an Agenda 111 Project in Kpeve which is near completion. There are four Banks in the districts. Agric Development Bank and Weto Rural Bank in Kpeve, and Ghana Commercial Bank in Peki.
– Transportation: decent road network In Kpeve and Peki but poor road network in the rural areas with regular public transport
– Electricity: available in urban areas, limited in rural areas
– Water and sanitation: access to clean water and basic sanitation facilities
– Healthcare facilities: district hospital, health centers, and community-based care
– Educational institutions: basic schools, senior high schools, and a few private schools
challenges and priorities
Though the district has seen tremendous improvements in most health service indicators, teenage pregnancy and anaemia in pregnancy remain a challenge. Other key challenges include poverty, poor road conditions in some areas, limited access to healthcare and education, inadequate human resource, and weak transport system especially emergency transport.
– Priority areas: economic development, education, healthcare, and infrastructure development, scaling up CHPS and developing a strategic plan towards Universal Health Coverage.
Conclusion
South Dayi district has a diverse population and economy, with potential for growth. However, it faces challenges that need to be addressed to improve the lives of its residents.
