Overview

Obuasi Municipal is located in the southern part of the Ashanti Region, Ghana, and covering 220.7 square km. It is one of the 261 Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in Ghana and part of the 43 MMDAs in the Ashanti Region. Established from the Adansi West Municipal Assembly in 2004, Obuasi Municipal is known for the Anglo Gold Ashanti mine. It lies 64 km from Kumasi, between latitudes 5º35N and 5º65N, and longitudes 6º35W and 6º90W. It is bordered by Upper Denkyira East Municipal (south), Obuasi East Municipal (east), Amansie Central Municipal (west), and Adansi North Municipal (north).

Population

The population for 2024 is projected to be 105,765, based on the 2021 National Population Census, with a growth rate of 2.1%. Women of fertility age (WIFA) constitute 24% of the population. To ensure efficient health service delivery, the municipality is divided into four health sub-municipals: Anyinam, Gausu, Kunka, and New Nsuta.

Culture and festival

The residents take pride in festivals like the Bona Festival, Akwasidae, Awukudae, and Fofie. Akwasidae, the most significant, plays a crucial role in preserving the community’s identity and fostering unity among the Asanti people.

Occupations

While mining remains dominant, the economy is diversified with sectors like agriculture, education, healthcare, and small-scale businesses providing employment opportunities.

Education

The municipality boasts 191 basic schools, two senior high schools, one senior high and technical school, and two tertiary institutions, contributing to the diversity of education offerings.

Political Sector

The Municipal Assembly oversees development and administration, guided by the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE). The Municipal Planning and Coordinating Unit (MPCU), led by the Municipal Coordinating Director, is responsible for program formulation, budgeting, and promoting development programs. The MPCU includes the Municipal Planning Officer, Budget Analyst, Finance Officer, Statistical Officer, Environmental Health Officer, and the Director of Health Services, supported by heads of decentralized departments.

Ghana’s decentralization is enhanced by 22 electoral areas, each represented in the municipal General assembly. The Presiding Member leads the assembly, which makes laws and approves budgets and plans. The municipality is divided into nine Town/Area Councils to promote citizen involvement in community organization. Sub-committees focus on health, women’s and children’s affairs, environmental health and sanitation, work, finance, and administration.

religious sector

Religion shapes attitudes and behaviors in the municipality, with most residents affiliating with various Christian denominations, including Roman Catholic, Methodist, Presbyterian, Anglican, Church of Pentecost, and Charismatic churches. Islam and traditional religions are also present. These religious organizations can aid in disseminating information and mobilizing resources for health promotion and environmental management.

health facilities / ownership

The municipality currently has 11 health facilities, including government and private health centers:

health status

Despite improvements, common health issues include rheumatism, urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, malaria, pneumonia, anemia, skin diseases, intestinal worms, diarrhea, and hypertension. Teenage pregnancies and deliveries have increased, though there is a slight decrease in teenage abortions. Health education has reduced anemia among pregnant women at 36 weeks gestation.

Emerging problems include water supply, sanitation, and waste disposal, particularly in communities like Ntonsua. Waste management involves collection, transportation, and disposal methods across the municipality.

major health concerns

• HIV/AIDS/TB
• Teenage Pregnancy
• Anemia at 36 weeks gestation
• Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs
• Malaria