Overview
Established in 1989 under L.I 1464, Jasikan Municipal is located in the southern part of the Oti Region and has a population of 62,861, projected from the 2021 population census. It shares boundaries with Kadjebi District to the north, Biakoye District to the west, Guan to the south, and the Republic of Togo to the east. Covering a total land area of 555.8 square kilometres, which represents 13.2% of the entire Oti Region, the municipality comprises 101 communities, including 32 hard-to-reach areas and 13 border communities with Togo.
Topography
The terrain of Jasikan Municipal is predominantly hilly and undulating, almost surrounded by mountain ranges such as the Buem-Togo Ranges, an extension of the Akuapim Ranges. The eastern parts of the municipality have higher altitudes ranging from 260 to 680 meters above sea level. Some communities located on the steep sides of the Buem-Togo Range include Baglo (560m), Teteman (590m), and Kute (438m).
landscape and Vegetation
The municipality features deciduous forest vegetation with heavy rainfall, characterized by tall, medium, and short trees, thick grass, and shrubs. The fertile soils support the growth of crops like cassava, maize, cocoa, cocoyam, and plantain. Additionally, the area has savannah vegetation dotted with scattered trees, including bamboo species along streams and rivers. The vegetation supports wildlife, including monkeys, antelopes, bush pigs, pangolins, grass-cutters, and reptiles. The municipality boasts a total forest cover of 18.47 square kilometres, including the Odome River Forest Reserve located in Jasikan, Bodada, and Teteman. Notable attractions include the “crater lake” at Bodada and a cave at Ketsi Nkwanta, potential major tourism destinations.
Religious groups
Jasikan Municipal is predominantly Christian, with various denominations such as the Church of Pentecost and the Roman Catholic Church. There are also small numbers of Islamic and African Traditional Religion practitioners.
Health Facilities
Jasikan Municipal has 29 health facilities, including 1 hospital, 7 health centres (1 private), and 21 CHPS facilities. These facilities provide routine healthcare services to the population in Jasikan and some neighbouring Togolese communities.
health service distribution
For health program planning and implementation, the municipality is divided into six sub-districts: Jasikan, Nsuta, Bodada/Teteman, Baika/Ayoma, Kute, and Akaa. These sub-districts are strategically located to ensure healthcare access for all communities.
human resources
The municipality employs approximately 517 staff, including 3 medical doctors, 4 physician assistants, 60 midwives, 273 clinical nurses, 81 community health nurses, and several allied health professionals.
healthcare challenges
The primary challenges to healthcare delivery in Jasikan Municipal include infrastructure and equipment deficits, inadequate critical staff such as doctors, physician assistants, and laboratory personnel, and a lack of residential accommodation for these critical staff members. However, the municipality leverages community involvement and participation of local stakeholders and the assembly to improve infrastructure, equip health facilities, and build capacity. Collaborations with the Regional Health Directorate, NGOs, and research initiatives further enhance and drive healthcare delivery.
