Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

REPUBLIC OF

MINISTRY OF LANDS AND NATURAL RESOURCES SECOND LAND ADMINISTRATION PROJECT (LAP II)

ASHANTI REGIONAL SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK (2016-2036)

FINAL REPORT VOLUME I: Existing Situation & Main Issues

MAY, 2017 SUBMITTED BY:

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

FINAL REPORT

Ashanti Region Spatial Development Framework 2016-2036

Volume I: Existing Situation and Main Issues

THE FINAL REPORT CONSISTS OF THREE VOLUMES:

Volume I: Existing Situation and Main Issues Volume II: Spatial Development Strategies/Recommendations/Policies Volume III: Programme of Action and Investment Plan

This volume is organized under the following main headings 1. Introduction

What the ARSDF is, the time period, planning area, methodology used

2. The Current Situation, challenges and opportunities

The current situation is organised into sub-sections: i. The geophysical characteristics, climate, topography, water resources and drainage, ii. Population and human settlements iii. Economy iv. Infrastructure v. Social Development vi. Environment

FINDINGS, CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN EACH SECTION ARE ON PAGES EDGED BLUE

i

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

TABLE OF CONTENTS

LIST OF FIGURES ...... vi LIST OF TABLES ...... viii LIST OF CHART ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. LIST OF ACRONYMS ...... x Acknowledgments ...... xii EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... xiii GENERAL INTRODUCTION ...... 1 1 Introduction ...... 1 1.1 The 'Framework' ...... 1 1.1.1 The Framework and Ghana's Planning System ...... 1 1.2 The "3-tier" spatial planning system for Ghana ...... 1 1.3 ARSDF planning area and Surroundings ...... 3 1.3.1 Development Zones ...... 3 1.3.2 The policy context for the ARSDF ...... 4 1.3.3 The ARSDF and related levels of plans ...... 4 1.4 The methodology for the preparation of the ARSDF ...... 4 1.4.1 Analysis Themes ...... 6 1.4.2 ARSDF and other Planning Periods ...... 6 1.4.3 Updating and Review ...... 6 1.5 Benefits and Uses of ARSDF ...... 6 1.6 Main Objectives ...... 8 1.6.1 Specific Objectives ...... 8 1.7 Possible outcomes of the ARSDF...... 8 SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS, DEVELOPMENT CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES ...... 10 2 GEOPHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS ...... 10 2.1 Climate and Vegetation ...... 10 2.2 Topography ...... 11 2.3 Rainfall and Temperature Patterns ...... 11 2.4 Water Resources and Drainage ...... 12 2.5 Forest and Game Reserves...... 13 2.6 Mineral Resource ...... 14 2.7 Summary of Key Findings (geophysical characteristics) ...... 16

ii

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

3 POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS AND HUMAN SETTLEMENTS DEVELOPMENT ...... 17 3.1 Introduction ...... 17 3.2 Population density and growth – in the national perspective ...... 17 3.2.1 Population Density ...... 17 3.2.2 Population growth...... 17 3.3 Historical Trends of Regional Population ...... 18 3.4 Urban Population Growth in ...... 19 3.5 Rural population growth ...... 20 3.6 Migration trends ...... 21 3.7 District Population ...... 21 3.7.1 Distribution of the Region's population per district ...... 21 3.7.2 District Population Growth Rates ...... 22 3.7.3 Leading Districts in Population Growth ...... 23 3.7.4 Declining Districts ...... 23 3.7.5 District Population Densities ...... 24 3.7.6 District Urbanisation Levels (most and least urbanised) ...... 25 3.7.7 Rural Populations and Urban centres ...... 27 3.7.8 Urban Settlement Structure ...... 27 3.8 Trends in urbanization and settlement growth ...... 28 3.8.1 Historical Urban Expansion – District Dynamics ...... 30 3.8.2 Districts’ Share of Built-up, 1990 – 2015 ...... 31 3.8.3 Urban Expansion Intensity ...... 32 3.9 Summary of Key Findings, Challenges and Opportunities ...... 33 3.9.1 Findings ...... 33 3.9.2 Challenges ...... 33 3.9.3 Opportunities ...... 34 4 ECONOMY ...... 35 4.1 Introduction ...... 35 4.2 Employment by Sector: existing situation and recent trends ...... 35 4.3 Trade and balance of trade ...... 37 4.3.1 as trade center ...... 38 4.3.2 Level of Foreign and Direct Investment ...... 39 4.3.3 Relative productivity levels and contribution of Ashanti Region to National Economy ...... 40 4.4 Production and Productivity Levels by Economic Sub-Sectors ...... 41 4.5 Areas of Major Economic Significance ...... 43

iii

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

4.6 Sectoral spatial analysis of the Ashanti Region economy: agriculture ...... 47 4.6.1 Agriculture in Ashanti Region ...... 47 4.6.2 Sectoral spatial analysis of the Ashanti Region economy: industry ...... 63 4.6.3 Sectoral spatial analysis of the Ashanti Region economy: Services ...... 65 2.3.12 Summary of Key Findings ...... 73 4.7 General conclusion ...... 75 4.7.1 Challenges, opportunities and proposals for the economy and employment.....75 5 INFRASTRUCTURE ...... 77 5.1 Transport ...... 77 5.2 Road Networks in Ashanti Region ...... 78 5.2.1 Trunk road netwrok ...... 78 5.2.2 Trunk Road Conditions ...... 79 5.2.3 Urban roads ...... 79 5.2.4 Feeder road network ...... 80 5.2.5 Feeder Roads Condition...... 81 5.2.6 Feeder road system extension and improvement ...... 82 5.3 Railway ...... 82 5.4 Air Traffic ...... 83 5.5 Other Transportation Projects with Major Implications for the Ashanti Region ...... 83 5.5.1 Kumasi Ring Road ...... 83 5.5.2 Boankra Inland Port ...... 84 5.5.3 The new Rail Network ...... 85 5.6 ICT and Telephony ...... 86 5.6.1 Telephony ...... 86 5.6.2 Internet Services ...... 87 5.7 Energy Current Situation in the Region ...... 87 5.7.1 Energy Demand and Supply ...... 87 5.7.2 Energy Supply ...... 88 5.7.3 Hydro and Thermal power ...... 89 5.7.4 Petroleum products ...... 89 5.7.5 Renewable energy sources ...... 89 5.7.6 Solar Energy ...... 90 5.7.7 Biomass ...... 90 5.7.8 Timber off cuttings ...... 91 5.7.9 Municipal and Agro-Waste ...... 91 5.7.10 Energy Transmission systems ...... 91

iv

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

5.7.11 Electricity ...... 91 5.7.12 Petroleum – Fuel/Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation ...... 92 5.8 Water Supply in Ashanti Region ...... 94 5.8.1 Importance of Water and Water Resources in Ashanti ...... 94 5.8.2 Surface Water: Rivers and Streams ...... 94 5.8.3 Surface Water: Lakes ...... 94 5.8.4 Underground water ...... 95 5.8.5 Rainwater Harvesting Systems ...... 96 5.8.6 Water demand for Consumption and Production ...... 96 5.8.7 Provision of Water to Major Settlements by the GWCL ...... 99 5.8.8 The Kumasi Water Treatment Plants ( and Owabi) ...... 99 5.8.9 The Oda Water Treatment Plant ...... 101 5.8.10 Konongo-Agogo System...... 102 5.8.11 Water Supply Project ...... 103 5.8.12 Status of Water Supply in Ashanti Region ...... 106 5.9 Technical Infrastructure: Summary of findings ...... 107 5.10 Challenges, and opportunities for Technical Infrastructure ...... 109 6 SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT ...... 111 6.1 Introduction ...... 111 6.2 Health Care Delivery ...... 112 6.3 Healthcare Facilities in the Ashanti Region ...... 113 6.4 Health Care Personnel ...... 119 6.5 Health Outcomes ...... 121 6.6 General Overview of Education ...... 122 6.7 Educational Trends and Present Status of Education in the Region ...... 123 6.8 Tertiary Institutions ...... 123 6.9 Senior High Schools ...... 125 6.10 Enrolment Levels ...... 125 6.11 Gender Parity Index ...... 127 6.12 Assessing Adequacy of Secondary School Facilities ...... 128 6.13 Junior High Schools ...... 129 6.14 Poverty ...... 132 6.15 Poverty Distribution by District ...... 134 6.16 Basic Services ...... 136 6.17 Summary of Key Findings ...... 141 6.17.1 Healthcare ...... 141

v

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

6.17.2 Education ...... 141 6.17.3 Basic Services ...... 141 6.17.4 Poverty ...... 141 6.18 Challenges and opportunities for Social Development ...... 141 7 ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 143 7.1 Introduction ...... 143 7.2 Environment and Climate Change in the Context of National Spatial Development ...... 143 7.3 Snapshot of Environmental Profile of Ashanti Region ...... 143 7.4 Current Rainfall and Temperature Trends and Impacts of Climate Change ...... 144 7.5 Carbon map and Ashanti region’s contribution to climate mitigation ...... 147 7.6 Current state of forests, game reserves and conservation areas ...... 150 7.7 Bosomtwe Man and Biosphere Reserve ...... 153 7.8 Flood Disaster Risk ...... 154 7.9 Programmes addressing environmental issues in the Ashanti Region ...... 155 7.10 Summary of Key Findings ...... 157 LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1.1: Illustration of the three-tier planning system ...... 2 Figure 1.2: Planning Area ...... 3 Figure 2.1: Ecological Zones...... 10 Figure 2.2: Elevation of Ashanti Region ...... 11 Figure 2.3: Drainage Map of Ashanti Region ...... 13 Figure 2.4:Forest and Game Reserves of Ashanti Region ...... 14 Figure 2.5: Mineral Resource of Ashanti Region ...... 15 Figure 3.1: Settlement Changes from 1990-2015 ...... 20 Figure 3.2: Distribution of population per District ...... 22 Figure 3.3: Population growth rate of Districts (2016)...... 23 Figure 3.4: Population density of districts ...... 24 Figure 3.5: % of urban population per district ...... 26 Figure 3.6: Rural Settlement Concentration and the region's settlement pattern ...... 27 Figure 3.7: Changes in Built-up Extent, 1990 - 2015 ...... 29 Figure 3.8: Annual Urban Expansion Rate, 1990 - 2015 ...... 30 Figure 3.9: Urban Expansion Index ...... 32 Figure 4.1: Total Freight Distribution in Ghana, 2013 ...... 38 Figure 4.2: Percentage Contribution to GDP by MMDAs in Ashanti Region, 2014 ...... 44 Figure 4.3: Spatial Distribution of Employees in Ashanti Region, 2014 ...... 46 Figure 4.4: GDP contribution per Worker, 2014 ...... 47 Figure 4.5: Distribution of Agricultural workers in Ashanti Region 2014 ...... 49 Figure 4.6: Soil Suitability ...... 50 Figure 4.7: Average Yield, Production and Land Cropped ...... 56

vi

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Figure 4.8: Cocoa Producing Districts ...... 58 Figure 4.9: Oil Palm and Cashew Producing Districts ...... 61 Figure 4.10: Spatial Distribution of Industrial Jobs in Ashanti Region, 2014 ...... 64 Figure 4.11: Location of Mining and Quarrying Workers, 2014 ...... 64 Figure 4.12: Spatial Distribution of Service Sector Jobs, 2014 ...... 66 Figure 4.13: Distribution of Real Estate, Professional and Administrative Support Services Jobs, 2014 ...... 67 Figure 4.14: Spatial Spread of Health and Social Work Jobs, 2014 ...... 68 Figure 4.15: Tourist sites in Ashanti Region ...... 71 Figure 5.1: National Trunk Road System ...... 78 Figure 5.2: Trunk Roads Network ...... 79 Figure 5.3: Feeder Roads in Ashanti Region ...... 81 Figure 5.4: Existing railway network in kilometres (defunct) ...... 83 Figure 5.5: Outer Ring Road for Greater Kumasi Area ...... 84 Figure 5.6:Boankra Inland Port ...... 84 Figure 5.7: Proposed Rail networks and priorities ...... 85 Figure 5.8: Potential location of biomass, solar and wind power plants ...... 90 Figure 5.9: GridCo Powerlines and Substations ...... 92 Figure 5.10: Ground water sources in Ashanti Region ...... 95 Figure 5.11: Ghana Water Company Systems in Ashanti Region ...... 98 Figure 5.12: The Distribution network of the Kumasi Water supply system ...... 100 Figure 5.13: Illegal mining on River Oda ...... 102 Figure 6.1: Health care facilities in Ashanti Region ...... 113 Figure 6.2: Access to Health Facility and a Road network using Euclidean Distance ...... 114 Figure 6.3: Teaching Hospital in relation to Distance to Settlements ...... 115 Figure 6.4: Regional Hospital ...... 116 Figure 6.5: Accessibility to district hospitals ...... 117 Figure 6.6: Distribution of Primary Health Care Facilities ...... 118 Figure 6.7: Health facility to Population Ratio ...... 119 Figure 6.8: Health Worker to Population Ratio ...... 121 Figure 6.9: Literacy Levels and Population with Post-Secondary Education ...... 123 Figure 6.10: Tertiary Institutions in the Ashanti Region ...... 125 Figure 6.11: Senior High School Enrolment Rates ...... 127 Figure 6.12: Enrolment Levels at JHS ...... 130 Figure 6.13: Adequacy of JHS using Total District Population...... 131 Figure 6.14: Poverty Levels in Ghana ...... 133 Figure 6.15: Poverty Rates ...... 135 Figure 6.16: Access to Basic Services ...... 137 Figure 6.17: Deprivation Scores in Urban and Rural areas ...... 138 Figure 7.1: Major and minor season rainfall and Temperature pattern for Ashanti region . 147 Figure 7.2: Biomass map of Ashanti region ...... 148 Figure 7.3: Biomass map of Ashanti region with overlay showing forest reserves ...... 149 Figure 7.4: Forest Cover in Ashanti Region (2010) ...... 151 Figure 7.5: District share of forest cover in 2010 ...... 152

vii

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Figure 7.6: Lake Bosomtwe Biosphere Reserve ...... 154 Figure 7.7: Flood Hazard Areas in Ashanti Region ...... 155

LIST OF TABLES Table 3.1: Population Growth Summary of Ashanti Region, 1960 - 2016 ...... 18 Table 3.2: Districts with Losing Population ...... 24 Table 3.3: 2016 Urban and Rural Populations of Districts ...... 25 Table 4.1: Top Ten Contributors to GDP in Ashanti Region, 2014 ...... 45 Table 4.2: Description of soil suitability types ...... 51 Table 4.3: List of Regional irrigation schemes ...... 52 Table 4.4: List of all commercial crops in Ashanti Region ...... 53 Table 4.5: District Crop Cultivation Data ...... 57 Table 5.1: The Conventional water treatment plants in Ashanti Region ...... 98 Table 5.2: Water supply systems based on boreholes in Ashanti Region ...... 103 Table 5.3: Sources of water for in rural communities and small towns ...... 106 Table 6.1: Tertiary Institutions in Ghana ...... 124 Table 6.2: Poverty Levels in Ashanti Region ...... 133 Table 6.3: Poverty levels by Regions ...... 134 Table 7.1: Percentage contributions of districts to forest cover in Ashanti region ...... 152

LIST OF CHARTS Chart 2.1: Annual Average Rainfall (1921 to 2010) ...... 12 Chart 3.1: Regional Growth Pattern in Ghana 1960-2010 ...... 18 Chart 3.2: Trends in population growth rate 1970-2010 ...... 18 Chart 3.3: Urban/Rural Share of Population ...... 20 Chart 3.4: Dynamics of Urban Expansion in Ashanti Region, 1990 - 2015 ...... 29 Chart 3.5: Share of Built-up, 1990 – 2015 ...... 31 Chart 4.1: Employment Structure by Major Economic Sectors in each Region, 2015 ...... 35 Chart 4.2: Ashanti Region Employment by Sector in 2000, 2010, and 2015 ...... 36 Chart 4.3: Employment by Sector in the Ashanti ...... 37 Chart 4.4: Foreign Direct Investment Projects in Ghana, 2002-2012...... 39 Chart 4.5: GDP per worker Contribution in Ghana, 2014 ...... 41 Chart 4.6: The GDP Contribution per Worker by sub-sectors, 2014 ...... 42 Chart 4.7: Percentage share of Workers and Contribution to GDP ...... 42 Chart 4.8: Food production at regional level ...... 54 Chart 4.9: Number of slaughtered livestock ...... 62 Chart 5.1: Length of urban roads in the major cities and towns, km ...... 80 Chart 5.2: Feeder Road Construction and Surface Quality ...... 81 Chart 5.3: Feeder road conditions by region, 2013 ...... 82

viii

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Chart 5.4: Percentage of household access to electricity in 2000 and 2010 ...... 87 Chart 5.5: Sources of Energy Supply ...... 88 Chart 5.6: Projected Population and Water Demand for Ashanti Region ...... 97 Chart 5.7: Projected population and projected water demand (in cubic meters) ...... 100 Chart 5.8: Projected population and water demand for the system ...... 104 Chart 5.9: Water coverage in the various municipalities ...... 105 Chart 6.1: Health care facilities by region by type in 2016 ...... 112 Chart 6.2: Health facility to Population Ratio ...... 119 Chart 6.3: Child Mortality Levels ...... 122 Chart 6.4: Senior High School Enrolment Rates ...... 126 Chart 6.5: Gender Parity Index for Senior High School ...... 128 Chart 6.6: Enrolment Levels at JHS ...... 130 Chart 6.7: Gender Parity Index for JHS ...... 131 Chart 6.8: Poverty Rate and Poverty Depth ...... 136 Chart 7.1: Mean Rainfall Pattern for March-July, 1921-2010 ...... 145 Chart 7.2: Mean Rainfall Pattern for September-November, 1921-2010 ...... 146

ix

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

LIST OF ACRONYMS AR Ashanti Region ARSDF Ashanti Region Spatial Development Framework BOST Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation CHAG Christian Health Association of Ghana CHPS Community Health Planning and Services CLOSAG Civil and Local Government Association of Ghana COE College of Education CSIR Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research CUDPGK Comprehensive Urban Development of Greater Kumasi CWSA Community Water and Sanitation Agency DFR Department of Feeder Roads DHIS District Health Information Service ECG Electricity Company of Ghana FDI Foreign Direct Investment FEZ Free Enterprise Zones GACL Ghana Airports Company Limited GCM Global Circulation Models GSGDA Ghana Shared Growth and Development Agenda GIDA Ghana Irrigation Development Authority GKSR Greater Kumasi Sub-Region GPI Gender Parity Index GRIDCo Ghana Grid Company Limited GSEIP Ghana Secondary Improvement Project GSOP Ghana Social Opportunities Project GSS Ghana Statistical Service GVA Gross Value Added GWCL Ghana Water Company Limited ICT Information and Communication Technology ISSER Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research KIA Kotoka International Airport KMA Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly KNUST Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology KVIP Kumasi Ventilated Improvement Pit LAP Land Administration Project LEAP Livelihood Empowerment Programme LGP Length of Growing Period LPG Liquefied Petroleum Gas LUPMIS Land Use Planning and Management Information Systems LUPMP Land Use Planning and Management Project LUSPA Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority LUSPB Land Use and Spatial Planning Bill MDGs Millennium Development Goals MEP Manufacturing Extension Partnership MLGRD Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development MLNR Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources MMDA Metropolitan, Municipal District Assembly

x

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

MOH Ministry of Health MoLHUD Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development (Uganda) MSA Mine Safety Appliances MTDP Medium Term Development Plan NADMO National Disaster Management Organisation NAMA Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions NCTE NAtioal Council for Tertiary Education NDPC National Development Planning Commission NGO Non-Governmental Organizations NGTU Natural Gas Transmission Utility NIP National Infrastructure Plan NPC National Petroleum Authority NSDF National Spatial Development Framework NSEZ Northern Savannah Ecological Zone NUP National Urban Policy PCU Project Coordinating Unit RCC Regional Coordinating Council REDD+ Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation ROC Regional Oversight Committee SDF Spatial Development Framework SDGs Strategic Development Goals SFMP Sustainable Fisheries Management Project SME Small and Medium Scale ENterprise SpS Spatial Solutions SWOT Strength Weaknesses Opportunities and Threats TBA Task Breakdown Arrangement TCPD Town and Country Planning Department TOR Tema Oil Refinery TVET Technical and Vocational Education Institute TWG Technical Working Group WRSDF Western Region Spatial Development Framework

xi

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS On behalf of the Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority, the Consulting Firm, SpS, gratefully acknowledge the individuals and organizations that have contributed their time, energy, and views toward the formulation of the Ashanti Regional Spatial Development Framework. Various individuals attended a series of formal consultations at the national, regional and zonal level as well as informal meetings and interviews. We greatly appreciate the observations, suggestions, ideas and comments that have informed the ARSDF. We gratefully acknowledge the supervisory role of the Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority in shaping the contents of the report. Special mention goes to Messr Lawrence Z. Dakurah, Ag. Director, Mr Chapman Owusu-Sekyere, Deputy Director and Counterpart Team Leader, LUSPA Counterpart Team members, the Ashanti Regional Director Joyce Afukar, and the entire staff at the LUSPA National, Regional and District offices. We are also grateful to the Ministers and their Deputies including the Chief Directors and their Management Teams, at the Ministries, Department and Agencies, for their unlimited support, throughout the preparation of the ARSDF. They include: a) Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources (MLNR) b) Ministry of Transport c) Ministry of Roads and Highways d) Ministry of Food and Agriculture e) Land Administration Project (LAP II) f) Forestry Commission g) Regional Coordinating Councils (RCCs) h) Civil Society and Non-Governmental Organisations, and i) Other stakeholders and institutions who responded to the request to provide information and other support to the planning Team. Special appreciation also goes to the Members of the Regional Oversight Committee (ROCs), for their active participation during the Stakeholder Consultations and Technical Working Sessions. Last but not the least, staff of SpS for the Technical Assistance Team: a) Peter Owusu Donkor: Team Leader and Land Use Planner b) Christopher Cripps; Land Use Planner c) Benjamin Doe; GIS expert d) Oppong Peprah: Facilitator e) Mohammed Munzamil, Land use Planner/GIS Assistant f) Dr. Owusu Ansah Kufour, Human Settlement Planner g) Akosua Awo Asare: Land Use Planner h) Felix S.K. Agyemang: Land Use Planner i) Rosamund Edusei: Land Use Planner j) Kojo Twumasi: Rural Development Expert

xii

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY INTRODUCTION

The Ashanti region consist of thirty (30) Districts; 1 Metro, 8 Municipals and 21 Districts. The Ashanti Regional Spatial Development Framework (ARSDF) is the first to be prepared after the completion of the National Spatial Development Framework (NSDF) in 2014. It is modeled on three 3 tier planning system as described in the Landuse and Spatial Planning Act 2016 (Act 925). The SDF being the first level of the tier, spans 20 years and is subject to review every 5 years. It is prepared at the National, Regional and District levels. The ARSDF therefore is to connect to the provisions of the NSDF (as pertains to the Region) to the 30 District SDFs. (most of which are yet to be prepared). As the name suggests it is a framework (not a plan), it is supposed to be flexible and able to respond to future changes, new initiatives and investments. Although the framework covers the Ashanti Region, cognizance has been taken of the fact that the region’s sphere of influence goes beyond to other regions and beyond the country’s borders. The ARSDF is informed by national, regional and sub-regional plans including the NSDF, National Infrastructure Plan (NIP) and the Comprehensive Urban Development Plan for Greater Kumasi (CUDPGK). Extensive use was made of existing regional data which was also disaggregated to District level for the understanding of the Districts and use when preparing their SDF’s. Previous relevant documents including the GSGDA (2013-2017) and the Current District Medium Term Development Plans (MTDP) were also considered. It is to be noted that major projections used (e.g. population) were based on trends between 2000 and 2010. Methodology The following was adopted; Data Collection: A huge amount of Primary and Secondary data was collected, cleaned and stored in an easily accessible way. Data Analysis: All physical, environmental and socio-economic data was mapped using GPS and plotted onto scanned base map of the Districts using Landuse Planning and Management Information System (LUPMIS) and ArcGIS Software. Economic growth, population and employment projections were analysed. The juxtaposition and overlays of data revealed the relationship between the various sectors, activities and settlements. Modelling of Scenarios: Scenarios were developed from the findings and this culminated into objectives, investment opportunities and core strategies to achieve the goals. The three scenarios developed were: - Prioritizing growth in agriculture sector with the involvement of SME’s Prioritizing industrialisation including mining oil and gas development and Prioritizing service led and IT based development Upon consensus a combination of the three scenarios was adopted and named the Harmonised Development scenario.

xiii

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Development Zones: The region was categorised into five unique Developmental Zones for the purpose of this framework based on similarities of ecology characteristics, natural resources endowment, economic activities, strategic locations of main settlements and transportation routes. Development of Reports: Inception, Interim and Scenario Development Reports have been compiled and distributed to all major stakeholders. Stakeholder Consultations: In the three-tier Planning System stakeholder consultation is key in all the levels of plan preparation. Workshops were held for key stakeholders at every step of the process to discuss and consider issues and come to a consensus before advancing to the next step.

CURRENT SITUATION Geophysical Characteristics The Ashanti Region lies within two different vegetation zones. The Moist Semi-Deciduous Forest zones which covers about 90 percent of the region and the transitional zone which lies the north of the region. This gives the region a unique potential for the production of a variety of food and tree crops. The topography of the region consists of high slopes around Mampong, Jamasi, , Agogo, , and areas. The rest of the region is relatively flat eliminating any critical challenges in construction and other economic investments. The mountainous areas in the region are potential tourist sites, source of water for plants and animals and houses the forest and game reserves areas, which enhance biodiversity conservation. The region experiences two rainy seasons, the major one is between April and mid-August and the minor in September and November with an annual rainfall is of 1,270mm. Furthermore, it has the highest lengths of growing period which averages about 340 days, suitable for planting different types of crops during the course of the year. The Pra, Oda, Anum and Offin rivers and their tributaries form a natural drainage for the region and also provide water sources. The lake Bosomtwe, (a crater lake and the largest natural lake in the country) and man-made dams such as Owabi and Barekese serve as sources of drinking water and irrigation in several localities. The protection of these water bodies is vital to the sustainability of an ecosystem and socio economic activities such as agriculture domestic and industrial water supply. About 17 percent of the regions land area is covered with forest and game reserves comprising of about one hundred and thirty (130) forest reserves and two (2) game parks namely Kogyae Strict National Reserve and Bomfobiri Wildlife. The protection of these reserves, parks and forest in general slows down the negative impact of climate change. The south and western portion of the region is endowed with gold, diamond, bauxite and manganese. Unfortunately, there is an upsurge of illegal small scale gold mining activities which is polluting rivers and causing environmental havoc.

xiv

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Population The region is the most populous in the country with a population of 5.5 million constituting 19.4 percent of the national population and had a growth rate of 2.4 percent all in 2016. The increase is largely due to natural growth, migration from rural areas in the region and from other regions. As much as 60.9 percent of the population live in urban areas whereas 39.1 percent live in rural areas. Population concentration is however in Kumasi and its adjoining districts and Obuasi. The least populated districts are the Bosome Freho and Sekyere Afram Plains. The five most populated districts in the region in 2010 were Kumasi Metropolis, Municipal, Obuasi Municipal, - Municipal and Atwima Nwabiagya. The total population of these districts constituted 52.2 percent of the region’s population. Economy The regional economy consists largely of services, agriculture and industry. Since the year 2000 the number of people employed in the service sector has been increasing while the other two has been declining. Agriculture The region has a unique potential for the production of a variety of food and three crops because of its location within two different vegetation zones namely the semi deciduous forest and transitional zones. Agriculture plays a significant role in the regional economy and employed 24 percent of regional labour force in 2015, Food Crops Food crops cultivated in the region covers 495,700 hectares constituting approximately 20.3 percent of regional land and producing about 4.3 million metric tons of a combination of the six major crops. The regional contribution of food crops to national agriculture food production is about 14.3 percent and the fourth highest after Brong Ahafo, Eastern and the Northern regions. The region produces seven out of the eleven MOFA selected major crops namely plantain, cassava, maize, yam, cocoyam, cowpea and rice. Fruits and vegetable are also produced in large quantities but characterized by large post-harvest loses of about 20 percent to 50 percent for fruits and vegetables, roots and tuber and about 30 percent of cereals & legumes every year. Groundnut is also cultivated. Agriculture production is mainly undertaken by small scale, family operated farms plagued with poor infrastructure, low technology and lack of access to markets and finance resulting in low productivity. Mechanisation (which includes the use of appropriate equipment, irrigation, storage, processing and marketing) will greatly enhance productivity. Tree Crops Cocoa, oil palm and cashew are the three main industrial crops in the region. The region is the second highest producer of cocoa and contributes about 18 percent to the national output. It has forward and backward links to other enterprises such as chemical companies and cocoa buying

xv

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036 companies. Output in the region has been gradually reducing over the past few years due to the effect of climate change and illegal mining activities in the growing areas. Oil palm is produced in most parts of the region especially in the semi deciduous and forest areas. Three leading companies who produce and also process the fruits into semi-finished products are the Adansi Oil Mills (Adansi North) Juaben Oil Mills (Ejisu Juaben) and Ashanti Oil Mills Municipal. Many small farmers act as out growers. Edible palm oil is produced in large quantities by Individuals. Cashew is mainly produced in the transitional zone although not popular. Its production and marketing is unregulated and this is a disincentive to investment in its production. Livestock Between 1970 and early 1990 the region was a leading producer of poultry products supplying especially eggs to most parts of the country by rail and road transport. The region also has the highest numbers of cattle in the country especially in the Asante Akim area. Industry In 2015 Industry employed 14 percent of the region's labour force. Mining is the main driving force of the Industrial sector supported by construction, quarrying and manufacturing. The region has 73 mineral deposit sites and two huge bauxite and diamond fields located in the southern and western part. Kumasi remains the major industrial centre hosting about 46 percent of the industrial jobs (mainly in the Suame magazine chain shops) currently a large number of food processing and alcohol beverage production are springing up. Industry has a potential to expand from its large informal base while attracting investors if site and services, and access to markets are available. The large scale exploitation of bauxite and oil and gas have the potential to yield results with the right infrastructure. Illegal small scale mining activities have polluted streams destroyed forests and farms and created environmental havoc which needs seriously attention. Services The Services sector is the largest source of employment in the region accounting for 62% in 2015. It has been growing at a rate which parallels the rate of urbanization and population increase, suggesting that the increased numbers of people find jobs in the service sector. This sector is dominated by Kumasi which houses the largest open market in West Africa and possibly the largest engineering based market and services centre which is the Suame Magazine. These two facilities attract patrons from all parts of the region and neighbouring countries. There is also an extensive informal trade with the other regions and neighbouring countries. The wholesale and retail sub-sector although least productive (in terms of GDP contribution) employs more than a quarter of the labour force in this sector as opposed to finance and insurance which employs less people but contributes more to GDP. There is scope for training and development to increase the proportion of high end services. The challenge is how to do this when Kumasi continually attracts large number of unemployed from the rural areas.

xvi

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

The tourism sector is relatively vibrant in the Ashanti Region compared to others. It attracted 16 percent of all tourists in the country in 2011, second to the Central Region. The region has a number of historical and ecological sites, traditional festivities, artisanal craft villages and unique sceneries ripe for tourism development. These include lake Bosomtwe and its surrounding highlands, Bonwire and Fawoade (Kente weaving), Ahwiaa (wood carving), Ntonso (adinkra cloth stamping), Mfensi (ceramic based activities) and Dabaa (beads productions). There are nature conservations at Bobiri (Butterfly Sanctuary), Owabi (bird sanctuary), Atwea Rock formation, Mframabuom caves and Kogyae strict nature reserve. Cultural places in the region include Ejisu, Besease and Adako Jachie shrines. Museums in the region include, Yaa Asantewaa, Manhyia Palace, Milliatry Museum and the cultural centre. Infrastructure The region is endowed with all modes of transport which are operating at international, national and regional levels with the exception of railway which is currently defunct. All major networks lead to the region and terminate in other regions and beyond the borders of the country. Transportation Roads The region has a good road network coverage comprising about 10 percent of national roads, 14 percent of inter-regional roads and 12 percent of regional roads. It has 1,714km of trunk roads, the third highest next to the Northern and Brong-Ahafo regions. The central road corridor that connects Accra to the three Northern regions and Burkina Faso runs through the region. All the trunk roads are in good condition except for the Ahwiaa to Bekwai, Ahenema Kokoben- Obuasi portion (of the Kumasi-Obuasi) and the Lake road which connects Kumasi to Lake Bosomtwe in the . The region is well serviced with feeder roads connecting all rural areas. About 3584km (representing 62.8%) feeder roads out of 4800km are engineered, 963km (16%) are partially engineered, the rest are earth road which are vulnerable during the rainy season. The importance of the feeder roads in transporting agriculture produce to link the trunk roads to markets cannot be over emphasized. Railway The Ashanti region originally developed on the back of the railway network connecting Kumasi to Accra and to Takoradi. It was largely used to transport cocoa, timber and minerals to the ports, and poultry and other farm produce from the Northern regions. It was a cheap means of passenger transport for the many settlements along its route and generated a substantial number of industrial activities. Out of the total 947km rail network, 568km are in the Ashanti region. It is now defunct partly as a result of obsolete network and broken down coaches. The Ghana railway Master plan (2013) has proposed the re-building of the original rail network and also an expansion to the Northern region. The development of 160ha site for Boankra inland port, located in the Ejisu –Juaben District will reduce congestion at the Tema and Takoradi ports and lower the transport cost for goods to the north and middle belt because of the use of railway transport. Air Traffic Domestic flights from Kumasi to Accra and Tamale operate regularly with privately owned aircrafts. The 2,200-meter runway has recently been rehabilitated. Obuasi also has a 2,300-

xvii

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036 meter airstrip owned by the AngloGold which can be developed to improve air transport in the region. There is the potential that the region becomes an alternative hub to Accra to link the land locked ECOWAS countries. The development of the proposed site earmarked for an international airport located at Ankaase in the Afigya should be considered. Water Supply The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) and the Community and Water Sanitation Agency (CWSA) are the main institutions with the responsibility of providing potable water in the region. They are however able to provide for only about 49.5 percent of the population from nine water treatment facilities in the region, five of which are conventional treatment systems (surface based) and four are ground water systems using boreholes referred to as the “Rural Systems”. The five conventional ones are the Barekese, Owabi, Mampong, Konongo and Odaso treatment plants. The Barekese and Owabi plants, which supply Kumasi and its immediate surrounding settlements, are able to cover only 70 percent of the residents. Recent rehabilitation of some of the treatments plants especially the Mampong and the Konongo- Agogo has improved their capacities such that the Mampong one can provide to meet demand during the plan period. Obuasi area however has the least water coverage due to illegal mining activities. The sustainability of the surface sources of water for treatment plans especially the Barekese and Owabi are under seriously threat from human activity. Forest that protects the catchment area (also a sanctuary for birds’ monkeys and aquatic vegetation) is being depleted. The four non-conventional water treatment systems are at Tepa, New Edubiase, Asokore, and . These depend on boreholes for their source of water for treatment and distribution in their areas of location. Problems encountered by these are irregular flow of water due to insufficient boreholes and erratic power supply especially for the Tepa and Agona. The latter is currently shut down as a result. The region is also endowed with rivers including the Offin, Annum, Oda and their tributaries and these are a source of water for some communities not only for domestic use but also for agriculture and recreation. Such communities are at risk due to pollution of these sources by illegal mining activities and from Urban affluence. It is projected that while the region’s population will increase from 5.5million in 2016 to about 8.2 million by the end of the plan period (2036), water demand will increase from 48,428,102m3 to 773,199m3 per day Pragmatic interventions will be needed to ensure adequate and safe supply of water for the region during the plan period. Energy Supply By 2010 about 75 percent of the region was connected to the national electricity grid. Supply of energy to the Ashanti Region is from hydro generating plants in Akosombo and Bui. It is supplemented by supplies from thermal plants in Takoradi and Asogi near Tema. Development of a thermal plant in the region at Obuasi is a proposal in the NIP.

xviii

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Energy for domestic use is mainly fuel wood and charcoal. The use of LPG for domestic use is low. Solar usage in the region is mostly by individuals. ICT & Telephony The presence of six cellular network operators in Ghana namely Scancom Ghana Ltd (MTN), Vodafone Ghana Limited, Millicom Ghana Ltd (Tigo), Airtel Communication, Expresso and Globacom Ghana Limited (Glo) have greatly contributed to telecommunication in the region. Investments in ICT Infrastructure by internet service providers and telecommunication companies are helping to improve communication service delivery. The government has primarily concentrated on promoting ICT physical Infrastructure development (although centred in Kumasi) and committed to providing resources to improve ICT education. Social Development It is estimated that about 2 million people in the region lack basic services such as electricity, water and sanitation. These are mostly people living outside the urban areas and especially in remote areas. Education Available data indicate an improvement in education in the region. In 2000 about 32 percent of the population above the age of six in the region never attended school. However, this changed to 15.1 percent in 2010. Enrolment in SHS education in the region increased from 45 percent in 2009/2010 to 54.9 percent in 2015/2016 academic years. Gender purity index in the region for SHS has consistently been higher than that for the average of country as a whole. Concentration of tertiary education is skewed towards Kumasi, the second highest in the country next to Accra. National Council for Tertiary Education (NCTE) data source indicate that there are about 68 private tertiary institutions in Ghana, 15 percent of which are in this region. The region is also endowed with eight College of Education (COE) (six publics, two private) representing 21 percent of the total number in the country). There are a number of key tertiary institutions in the region including the KNUST, College of Agriculture and CSIR Technology School. The region has a unique advantage to capitalise on the scientific educational links to foster science technology based training across educational levels and to create linkages between education and industry. Health The region has a total of 1,368 health care facilities consisting of 895 CHPS, 145 clinics, 131 health centres, 93 hospitals, 25 District hospitals, 1 regional hospital and a teaching hospital. It is one of the only threeregions with a teaching hospital. Currently under construction are a military hospital (at Afari in the Atwima Nwabiagya District) and a regional hospital at Sewua (in the Bosomtwe District). The concentration of health facilities is mostly in Kumasi and the surrounding Districts. Obuasi also has a high cluster while Mampong has a fair cluster of District hospital, clinics and health centres. Districts with less dense population have few health facilities especially clinic and health centres but a number of CHPs compounds. The CHPs alone

xix

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036 constitute 70 percent of the total number of facilities in the region. Most people have access to health facilities as most people live within 20km from Kumasi and have good to fair accessibility by road. The exceptions are those in the Sekyere Afram plains who fall outside this radius and have poor accessibility. The region is also endowed with a large number of private and CHAG hospitals that provide specialist facilities to compliment the public ones. The sphere of influence of some of these specialist facilities extend beyond the region, notable among them are the Agogo hospital (in Ashante Akim North) which provides eye services whiles the Peace and Love Hospital in Kumasi provides gynecological services. Specialist and private hospitals cluster around Greater Kumasi and Obuasi areas. The KMA has the highest number of specialist, doctors, and midwives while the Sekyere Afram Plains has the least numbers. Despite the availability of CHPS and other primary health care facilities, health outcomes are not as expected, child mortality for example is the third highest in the country. Poverty Poverty levels in the region declined between 1992-2013, The poverty incidence (the share of the population living below the poverty line) declined from 5,6 percent in 1992 to 24.2 percent in 2013 while the depth of poverty (how far below the poverty line) declined from 20.9 percent to 7.8 percent in the same period. The share of poor population living in rural areas also declined from 85 percent in 2006 to 78 percent in 2013. Sekyere Afram Plains and Sekyeredumasi have the highest proportion of their population living below the poverty line. However due to its population and size KMA has the highest proportion of estimated poor persons in the region which raises the issue of urban poverty which could be translated into slums, crime and various vices. Although the region is relatively better in social investments there is the need to match social investment with population growth to avoid huge unskilled and unhealthy labour force. Investment in social infrastructure and social services would be required to improve the livelihood and create safe human settlement particularly in the KMA which is continually attracting population whereas the Sekyere Afram Plains lags behind and therefore needs attention. Environment and Climate Change The Ashanti Region is a vibrant and important region due to its rich natural resource of forests, rivers and water bodies and wet lands and also has significant store house of carbon with a potential of generative benefits within the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) programme. By the close of 2010, the region had 60.3 percent (representing about 1.475 million hectares) of its total land area under forest. The forest is home to a wide range of tree species, ants, termites, butterflies, amphibians, retiles, birds and mammals, some of which are of conservation interest. However since (2010) more than 9.5 percent representing 156,608.35 hectares of natural forest has been lost as a result of logging for timber.

xx

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

The Lake Bosomtwe has recently been enlisted by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve which has elevated the conservation value and interest in the Lake and its ecosystem including the Bosomtwe range forest. The environment of the Ashanti region is characterized by water pollution, deforestation, land degradation and bio-diversity loss. Aside timber extraction, forest lands are under stress due to exploitation of fuel wood for domestic and industrial use. Deforestation has led to local climate changes, soil erosion land degradation and loss of biodiversity to mention a few. Encroachment on public open spaces, waterways and natural reserves in urban areas are of concern for the environment. Mining is a major contributor to land degradation. In for example, industrial and illegal small scale mining have destroyed large cocoa farms polluted water bodies depleted water resources and contaminated rivers with heavy metals. The population and key agro-ecological systems in the region are vulnerable to impacts of climate change and natural disaster, notable being rising temperatures, rainfall variability and unpredictability, floods, fires and drought A challenge which has to be tackled with all serious is the recent surge in illegal mining activities degrading the forests, destroying the habitat of many wildlife and migratory birds polluting water bodies and subsequently the livelihood of many people. THE SPATIAL STRUCTURE Kumasi the capital of the region is the most populated and has a vibrant commercial centre and a large share of the region’s infrastructure. It is one of the largest cities among the landlocked cities in the sub-region with active economic links. Kumasi has expanded to engulf all the major settlements in its immediate environs including Ejisu, Kodie and . It is for this reason that the CUDPGK was prepared to cover the city (Kumasi) and its seven adjoining Districts. The plan (CUDPGK) proposed an Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) with a radius of 20km from the centre of the city to curtail the sprawl of Kumasi. Between 20km and 50km radius are a number of other major settlements including Mampong, Konongo, Agona and . The NSDF recognise Kumasi as a primate city second to Accra and used the concept of a city region for Kumasi as having 50km radius from the city centre. The ARSDF proposes a number of concentrated hubs within the 50km and 80km radius from the city centre (outside the city region) as Regional Urban Growth Centers (RUGC). Regional Urban Growth Centers These are to be independent economic centres in activities that their areas have comparative advantage in. Their development will provide higher level social development services which will trickle down to their surrounding rural areas. Furthermore, it is expected to reduce disparities between districts in terms of basic services, social and economic development and promote cohesion. Their development will promote a dispersed concentration and lead to socio economic well -being of the populace and address the congestion issues in Kumasi. These growth centres lie on principal national and international routes radiating from Kumasi with urbanized corridors and have a 15km to 25km radius of influence. Their developments are to be compact and interspersed with green belts. These centres have been picked from each of the development zones for equitable investment. They are Kumasi (50km sphere of influence), Obuasi, Konongo

xxi

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Mampong, Ejurai, (with 25km sphere of influence) Akomadan, Tepa, New Edubiase, Nyinahin (with 15km sphere of influence) and Greater Kumasi. Development Zones The influence of Greater Kumasi to the rest of the region in terms of growth corridors is very prominent. The development of four other growth zones are to relief Greater Kumasi of congestion and stress and to stimulate development in their surrounding areas. These are the Tepa, Obuasi, Konongo and Mampong. Within each of these zones some towns have been identified as growth poles. Tepa Zone Located in the western part of the region, the Tepa Zone had a population of 540,902 as at 2016. It comprises Ahafo Ano North, Ahafo Ano South, Amansie West and Atwima Mponua. Farming and mining are the major economic activities in this area. It is also estimated to have the highest concentration of poultry farms. Bauxite and diamond fields are found in this zone; however environmental degradation is a menace due to activities of illegal mining activity. The Kumasi- and Kumasi-Sunyani (to Ivory Coast) roads go through this area. Major settlements within are , Tepa, and Nyinahin. Nyinahin and Tepa have been proposed as urban growth centers. Greater Kumasi Zone Strategically located, in the heart of the region, the Greater Kumasi is the most populous zone with a total population of 3,345,623 in 2016 representing about two thirds of the regional population. KMA, Atwima Kwanwoma, Atwima Nwabiagya, Kwabre East, Afigya Kwabre, Bosomtwe, Asokore Mampong Municipal and Ejisu-Juaben Municipal make up this zone. The sphere of influence of KMA, the capital and core of the region transcends to neighbouring countries. It is a major commercial center where all major roads across the country connects and terminates. Other important settlements in the zone are gradually being incorporated into the core. It is not surprising that the NSDF recommended its development into city region. Obuasi Zone The Obuasi zone is located at the southern part of the region and had a total population of 756,742 in 2016. It is the second most populous zone after the Greater Kumasi and also the most economically active zone after Greater Kumasi. It comprises Adansi North and Adansi South, Amansie Central, Bekwai Municipal, Obuasi Municipal and Bosome Freho. The major occupation is farming followed by mining. AngloGold the biggest industrial mining company (now temporary closed down) is in this zone. Both food and industrial crop production is undertaken. It has a number of tourist sites and a vibrant service sector centred on finance, Hotel operations and trading. The Kumasi-Cape Coast trunk road go through this area. Major settlements in the zone are Bekwai, Obuasi, , New Edubiase and Fomena. Obuasi and New Edubiase have been proposed as Regional Growth Centres. Extensive environmental degradation pertains here due to illegal mining operations. Konongo Zone This zone comprises Asante Akim North, Asante Akim South, Asante Akim Central, Sekyere Kumawu, Sekyere East and Sekyere Afram Plains and is located at the eastern part of the region.

xxii

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

It had a total population of 476,278 as at 2016. It falls within two agro-ecological zones (transition and semi-deciduous forest zone) and therefore has the ability to grow all the major food and industrial crops. It is also home to the highest number of cattle population in the country. The national central road corridor that connects Accra/Tema to the north and beyond go through this zone. Major settlements are Konongo, Agogo, Effiduase, Kumawu, and Droboso. All but Drobonso have strong economic network. Konongo and Drobonso have been proposed as Regional Growth Centres. Mampong Zone The Sekyere-Offinso zone is located at the northern part of the region and includes Mampong Municipal, Offinso Municipal, Offinso North, Ejura Sekyeredumase Municipal and Sekyere Central. The major occupation in this zone is farming and it had a total Population of 544,566 in 2016. It falls within two agro-ecological zones and as such has the ability to grow all the major food and industrial crops. Akomadan is the leading producer of vegetables including tomatoes, garden eggs and pepper, and Ejura area a major producer of yams in the country. Two of the busiest growth corridors in the region (the Kumasi-Mampong and Kumasi-Offinso) go through this area. It is endowed with numerous ecotourism sites. Major towns are Ejura, , Mampong, Agona, Offinso and Akomadan. Mampong, Ejura and Akomadan have been proposed as Regional Growth Centres. Development of Preferred Scenario Vision The desired future of the region for the next 20 years is expressed in a vision as follows: By 2036 Ashanti Region will be a leading place in Ghana and in the sub region for convergence of economic activities where people enjoy a high quality of life within a healthy, inclusive and sustainable physical, socio-economic and cultural environment. Expected outcome Basically the expected outcome of the ARSDF is to improve competitiveness of the region in Ghana and the ECOWAS sub-region; reduce district disparities in terms of basic infrastructure, social and economic development; develop compact and dense spatial structures; improve food security; create synergy between urban and rural, and take advantage of the high technological innovations. To achieve this there was the need for the development of effective proposals and strategies for the next 20years. Three scenarios were developed based on the key strong points in the three sectors, Agriculture, manufacturing and services, and recognition of particular areas of concentration of these activities and areas with comparative advantages. Scenarios The Scenarios make an assessment of how different investments option in the three economic sectors. Agriculture, Industry (including oil and gas) and services might shape the spatial structure of the region.

xxiii

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Option 1: The Agriculture and Small and Medium scale Enterprises (SMEs) Led Economy This option prioritizes investments in Agriculture sector whilst setting the stage for an industrial economy which will fuel the service industry. It considered the future of Agriculture; whether investment in commercial Agriculture and its value chain can greatly grow the rural economy, improve food, security, increase incomes and set the basis for industrialization partly through agro processing. Based on analysis and findings the region has a huge potential in production for both food and industrial crops due to the favorable climatic conditions. Large tract of lands especially in the Afram Plains area is available. The region ranks third in food crop production and produces seven out of the eleven MOFA selected crops. The adoption of scientific and mechanical investment in agriculture is crucial and is to be spear headed by SME’s that will produce tools and other machinery for improved agriculture practices, storage and irrigation schemes. The SME’s will be actively involved in processing and marketing of the produce. The existing research institution (CSIR) is to be made use of to develop a more productive method of farming, new crop types and methods for climate resilience. Availability of credit facilities and Government commitment are the underlying assumptions. Option 2: The Industry, Mining and Gas concentrated Development led Economy This option prioritises investments for improved industrialization including mining and oil and gas whilst considering its implications on urbanization. The sector has a potential to expand from its large but informal base (e.g. the Suame magazine industrial). Gold deposits, huge bauxite and diamond fields (at the southern and western portion), and oil and gas potential in the eastern part supports this option. The future of the industrial sector will depend on value addition to basic commodities and production of tradable and exportable goods. Availability of site and services, energy, water, finance and access to markets are the underlying factors. Option 3: Services, ICT, Tourism and Environmental Protection led Economy This option examines whether continuing exponential growth of the services sector dominated by the informal sector, including commerce, tourism and leisure but also with scope for large scale investments in ICT, finance, malls, hotels, power, transport etc. can induce widespread growth in the Ashanti Region. A services scenario priortises investment in the fastest growing sector of the economy which constituted about 62 percent of employment in the Ashanti Region as at 2015. Although it also contains a large, low waged, urbanized population living at subsistence levels, it is argued that the development of the sector can lead to economic prosperity. The energy and innovation aspects of the large numbers in the informal sector should be the seedbed for industrial growth. There is the need to move the low skilled service economy towards a highly skilled service led economy. Transitional measures that need to be developed include training to facilitate progression from informal to the formal economy including local content for large scale investments. Provision of served sites and relocation of trading activities to key transport nodes to decongest Kejetia market and identification of markets in key rural towns will need to be pursued. The promotion of the tourist industry which runs parallel with environmental improvement and concerns through protection of the forests and renewable energy usage will also generate revenue when investment is guided by this scenario. Investment in visitor access to leisure destinations will be crucial. This will include new road links to tourist sites.

xxiv

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

The growth potential in telecoms and internet technology needs to be supported to increase penetration rate. Mobile financing will need to be upgraded. Harmonised Development Scenario Finally, upon consensus, a combination of all the three scenarios was adopted and named the Harmonised Development Scenario as the preferred scenario. This is because every area in the region has a comparative advantage in one of the scenarios. The combined approach will afford each area to reap advantages in their area and eventually contribute their quota to the development of the region. The report concludes with a programme of action and an implementation plan.

xxv

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

1 Introduction This section outlines the purposes of the development of the Ashanti Region Spatial Development Framework (ARSDF), its contextual and geographic scope as well as its location and duration. 1.1 The 'Framework' This Framework1 for Ashanti Region has been prepared with the assistance of the Government of Ghana and the Regional Oversight Committee, which was established for the project. It is a 'Framework' rather than a 'Plan' because, in a market-driven economy, it is mostly private investors who make decisions that drive development. Government spending, especially on infrastructure, can facilitate development especially when a well-prepared Framework guides it. This Framework is intended to guide all actors to make the most efficient use of infrastructure, create a harmonious, equitable living environment, and a development path which meets the core principles of sustainable use of land and natural resources. 1.1.1 The Framework and Ghana's Planning System The ARSDF is intended to be integrated into the Ghana development planning system. It covers the plans, projects and programs of the government as well as the Private Sector, Civil Society and Traditional Authorities as equal partners in any successful development of the Ashanti Region. The Framework is designed to be flexible and be able to respond to changes of circumstances, new initiatives and new investment projects, which will arise on a regular basis. 1.2 The "3-tier" spatial planning system for Ghana Government has now established a “3-tier” spatial planning system which is described in the Land Use and Spatial Planning Act (2016). The term “tier” refers to a planning methodology comprising three components: (i) Spatial Development Framework (SDF), (ii) Structure Plans (SPs), and (iii) Local Plans (LPs) as illustrated in Figure 1.1 SDFs are prepared at the National, Sub National, Regional and District levels. The completion of the National Spatial Development Framework (NSDF) provides an opportunity to reap the benefits of having the system fully operational at all levels in some places. This is an exciting prospect for a system which has been ten years in the making.

1 According to the TCPD New Spatial Planning Model Guidelines, a spatial development Framework is a spatial strategy for achieving defined social, economic and environmental policies. It provides a picture of the likely and preferred development pattern 20 years in the future. It may address the spatial development implications of key sectors: economic development and employment, population and urbanisation, housing and infrastructure services, education and health care, tourism and leisure, transportation, communications, culture and nature and the environment. An SDF provides a strategic vision—it is a framework, not a blue print. Accordingly, it allows for economic and spatial development to take place without stifling or constraining regional, district and local initiatives, provided they are in alignment with the framework. It provides perspectives and proposals for what kinds of development should take place, how much of it should occur, where this should happen, and how to make this happen.

1

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Figure 1.1: Illustration of the three-tier planning system

Source: Compiled by Spatial Solutions, 2017

2

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Following the formulation of the NSDF, the preparation of the ARSDF connects national and regional level planning to District SDFs. Therefore, SPs and LPs which are the second and third levels in the land use planning system must be in line with the ARSDF which when approved will be a legal document. The Ashanti Regional Oversight Committee as engaged previously in both the NSDF and the Comprehensive Urban Development Plan for Greater Kumasi consultative processes 1.3 ARSDF planning area and Surroundings The planning area for the ARSDF is the Ashanti Region of Ghana (see Figure 1.2). However, the Region has impact on, and is affected by the surrounding regions and beyond Ghana's borders. Therefore, it is considered that for many factors, the area of influence goes beyond the region's boundaries.

Figure 1.2: Planning Area For the purpose of describing and analysing the current situation and historical trends, as well as making future projections and recommendations, the ARSDF makes extensive use of the existing regional and district boundaries. Data pertaining to the region is available and generally reliable. This is because the regional administrative boundaries have been fixed for several decades, such that demographic data pertaining to these boundaries has been captured over four national censes.

Source: Spatial Solutions (2016) based on GSS (2010) 1.3.1 Development Zones For planning purposes, the Spatial Framework has grouped the Region and its Districts into five Development Zones shown in figure 1.3 (volume 2). These are based on similarity of ecological characteristics, natural resource endowment, economic activities, and strategic location of main settlements and routes. The array of these factors render each zone unique, with different needs for investment in production. Within each zone, to the extent possible, data and analysis has been disaggregated to the district level, because District Assemblies will need this understanding when preparing their SDFs. Nevertheless the district level data is complicated due to the creation of a number of new Districts over time, the lack of clarity and multiple versions of district boundaries, combined

3

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036 with lack of data at the district level or the uncertainty regarding the correspondence between data sets and boundaries2. 1.3.2 The policy context for the ARSDF The existing development frameworks as well as policies and plans for the region have been thoroughly reviewed as an input to the ARSDF. Therefore, the ARSDF is informed by the NSDF, the National Infrastructure Plan3 (NIP) the Comprehensive Urban Development Plan for Greater Kumasi (CUDPGK) as well as other relevant National and Regional-level policies, plans, projects and programmes. It has taken into account the other previous Development Plans, including the Ghana Shared Growth and Development Agenda (GSGDA 2013-17), as well as the current Medium Term Development Plans (2013-17) prepared for districts in the region. This should then inform the forthcoming next round of preparation of those plans (2018- 22) and the preparation of Spatial Development Frameworks at the district level. 1.3.3 The ARSDF and related levels of plans The ARSDF is more detailed than the NSDF but less detailed than district level spatial development plans as well as the lower tier spatial plans (SPs and LPs). It benefits greatly from the recently completed NSDF (which places the Kumasi City Region in the context of West African Regional Cities), Greater Kumasi Plan, the neighbouring Western Regional Spatial Development Framework (WRSDF) and the Northern Sector Ecological Zone (NSEZ) plans 1.4 The methodology for the preparation of the ARSDF This is the first Regional SDF which has been prepared in Ghana after the completion of the National SDF (completed 2015). As earlier stated, it benefits from the SDF and SP of the CUDPGK (completed 2013). Therefore, the ARSDF utilizes the information and analyses of these two very detailed and extensive frameworks. However, new field data was collected to update their work and to fill in the gaps for the Districts that were not covered by the CUDPGK. The analysis of data and preparation of development scenarios for the region has built on both the new data and the prior work of these frameworks, after ensuring the quality and consistency of the data-sets, and analysis of them using various types of spatial and other software. The general method adopted for the development of the Framework, was executed in the following phases;

• Phase 1: Data Collection and Demonstration of Current Situation Any kind of spatial planning requires accurate and accessible data. A spatial planning exercise on the scale of the ARSDF required the collection of a huge amount of data, which was cleaned and stored in a way that made it easily accessible for analysis. A combination of primary and secondary data collected formed the basis of analysis.

2 The most common district boundary definition, which is used here, is that held by LUSPA's LUPMIS system for the 171 districts that existed in 2010. ARSDF makes reference to other district boundary definitions, for example, the 110 districts in 2000 or the 216 districts that exist at the time of ARSDF preparation. 3 The National Infrastructure Plan is complimentary to the NSDF and the basis of disbursement from the Oil Fund (Check)

4

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

A large part of the data sets used in this document pertains to 2010 or earlier, due to the unavailability of a more recent data. For example, the population projection is based on trends between 2000 and 2010. The types of data collected include the following: population growth and distribution across the region, human settlement systems and location of various land uses (which included both spatial and tabular data as well as data on infrastructure, social development, the environment and climate change)

• Phase 2: Data Analysis All the physical, environmental and socio-economic data collected was mapped using GPS and plotted onto scanned base maps of the 30 districts using the LUPMIS, and ArcGIS software. These were mapped onto separate GIS thematic maps. They were then combined to give key spatial characteristics for the plan area highlighting on existing conditions within the region. Economic Growth, Population and Employment Projections were analysed to project required capacity of the economy. Some of the interaction between "Layers" that were considered include the relationship between economic development and infrastructure (power, water and transportation); between locations for economic activity and settlements; between development activity and protected areas, among others. A summary of findings, which stressed the priority challenges and problems in the region, was used for discussion and validation during a technical working group session with the Regional Oversight Committee (ROC).

• Modeling of Scenarios From the analysis of findings scenarios were developed each of which demonstrated specific objectives, investment opportunities added advantages and the core strategies to achieve the goals. The scenarios which were developed and discussed with stakeholders included’ 1. A scenario prioritising growth in the agriculture sector with the involvement of SMEs, 2. A scenario prioritising industrialisation including mining, oil and gas development, and 3. A scenario prioritising services-led and IT based development. This was subjected to stakeholder and a preferred scenario based on harmonization of the factors which had been revealed, was adopted.

• Development of Reports In addition to the ARSDF Final Report which includes implementation strategies, other important milestone reports namely (inception, scenario development and interim reports,) have been compiled and distributed to all the major stakeholders.

• Consultation and Validation Workshops As part of the process for the ARSDF a series of consultation and data validation workshop were held with the ROC to discuss the veracity of the data before the intensive data analysis commenced. Members of the group were given the opportunity to comment on the data by highlighting on the gaps whilst recommending other available and reliable sources to the Consultants. Workshops on scenarios were organized to solicit the views of all stakeholders prior to adopting a preferred scenario as well as the approval of the implementation process. (see Annex for detailed account of all stakeholder meetings).

5

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

1.4.1 Analysis Themes The themes which were analysed included the following: 1. Demography, 2. Economic sectors (industrial, mining, agriculture, services and food production including food crops, cash crops, animal husbandry and fisheries) and productivity 3. Urbanisation 4. Infrastructure (roads, railways, marine and lake transport and air transport electricity, water supply) 5. Social services (basic services, education and health) 6. Environmental land cover types (forests, crops, grassland, wetlands) and natural resources including minerals 7. Cultural heritage resources.

1.4.2 ARSDF and other Planning Periods The ARSDF has a twenty-year planning horizon. ARSDF formulation began in mid-2016 and was completed in early 2017. While the twenty-year period may be said to end between 2036 or 2037, ARSDF uses 2037 as the planning period end date to align with the four-year planning periods which are used for the National Development Plan This means that the projection to 2037 relates to a 25-year time span, not a 20-year period. In addition, 2037 is not intended as the end-date by which all spatial issues identified in the NSDF can or will be resolved. There are opportunities, challenges, and interventions that have shorter, medium and longer-term perspectives. Some interventions, for example, the Ghana Railroad Master Plan (GRMP) that has its own 35-year implementation period to almost 2050, will not be completed by 2036. But land allocations for the infrastructure network alignment would need to be set aside now and safeguarded for development beyond the year 2037. 1.4.3 Updating and Review The ARSDF is not just a one-off plan; but part of a Planning System which is subject to a cyclical, systematic process of review that needs to be continually supported maintained, monitored and upgraded. The System must have the correct vertical and horizontal links to other sectoral and local government agencies and be in a form which will make it easy to share data and work together for common objectives. These agencies which are vital to the implementation of the Framework, have participated in the process as outlined in stakeholder consultation. This understanding of the need for connectedness has informed the preparation of the ARSDF. 1.5 Benefits and Uses of ARSDF • Integrating Projects and Programmes The ARSDF will benefit stakeholders at the national, regional and local levels. National level planners will be able to integrate sector policies, programmes and projects. This promotes better coordination of major national level infrastructure and other projects at local level in order

6

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036 to maximize the benefits. This Framework serves to harness the complementarities and initiates of sectoral agencies, the private sector and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)

• Plan alignment and spatial coordination At the Regional level, the RCCs have a Regional Planning and Coordinating Unit (RPCU), and the Land Use and Spatial Planning Act has proposed the formation of Regional Spatial Planning Committees (RSPC) to be serviced by the Regional Landuse and Spatila Planning Authority. The Regions are responsible for preparing Regional SDFs that align with the NSDF as well as monitoring, evaluating and harmonizing District SDFs at the Regional level Under the new Land Use and Spatial Planning Act, Districts are required to prepare SDFs which are aligned to the regional and national levels. This process improves coordinated planning on socio-economic activities within the region. Development Planners will be in a better position to identify locations for urban and rural service centres and infrastructural development in order to minimize spatial disparities within the region. In an agrarian region like the Ashanti Region, the potential for agriculture and agro-based industries mining and other industrial sectors will become more apparent and focused under the Spatial Development Framework.

• Benefits for the environment The environment will be improved through concerted efforts to protect areas including buffer zones for rivers and flood plains, parks and wetlands which span naturally beyond district boundaries. Such areas are to be connected through landscape corridors. Priority has been given to recognition of the key role that ecological goods and services play in the Region. Measures to create nucleated settlements to guard against settlement sprawl have been recommended. Issues related to illegal mining which is rampant particularly in the Adansi areas bordering the Central Region, have been addressed through the proposals made in the ARSDF.

• Climate change The likely impact of climate change will become more evident so that developments can be designed to be more resilient. Climate adaptation and mitigation strategies will be highlighted. This will provide opportunities for regional and district level institutions to address issues of natural hazards and climate related disasters and also devise and implement programmes and projects which are climate resilient.

• Urbanisation The NSDF has projected that by 2025 about 70 percent of the country will be urbanized with Ashanti Region and Greater Accra being the most urbbanised charge4. It is important that ARSDF makes appropriate projections and suggestions to reflect on the dynamics between the urban and rural settings. Invariably, there will be improved understanding and desire to take action on linkages between urban and rural areas. Urban areas and human settlements need to be spatially integrated and distributed into an orderly hierarchy of human settlements in support of socio-economic development. The ARSDF articulates the functional role of

4 Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, National Spatial Development Framework, Volume II, 2015

7

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Kumasi as the dominant urban centre, and which other regional centres which needs to be strengthened. The fortunate existence of the Greater Kumasi Plan, as well as the NSDF, have greatly strengthened this and other aspects of the ARSDF 1.6 Main Objectives The main objective of the consultancy service is to provide technical assistance to the Government of Ghana through the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources in formulating a spatial development framework for the Ashanti Region. Specifically, the consultancy services seek to achieve the following broad objectives:

• Prepare a Spatial Development Framework for the Ashanti Region; • Formulate a Programme of Action and Investment Plan to facilitate implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the plan. 1.6.1 Specific Objectives Based on the above, the consulting firm proposes the following specific objectives, which are deemed important to the successful implementation of the assignment:

• To assist in the coordination and integration of plans for all MMDAs within the region • To diversify and strengthen the economic base and to create and support conditions that enable all to participate and benefit • To foster the conditions for a more prosperous agricultural sector and significantly reduce the national food import bill and unemployment • To recognise the value of natural resources (including land, air and wetlands) and to ensure that they are used in sustainable ways, differentiating appropriately between those that are renewable as opposed to finite • To adapt the ways in which we live and build so as to maximise resilience to the effects and impacts of climate change and to reduce contributions to factors that are adding to it • To coordinate the use and development of land and the provision of transport infrastructure so as to reduce traffic congestion and promote more efficient, less wasteful and less polluting modes of travel. • To support the expansion and efficient use of electronic communications networks, including telecommunications and high speed broadband 1.7 Possible outcomes of the ARSDF The ARSDF will: ▪ Improve the competitiveness of the region, it's major urban centres and districts in relation to Ghana and the ECOWAS sub-region, through functional integration of its socio-economic and environmental planning. ▪ Develop and maintain a cohesive and poly-nodal settlement structure. ▪ Reduce the disparities between districts - in terms of basic services, social and economic development - and promote cohesion to realize their inherent potentials. ▪ Develop spatial structures that are more compact and dense with a high quality natural environment. ▪ Improve connectivity by developing communications and multi-modal transport systems. ▪ Enhance resilience to climate change and natural disasters. ▪ Create synergy between urban and rural development.

8

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

9

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS, DEVELOPMENT CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

2 GEOPHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS Geophysical characteristics play an important role in enhancing the planning and implementation efforts by Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in their respective geographic areas. Knowledge of the geophysical characteristics is critical for situating the ground-based features and the conditions of both the physical and natural environment and its interactions and interrelationship with one another. This knowledge also influences plans and proposals to ensure sound and sustainable physical developments. Characteristics such as climatic and weather conditions, rainfall and temperature patterns, soil, elevation, forest and game reserves and the natural (mineral) resource base of the region are discussed in this section. 2.1 Climate and Vegetation As shown in Figure 2.1, the Ashanti Region lies within two different vegetation zones, namely the Transitional and the Moist Semi-Deciduous Forest zones. About 90% of the region lies within the Semi-Deciduous Forest zone and the remaining part, which lies in the north of the region, lies within the Transitional zone, thus giving the region it is unique potential for the production of a variety of food and tree crops. This is relevant to the analysis of agricultural activities in the region discussed in Chapter 4.

Figure 2.1: Ecological Zones

Source: FAO, 2012

10

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

2.2 Topography The topography of the region contains high slopes around Mampong, Jamasi, Kumawu, Agogo, Obuasi, Fomena and Nyinahin areas as shown in Figure 2.2. Except for the aforementioned places, the region is relatively flat eliminating any critical challenges in construction and other economic investments. The mean elevation ranges between 300m to 400m above sea level. The mountainous areas in the region act as potential tourist sites, source of water for plants and animals, whilst the forest and game reserves areas, which are mostly on the high elevations, enhance biodiversity conservation.

Figure 2.2: Elevation of Ashanti Region

Source: USAID, 2012

2.3 Rainfall and Temperature Patterns The rainfall pattern establishes the region as having one of the highest lengths of growing period, which averages about 340 days5 for planting different types of crops in the course of the year. The region records annual average rainfall of 1,270mm, shown in Chart 2.1 with two rainy seasons. The major season occurs between April to mid-August and the minor season is from September to November. The relatively dry season occurs within December to March and mid-August to mid-September6 periods. Average daily temperature is about 270C.

5 Ghana Meteorological Service, 2010 6 Ghana Meteorological Service, 2010

11

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Chart 2.1: Annual Average Rainfall (1921 to 2010)

250

200

150 y = -0.3929x + 128.16

100

50

0

1923 1925 1927 1929 1931 1933 1935 1937 1939 1941 1943 1945 1947 1949 1951 1953 1955 1957 1959 1961 1963 1965 1967 1969 1971 1973 1975 1977 1979 1981 1983 1985 1987 1989 1991 1993 1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 1921

Source: FAO, 2010 2.4 Water Resources and Drainage The region is supplied and drained by the Pra, Oda, Anum and Offin rivers, and tributaries. The Lake Bosomtwe, just south of Kumasi, is a crater lake, and the largest natural lake in the country. Man-made dams such as Owabi and Barekese serve as sources of drinking water and irrigation in several localities. The protection of these water bodies is key to the sustainability of an ecosystem which has direct links to socio economic activities like agriculture and domestic and industrial water supply. Figure 2.3 shows the natural drainage system in the region.

12

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Figure 2.3: Drainage Map of Ashanti Region

Source: Forestry Commission, 2012 & GKUDP, 2013

2.5 Forest and Game Reserves The region has about one hundred and thirty (130) forest reserves, which are mostly located on the peripheries, and two (2) game parks namely Kogyae Strict National Reserve and Bomfobiri Wildlife Sanctuary in the northeastern part of the region. Overall the region’s total forest and game reserves amounts to 4,149.62km2 representing 17% of its land area. The protection of these reserves, parks and forest in general slows down the negative impact of climate change, which underlies the Government's commitment to meeting the United Nations Strategic Development Goal (SDG) 13. Figure 2.4 shows the distribution of Forest and Game Reserve of the region.

13

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Figure 2.4:Forest and Game Reserves of Ashanti Region

Source: Forestry Commission (2012) & GKUPD, 2013 2.6 Mineral Resource The region is endowed with several mineral deposits such as gold, diamond, bauxite and manganese (Figure 2.5). It has seventy-three (73) mineral deposit sites and two huge Bauxite and Diamond fields located in Beposo (Asante Akim South to Avenor (Adansi South)). These deposits are largely located in the southern half of the region. Unfortunately, there are extensive small scale illegal gold mining activities which are undermining the industry and creating environmental havoc, particularly the pollution of the Pra River, but also other water courses. The Ghana Minerals Commission is responsible for regulating all mining activities including small scale ones through the establishment of ‘Small Scale Mining Direct Offices’ across the country.

14

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Figure 2.5: Mineral Resource of Ashanti Region

Source: Minerals Commission, 2012

15

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

2.7 Summary of Key Findings (geophysical characteristics) ▪ The Ashanti Region is mostly characterized by a moist-deciduous climate combined with hilly and afforested areas which have become heavily settled over the years by

peasant farmers cultivating forest tree crops. ▪ The Region also has enviable climatic conditions for agriculture, and also for forestry, wildlife and water shed protection. ▪ Even though temperatures in the Region are lower than in the Northern Savannah, climate control actions need to be considered. There is a long term diminishing rainfall and increasing temperature trend from 1849 to 2010 which needs to be checked, with pragmatic measures being put in place to reduce temperatures by at least 10C. ▪ The Region has several forest and game reserves which, when protected, can attract tourists for revenue generation and job creation. ▪ The availability of mineral resources, which are also in the hillier moist deciduous zone and amongst the forested and peasant farming areas, places the region as a strategic investment area above other regions.

▪ Generally, the region is well endowed with natural resources which is a major CHARACTERISTICS

contributory factor to its influence within the West African sub region.

PHYSICAL

- GEO

16

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

3 POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS AND HUMAN SETTLEMENTS DEVELOPMENT 3.1 Introduction Population concentration influences socio economic activities within a geographical area. The geophysical characteristics of the region demonstrates a concentration of natural resources and this in part influence migration into the region. It is not a surprise that the region with the population of 4.7 million is the most populous in the country. However, distribution and concentration of population within the region may further influence the regional economic growth and it is paramount that a critical view of the trends of population growth and distribution are considered in any major regional development. 3.2 Population density and growth – in the national perspective 3.2.1 Population Density The population density7 of the region is currently 196 persons per sq. km. It is the third highest after the Greater Accra Region (1,235.8 persons per sq. km) and the Central Region (224.1 persons per sq. km). The density increased steadily from 45 persons/km2 in 1960, 61 persons/km2 in 1970, 86 persons/km2 in 1984, to 148 persons/km2 in 2000. The rapid increase represents fast population growth exerting pressure on the fixed land area. 3.2.2 Population growth As shown in Chart 3.1, the regional population growth patterns between 1960 and 2010 appear to fall into three distinct groups, which may be termed ‘strong’, ‘moderate’ and ‘weak’ growth centers. Ashanti and Greater Accra are the strong growth regions, which have increased fourfold and eightfold, respectively, since 1960. The moderate growth regions—Northern, Western, Brong Ahafo, Central and Volta—have increased by between 2.7 and 4.5 times. The weak regions, Upper East, Upper West and Eastern—have increased by only 2.4 times. The population growth rate for the region has been higher than the national average for each census year, even though it fluctuates. The 2010 population growth rate for the region is only lower than those of the Central and Greater Accra regions (3.1% each) and Northern region (2.9%).

7 Population density is measured by the population of a given area divided by the land area in square kilometres.

17

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Chart 3.1: Regional Growth Pattern in Ghana 1960-2010 Western Central 5,000 G Accra Volta 4,000 Eastern Ashanti Brong Ahafo 3,000 Northern Upper East 2,000 Upper West

1,000 regional population ‘000 population regional 0 1960 1970 1984 2000 2010 Source: GSS Population and Housing Census

3.3 Historical Trends of Regional Population The trajectory of Ashanti Region’s population is not different from that of many regions in the country. Due to a consistently high average growth rate, (see Chart 3.2) the region’s population has increased more than four (4) times from over 1 million to over 4 million from 1960 to 2010. Its total population of 4,780,280 constituting 19.4 percent of national population in 2010.

Chart 3.2: Trends in population growth rate 1970-2010 4 3.4 3.5 2.9 3 2.7 2.5 2.5

2

1.5

1 Population growthrate 0.5

0 1970 1984 2000 2010 Census Year

Source: GSS, 2013

Between 1960 and 1970, the population growth rate increased to 2.9 percent, declining slightly to 2.5 percent between 1970 and 1984. It then increased again to its highest of 3.4 percent between 1984 and 2000, whilst reducing to 2.7 percent between 2000 and 2010 (see Table 3.1).

Table 3.1: Population Growth Summary of Ashanti Region, 1960 - 2016 year 1960 1970 1984 2000 2010 2016

# of years in period 10 14 16 10 6 population ‘000 1,103 1,482 2,090 3,613 4,780 5664

18

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

population increase ‘000 378 608 1,523 1,167 884

average annual pop increase 37 43 95 116 147

population'000 growth rate 2.9 2.5 3.4 2.7 2.4 total urban population ‘000 276 440 679 1,853 2,897 3454 urban population increase 164 236 1,174 1,044 557 average‘000 annual urban pop 16 16 73 104 92.8

urbanincrease share‘000 ‘’'000 (urbanization 25 29.7 32.5 51.3 60.6 60.9 urban rurallevel) population ‘000 832 1,041 1,410 1,759 1,883 2209 rural population increase ‘000 209 369 349 124 326

average annual rural pop 20 26 21 12 54

ruralincrease share '000 75 70.3 67.5 48.7 39.4 39.1 rural Source: GSS, 2010

The population increase between 1960 and 2010 of the region maybe largely due to natural increase. This is mainly as a result of an increase in life expectancy8 (from 43 to 64 years for females; from 38 to 60 years for males) despite a sharp decline in total fertility rate (from 6.50 to 3.28 births per woman). Despite experiencing high levels of in and out migration (see 2.2.6 for more details), the net in-migration of 240,000 between 2000 and 2010 was relatively small. 3.4 Urban Population Growth in Ashanti Region The urban population growth in the Region is due to natural growth of the population in urban areas, migration from rural areas within the region, in-migration from other regions, and re-classification of settlements have attained the 5,000-population threshold, and incorporation and urbanization of existing rural settlements. Table 2.1 reveals the high level of urbanization in the Region. The region’s urban population first exceeded its rural population in 2000 and this increased further by 2010. The urban population rose steadily from 25 percent in 1960, to 29.7 percent in 1970, 32.5 percent in 1984, and 51.3 percent in 2000 to 60.6 percent in 2010. About 20% of the urbanization in the region between 2000 and 2010 can be attributed to migration from other regions, particularly from the northern parts of the country. Figure 3.1 shows the location and pattern of expansion of settlements in the region. It clearly shows that Kumasi (in centre) and Obuasi (south of Kumasi) are the two main urban areas, but that urban development also tends to follow the main road network which connects to the main growth centres and trade routes outside of the region.

8 according to the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), 2013

19

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Figure 3.1: Settlement Changes from 1990-2015

Source: Forestry Commission 2010 and Spatial Solutions, 2016

3.5 Rural population growth The rural population share decreased steadily from 75 percent in 1960 to 39.1 percent in 2016 as shown in Chart 3.3 However, in terms of absolute numbers, the rural population more than doubled from 800,000 to over 1.8 million from 1960 to 2016. This most likely was mainly due to natural increase

Chart 3.3: Urban/Rural Share of Population

80 75 70.3 67.5 70 60.6 60.9

60 51.3 48.7 50 39.4 39.1 40 32.5 29.7 30 25

Percent population 20

10

0 1960 1970 1984 2000 2010 2016

%URBAN %RURAL

Source: GSS 2010 and Spatial Solutions, 2016

20

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

3.6 Migration trends In total, the Region had in-migration of 853,751 and out-migration of 613,731, yielding net migration of 240,020 as indicated by the 2010 Population and Housing Census Report9. The Region registered the highest positive net-migration from the Northern (105,338) and Upper East (107,532) regions. In addition, 1.8% of the migrants were from outside the country. Migrants were pulled from the poorer, dry and less fertile savannah in the north of Ghana (see Chart 3.3) to Kumasi because of its location at the centre of international trade routes, with vibrant commercial activities, and at the centre of a region which is richly endowed with natural resources and conducive climatic conditions. In addition, 1.8% of the migrants were from outside the country. Migrants are attracted to Obuasi because until recently it has been the location of a successful internationally owned world class gold mine, Anglo Gold. It should also be noted that the high number of out migrants is also indicative of Kumasi's intermediary role, as noted in the National SDF10, between the inland, northern regions of Ghana and the more successful coastal regions, especially Accra. 3.7 District Population The distribution and growth of population at the district level provides insights into the spatial dynamics of the region so as to better inform spatial planning. This section provides a district- level perspective on population growth. It covers district populations in 2000 and 2016, district population densities, population growth rates, urbanisation levels, rural populations in urbanised districts, the five leading districts as well as the underperforming districts. 3.7.1 Distribution of the Region's population per district Looking at Figure 3.2, the Region exhibits a fairly even distribution of population apart from the extremes of Kumasi, at the centre, and the Sekyere Afram Plains, the large and poorly accessed part of the Transitional zone in the north east of the Region.

9 According to the GSS (2013), migration can be defined as the geographical relocation of a person from one usual place of residence to another. 10 National Spatial Development Framework, 2015

21

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Figure 3.2: Distribution of population per District

Source: GSS 2010

3.7.2 District Population Growth Rates The varying population growth rates among the districts are highly indicative of the way the Region has been developing. The 2010 annual growth rates ranges from as high as 5.96 percent in the Kumasi Metropolis to as low as 1.22 percent in the Kwabre East District as illustrated in Figure 3.3. Districts that had annual growth rates higher than average for the region include Kumasi Metropolis (5.96%), Afigya-Kwabre (4.23%) and Bosomtwe (4.16%)11.

11 Note that, due to the creation of new districts from old ones, it is not possible to estimate the exact inter- censual growth rates of some districts.

22

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Figure 3.3: Population growth rate of Districts (2016)

Ghana North-South transport route

Source: GSS 2010 3.7.3 Leading Districts in Population Growth The five (5) largest districts in the region in 2010 in population terms were Kumasi Metropolis (1,730,249), Asokore Mampong Municipal (304,815), Obuasi Municipal (168,641), Ejisu- Juaben Municipal (143,762) and Atwima Nwabiagya (149,025) District. The total population of these five (5) leading districts constitute 52.2 percent of the region’s population. Moreover, with the exception of Atwima Nwabiagya District and the Obuasi Municipality, all the other districts have annual population growth rates higher than the regional average. 3.7.4 Declining Districts Identifying districts that are either loosing population or stagnating, or growing at a rate less than the average rural population, can help inform policies and programs to promote regional economic development. The loss of district population may be a new phenomenon in Ghana and is likely to continue, particularly rural population loss. The cause of population decline may vary depending on the district. Between 2000 and 2010, the following districts witnessed declining total, rural and even urban populations: ▪ Six (6) districts in the region lost population; these included Sekyere East, Offinso, Ahafo Ano South, Bosome Freho, Obuasi and Kwabre East

23

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

▪ Four (4) districts in the region lost urban populations; these comprised Ahafo Ano South, Bosome Freho, Obuasi, and Kwabre East. These are indicated in Table 3.2 ▪ Six (6) districts in the region lost rural populations. This may be as a result of reclassification from rural to urban settlement status or absolute decline.

Table 3.2: Districts with Losing Population DISTRICT POP 2000 POP 2010 Sekyere East 157396 62172 Offinso 138676 76895 Ahafo Ano 133632 121659 South Bosome Freho 225309 60397 Obuasi 238440 168641 Kwabre East 164668 115556 Source: GSS (2010)

It is important to note that with the exception of the , all the other districts are either newly created, re-classified or have a district carved out of it. As a result, their geographical boundaries have been realigned, thus affecting their population figures. It is therefore not possible to compare their population figures of 2000 and 2010. 3.7.5 District Population Densities Figure 3.4 reveals the population density of the districts in the region. The density ranges between 35 person/km2 in and 12,746 persons/km2 in Asokore Mampong Municipality, which is in the centre of Kumasi. The Figure clearly represents the urban pattern of an expanding Kumasi and Obuasi.

Figure 3.4: Population density of districts

Source: GSS 2010

24

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

3.7.6 District Urbanisation Levels (most and least urbanised) Population density can largely equate with urbanization, but not necessarily so12. There can be relatively dense rural areas without urban centres (as shown in Figure 3.4). The levels of urbanization of Districts is shown in Table 3.3 and Figure 3.4. Urbanisation is the proportion of people living in towns and cities and occurs either by growth of settlements in rural areas or when people move from rural areas to urban areas. It is often regarded as a component of modernisation that is a result of economic growth. The 2010 census shows that the urban population of the region increased from 1.85 million in 2000 to 2.89 million in 2010, with a growth rate of 2.7 per cent per annum during the period.

Table 3.3: 2016 Urban and Rural Populations of Districts POP %URBA URBAN %RUR RURAL DISTRICTS (2016) N POP AL POP 566411 All districts 60.9 3454359 39.1 2209751 0 Adansi North 122746 16.2 19885 83.8 102861 Adansi South 132244 16.4 21688 83.6 110556 Afigya Kwabre 161143 25.8 41575 74.2 119568 Ahafo Ano North 109983 18.8 20677 81.2 89306 Ahafo Ano South 139443 9.6 13387 90.4 126057 Amansie Central 104617 11.8 12345 88.2 92272 Amansie West 154873 4.4 6814 95.6 148059 Asante Akim Central 84394 67.8 57219 32.2 27175 Municipal Asante Akim North 79075 46.5 36770 53.5 42305 Asante Akim South 135968 16.9 22979 83.1 112990 Asokore Mampong 368226 100 368226 0 0 Municipal Atwima Kwanwoma 111219 19.7 21910 80.3 89309 Atwima Mponua 136602 12.4 16939 87.6 119663 Atwima Nwabiagya 170810 31.5 53805 68.5 117005 Bekwai Municipal 136872 17.6 24089 82.4 112782 Bosome Freho 69226 0 0 100 69226 Bosomtwe 108843 30.2 32871 69.8 75972 Ejisu Juaben Municipal 192325 27.5 52889 72.5 139435 Ejura-Sekyedumase 99091 50.3 49843 49.7 49248 209627 Kumasi Metropolis 100 2096278 0 0 8 Kwabre East 136779 58 79332 42 57447 Mampong Municipal 103919 45.3 47075 54.7 56843 Obuasi Municipal 191037 80.2 153212 19.8 37825 Offinso Municipal 89175 28.2 25147 71.8 64027 Offinso North 65196 40.2 26209 59.8 38987 Sekyere Afram Plains 32325 0 0 100 32325 Sekyere Central 80692 30.7 24772 69.3 55919 Sekyere East 70429 52.1 36693 47.9 33735

12 It should be noted that census enumeration area boundaries, in which the population of urban areas are identified, in many cases do not coincide with the urban built-up areas. Also, the information on commuting distance, which defines the functional area of an urban centre, is not available. As a result, it is not easy to delineate the functional areas and/or spheres of influence of urban settlements

25

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Sekyere Kumawu 74088 47.2 34969 52.8 39118 Sekyere South 106494 53.3 56761 46.7 49733 Source: GSS, 2013

Table 3.3. Shows that Kumasi Metropolis (100%), Asokore Mampong Municipal (100%) and Obuasi Municipal (85.2%) are the three (3) most urbanised districts in the region, above the regional average of 60.6 percent. Kwabre East (58%), Ashanti Akim North (57.4%), Sekyere East (54.1%), Afigya Sekyere (53.3%) and Ejura-Sekyedumase (50.3%) are other districts with an urban population of more than 50 percent as shown in Figure 3.5 The remaining districts population are more of rural than urban with Amansie West (4.4%), Bosome Freho (0.0%) and Sekyere Afram Plains (0.0%) being the least urbanized districts. These three (3) districts have relatively poor infrastructure and exhibit other characteristics of deprived districts. This pattern of urbanisation is shown in Figure 3.5, which clearly exhibits the concentration around Kumasi and the relatively dispersed settlements in areas further away, markedly so to the north east of the Region. As the second largest Ghanaian city, Kumasi population has increased rapidly thereby putting pressure on housing, urban spaces and amenities. Squatter settlements have sprung up with migrants living with minimal access to basic social amenities such as functional water, sanitation and hygiene facilities.

Figure 3.5: percent of urban population per district

Source: GSS 2010

26

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

3.7.7 Rural Populations and Urban centres Some rural areas have high densities without urban areas, as illustrated in Figure 3.6 below. Correspondingly, districts which are highly urbanised, may also have a rural population of substantial size, as pertains in Obuasi Municipal, Asante Akim Central Municipal, Ejura- Sekyedumase Municipal, Kwabre East and Sekyere South Districts. Rural populations in these urbanised districts are likely to have stronger rural-urban linkages than those in less urbanised districts. In addition, they may also be more likely to become urban themselves either through migration, absorption or re-classification. Figure 3.6 indicates the rural settlement concentration in the various districts in the Ashanti Region.

Figure 3.6: Rural Settlement Concentration and the region's settlement pattern

Source: GSS 2010 3.7.8 Urban Settlement Structure In order to appropriately categorise the urban areas in the region, the settlement categories of the National Spatial Development Framework (NSDF) has been adopted for consistency13. The various settlements have been categorised as follows: ▪ Above 1 million: Kumasi is the only urban centre that falls into this category. ▪ 500,000 - 1 million: None ▪ 250,000 - 500,000: Asokore Mampong, which is effectively part of Kumasi City Centre. ▪ 100,000 - 250,000: Obuasi

13 National Spatial Development Framework, COWI, 2014

27

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

▪ 50,000 - 100,000: None ▪ 20,000 - 50,000: Seven (7) settlements fall into this class (Konongo, Agogo, Abuakwa, Mampong, Ejura, Bekwai and Effiduase) ▪ 10,000 - 20,000: 15 settlements fall into this class (New Edubiase, Atimatim, Tepa, Jacobu, Odumase, Ejisu, Offinso, Abofour, Akomadan, Adansi Asokore, Kumawu, Wiamoase, Jamasi and Agona) ▪ 5,000 - 10,000: 36 settlements fall into this class. This is an important guide for developing the urban areas in the region. Kumasi is clearly the primate city with a sphere of influence extending beyond the region and to a large extend the country. Nonetheless, the medium-sized and small-sized settlements also have to be developed to ensure equitable distribution of developments as well as decongesting Kumasi. 3.8 Trends in urbanization and settlement growth This section examines the status and trends in the urban settlement system in the region. An urban settlement system may be defined as the distribution of urban centres by hierarchy including population size and function. It shows the urbanisation which has arisen from population growth. The section covers urban primacy, metropolitan areas, secondary municipalities and towns. It looks at where urban population growth is occurring, or not occurring. In addition to exploring the demographic aspects of urbanization, as expressed in parts of this analysis, it is particularly imperative to understand the spatial manifestation of the phenomenon in terms of patterns and dynamics over time. A number of metrics including: rate of annual urban expansion; urban expansion intensity; and share of built-up land have been used to explore this at both regional and district levels over the past twenty-five years. Less than 5 percent of the total land area of the region is built. On face value this figure seems low. However, when contextualized, the sheer rapidity in the urban expansion of the region and its wide ranging implications on urban planning, management and sustainability becomes glaring. The region has undergone profound urban spatial growth over the past 25 years, reflecting a more than 6-fold increase in the size of the built-up extent. As mapped in figure 2.12 and graphically presented in Chart 3.4, in 1990, about 150 km2 of land which corresponds to less than 1 percent (0.6) of the total land area of the region was built-up. Owing to rapid urban expansion which occurred at an alarming annual rate of 7.5 percent, an additional 790 km2 of built-up land was recorded in 2015, an increase of up to about 4 percent. There are also other temporal nuances which need to be highlighted. About a quarter (26 percent) of the total urban increase recorded over the 25-year period occurred between 1990 and 2000. Thus, in absolute terms, with about 360 km2 of built-up land in 2000, the urban footprint of the region had more than doubled during the last decade of the twentieth century. In the process, the highest annual urban expansion rate (8.9 percent) was recorded and the percent of built-up land increased to 1.5 percent. The first decade of the twenty-first century witnessed massive urban development at an annual expansion rate of 7.2 percent, leading to the highest urban increase recorded over the 25-year interval. The decade which absorbed about 46 percent (362 km2) of the total historical built-up increase also saw a doubling in the proportion of land under physical development from 1.5 to 3 percent.

28

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

The extent of urban development in the last five years has also been pronounced. Even though the annual rate of expansion rate slowed down to 5.5 percent – which of course is not inconceivable considering the increase in the denominator – the last interval recorded an additional 220 km2 of built-up land, 14 km2 more and 60 percent of the total increase observed between 1990 – 2000 and 2000 – 2010 respectively.

Figure 3.7: Changes in Built-up Extent, 1990 - 2015

Source: Classified Landsat imageries obtained from Ghana Forestry Commission and USGS

Chart 3.4: Dynamics of Urban Expansion in Ashanti Region, 1990 - 2015 1000 4.5 900 Built-up Percent Built-up 4 800 3.5 700

3 )

2 600 up up

2.5 - 500

2 up(km

- 400 1.5

300 Built 1 200 Percent Built 100 0.5 0 0 1990 2000 2010 2015 Year Source: Forestry Commission 2010 and Spatial Solutions 2016

29

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

3.8.1 Historical Urban Expansion – District Dynamics The district dynamics of the historical urban expansion has been analysed from two temporal perspectives; the 25-year period and the sub intervals as depicted in Figure 3.8. The region’s rapid urban expansion over the past two and half decades outlined above, is visibly manifested in the districts. Indeed, as many as 12 districts - Asante Akyim North (17.9 percent), Obuasi Municipal (16 percent), Sekyere Afram Plains (15.5 percent), Atwima Kwanwoma (14.8 percent), Bosomtwe Atwima Kwanwoma (14.5 percent), Sekyere Central (13.9 percent), Sekyere Afram Plains North (11.6 percent), Afigya Kwabre (11.2 percent), Kwabre (11.1 percent), Atwima Nwabiagya (10.8 percent), Ejisu Juaben (10.6 percent) - recorded double digit annual expansion rate between 1990 and 2015. The bottom five districts also expanded substantially with annual expansion rates ranging from 5.8 percent in Ahafo Ano South, the fifth lowest to 3.9 percent in Bosome Freho, the lowest.

Figure 3.8: Annual Urban Expansion Rate, 1990 - 2015

Source: Forestry Commission 2010 and Spatial Solutions 2016

Generally, the pattern of growth over the entire interval typifies one emerging from the core districts, KMA (2.4 percent) and Asokore Mampong (4.7 percent) which recorded the third and fifth lowest expansion rates respectively, expanding into the immediate surroundings such as, Afigya Kwabre, Atwima Kwanwoma, Ejisu Juaben, Kwabre, Atwima Nwabiagya, Bosomtwe and Atwima Kwanwoma.

30

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

This pattern is even more visible when the temporal dynamics is further examined. Urban expansion during the first interval, 1990 – 2000, largely occurred in the core districts and their immediate neighbours as mapped in Figure 3.8. The first decade of the twenty-first century was among others, characterised by urban expansion from the core districts into the peripheries. The annual expansion rates for KMA and Asokore Mampong decreased from 9.6 percent to 1.3 percent and 8.5 percent to 2.9 percent respectively. Meanwhile the surrounding districts recorded substantially high rates albeit some reduced marginally. The urban expansion in the region shifted from the core and its immediate neighbours to the north-eastern and southern districts between 2010 and 2015. The annual rate of urban expansion within this period ranged from to 0.9 percent in Bekwai Municipal to 37 percent in Sekyere Afram Plains Asante Akyem North, another north-eastern district recorded the second highest expansion rate during the last interval. The southern districts, Adansi South (23.1 percent), Amansie West (17.9 percent) and Adansi North (10.6 percent) grew rapidly, occupying slots among the top ten expanding districts. However, expansion in Obuasi Municipal, one the southern districts significantly slowed down from 18 percent between 2000 and 2010 to 3.4 percent over the last five years. The decline in the rate of urban expansion of the mining town occurred at a period where activities of the dominant mining company slowed down similar to the trend observed between 1990 and 2000 when the two increased together. The pace of expansion in the core districts further declined as KMA and Asokore Mampong grew merely around 1 percent between 2000 and 2015. 3.8.2 Districts’ Share of Built-up, 1990 – 2015 Here, for each of the historical years, the distribution of the region’s total built-up cover in the districts is examined. Three broad patterns which enables the classification of districts into as many number of groups have been identified. These groups are: districts that consistently increased their share of built-up; districts that recorded continuous decline in share of built-up; and districts that experience both increments and decrements in share of built-up at various points in time. The constituents of the various groups are subsequently discussed. Chart 3.5 shows each district’s share of the region’s built-up land for the various years. Among the 30 districts in the region, Offinso North emerged as the only district to have increased its built-up share throughout the historical epochs. Even so, the increments were so marginal. Similarly, Asokore Mampong was the only district to have dipped in share of built-up throughout the years.

Chart 3.5: Share of Built-up, 1990 – 2015 45 Series1 Series2 Series3 Series4 40 35 30 25 20

15 up (%) up 10 - 5 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Shareof built

Districts 31

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Source: Forestry Commission 2010 and Spatial Solutions 2016

3.8.3 Urban Expansion Intensity The intensity of urban expansion over the 25-year period was generally very high in the core districts (KMA and Asokore Mampong). Indeed, the two were the only districts to have recorded Urban Expansion Intensity Index (UEII) above 1.92. Over the same period, Kwabre and Obuasi Municipal experienced high intensity while that of Atwima Kwanwoma was more moderate. Broadly, urban expansion was more intense in the Greater Kumasi Sub-Region (GKSR). Looking further into the historical dynamics, between 1990 and 2000, as with the entire two and half decades, the intensity of urban expansion was very high in KMA and Asokore Mampong. Thus, the dominance of the two as the anchor of growth was imposing even prior to the turn of the twentieth century. The dynamics of the intensity of expansion in the last interval (2010 – 2015) also highlights the GKSR as the dominant hotspot in terms of growth whiles the influence of the core declines. Kwabre district maintained its previous status as the most intense area of expansion whilst Obuasi Municipal slowed down in intensity. The GKSR of which a comprehensive plan has been prepared for, emerges strongly as the anchor for further expansion in the region. That however, is not to lose cognizance of the huge growth potential demonstrated by other districts through various indicators analyzed above.

Figure 3.9: Urban Expansion Index

Source: Forestry Commission 2010 and Spatial Solutions 2016

32

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

3.9 Summary of Key Findings, Challenges and Opportunities 3.9.1 Findings ▪ There has been a rapid growth of population, up to a total of 4,780,280 in 2010 (constituting just under 20 percent of national population, largely due to natural

increase). With the fastest growth rate nationally, AR has grown four times

between 1960 and 2010 ▪ Population density is the third highest in the country after Accra and Central Region (effectively the second highest after the Accra City Region) ▪ The level of urbanisation reached 50% by 2000, and 60.6 percent in 2010. Kumasi and Obuasi are the two main urban areas. Urban development tended to follow the main road network which connects to the main growth centres and trade routes. ▪ The absolute numbers in rural areas grew from by 800,000 between 1960 and 2016, to 1.8 million ▪ There was a net in-migration of 240,000 between 2000 and 2010, but the levels of both in migration and out migration show that large numbers of migrants were pulled from the poorer, dry and less fertile savannah in the north of Ghana to Kumasi because of its location at the centre of international trade routes, with vibrant commercial activities. ▪ Rural population more than doubled from 1960 to 2010. This increase can be mainly attributed to natural increase. ▪ There have been different patterns per district with some increasing and others decreasing. ▪ The highest population densities and urban populations are in and around the cities of Kumasi and Obuasi ▪ Hierarchy of settlements: Kumasi as the prime city; Konongo, Agogo, Abuakwa, Mampong, Ejura, Bekwai and Effiduase as 20-50 thousand; 15 settlements 10-20 thousand; 36 settlements of 5-10 thousand POPULATIONURBANISATION AND ▪ The rate of urban expansion has been highest in Kumasi (the areas around Kumasi City have been expanding more rapidly than the city centre) and Obuas. Some of the unpopulated easterly districts have been expanding most rapidly from a very low base including westerly districts which have also expanded rapidly between 1990 and 2000.

3.9.2 Challenges Some challenges identified include: • increasing number of people needing to make a living on a fixed area: • increased resources, such as they may be, are used up to maintain basic services without any potential for growth. • increased population moves to, or occurs in, urban areas which offer potential for growth, but end up remaining at subsistence levels, with urban poverty increase. • The gap in development between more remote areas and the urban centres becomes wider. • Pressure on the environmental resources increases.

33

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

3.9.3 Opportunities Some of the opportunities are:

• That there is an improvement in education levels, including birth control to reduce the population growth rate, while increasing the productivity rate. • That if education and skill levels can be increased, there will be a large number of potentially relatively low-waged workers to attract industrial investors and provide goods and services at a competitive rate. • different strategies may have to be tailored for urban centres that are near to or far from suitably-sized urban centres. Strategies for declining districts may include focus on investments in telecoms and internet technology, and on key physical connections between urban centres and the nearby rural areas to support better links between manufacturing, other markets and agricultural productivity.

34

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

4 ECONOMY 4.1 Introduction Population influences economic activities and Ashanti Region with the highest total population in the country has a greater economic influence. This section comprises analyses that provide detailed insight into the economic significance of the Ashanti Region in the national and the West African sub-regional context. It further provides in-depth details on the current employment structure by various economic classifications, GDP contribution by the various economic sectors with a strong spatial perspective. The analyses are to aid in the identification of spatial clusters of economic significance and concentrations. It is to guide in developing a future for Ashanti Region by indicating areas of high economic significance; new areas of significant economic potentials; areas with severe economic needs; and areas of economic potential which have their ecological integrity under threat as a result of some economic activities. It provides data on economic development that will contribute to an understanding of the path for driving the spatial growth of settlements in the region. Proceeding from, the above section which examines population growth, urban-rural settlement patterns, it was seen that the population of the Region as a whole over the next 20 years, 2017- 37, is projected to grow from 5.5 to 8.2 million, with the rural zones each growing at 25% and Kumasi growing at 34%, an average overall of 33% increase. The question arises as to what this means in term of how and where will the increased numbers be employed, on what basis will incomes increase? 4.2 Employment by Sector: existing situation and recent trends The Ashanti Region’s employment structure is currently dominated by the Services Sector which constitutes 59 percent of the total number of jobs in the region which is far higher than the national figure of 43 percent. The Greater Accra Region however employs 75 percent, even more, of all workers in Services. This is due to Greater Accra’s relatively higher urbanization level coupled with its role as the Administrative and Services command centre in the country (both government and private sector).

Chart 4.1: Employment Structure by Major Economic Sectors in each Region, 2015

80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10

0 % share % employment of Agriculture Industry Services

This employment structure has evolved quite rapidly since 2000, when the Region’s Services Sector employed only 35 percent of the work force. This had increased to 53 percent by the close of 2010 and 59 percent by 2015. If this trend continues, the Sector will engage 89 percent of workers in the Region by the end of the 20-year planning period.

35

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Chart 4.2: Ashanti Region Employment by Sector in 2000, 2010, and 2015

Source: Spatial Solutions based on 2000 & 2010 PHC Data

Agriculture is the second largest source of employment in Ashanti Region, engaging 26 percent of all workers, which is comparatively much lower than the national average of 43 percent as illustrated in Chart 4.2. It is projected that Agriculture sector’s percentage share of workers will decline massively to less than 10 percent by the end of the planning period partly due to the rapid urbanization level in Ashanti Region. The Region’s Industrial Sector engages 14 percent of its labour force which is same as the national relative share of 14 percent. Industrial employment experienced a decline of its relative share from 18 to 16 percent between 2000 and 2010 due to de-industrialization in the region. Based on the trends and observed dynamics of economic patterns in the region, it is likely the sector will continuously decline to engage slightly more than 10 percent of the total labour force.

36

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Chart 4.3: Employment by Sector in the Ashanti Agric,Forestry&Fish.

Mining&quarrying

Manufacturing

Elect,Water&gas

9% Construction

2% Wholesale&Retail 6% 26% 1% Trans,comm&storage 1%1% 7% Accomm& Food services 2% 5% Fin.& Insurance 8% activities 0% Realest,prof&adm. 4% 28% Public Adm & Defence

Education

Health&Social Work activities otherservices

Source: Spatial Solutions (2015) based on GSS (2010)

The services sector has been growing, at a rate which parallels the rate of urbanization, and the rate of population increase in the Region which seems to indicate that the increased numbers of people who are looking for jobs have found them in the services sector, in urban areas. 4.3 Trade and balance of trade The above growth of the economy of the Region is not driven only by internal factors. As in Figure 4.1 which shows the relative size of Kumasi in the sub-region, it is a major hub for West Africa. Kumasi City houses the largest open air market in West Africa at Kejetia, and possibly the largest engineering based market and services center, employing in the order of 300,000 people, at Suame Magazine. Ultimately the health of the economy at this stage of development depends on the country's ability to afford the more advanced manufactured goods (such as plant and materials for manufacturing, vehicles, ICT, phones etc.) which have to be paid for with earnings from exports. Therefore, a focus on tradeable goods and exports is necessary. The alternative is that, as the balance of trade goes against the country, the costs of these imports, and the lifestyles that come with them, becomes prohibitive. Ghana trades mainly with the EU almost exclusively of primary commodities such as cocoa, timber and gold, all of which feature strongly in the Ashanti Region. Another increasingly important trading partner is China. Although small in comparison to the EU, exports to China have increased dramatically since 2003, from just $39 million to $908 million in 2012 (mostly because of crude oil (56%) and primary commodities (43%) while imports were most

37

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036 exclusively manufactured goods (94%), Ghana had a trade deficit with China of $3.4 billion in 2012. Trade with ECOWAS, as a percentage share of the total, has declined since 2003, although it has increased in total value. Exports to ECOWAS countries accounted for 7 percent of total exports and were less concentrated in primary commodities and crude oil; 27 percent were manufactured goods, which accounted for 47 percent of all manufacturing exports. Kumasi as a central location plays a role in this. In general, it is more opportune to do business with neighboring countries. However, the Ghanaian trade within ECOWAS still accounts for less than 10 percent of foreign trade. The incomplete or inconsistent implementation of the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) especially those pertaining to the free movement of goods, has a host of negative effects within Ghana, including increasing the costs and unpredictability of trade, and discouraging business expansion and investment. Private sector firms are paying higher costs on both agricultural and industrial goods and shipments both in and out of Ghana, which stifle the integration of regional value chains and generally reduce the competitiveness of West African exports to global markets. This inability to liberalize trade may have contributed to the continuing expansion of the informal and unregulated cross-border trading which maintains Kumasi as the "informal capital" of Ghana, while at the same time preventing formal and direct investment which could increase productivity in the Region. 4.3.1 Kumasi as trade center Measuring freight movement/distribution indicates that the region (Kumasi in particular) is the second most important hotspot in the whole of Ghana. Figure 4.1 illustrates the extent of coastal to inland, south to north, freight movement. The extent of freight from Accra and Takoradi to Kumasi can be seen, but the other flows northwards and north eastwards shown here are also mostly routed through Kumasi and the Region, making its role even stronger than appears here14 It is likely that there is extensive informal trade across the long borders east and west which is not visible and not shown here.

Figure 4.1: Total Freight Distribution in Ghana, 2013

14 The thicker the line the larger the quantity of freight that moves to the destination.

38

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Source: Railway Master Plan, 2013

4.3.2 Level of Foreign and Direct Investment The failure to free up regional trade as stated above is also an impediment to formal business expansion and investment. The levels of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) positions Ashanti Region second among all the ten regions in Ghana (See Chart 4.2), but still far below that of Accra despite the fact that the Region's population is growing faster. The dominance of Greater Accra Region regarding the trend in FDI projects is as a result of the presence of industrial areas which have all the requisite ancillary services and infrastructure networks, access to the port and power sources for competitive energy and transport costs, in such enclaves as Tema Industrial Area. These opportunities are absent in the remaining nine regions. The biggest blockage in the case of Ashanti Region is the poor access, since the demise of the railway, and unreliable power for industrial expansion.

Chart 4.4: Foreign Direct Investment Projects in Ghana, 2002-2012

39

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

450 Upper 400 West Upper East

350 Northern

300 Volta

250 Brong Ahafo 200 Central

150 Eastern

100 Western

50 Ashanti

Number FDI od Projects 0

2002 2007 2004 2005 2006 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2003 Source: TCPD based of GIPC’s statistics, 2013

4.3.3 Relative productivity levels and contribution of Ashanti Region to National Economy The need to employ an increasing population is important, but as noted above, it is the productivity per worker which determines the income levels within the region. The Ashanti Region remains the second most important contributor to the national GDP generating 21 percent of Ghana’s GDP only surpassed by the Greater Accra Region15. Ashanti Region also has the third largest GDP per worker contribution which exceeds the national average by more than 10 percent (See Chart 4.5). The economic vibrancy of Ashanti Region is partly associated with the location of Kumasi City and its immediate surrounding districts which act as major commercial and industrial centres that attract economic flows from every part of the country and the West-African sub-region. Obuasi, located in the south of the Region, has over a long period been a major producer of gold which has yielded massive economic gains for the country. The economic significance of Ashanti Region has been developed historically partly because it formed part of the main industrial core of the nation together with Greater Accra and Western Region.

15 The percentage contribution to the national GDP is based on 2014 GDP National Accounts statistics with estimated labour force projections.

40

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Chart 4.5: GDP per worker Contribution in Ghana, 2014 14000

12000 12914

10000 10374 10084 8000 8876 8988 8388 8209

6000 7025 6325 6084 5292 4000

2000 Greater Western Ashanti Eastern Volta Central Brong Upper Upper Northern National Accra Ahafo East West Average

Source: Spatial Solutions based on 2014 National Accounting Statistics and Projected Workforce.

The region remains the main attraction centre for large numbers of youthful labour force seeking employment from the Northern half of the country because of its job production capacity. Even with low income earning capacities by the job seekers, their income earning still remains higher than most jobs located in the Northern parts of country. In terms of job creation, Ashanti Region only comes second to Greater Accra Region. 4.4 Production and Productivity Levels by Economic Sub-Sectors Going into more detail, the most productive sectors of the region’s economy, which have the highest contributions to GDP, employ relatively smaller number of workers. On the average, finance and insurance sub-sector which employed only 17,755 (1%) workers had each worker contributing GH¢ 94,561 to the region’s GDP as at 2014. This is followed by mining and quarrying, construction, public administration and defence having high levels of per worker contribution to GDP as indicated in Chart 4.6. In contrast, agriculture and wholesale and retail sub-sectors which cumulatively engaged more than half (54%) of the entire labour force contributed GH¢ 4,550 and GH¢ 2,896 per worker respectively.

41

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Chart 4.6: The GDP Contribution per Worker by sub-sectors, 2014 120000

7993 Accomm& Food Serv 100000 Finance & Insurance 94561

80000 63677 Mining & Quarrying Real estate & Prof. 60000 21193 Construction41209 Pub. Admin & Def 40000 35972 33107 Transport & Communication 2896 Elect,Water&Gas 20000 8917 Education Agriculture Wholesale & Retail GDP GDP per worker GHc) ( 23619 4550 5290 Manufacturing 7819 5465 0 Health&Soc. Serv. -100000 0 100000 200000 300000 400000 500000 600000 700000 800000 -20000 Number of Workers

Source: Spatial Solutions based on 2000 & 2010 PHC Data and 2014 National Statistics.

The wholesale and retail sub-sector which is the least productive in terms of GDP contribution per worker yet employs more than a quarter of the labour force is occurring as a result of high levels of unemployment, low skill training and education attainment levels among others. The sub-sector which engages 28 percent of workers and contributes only eight percent to the region’s GDP will continue to expand quite rapidly because it remains the easiest mode of entry for the unskilled labour force. With very little capital, job-seekers are able to enter this sub- sector without any specialised skills.

Chart 4.7: Percentage share of Workers and Contribution to GDP 30

25

20

15

10

5

0

% share of workers % contribution to GDP

Source: Spatial Solutions based on 2000 & 2010 PHC Data and 2014 National Statistics

42

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Quite akin to the wholesale and retail sub-sector, the agriculture sub-sector employs 26 percent but contributes 12 percent to GDP. This is the historical legacy of peasant and subsistence farming, which can be improved with modern and scientific means of agriculture production. Based on recent trends, however, the decline in the percentage share of employment in this sub-sector is likely to continue as young people continue to desert these increasingly populated traditional communities in search of opportunities in urban areas, which creates the rapid urbanization level of the region. The rate at which this happens may be lessened by creating the conditions for increasing agricultural productivity. In urban areas, restructuring the employment base from low-skilled employment base to medium and highly skilled employment sectors like finance and insurance (employs 0.79 % yet generates 7.45 % of GDP), construction (employs 4.15% but generates 16.96 %), transport, storage and communication (4.80 % employees yet yields 15.75% of GDP) among others is needed to improve productivity levels and income earning levels in the region. This can only be attained through extensive vocational, skills training and educational programmes that are aimed specifically at the above sub-sectors. The spatial manifestation of restructuring the low-skilled employment base in urban areas will be less number of hawkers in the streets, reduction in the number of kiosks in the urban landscape among others. This will improve both human and vehicular mobility in city centres and most neighbourhoods in the region. This is because the medium to highly skilled employees will be working in classrooms, hospitals, banks, manufacturing floors other than streets filled with large number of retailers and wholesalers who obstruct vehicular and human mobility levels. Indeed, the provision of well-serviced space for informal services and manufacturing is another possible way of increasing their productivity. Having appreciated the detailed perspectives of the employment structure and how it affects economic performance (thus production and productivity levels), the next section discusses the spatial manifestation of the production undertaken by the labour force. 4.5 Areas of Major Economic Significance The Ashanti Region’s space economy reveals four main categories of areas with different level of economic significance. These include the core (economic command centre of the region); the areas with high economic production; areas with low level of economic activity; and areas with least level of economic production.

43

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Figure 4.2: Percentage Contribution to GDP by MMDAs in Ashanti Region, 2014

Source: Spatial Solutions based on 2000 & 2010 PHC Data and 2014 National Accounts Statistics

The most significant economic hot spot that is the economic command centre in the region is the Kumasi Metropolitan Area (KMA). This area alone generates 41 percent (GH¢ 1058 million) of all GDP produced though it covers only three percent of the total land area of the region (See Figure 4.2). It has the highest concentration of population densities as well as worker densities. It houses most industrial establishments in the region and host to (Kejetia) the largest open market in the whole of the country. In addition, the Suame mechanic chain shops (Suame Magazine) which is the largest open artisanal manufacturing centre in the whole of Africa and also doubles as the largest vehicular parts sales centre in the entire country is located within the Kumasi Metropolis. Kumasi attracts economic flows from almost every part of the country as well as other countries like Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali and other countries within the West African sub-region. The Kumasi Metropolis will continue to be the most significant economic area within the entire region for the 20–year planning period. Such economic intensity correlate to the rapid urban expansion as explained in the previous chapter The second area with high level of economic production (contribution) are mainly the immediate surrounding districts of the core economic area and some distant mineral resource rich districts in the region. These include Asokore Mampong Municipal, Ejisu Juablen Municipal, Atwima Nwabiagya, Afigya Kwabre, Amansie West (gold-rich district) and Obuasi Municipal Assembly (gold-rich district). Except for Obuasi, all the others are part of the Greater Kumasi Area as delineated by the Comprehensive Study of the Kumasi Area. All these MMDAs have relative GDP contribution share ranging between three to seven percent. The MMDAs that are in close propinquity to Kumasi Metropolitan Area have their economic flows closely knit and linked with Kumasi. Obuasi Municipal on the other hand has long been a major

44

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036 economic centre based on its rich gold mining activities. Currently, the municipality is facing large economic downturn because of closure of the Anglogold which used to be the leading gold mining company in Ghana. Amansie West however is experiencing economic boom as it is the new entrant to the gold-mining industry most of which is undertaken by illegal operators. The third category include areas of low level economic production. These areas comprise of some immediate surroundings of the core economic areas and some outliers. The areas are predominantly agrarian with very sparse population densities as well as very little presence of high-end services and Industrial jobs. These MMDAs include Ahafo Ano North and South, Offinso Municipal, Mampong Municipal, Atwima Mponua, Amansie Central, Adansi North and South. Bosome Freho and all the remaining districts shown Table 4.1 are in pale brownish colour. The least production areas have the least population densities and are the most rural and agrarian. These areas include Sekyere Afram Plains and Offinso North. Sekyere Afram Plains hold enormous agricultural production potential yet the level of production and productivity remains very minimal due to the rudimentary agricultural practices. In sum, though economic activity is undertaken in almost all parts of the region, the largest contribution to GDP occurs in some few areas with the Kumasi Metropolis being the most significant economic contributor followed by Asokore Mampong. Amansie West and Obuasi and some surrounding districts of Kumasi which forms part of the Greater Kumasi Area follows in the hierarchy of significance regarding contribution to GDP (See Table 4.1). The top ten contributors alone generate 76 percent of all GDP in the region.

Table 4.1: Top Ten Contributors to GDP in Ashanti Region, 2014 % Contribution to ReRegional Rank MMDA GDP GH¢ ( Million) 1 Kumasi Metropolis 41.24 9298 2 Asokre Mampong Municipal 6.53 1471 3 Amansie West 5.83 1314 3 Obuasi Municipal 4.69 1058 4 Atwima Nwabiagya 3.27 737 5 Afigya Kwabre 2.94 663 6 Ejisu Juabeng Municipal 2.72 614 7 Amansie East 2.19 493 8 Adansi South 2.17 488 9 Adansi North 2.08 469 10 Atwima Kwanwoma 2.05 462 Source: Spatial Solutions based on 2000 & 2010 PHC Data and 2014 National Accounts Statistics

45

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Figure 4.3: Spatial Distribution of Employees in Ashanti Region, 2014

Source: Spatial Solutions based on 2000 & 2010 PHC Data and 2014 National Accounts Statistics The Kumasi Metropolitan Area remains the most significant economic centre regarding jobs in the Ashanti Region as it hosts 38 percent of all the 2,236,109 jobs in the region. Asokore Mampong that has seven percent of all jobs follows this. The next level of MMDAs with high number of jobs include Amansie West, Adansi South, Atwima Nwabiagya, Afigya Kwabre and Ejisu Juabeng. The least number of jobs were however located in Offinso North, Bosome Freho and Sekyere Afram Plains. Kumasi Metropolis and its surrounding districts will continuously act as the main centres of job creation and hence the need for improvement in mobility and energy provision as well as other needed infrastructure to improve effective functionality. In addition, long lasting economic measures to sustain economic growth as well as ensuring massive economic diversification are needed. The spatial analysis of GDP contribution per worker16 in the Ashanti Region shows the mineral resource rich areas/districts have the largest contribution to GDP per worker. Amansie West that is the latest entrant to the gold-mining industry falls within the echelon of highest contribution to GDP as Obuasi. These areas have GDP per worker contribution ranging between GH¢ 11,824 and GH¢ 19,508 which is far higher than the regional average of GH¢ 10,084. The high contribution per worker in the mineral resource-rich areas is resulting from the high income earning capacity of the gold industry and the number of employees in the sub- sector compared with other sub-sectors.

16 In the context of limited data, GDP per worker contribution is used in a manner quite similar to GVA contribution per capita or worker

46

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Figure 4.4: GDP contribution per Worker, 2014

Source: Spatial Solutions based on 2000 & 2010 PHC Data and 2014 National Accounts Statistics

The next rank of GDP per worker contribution areas comprise of KMA, Atwima Kwanwoma, Atwima Nwabiagya and Asante Akyim Central Municipal. Offinso North, Ahafo South, Sekyere Central and Sekyere Afram Plains however have the least GDP per worker contribution because of their high levels of agricultural activity with low level of diversity in Industry and services sub-sector. 4.6 Sectoral spatial analysis of the Ashanti Region economy: agriculture 4.6.1 Agriculture in Ashanti Region Ghana is an agrarian country and has enormous agricultural potential with respect to land and manpower. In 2010, it contributed about 30 percent of the GDP and employed about 42 percent of the total labour force. According to the draft Ghana Shared Growth and Development Agenda (GSGDA-II) for 2014-2017, agriculture is expected to lead the growth and structural transformation of the economy and maximize the benefits of accelerated growth. The sector employs about 31 percent compared with the industrial and service sectors which employs 16 percent respectively. In Ashanti Region (AR) agriculture plays a significant role in contributing to national agricultural GDP. Its share of contribution towards national agricultural food crop production is 14.3% which is the fourth highest in the country next to Brong Ahafo, Eastern and Northern Regions. In these efforts, the region is fulfilling its role in meeting the aspiration of FASDEP II as proposed by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA).

47

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

There is however, a huge potential for improvements in the productivity of the agriculture sector to significantly raise the incomes of agricultural households. Some of the drawbacks in agricultural improvement are the traditional agricultural practices, such as the slash and burn methods and unavailability of modern technologies such as irrigation and agro-chemicals. Food production is practiced primarily on small-scale, family-operated farms that are plagued by poor infrastructure, low technology, and lack of access to finance. All these have resulted in low productivity. Despite this, the estimated 2.74 million household farmers produce about 80 percent of Ghana’s total agricultural output (MOFA, 2012).

Spatial Distribution of Agriculture Jobs The agriculture sector, which is the second largest source of employment engaging about 26 percent of the workforce and generates a little over 10 percent of GDP provides a spatial pattern of distribution which is entirely different from the Industry and services sectors.

Adansi South, Ahafo Ano North and South have the largest concentration of the agriculture workers. Each of these districts hosts six to eight percent of the jobs represented in absolute numbers ranging from 35,000 to 52,000 as presented in

Figure 4.5. The most urbanized centres like Kumasi and Asokore -Mampong which have the least share of agricultural workers tends to be in line with global patterns where agricultural work is almost non-existent in very urbanized areas. It is estimated that the agriculture sector’s percentage share of employees in the region will reduce massively to less than 10 percent by the end of the 20-year planning period as the region urbanizes. However, more efforts are required to ensure the high value agricultural lands are protected from expansion of human settlements. In addition, scientific and more productive methods of farming should be encouraged to provide more avenues for value addition and job-creation potentials. The soil suitability map gives an indication of the types of crops grown in the region and makes an interesting comparison with the numbers of jobs. The region’s suitable areas for variety of crop cultivation is situated in the transitional vegetative zone. Crops such as cassava, plantain, millet, cocoa, oil palm, soybeans, cocoyam, banana and vegetables are notable in the region. Areas that are unsuitable for crop production are located at very high elevation areas which are generally recommended for forestry, wildlife and watershed protection purposes as depicted in Figure 4.6.

48

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Figure 4.5: Distribution of Agricultural workers in Ashanti Region 2014

Source: Spatial Solutions based on 2000 & 2010 PHC Data and 2014 National Accounts Statistics

Factors of Production of Ashanti Region Agriculture Different factors that influence agricultural production may include poor soil conditions, low rainfall, diseases and pests, as well as limited access to planting materials, seeds and livestock breeds. There is also low adoption of existing technologies due to poor market incentives and inaccessibility to relevant inputs. Animal husbandry, especially rural poultry rearing, is plagued by high mortality rates due to diseases but for agricultural production in the AR, the underlying causes of low productivity are poor management practices, to markets, limited appropriate technologies for processing, transporting, handling and storage of crops. Also, limited knowledge of post-harvest management, particularly of perishable produce, has resulted in large losses, about 20 to 50 percent for fruits, vegetables, roots and tubers and about 20-30 percent for cereals and legumes, according to MOFA. Traditional processing techniques, mostly by women are arduous, and their widespread use, has resulted in low yields and in some cases poor product quality. Some of the specific factors which may influence agricultural output in the AR are discussed below;

49

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Agro-ecological zones and soil suitability There are five main agro-ecological zones defined on the basis of climate, reflected by the natural vegetation and influenced by the soils. These are Rain Forest, Deciduous Forest, Transitional Zone, Coastal Savannah and Northern Savannah (Guinea and Sudan Savannah) shown in Figure 4.6 The Region falls within the Rain Forest zone which traditionally records the highest amount of rainfall ranging between 2,200 mm in 2011 to 2,112 in 2014. These rainfall patterns largely determine the length of growing periods (LGP) and, invariably, crop output. The Region has high LGP and productions levels compared with the regions in the northern savannah. Policies towards provision of infrastructure like irrigation should consider these agro-ecological zones.

Figure 4.6: Soil Suitability

50

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Source: CSIR, Soil Research Institute, 2010

Table 4.2: Description of soil suitability types No Description Major Crops Cultivated

S1 Highly Suitable Areas For Extensive Mechanised Cocoa, coffee, black pepper, sweet berry, ginger, Cultivation of Export and Food Crops nutmeg, sunflower & oil palm, Maize, cassava, plantain, soybeans, cocoyam, banana S2 Suitable Areas for the Extensive Cultivation of Avocado pears, oil palm and citrus, rice, sugarcane and Export and Food crops vegetables

S3 Fairly Suitable Areas For the Cultivation of Crops Maize, guinea corn, millet and vegetables

S4 Fairly to Marginally Suitable Areas For Limited Maize, guinea corn, millet, pepper, tomatoes, onions Cultivation of Crops and okro N1 Unsuitable Areas For Upland Arable and Tree Rice, sugarcane and vegetables Crops N2 Very Unsuitable Areas for Crop and Livestock Forestry, wildlife and watershed protection purposes Production Wb Water Bodies Source: CSIR, Soil Research (2010) The ability of the soil to retain water also determine soil suitability to a large extent. This has a major influence on crop type choice and crop yield. Though other factors that determine soil suitability include the use of manure and irrigation, the AR elements arguably has an advantage in soil suitability and LGP which are pivotal in any agricultural practice which is mainly rain-fed.

51

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Irrigation Ghana has few irrigation schemes and they cover only one percent of arable land. Irrigation in the AR is provided through formal and informal irrigation schemes. The few schemes in the region are meant to support rice production particularly in the Ejisu/Juaben Municipality and in the . However, these schemes are underperforming. The availability of schemes in the region is quite inadequate and to a large extent affects production. Formal irrigation schemes are operating at only a third of their design capacity, with low yield and low cropping intensity as a result of poor management, poor maintenance and inadequate cost recovery. Informal schemes, have not realized their potential as well and are rarely serviced due to unclear institutional mandates (GIDA, 2013). GIDA aims at improving existing irrigation schemes, develop new small-scale and micro-scale irrigation schemes and improve rainwater harvesting and storage, particularly in flood plains. Table 4.3 indicates the current number of irrigation schemes in the region.

Table 4.3: List of Regional irrigation schemes District Name Scheme Town Region Potential Developed Name Hectares Hectares Ejisu-Juaben Anum Valley Nobewam Ashanti 89 89 Offinso-North Akomadan Akomadan Ashanti 65 65 Sekyere West Sata Sataso Ashanti 56 34

210 188 Source: Ghana Irrigation Development Authority, 2015

Roads and transportation Road and transport infrastructure are essential for moving agricultural commodities to markets and inputs to farmers. Poor road infrastructure and lack of suitable vehicles increases the cost of inputs such as fertilizer and increases the time and work in moving produce from farm to village or market. Poor infrastructure is constraining the development of agriculture in high potential food growing areas such as the Sekyere Afram Plains and Ejura Sekyere Districts. Atwima Mponua is another food growing district which is hampered by poor road network

Warehouses Warehouses are an essential yet presently under-supplied component in the food system. Before harvests, warehouses store seed that would otherwise have been at the mercy of the weather. Postharvest losses are considerably reduced if warehouses are available. Where warehouses are available, farmers and investors tend to increase production because of the assurance of storage. Recognizing the financial relevance of a warehouses system; the private sector and several other stakeholders including international donors have begun to promote and provide warehouses, particularly in the KMA area and the Warehouse in the Ejisu- Juaben Municipality.

Markets Locations Most markets are decrepit, unhygienic and lack suitable commodity-specific storage facilities. Many are over-crowded, indicating that the demand for market space exceeds the supply. The Kumasi Central Market which is extensively congested has constantly experienced fire outbreak whilst municipal and district markets are all victims of congestion. Congestion and lack of storage facilities in a market like the Ejisu market offers ineffective market opportunities whereby foodstuff is constantly getting rotten. Other market-related constraints include lack of

52

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036 marketing skills, inadequate product development for effective use of farm produce, and generally weak commodity value chains. The value chain refers to the string of different processing steps that add value to a product. It includes inputs like dealers in the production system and transporters, traders and processors involved in forward linkage activities. There is generally a lack of market orientation among producers and processors.

Food Crop Production Although Ghana produces about 45 different types of industrial and food crops, eleven of the most common are designated as "major crops" for priority government support to ensure food security (MOFA). These major food crops are maize, rice, millet, sorghum, cassava, yam, cocoyam, plantain, groundnut, cowpea, and soya bean. The Region produces six out of these major crops which are plantain, cassava, maize, yam, cocoyam and rice. Other relevant crops include fruits (oranges, bananas, pineapples, mangoes, watermelon) and vegetables (cucumbers, carrots, cabbages, and lettuce). Improvements in the production and promotion of these crops are spearheaded by the private sector. Table 4.4 contains the list of crops cultivated in Region.

Table 4.4: List of all commercial crops in Ashanti Region tuber/root legumes cereal fruits Industrial vegetables yam cowpea rice plantain cocoacrops tomato cassava groundnut maize banana oil palm cucumber cocoyam pawpaw cashew carrots mangoes garden orange avocadoeggs pepperpear Source: MOFA, 2014

Food production in Ghana Food production distribution by quantities at the national level is shown by region in Chart 4.8. The most productive crops are ordered from the left column and the bubble diameter is proportional to the production quantity. Crops grown across the country may be grouped into two categories which are major crops and minor crops. The major crop are the first six crops which are cassava, yam, plantain, maize, cocoyam and rice. These are major because of their contribution towards food security, production and popularity. The minor crops are the ones that do well under certain agro ecological zones and these are cowpea, sorghum, millet, soybean and groundnut. Except for Greater Accra most regions in Ghana produces a combination of all the crops. Ashanti Region produces eight out of the eleven selected MOFA food crops. Overall the region has been doing quite well in cassava production next to Eastern Region and Brong Ahafo Region whilst low outputs are realized in production of groundnut.

53

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Chart 4.8: Food production at regional level

U East

E West

Northern

B Ahafo

Volta

Ashanti

Eastern

Western

Central

G Accra

rice

Yam

Millet Millet

Maize Maize

cowpea

plantain

cassava

soybean

sorghum

cocoyam groundnut

Source: ARSDF Study 2016 based on SRID (MOFA), 2015

Location of Agricultural crops in Ashanti Region The Ashanti Region falls within two agro ecological zones which are the deciduous forest and transitional zone as shown in Figure 4.6. It has the unique advantage of growing diversified crops both for food and industrial processing. Within the food crops, a few of the minor crop that can be grown in the savanna ecological zones can also be grown in the region. These include groundnuts and cowpea commonly grown in the northern part of the region which include district like Sekeyere Afram Plains, Sekyere Central and Ejura Sekyeredumase all located in the transitional zone. The major food crops can be produced in all parts of the region. However, industrial crops like cocoa, oil palm and cashew can only be grown in the deciduous forest. Basically, all the districts in the regions display some degree of crop diversity, which is a key factor in food security, i.e. should one crop fail another may survive. Livestock and the poultry industry have a huge presence in the region. The northern parts of the region is noted as a major cattle rearing center in the country. The concentration of cattle numbers in the north and north eastern parts of the region (Ashanti Akim South) may probably be the highest in the country. However, the ranching methods in these areas have left a lot of acrimony and conflicts among farmers and ranchers in the area due to uncontrolled grazing resulting in the destruction of farms.

54

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

The southern parts of the region were once a major contributor to poultry products in the country where chicken and eggs were exported to other parts of the country and beyond. The collapse of the railway network to the Western Region and Greater Accra played a key role in the demise of the poultry industry. In addition to the spate of importation of poultry consumable products against the rising cost of local poultry inputs have consistently undermined the industry. The total of food cropland in the region is 495,700 hectares constituting approximately 20.3 (4,957km2) percent of regional land and production is about 4.3 million metric tons of a combination of the six major crop produced in the region. With a total cropland of 48,328 hectares, Ejura Sekyeredumase is the district with the highest crop land. Ejura is followed by Ahafo Ano South and North districts with 39,420 and 30,527 hectares respectively. KMA, Obuasi, Asokore and Mampong are municipalities with the least land cropped. KMA, Obuasi Municipality and Asokre Mampong lands have been prominently consumed by settlement expansion due to rapid population increases leading to massive urbanization. Though district land cropped in Kwabre East is low compared with the others, at 66 percent shown in Figure 4.7 Map 1 the district has the highest percent of district land into crops. The Ahafo Ano districts and Ejura Sekyeredumase have higher percentages of district land cropped as well.

Agricultural Production Efficiency High food producing districts are shown in metric tons in Table 4.5 Ahafo Ano South District produces about 341,000 metric tons of food leading the region in total output of all the six major food crops. However, producing lots of output does not imply efficiency in the production process. It is important to identify districts that have high yields (HYD) in a combination of all the six different food crops. The identification of such HYD will enable the knowledge of prime areas for immediate production investments to ensure food security. Percentage of district land committed to food production is also important in identifying districts with high yield and land availability for future investments.

55

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Figure 4.7: Average Yield, Production and Land Cropped

Source: MOFA, SRID, 2014Cropland in the Region

Figure 4.7 Map 2 shows that production (total output) of a combination of all food crop is quite high in the north and western parts of the region particularly in districts like Ejura Sekyeredumase, Ahafo Ano North and South, Offinso North and Mampong Municipal. However, in these same districts average yields of all crops are quite low even though percent of district land as well as total land cropped in these areas are also high. The implication shows low level of efficiency though farming remains one of the major economic activity in these districts. Exploring the reasons for such low yields will help to determine the kind of assistance to be provided to farmers in these areas. Districts in the Greater Kumasi area and as well as Obuasi Municipal are showing low production outputs and low yields. This is not a surprise development because other alternative economic activities are replacing agriculture whilst rapid urbanization has completely impacted agriculture. Lands committed to agricultural investment has completely reduced. Districts in the east, south and northeast have shown signs of effectiveness in production. With seven percent of district land cropped Sekyere Afram Plains and have average yields of 11 mt/ha compared with Ahafo Ano North which cropped 50 percent of district land for a yield of seven mt/ha. These combinations will determine districts that should be targeted and considered for immediate investments in any government policy or private/donor assistance to offset the deficit in the supply of crops like rice and maize for domestic consumption and also promote food security in general as well as exports

56

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

From a regional food security perspective, it is more economical to increase cropped area in the districts with the highest yield(s) and also large track of land, such as Sekyere Afram Plains, Sekyere Afram Plains, Sekyere Central, Amansie west, Bekwai and Atwima Mponua. There will also be the need to investigate why yields are low in high food producing districts like Ahafo Ano North and South, Ejura Sekyeredumase, Asante Akim South and Adansi South so that production can improve possibly through specialization of selected high yielding crops.

Table 4.5: District Crop Cultivation Data

District DistrictArea Percent Region of Total cropland Percent cropped Av Yield Total PD/MT Ahafo Ano South 112.7 4.62 39.4 35 8.16 340811 Asante Akim South 116.4 4.77 29.1 25 8.49 270467 Ejura 132.8 5.44 48.3 36 7.88 262158 Sekyedumase Mampong 91.6 3.75 26.7 29 8.92 240732 Ahafo Ano North 70.1 2.87 30.5 44 7.66 221302 Atwima Mponua 176.8 7.24 24.5 14 8.42 217348 Atwima Nwabiagye 77.2 3.16 23.2 30 8.24 205852 Sekyere Kumawu 129.4 5.30 4.2 3 12.38 188387 Sekyere Afram 258.8 10.60 8.4 3 12.38 191,387 Plains Adansi North 63.0 2.58 17.7 28 8.27 178615 Sekyere Central 153.1 6.27 18.9 12 9.20 176891 Adansi South 122.1 5.00 16.7 14 7.94 175479 Offinso North 90.7 3.71 27.1 30 7.88 171732 Bekwai 51.6 2.11 12.9 25 9.65 158492 Amansie West 113.6 4.65 12.8 11 9.22 158294 Amansie Central 99.3 4.07 17.8 18 7.55 157438 Asante Akim North 96.2 3.94 19.4 20 8.78 153,519 Offinso 52.2 2.14 17.4 33 8.67 121826 Afigya Kwabre 47.2 1.93 13.3 28 8.08 119636 Afigya Sekyere 34.4 1.41 21.5 20 7.87 114996 Kwabre East 13.1 0.53 8.6 66 7.62 92452 Bosome Freho 55.0 2.25 10.6 19 8.27 92169 Asante Akim 48.1 1.97 9.7 20 8.78 76760 Central Sekyere East 34.6 1.42 7.8 23 8.82 69343 Atwima 35.4 1.45 7.5 21 7.77 66039 Kwamwoma Bosomtwe 34.4 1.41 6.6 19 7.77 57339 Ejisu Juaben 73.3 3.00 10.2 14 5.39 56956 Obuasi 38.1 1.56 3.1 8 7.72 22547 Asokore Mampong 10.4 0.42 1.1 11 6.87 9,980 Kumasi 10.4 0.42 0.9 8 6.87 5070 Total 2,441.5 0.1 495.7 0.7 0.3 4,374.0 Source: MOFA, SRID, 2014

Most districts within the Greater Kumasi Area (GKA) are low production and low yielding districts particularly the Ejisu Juaben Municipal Assembly. For Ejisu Juaben Municipal

57

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Assembly, the rapid urbanization may be the reason in addition to the recent influence of the production of industrial crops like oil palm. Kwabre East also within the GKA cultivates a greater percent of the district land but with very low yield.

Industrial Crops The three main industrial crops in Ashanti Region discussed in this section are cocoa, oil palm and cashew. Other industrial crops such as cashew nuts are also grown in the northernmost part of the region which falls within the transitional zone. There are also some rubber farms in the Obuasi Municipality Most of these are produced by small-scale farmers.

• Cocoa Cocoa is the leading agricultural export in Ghana. In 2011, cocoa accounted for over 22 percent of the total foreign earnings and 63 percent of the foreign export earnings from the agricultural sector (ISSER, 2011). Cocoa production has backward and forward links to other enterprise such as chemical companies, input distributors and cocoa buying companies.

Figure 4.8: Cocoa Producing Districts

58

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Source: Cocobod, 2014

The Ashanti Region is the second highest producer of cocoa with a total production of 134,295 and 126,288 metric tons in 2013 and 2014 respectively which accounts for about 18 percent of the national output. From

Figure 4.8 a bulk of the cocoa is produced in the Adansi South and Ahafo Ano North districts with reasonable amount in the Amansie West and Central, Atwima Mponua and Atwima Kwawnoma Districts. Over the years cocoa output in the region and most parts of producing areas across the country has been reducing due to a number of reasons. Though climate change has been assigned as one of the reasons, for the Ashanti Region in particular, legal and illegal mining occurring in the cocoa growing areas is another.

59

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

• Oil Palm Oil palm is a popular crop across the rainforest zone and the region is one of the leading producers after the Western and Eastern Regions. There are four major private producers who produce from their plantation and processed the fruits into semi-finished products for further processing. The leading producing companies are Adansi Oil Mills located in Dompoase in the , Juaben Oil Mills in the Ejisu Juaben Municipal, and Ashanti Oil Mills located in Ahwia Nkwanta in the Bekwai Municipal. There are a large number of small- farmers, many of which are out-growers whose products are bought by these two large companies. However, large quantities of palm oil are processed as edible oil by individuals. The oil palm industry in the region has potential to expand. There is a large unmet demand from Uniliver Company in Tema and other manufacturers in Greater Accra Region. The large track of land in the Adansi South where the crop is grown offer huge potential to the industry. The current support from donor agencies offer a bright future for farmers in the region. For example, Agence Francaise de Developpement (AFD) is funding a master plan for the oil palm sector and supporting a 3000 ha out grower project in Upper and Lower Denkyira Districts in Central Region. The World Bank Sponsored Agriculture Services Sub-Sector Investment Programme (AgSSIP) is expanding seednuts production capacity of Oil Palm Research Institute (OPRI) from 2 million to 5 million seednuts per year. The President’s Special Initiative (PSI) on oil palm is supporting 20,000 ha of small-scale farms.

60

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Figure 4.9: Oil Palm and Cashew Producing Districts

Source: MOFA, SRID 2014

• Cashew Cashew is not a popular crop in the region due to the ecological condition which does not support the crop. However, the transitional zone has climatic conditions similar to the cashew zones in Ghana. The demand for cashew nut as inputs for processing companies is quite high but production and marketing is unregulated hence discouraging investments by growers. Production of the cashew is low prompting the processing industry to supplement with importation from La Cote D’ivoire.

Livestock Development The government's food policy includes ensuring an adequate supply of quality animal products for healthy diets and adequate nutrition. The most spatially relevant strategies to achieve the policy objective are:

61

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

• Support to large-scale cultivation of maize and soybeans for animal feed research into large-scale breeding and production of guinea fowls, cattle, sheep and goats, especially in the northern regions. • Improving the dispensation of animal health services as well as instituting mass vaccination against pests in small ruminants and Newcastle disease in poultry. Improving access of operators to technology and appropriate financial instruments to enhance their competitiveness. • Designing appropriate interventions to address processing and marketing of livestock. Increasing awareness on food safety and public health and strengthening the enforcement of quarantine regulations on livestock movement.

MOFA's Animal Production Directorate operates seven livestock breeding and technology transfer stations as part its policy to promote livestock breeding. One of such facilities is located at Ejura in the Ejura Sekyeredumase District that breeds sheep. The five main types of livestock are cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and poultry. Regional distribution of livestock sub-sector is available only in terms of the place of slaughter and not on place of production, which is likely to be different. Nevertheless, the place of slaughter may be assumed to be close to the place of consumption. Thus the ratio of population to livestock may be an indicator of demand for meat products, and comparing this ratio across regions shows where the demand in this region is highest. Places with higher demand for meat products are where policies could ensure sufficient area for livestock raising. Chart 4.9 shows the number of livestock slaughtered in the region in 2012 compared with other regions. There is no consistent pattern in regional variations in the number of animals slaughtered in relation to regional human population except that the Ashanti Region with the highest regional population invariably dominates the slaughter of the types of livestock. The information provided did not specify where these animals were coming from

Chart 4.9: Number of slaughtered livestock Volta Central Eastern Western Upper East Upper West Northern Brong Ahafo Greater Accra Cattle Goats Sheep Pigs Ashanti

0 20,000 40,000 60,000 80,000 100,000 120,000 140,000 160,000 180,000 number of livestock animals Source: Spatial Solutions based on Veterinary Services Directorate, MOFA, 2011

• Poultry

62

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

The Ashanti Region used to be the leading region in the poultry industry from the 1970s to the early 1990s. The region was the main source of supply of poultry products particularly eggs to the rest of the country. The existence of the railway made this poultry trade between the Western region and Ashanti region flourished. The same can be mentioned between Accra and the region. Most of the large scale farmers were located in the Greater Kumasi Area. The creation of additional jobs through processing of poultry inputs was encouraging and led to the creation of the Agricare Company in the early 1970s which is still in operation though production levels have reduced. The collapse of the railways has seriously affected the poultry industry trade between the Ashanti Region and other regions.

• Horticulture The production of horticultural crops has become an important agricultural activity across the country. Horticultural crops in Ghana comprise fruits and vegetables. Fruits include pineapple, mangoes, oranges, watermelon, bananas and pawpaw; vegetables include pepper, okro, eggplant, and tomatoes. There are very few large-scale growers and majority of the fruits are cultivated and grown by small growers. In Ashanti Region the common fruits and vegetable cultivated are oranges, banana, watermelon, pepper and okro. Most of these crops are for local consumption whilst a few quantities are exported. One critical concern about horticultural crops in the region is that there are no processing plants to add value to these products during the bumper harvest seasons a lot of them particularly oranges and watermelons get rotten. As a result, growers are discouraged from embarking on a large scale production creating stagnation in the industry. Generally, one can conclude that the horticulture export sector is underperforming primarily due insufficient support afforded to growers. The government of Ghana does not offer the necessary support that will make the industry flourish. Converting products into semi-finished outputs will obviously reduce the risk losses. 4.6.2 Sectoral spatial analysis of the Ashanti Region economy: industry Spatial Distribution of Industrial Jobs The Industrial Sector jobs comprise of mining and quarrying, electricity, water and gas supply, construction and manufacturings. The manufacturing, construction and mining and quarrying sectors remain the driving force of the industrial sector which engage eight, four and two percent of the region’s workforce respectively As illustrated in Figure 4.10 Kumasi remains the main industrial centre of the region hosting more than 150,000 jobs (46% of Industrial jobs). This high concentration of jobs is mostly occurring because of the presence of the Suame Mechanical Chain shops (Suame Magazine) and other industrial enclaves within Ahensan (a suburb of Kumasi). Currently, a large number of food processing and alcoholic beverage production firms are also springing up which positions Kumasi as a major industrial hub

63

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Figure 4.10: Spatial Distribution of Industrial Jobs in Ashanti Region, 2014

Source: Spatial Solutions based on 2000 & 2010 PHC Data and 2014 National Accounts Statistics

Amansie West and Obuasi which stand out strongly after Kumasi are mainly because of the large number of workers engaged in the mining and quarrying sub-sectors (See Figure 4.11). The recent rise in the activities of illegal gold mining in these two districts shows no signs of abatement in the mining and quarrying sub-sector and hence these areas will continue to dominate Mining component of the Industrial sector landscape for a number of years to come. The next level of high concentration of industrial jobs are mainly within the surrounding districts of Kumasi and Asokore Mampong with the exception of Kwabre East District.

Figure 4.11: Location of Mining and Quarrying Workers, 2014

64

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Source: Spatial Solutions based on 2000 & 2010 PHC Data and 2014 National Accounts Statistics A spatial analysis of the other industrial sub-sectors like manufacturing, electricity, water and gas supplies as well as in the construction sub-sector pinpoints only one conclusion, that Kumasi Metropolis dominates the Industrial landscape. In all these Industrial sub-sectors, Kumasi Metropolitan Area alone (i.e.not including Greater Kumasi) hosts more than 55 percent of jobs. It is worth noting that the region’s industrial sector has consistently been declining over the years. A major economic sector which has the potential of contributing to massive economic growth and transformation compared to agriculture, is declining as urbanization levels rise. The decline is due to the inability of local industries to compete due to high cost of production, poor energy supply systems, inadequate skill levels, relatively easier mode of entry into wholesale and retail sub-sector among others. Some of the efforts required to ensure growth of industrial jobs which are needed to contribute towards restructuring and transforming the economy, include:

• infrastructure investments (energy and transportation), • encouraging agglomeration of manufacturing firms (with its added benefis of yielding economies of scale and skills and knowledge transfer) as well as • vocational, technical training and educational programmes geared toward industrialization.

4.6.3 Sectoral spatial analysis of the Ashanti Region economy: Services Influence of Low Skilled Employees in Service Sector The services sector comprises of finance and insurance, health and social work, education, hospitality industries, transport, storage and communication services, public administration and defence, real estate, professional,scientific and administrative support and other social services.

65

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

A detailed analysis of the region’s employment structure indicates that the services sector is mainly low skilled services-led type17. The wholesale and retail sub-sector that is the largest source of employment engages 28 percent of all employees in the region. This sector is dominated by informal services with very little or no level of value addition and very low contribution to GDP. Hawkers, water sellers, wholesalers, repairers of automobiles, hairdressers, kiosk operators who dominate Ashanti Region’s urban landscape are typical employees in this sub-sector. This is followed by accommodation and food services sub-sector that employs seven percent of the workers in the region. This sub-sector also has very low level of value addition. The highly skilled service sub-sectors like education, health and finance and insurance, real estate, professionals, scientific and administrative support sub-sectors are characterised by high levels of service delivery and value addition, but constitute a very small percentage share of the services sector as shown in Figure 4.12. Efforts are needed to transform the low-skilled service economy into a highly skilled services-led economy.

Location of Services Sector Jobs A spatial analysis of the services sector shows a spatial pattern which is quite akin to the industrial case presented where Kumasi’s dominance remains unmatched regarding the percentage share of the jobs. As illustrated in Figure 4.12, Kumasi alone has more than 700,000 Services jobs (thus 54 percent of Service sector jobs). This is the case because it is the regional administrative command centre with all regional head offices of various public sector departments and agencies. Also, tertiary educational institutions like Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi Polytechnic as well as various campuses of other tertiary institutions like University of Education, Ghana Telecom University among others, large number of secondary schools, numerous number of private and public health facilities as well as Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital are all located in the metropolis. Not to mention the least, Kejetia which is one of the biggest market centres in the whole of the West African sub- region is located in the same metropolis. It is therefore not surprising Kumasi is the leading area with regards to hosting the largest share of Service workers which is typical of large urban centres with high population densities. From Figure 4.12, MMDAs that are in northern and eastern parts of Kumasi Metropolitan area also have very high levels of services jobs. The only exception is Obuasi Municipal Assembly which has the same level of Service jobs as the MMDAs that are in the northern and eastern parts of Kumasi.

Figure 4.12: Spatial Distribution of Service Sector Jobs, 2014

17 Ghana Statistical Service, 2015

66

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Source: Spatial Solutions based on 2000 & 2010 PHC Data and 2014 National Accounts Statistics

A further breakdown of the services sector into its sub-sectors even pinpoints higher level of service sector job concentration in the Kumasi Metropolis and its surrounding districts. For Instance, the real estate, professional and administrative support services sub-sector that employs about 35,000 has 57 percent of the jobs in Kumasi.

Figure 4.13: Distribution of Real Estate, Professional and Administrative Support Services Jobs, 2014

67

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Source: Spatial Solutions based on 2000 & 2010 PHC Data and 2014 National Accounts Statistics

For health and social work, the spatial pattern of distribution is not different from the earlier patterns presented. Kumasi houses 57 percent of all such jobs in the region. This spatial pattern is similar for almost all the remaining Services sub-sectors

Figure 4.14: Spatial Spread of Health and Social Work Jobs, 2014

68

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Source: Spatial Solutions based on 2000 & 2010 PHC Data and 2014 National Accounts Statistics

In sum, the multi-criteria analyses presented both in the broad economic sense as well as more detailed and segregated economic sub-sectors highlight the unparalleled significance of Kumasi Metropolis as the main economic command centre of the Region generating the largest share of employment as well as the largest share of contribution to GDP. In order to build on this existing function and role of Kumasi, it is appropriate that investments in reliable and efficient energy infrastructure networks, road and railway network connectivity systems are developed to further yield more economic growth and generate more jobs. This will help deliver “just-in-time” business practices which ultimate will improve the production, productivity and the competitive edge of the region and that of Ghana as a whole in the West African sub- region. The next rank of most significant economic area is Asokore Mampong (which is practically economically inseparable from Kumasi). This is followed by the surrounding districts which form the Greater Kumasi Area and Obuasi Municipal which is the largest mining centre in the Region. A new entrant to this level of economic significance is Amansie West which will require massive urban and industrial planning as well as investments in energy networks and road connectivity to yield higher economic returns in terms of revenue generation and creation of decent jobs.

Tourism sub-sector and Its Potential for Economic Development Tourism remains an economic transformer that barely receives the attention it deserves, considering its potential for foreign exchange earnings, attraction of foreign investors and high levels of low-skilled employment. The role of tourism in the economic picture of Ashanti Region can be further developed considering the ecological, historical and cultural potentials for

69

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036 tourism development. Current global statistics as well as country specific examples shows tourism has huge transformational potentials. These include its ability to spur economic development and create more efficient and stable jobs. A study in Zambia revealed that an investment of $250,000 in tourism sector generates 182 full-time jobs which is nearly 40 percent more than the same investment in agriculture and over 50 percent more than in mining18 (Hamilton et al, 2007). Furthermore, tourism helps build remote areas and developing areas compared to already developed areas. Also, tourists increase domestic consumption and helps in diversification of exports. Tourists create demand for goods and services such as transport, gasoline, retailing, finance, real estate, agriculture, and communications among others. Tourism is said to generate twice as much from indirect spending on non-tourism goods and services and from induced supply chain benefits as from direct tourist spending19. Lastly, it helps the preservation of cultural heritage and conserves the environment.

Tourism, Tradition and Culture in the Ashanti Region The Ashanti Region is noted for its cultural and traditional values that impact on the regional socio-economic development, including tourism. Such values are expressed physically in three different forms. The tourism sector is relatively vibrant in the Ashanti Region compared to most regions in the country. The region attracted 139,652 (16%) of all tourists in the country as of 2011 placing only second to the Central Region. Ashanti Region has quite a number of historical, ecological sites and traditional festivities and unique sceneries which are ripe for tourism development. One of such sites is Lake Bosomtwe which is the only natural lake in Ghana and one of the very few in the West African sub-region. Apart from the Lake there are quite a number of other tourist sites Bonwire and Faade which are strong artisanal centres that can be properly developed to attract large number of tourists to boost income levels and generate jobs for quite a substantial number of people as demonstrated by the number of indirect jobs generated by the direct jobs. 1. First, the cultural and traditional values find expression in the form of the age-old indigenous economic activities, found in craft villages, prominent among them being Bonwire for kente weaving, Ahwiaa for wood carving, Ntonso for adinkra cloth stamping, Mfensi for ceramic- based activities and Darbaa for beads production. 2. Secondly, the values find expression in nature conservation whose sites are Bobiri Butterfly Sanctuary off the main Kumasi-Accra road, Owabi Bird Sanctuary, Atwia Rock Formation, Mframabuom Caves, Lake Bosomtwe as well as the Kogyae Strict Nature’s Reserve. 3. Thirdly, in the form of man-made religious beliefs and cultural places such as Ejisu-Besease and Adarko Jachie Shrines and Yaa Asantewaa Museum. All these three categories of places are shown on the Ashanti Region Tourism Map.( Figure 4.15)

18 Hamilton, K., G. Tembo, G. Sinyenga, S. Bandyopadhyay, A. Pope, B. Guilon, B. Muwele, S. Mann, and J. M. Pavy. 2007. “The Real Economic Impact of Nature Tourism in Zambia. Lusaka”: Natural Resources Consultative Forum. 19 World Travel and Tourism Council , 2011 “ Travel and Tourism Economic Impact” 2011, London

70

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Impacts of Tourism on Socio-economic Development and. The three categories described above put together have three main impacts on regional socio- economic development and tourism:

▪ Provision of consumer products Kente weaving and Adinkra stamping provide cloths for social functions, thus enhancing the social well-being of the people. Whereas kente cloth is worn on occasions of happiness including religious functions, weddings and festivals, adinkra cloth is worn on occasions of mourning and funerals. These are worn invariably by rich men and women in society. Beads are also worn by women and girls to enhance their beauty. Ceramics-based activities provide products such as earthenware dish plates and coolers for households and chop bars and bricks and tiles for walling and roofing in house construction. Whereas the earthenware products provide substitutes for imported dish plates, the bricks and tiles provide substitutes for imported cement used for block-making and for imported tiles and other walling and roofing materials. Wood carving provides traditional wooden stools used in homes and by chiefs in palaces to enhance the beauty of such places. The carved tables from carving are used as writing tables and as stands for television sets and books, thus serving as substitutes for imported tables and helping to decorate sitting rooms.

Provision of Employment The economic activity aspects such as kente weaving, adinkra stamping, beads production, ceramics-based activities and wood carving, all provide employment and incomes for both adults and the youth, males and females, considering the multiplicity of people engaged in production and marketing of the products. They have therefore become the economic base of the communities where they are located. In the case of kente weaving at Bonwire, ceramics- based activities at Mfensi and wood carving at Ahwiaa, for instance, production and sale are spread throughout the communities signifying the extent to which they create jobs and incomes for the inhabitants of the communities as they can be found in houses, open spaces and along the main streets. People from outside come to purchase the products for resale, thus ensuring a decent livelihood for the communities. As economic base of the communities, the activities help in the improvement of the settlements as expressed in their beautiful and durable houses, streets and other infrastructural facilities.

Serving as Tourist Attractions Both the economic activities described above and the non-economic activities such as shrines, museums and festivals, serve as tourist attractions drawing tourists from both Ghana and abroad to the communities of their locations. The tourists purchase Ashanti indigenous cloths, earthenware dish plates, beads and other products of touristic value etc. and thereby put money into the communities’ economies. Tourism has in consequence been a contributor to the socio-economic well-being of the communities and the Ashanti at large. Figure 4.15 identifies the potential tourists’ attraction in the region.

Figure 4.15: Tourist sites in Ashanti Region

71

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Source: Spatial Solutions 2016

72

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

1.1.12 Summary of Key Findings • Historically the region formed part of the main industrial core of the nation together with Greater Accra and Western Region. • Measuring economic functionality by freight movement/distribution indicates that the region (Kumasi in particular) is the second most important hotspot in the whole of Ghana. • Ashanti Region is second among all the ten regions in Ghana for FDI, but still far below that of Accra. Agriculture • Formal irrigation schemes are operating at only a third of their design capacity, with low yield and low cropping intensity as Informal schemes as well, have not realized their full potential. • The private sector and others including donors have started to promote and provide storage silos and warehouses, particularly in the KMA area.

• There is congestion and lack of storage facilities in markets • There is a lack of marketing skills, inadequate product development for farm produce Cash Crops • Main industrial crops in Ashanti Region are cocoa, oil palm, cashew, horticulture and livestock are also prominent. • Cocoa is produced in the Adansi South and Ahafo Ano North Amansie West and Central, Atwima Mponua and Atwima Kwawnoma districts ECONOMY • Oil Palm has a large unmet demand by major markets in the KMA and large companies’ like the Unilever Company at Tema. Large quantities of palm oil are also processed as edible oil by individuals. It is grown by a large number of small-farmers, many of which are out-growers • Cashew is grown in large quantities in some areas. • Livestock: Kumasi records the three times higher livestock slaughter than Accra its nearest rival, and four times than Brong Ahafo Region which is next. Cattle and poultry are the prominent. The poultry sector is active on periphery of Kumasi. • Horticulture fruits (oranges, bananas, pineapples, mangoes, watermelon) and vegetables (cucumbers, carrots, cabbages, and lettuce) are cultivated. During the bumper harvest seasons a lot get rotten, and growers are discouraged. Post harvest losses are a major challenge. Food Crops • Contribution towards national agricultural food crop production is fourth highest in the country, high in the North and West districts like Ejura Sekyeredumase, Ahafo Ano north and south, Offinso North and Mampong Municipal. • There are large losses, about 20-50 percent for fruits, vegetables, roots and tubers and about 20-30 percent for cereals and legumes. Processing is arduous, mostly by women, gives low yields and poor product quality

73

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Industry • The Industrial Sector engages 14 percent of its labour force. Mining remain the driving force of the industrial sector and engages 8 percent construction employs 4 percent (but generates 17 percent of the value), and quarrying percent • Kumasi Metropolitan Area (KMA) houses most industrial establishments in the region and host to Suame mechanic chain shops which is Africa's largest open artisanal manufacturing centre) and other industrial enclaves within suburbs of Kumasi. • Currently, a large number of food processing and alcoholic beverage production firms are also springing up which continuously positions Kumasi as a major industrial hub, which trades with all of Ghana and countries in the West African sub-region. • AR has about seventy-three (73) mineral deposit sites and two huge bauxite and diamond

fields. Small scale illegal mining activities are undermining the industry and creating environmental havoc. • Amansie West which has intensively joined the gold-mining industry as well as Obuasi falls within the echelon of highest contribution to GDP. • There is large scale mining potential in the bauxite deposits at Nyinyahin, when connected with the existing rail and processing/export from nearby Awaso in western region

Services ECONOMY • Services constitute 59 percent of the total number of jobs in the region which is far higher than the national figure of 43 percent • the services sector is mainly low skilled services-led type. Finance and insurance employed 17,755 (1%) workers had each worker contributing 7.45 percent to the region’s GDP (2014) transport, storage and communication (4.80 % employees yet yields 15.75 percent of GDP. • Kumasi has over 700,000 Services jobs (54 % of Service sector jobs) and houses Kejetia Market. MMDAs in northern and eastern parts of KMA also have very high levels of services jobs. • Tourism remains an economic transformer with potential for foreign exchange earnings, attraction of foreign investors and high levels of low-skilled employment.. The region attracted 139,652 (16%) of all tourists in the country as of 2011. • Ashanti Region has historical and traditional religious and cultural places such as Ejisu- Besease and Adarko Jachie Shrines and Yaa Asantewaa Museum; Bonwire and Faade and other strong artisanal consumer products centres, ecological sites and sceneries at Bosomtwe Lake and and forest and game / wildlife sites

74

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

4.7 General conclusion 4.7.1 Challenges, opportunities and proposals for the economy and employment Economically, the Kumasi City Region is a huge commercial centre dominated by wholesale and retail trade which attracts a sizable number of the labour force. The biggest challenge is that it is expected that by the year 2030, if the right measures are not put in place, the service sector will dominate 90 percent of economic activities in the region. The continuous surge in the service industry has affected the agricultural and the industrial sector negatively. However, if the appropriate investments are not forthcoming in these two affected sectors then a situation will be created whereby the predominant service sector will largely be dependent on import for it's survival. Such an economic occurrence augurs a blighted future for the region.

Small-scale agriculture and informal urban sectors including commerce, logistics and car repairing services/manufacturing were very important in the regional economy, and contributed to food security and employment creation in Ashanti Region and Greater Kumasi Sub-Region in the last decades. Small-scale processing and informal commercial sectors are likely to grow for some time. Therefore, the opportunity exists to expand and improve the conditions in which such informal sectors can spring up more. Furthermore, it is necessary to modernize those informal sectors by introducing technology and management to their operations. However, the challenge is those informal sectors are unlikely to create a large amount of value added enough to sustain the economic growth required for supporting rapidly urbanizing Ashanti Region and Greater Kumasi Sub-Region. Therefore, the opportunity exists to develop a wide range of new viable options for more formal, and large scale economic development policies and to select and combine them for implementation. For example, the demise of the railway has had a bad effect on Kumasi's industrial base, and levels of investment have decreased, but it is still the second largest economic centre of Ghana. The opportunity exists for this decline to be reversed if the rail access is restored. The industrial sector has potential to expand from its large but informal base, while also attracting new investors if the sites, services, energy, water and access to markets are made available. The agricultural sector suffers from low productivity, lack of access to markets and demand on which its growth and modernisation will depend. Kumasi is a major supplier of food for Ghana especially livestock. The greatest challenge is in the southern, formerly forested areas and the

opportunity is in the northern areas of the region if combined with irrigation. However, in mining, the regularisation of informal small scale gold-mining activity is a challenge. There is opportunity for large scale exploitation of bauxite and oil and gas have the potential to yield results if they are tackled at the highest, national, level.

75 ECONOMY

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

In the services sector, which is dominated by Kumasi's role as a regional centre, there is opportunity for training and development to increase the proportion of high end services, including tourism. However the challenge is how to do this when Kumasi acts as a magnet for unemployed people form rural areas which causes this low productivity sector to continue to expand to absorb them at an unusually high rate. Proposals must include development of the agriculture sector driven by improved markets and processing, taking up the challenge of the mining sector, provision of infrastructure aimed at manufacturing and mining and support to the informal and industrial and marketing activities to progress to more formal and productive levels.

76

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

5 INFRASTRUCTURE This section covers the transport, ICT, energy, and water infrastructure of the region. The Region is involved in nearly all major transportation investments covering all parts of the country because of its pivotal location. Since Kumasi is expected to play the role of a city region in addition to Accra, investments in transportation and other infrastructure should be a key driver of the region’s harmonious development. It is the key to the development of a viable and robust industrial cluster in the region. Energy supply also lags behind demand and, its unreliability, is a major constraint on growth in industrial production. However, with the commissioning of the Atuabo Gas Plant and further capacity being planned, there exists the possibility that this problem will be overcome by a thermal power station at Obuasi. The NSDF also proposes a major waste-to-energy power plant for the region.

In terms of ICT, the penetration of mobile phones here, as in other parts of sub-saharan Africa, has been extraordinary and has offered the possibility of modernisation to the Region's whole population. Water and waste services continue to be developed, but at a pace which is well below that needed to keep up with population growth. Investment in water for production is another key issue. 5.1 Transport The ARSDF critically considers all types of transportation network, government and private, and policies towards transportations systems that affect the region's development. If these are efficiently planned, coordinated and developed as an integrated system that complies with national and international standards, they could play a major role in sustainable development of the Region. Road networks and other forms of transportation play a major role in the socio-economic development of the Ashanti Region due to its central location in Ghana. The region is serviced with all modes of transport operating at international, national and regional levels. All major transportation networks in Ghana leads to the region and terminate in other parts of the country and beyond the national borders. Although the major road network has good coverage, some parts are deteriorating, and very little development of this or the urban roads or feeder roads has taken place in recent years. The rail network, which was a mainstay of the region's developing economy is now defunct, and there is little sign of implementation of the new rail networks which have been proposed, including the all-important link between Kumasi and Tema Port. Kumasi provides commercial air transport, and the development of its airport relative to other modes requires careful consideration. There is also an airstrip at Obuasi which is capable of development.

77

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

5.2 Road Networks in Ashanti Region The road system comprises three types of roads: trunk, urban and feeder roads.

5.2.1 Trunk road netwrok Figure 5.1: National Trunk Road System The trunk road network includes all the major highways and is divided into national, inter- regional and regional roads. With a total of 1,714 kilometers, Ashanti region has the third highest length of trunk roads in the country next to the Northern and the Brong Ahafo Regions with 3014 and 2084 kilometers respectively.

There are about 4,500 km of national, 2,600 km of inter- regional, and 7,900 km of regional trunk roads in Ghana. Out of these number 443 kilometers forming 10 percent are in the region as part of the national road network, 336 kilometers (14 percent) are inter- regional road and 936 kilometers (12 percent) are regional roads.

Figure 5.2 shows the trunk road network at the national level, which connects major cities and regional capitals and are typically referred to as road corridors. The major one that connects Accra to the three Northern Regions and Burkina Faso is known as the central corridor which runs through Kumasi (Ashanti Region). The central corridor links Accra/Tema, Kumasi, Tamale, Bolgatanga and the border crossing at Paga and connects also to Sekondi-Takoradi.

78

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Figure 5.2: Trunk Roads Network

Source: Ghana Highways Authority, 2015 5.2.2 Trunk Road Conditions . Figure 5.2 shows the trunk roads in the region. All the major trunk roads in the region are in relatively good condition except for a few kilometres of links. The roads noted to be in poor conditions are from Ahwia Nkwanta in the Bekwai Municipality to Obuasi in the Adansi Municipality which is about 40 kilometers stretch. Obuasi and Bekwai are among major urban areas in the region and communication between the two in terms of economic activities is relatively intense. The trunk road connecting Kumasi to Kuntenase in the Bosomtwe District popularly known as Lake Road because of its connectivity to Lake Bosomtwe is in poor state pushing majority of the traffic from Kumasi to Bekwai and Kuntenase through Ahwia Nkwanta on the Kumasi – Cape Coast RoadUrban roads Urban road management has been decentralized to the district assemblies under the supervision of the regional offices of Urban Roads Department. Designation of urban roads is determined by all departments concerned—highways, urban roads and feeder roads. The Government's urban transport policy is to: invest in and improve public transport systems so as to cover 80 percent of all person trips; provide sufficient urban public transport infrastructure and regulations; develop and implement a decentralised institutional and

79

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036 regulatory framework for public urban transport; and integrate urban public transport into a strategic urban development framework.20 Only 15 urban centres in Ghana have urban roads: the ten regional capitals plus Ga, Tema, Techiman, Obuasi and Bawku. The national network's 12,000 km are categorised into expressways, major arteries, minor arteries, collector or distributor roads, and local roads. As indicated in Chart 5.1, Ashanti Region has two of the urban centers in the country where the department operates. These are in Kumasi and Obuasi which have 14 and 2 percent respectively of the national urban roads.

Chart 5.1: Length of urban roads in the major cities and towns, km Bolgatanga 92 Bawku 135 Obuasi 184 Koforidua 143 minor arterial Cape coast 208 Wa 256 distributor Sunyani 273 major arterial Tamale 239 Techiman 346 local Ho 320 STMA 502 Tema 1,496 Kumasi 1,590 Ga 1,834 Accra 1,749 0 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 2,500 kilometres Source: Department of Urban Roads, Annual report 2008

5.2.3 Feeder road network The responsibility of feeder road planning and management lies with the Department of Feeder Roads (DFR) and is mandated to develop and maintain 42,000 Km of feeder roads across the country of which about 4,800 Km are in the Ashanti Region. The overall DFR goal is to extend the feeder road system to within 2 Km of 80 percent of rural settlements. Feeder roads are important for the transportation of agricultural produce to the trunk roads and finally to markets. Poor rural-urban connectivity harms and restrains agricultural productivity through poor access to agricultural inputs and markets, and higher post-harvest losses. It also results in higher food prices in urban areas. The end result is rural stagnation and higher migration rates to urban areas (ISSER 2009, 2010). As the Region is one of the leading industrial and food crop producing regions, the presence of a well distributed feeder road network will immensely benefit rural commercial activities There are three levels of feeder roads: inter-district, connector and access. Inter-district feeders serve most of the inter-district and inter-regional trips and generally are more heavily trafficked. Connectors connect to other roads within a district and link towns and villages to the trunk road network and might be as heavily trafficked as inter-district roads. Access feeders which lead to communities and villages, are usually shorter, and have less traffic. Virtually all rural areas in the region are linked by one of these types of roads.

20 Ghana Ministry of Transport, 2007

80

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Figure 5.3: Feeder Roads in Ashanti Region

Source: Department of Feeder Roads, 2015 5.2.4 Feeder Roads Condition The Ashanti Region is well serviced with feeder roads connecting all rural areas as shown in chart 5.2. An estimated 3,584 kilometers (62.8%) of the feeder roads are engineered and 963 kilometers (16%) are partially-engineered. Engineered roads are graveled, cambered, and have drainage structures (culverts) and side drains. Partially-engineered roads have some drainage structures and may be shaped. The remaining 1157.23 kilometers (20.11%) are earth roads and are vulnerable during the rainy seasons.

Chart 5.2: Feeder Road Construction and Surface Quality

Constructio Non-Engineered 1,157.23 n Partial Engineered 963.61 Engineered 3,584.05

Surfaces Earth 1,863.97 Gravel 3,382.89 Bitumen 458.03

Source Spatial Solutions based on Feeder Road Department, 2014

81

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

5.2.5 Feeder road system extension and improvement The Department of Feeder Roads constructed about 18,000 kms of feeder roads between 2000 and 2007, but it has not extended the network since. Since this period, between 2007 and 2013, the surface quality of feeder roads declined; the share of poor quality roads (32 percent) increased slightly.

Chart 5.3: Feeder road conditions by region, 2013 4,000 3,500 3,000 2,500 2,000

1,500 TOTAL GOOD

1,000 TOTAL FAIR kilometres of feeder road feeder of kilometres 500 TOTAL POOR

0

Volta

Central

Ashanti

Eastern

B Ahafo B

G Accra G

Western

Northern

Upper East Upper Upper West Upper 3 5 7 7 8 10 13 13 15 17 % of feeders

Source: Spatial Solutions based on Feeder Road Department, 2014

5.3 Railway The Ashanti Region developed originally on the back of the railway network which was established for exporting timber and cocoa during the colonial administration. It generated a substantial amount of industrial activity in and around Kumasi. Historically, minerals, cocoa and timber constituted the bulk of goods traffic on the railway network and the region became a beneficiary of the railway construction needed to transport good to the ports. The total railway network in Ghana was 947 km long out of which 568 were constructed in the Ashanti Region as shown in Figure 5.4 The system was mostly single-track however, at the moment none of the network in Ashanti Region is in operation. The absence of the railway system in the region has affected commercial activities between the region and the Central and Western Regions particularly transportation of poultry products and other farm produce from the three Northern Regions. The main issues faced by the railway system include obsolete network and broken down coaches, encroachment on railway lands, and a dwindling customer base, due to inability to provide reliable services.

82

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Figure 5.4: Existing railway network in kilometres (defunct)

Source: Railway Master Plan Inception Report, 2013

5.4 Air Traffic There is a domestic airport for local flights daily between Kumasi and Accra, and Kumasi and Tamale under the administration of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority and Ghana Airport Company. However, passenger aircrafts are operated by private companies which include African World and Star Bow. The length of the Kumasi runway that was recently rehabilitated is about 2200 meters. Obuasi Municipal Assembly has an airstrip of about 2300 meters operated and owned by Anglogold Ashanti. In addition to these, there are plans to build a new international airport in Mamponteng in the Kwabre District of Greater Kumasi. The region has the potential to become an alternative hub, to Accra, to link the landlocked ECOWAS countries like Mali and Burkina Faso through Kumasi. 5.5 Other Transportation Projects with Major Implications for the Ashanti Region There are some major transport initiatives which have been planned and in the advanced stage and can therefore be said to be part of the current situation of transport in the region. These are the Kumasi Ring Roads, the Boankra Inland Port and the new Railway network 5.5.1 Kumasi Ring Road Of much relevance to the future of the Region is the proposed Greater Kumasi Outer Ring Road shown in Figure 5.5 which was a key recommendation in the Comprehensive Urban Development Plan for Greater Kumasi. Although little has yet happened to implement the proposal for which (funding had been allocated by the Japanese Government, it remains an important trigger for development and change in the Region. It has been proposed that specifically the first phase, which would provide a by-pass for traffic between the north and south of Ghana, would have a very beneficial effect on congestion in the City Centre and open up major logistics, trade and industrial potential to transform the region.

83

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Figure 5.5: Outer Ring Road for Greater Kumasi Area

Source: GKUDP, 2013 Figure 5.6:Boankra Inland Port S 5.5.2 Boankra Inland Port o u Transport and logistics hubs improve connectivity r c and the handling of cargo and coordination of the e different transport modes. A 160ha site and : G facilities for such a Logistics hub has already been h provided at Boankra, near to Ejisu where Phase a One of the OuterRing Road is to take traffic from n a Accra to the north such that it does not go through R Kumasi there by avoiding the old routes through a i the City. The hub can provide bonded l warehousing connected directly to Tema and w Takoradi ports, with storage capacity and a y capability of pulling transport vehicles and goods M handling away from the City Centre. The port is a s expected to reduce congestion at the Takoradi t and Tema ports and lower transport cost for e importers and exporters in the middle and northern r P parts of Ghana as well as in the landlocked countries. The site is also near residential and l commercial development areas, and near to a toll free zone planned for agro-produce a n processing industries. 2 0 The area will also be an ideal location for a major passenger transport centre for all destinations 1 in Ghana. The development of the Boankra Inland Port is expected to boost economic 1

84

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

development in the triangle cities. The NSDF proposes that the future railway lines and the future express ways meet in this location. The plot of land earmarked for the port was obtained by government through compensating the original owners. From central Kumasi, the facility is about 28 km. The main objectives of Boankra dry port are: • To participate in the reduction of congestion at Takoradi and Tema ports; • To reduce the aggregate transport cost of international cargo to importers and exporters from the middle and northern parts of Ghana as well as from landlocked countries; and • To promote the establishment of export zones in the vicinity of the dry Port and to create job opportunities for unemployed youth living in and around Boankra. Unfortunately to date the Boankra Inland Port, despite having been established some ten years ago, has not become operational.

5.5.3 The new Rail Network

Figure 5.7: Proposed Rail networks and priorities The Ghana Railway Development Masterplan (2013) has proposed the rebuilding of the original railway network and its extensions as shown in Figure 5.7

The rebuilding of the Western Line from Takoradi to Kumasi, and a new line from Tema to Kumasi is as shown Phase 1. Phase 2 is mostly the connection from Kumasi onwards to Oagodougou.

Since the plan was published, there has been little evidence of progress in its implementation.

85

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

5.6 ICT and Telephony Development of information and communication technology (ICT) provides leapfrogging opportunities for developing countries. Ghana has not been left out in this revolution. According to the Data Development Group of the World Bank, ICT infrastructure in Ghana is progressing better than other low-income countries and above the 1.1percent average for Sub-Saharan Africa. The significance of use of Mobile network for financial services, marketing and market information cannot be underestimated. Mobile Money has greatly increased the access to these services by the majority of the population. Increasing use of smartphones is opening up marketing opportunities through social media. The development of mobile banking, which is happening in some other African countries, has huge potential to inject capital into small and informal enterprises which are currently excluded from any credit system.21. Mobile usage is also increasingly being used as security for hire-purchase loans for products such as solar power systems. The Government of Ghana has primarily concentrated on promoting ICT physical infrastructure development, which will in turn facilitate the development of the private sector. In 2016 Ghana was ranked as the most preferred business destination in sub-Saharan Africa for Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) business22. A National Data Centre, designed to be the largest in West Africa, is being built in Accra with a Secondary Data Center already completed in Kumasi to serve as a back-up for the Primary Data Centre. In 2014, utilizing part of the savings from a Value-for- Money Audit of the e-Government Platform Project, the Ministry of Communications commenced the construction of 21 enhanced Community Information Centres (e-CICs) in all the ten regions, in addition to over 40 CICs and nine Regional Innovation Centres completed since 2013. Investments in ICT infrastructure by Internet Service Providers and telecommunication companies are helping to improve communication service delivery. Others are also launching systems that aim at enhancing the provision of high-speed access to the internet and multimedia capabilities. Recently, the Government signed an agreement with Microsoft Corporation under which the largest ICT Company in the world would provide resources to improve ICT education in Ghana. 5.6.1 Telephony The telecommunications sector in Ghana has been liberalized and reformed, and the market continues to grow aggressively in all segments, particularly, in the telephony space. There are six (6) cellular network operators in Ghana namely: Scancom Ghana Limited (MTN), Vodafone Ghana Limited, Millicom Ghana Limited (Tigo), Airtel Communication, Expresso and Globacom Ghana Limited (Glo).

21 In Kenya, for example, the M-Shawari micro-savings and micro-lening product has registered phenominal uptake with 15 million customers saving $82m from 2012-2016. Loans of $1,6bn have been issued, making it the second largest bank in Kenya in terms of customer numbers. 22 AT Kearney Global Services Location Index

86

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

At the end of August 2016, the total number of mobile voice subscribers had reached 36,912,019. The total penetration rate for the month under review was 132.44%. The total number of mobile data subscribers in the country at the end of August 2016, was 19,125,469 with a penetration rate of 68.62 percent 5.6.2 Internet Services As at the end of August 2016, the total number of subscribers for Broadband Wireless Access data was 100,907. Surfline’s subscriber base was 73,244. Blu Ghana recorded a total subscriber figure of 1,184 and Broadband Home recorded 26,479 subscribers. 5.7 Energy Current Situation in the Region This section on energy covers the current situation regarding energy demand and supply, the extent of electrification and the different types of energy consumed for different uses. 5.7.1 Energy Demand and Supply By 2015, 64% of the country was connected to the grid, and Ashanti Region had reached nearly 75% by 2010 (see Chart 5.4). The aim is to increase electricity access from the current level of 66% to universal access by 202023.

Chart 5.4: Percentage of household access to electricity in 2000 and 2010

Ghana Upper East Upper West Northern 2010 Volta 2000 Brong Ahafo Eastern Western Central Ashanti Greater Accra

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 % households with access Source: Spatial Solutions compilation based on GSS 2010 census.

By 2015 Ghana was generating around 3000MW, of which just over half was hydro, and about 10 percent was from solar24.This was around 1000 -1500 MW short of the required capacity25. It is anticipated that by 2020 an extra 4000-4,500 MW will be required if the demands on the

24 "A review of the trends in Ghana's power sector", Maame Esi Eshun and Joe Amoako-Tuffuor, Energy Sustainability and Society, 2016 25 depending on whether the Valco aluminium smelter operates one or two pots

87

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

commercial and industrial sectors, as well as the rapidly growing domestic demand is taken into account. In particular, the critical objective of industrialisation and increasing productivity cannot be met without the necessary energy input. It has been estimated that Ghana loses between 2 and 6 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) annually due to inadequate and unreliable power supply26. If these qualities are projected forward over the planning period for the Framework, power in the order of a further 20-25,000MW will be needed at a minimum. Although these long term projections have yet to be made by the MEP, the implications are that since most of the existing hydro power sources have already been tapped, the demand will be met in the medium term by thermal, particularly where more oil and gas fields are coming on line. However, these fields are not inexhaustbible and the question must be asked as to what are the much longer term alternatives. These include renewables such as solar, and the possibility of nuclear, which Ghana is actively pursuing, but also other alternatives for renewables and for domestic supply which are discussed below.

5.7.2 Energy Supply The Ministry of Energy and Petroleum (MEP) is responsible for formulating, monitoring and evaluating policies, programmes and projects in the energy sector, which is divided in three sub-sectors: 1) hydro and thermal power, 2) petroleum and 3) Renewable energy. Chart 5.5: gives projected power generation 2012-30.

Chart 5.5: Sources of Energy Supply

26 Ghana Wholesale Power Reliability Assessment (2010) Final report. Power Systems Energy Consulting, GRIDCo.

88

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

5.7.3 Hydro and Thermal power Ghana's development from the late 1960s was boosted by the availability of power from the Volta Dam. Although still functional, demand has risen beyond the dam's capacity to supply: the lake has to some extent silted up and the reduction in rainfall has resulted in low water levels which cannot maintain full generation. Further hydro capacity was added at Kpong and Bui. While hydropower share of the energy mix remains significant, its future potential may not be so great due to this aspect of climate change, combined with the fact that the major hydro sources have already been exploited. Gas Turbine and CCGT (thermal) generation has now almost overtaken hydro as the main source of supply, and will provide an increasing proportion of the energy supply. This was formerly fueled largely by gas imported from Nigeria, and is now being supplied from the off-shore oil and gas fields in the western region. The supply of energy for the Ashanti Region therefore depends on generation by hydro from two dams; one at Bui and the other at Akosombo, in addition to that from thermal plants in Takoradi and Asogli, near Tema. Kumasi Region is expecting development of its own thermal plant when the gas pipeline reaches it via the gold mining areas in the western region and Obuasi. 5.7.4 Petroleum products Petroleum is another energy product in the country that due to the numerous vehicles in the region generates a huge amount of demand, most of which is delivered by road tankers from Tema (either from the Refinery or imported). The transport sector accounts for the largest share of gasoline, kerosene and gas oil consumption. Measures to reduce this, such as good public transport systems, remain rudimentary. Though off shore oil production is active, all petroleum products for domestic consumption are imported. LPG is another product which is increasing in consumption. The means of producing LPG from the gas plant at Atuabo is now being constructed at Domunli in the Western Region. High consumption of LPG is partly due to government policy to encourage a switch from wood and charcoal-based cooking to reduce the rate of deforestation, and is also partly due to the conversion of vehicles from more the expensive petrol and diesel to its use. 5.7.5 Renewable energy sources In context of global initiatives to cease the use of fossil fuels, renewable energy is being promoted and developed in various ways. Other sources of energy such as biomass, are also critical for domestic uses. There are a number of sources of renewable energy other than hydro, which are illustrated in Figure 5.8. In Ashanti Region, proposed waste-to-power plants are in Kumasi and Obuasi. Localised solar power is increasingly becoming an option through some innovative financing schemes linked to micro-finance and mobile phone usage. The potential for wind power generation is yet to be given serious consideration in the region.

89

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Figure 5.8: Potential location of biomass, solar and wind power plants

Source: NSDF Study (2014)

5.7.6 Solar Energy Solar energy use has become popular in the region due to the unreliable nature of power from the national grid. The opportunity exists to expand its use27. The average duration of sunshine is 5.3 hours per day in Kumasi, which is in the cloudy semi-deciduous forest region, means that the option of increasing the use of solar power generation within the region is available. Local generation and mini solar grids can also be efficient in rural areas and very remote locations where transmission costs are high. 5.7.7 Biomass Biomass is still the main source of energy for cooking in the region, either through fuel wood or charcoal, which has a negative impact on forests and agro-forestry where trees among crops are taken by charcoal burners. Efforts are being made worldwide to switch from fuelwood and charcoal to other fuels such as bio-gas and LPG28 not least for its effect on afforestation and the harmful effect from use of smoke fuels. If LPG costs go down and the distribution system is developed, it could provide an increasing substitute for wood and charcoal, especially in

27 Solar radiation and sunshine duration data has been collected by the Ghana Meteorological Services Agency (MSA) for over 50 years. The daily irradiation data has a probable error of 15%. Currently the Mechanical Engineering Department at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) is measuring hourly global and diffuse irradiance using standard instruments that have a probable error of 5%. 28 https://www.iea.org/publications/freepublications/publication/cooking.pdf

90

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036 urban areas. There are also sustainable ways of obtaining bio-mass which are available in the Ashanti Region are discussed below: 5.7.8 Timber off cuttings Direct wood fuels have a total stock of about 832 million tonnes. Timber logging utilise 2.0 - 2.7 million m3 per annum, generating 1.0-1.4 million m3 of logging residues on an annual basis. These residues include slabs, edgings, off cuttings, sawdust, peeler cores and residues from plywood manufacturing. Sawmill and ply-mill residues are most concentrated in the Kumasi area where several smaller-scale artisans produce and distribute furniture throughout the country. There is also potential of wood residues from construction of roads and skidding trails in the forest for the haulage of harvested timber, wood residues from forest clearings for agriculture and wood from surface mining sites. In addition to logging there are several other potential reserves of biomass within the region. 5.7.9 Municipal and Agro-Waste There are two types of agro-fuels: crop residues and animal waste. Agriculture is a major industry in the region, and consequently, large amounts of by-products/residues that can be used for energy production are generated. Most of these may be obtained from after harvest waste from maize, rice and cowpea. Generally, biomass fuel includes wood, charcoal crop residue; energy crops such as Jatropha; municipal solid waste and animal waste; and algae from inland and sea waters. Municipal waste is generated in large quantities. For example, Kumasi generates up to 1,600 tonnes daily while its environs generate up to 2,500 tonnes. In general, municipal waste generation in the metropolitan centres vary from 600-800 tonnes per day. Biomass fuel can complement and substitute for fossil fuel which is seen to be a main driver of climate change. 5.7.10 Energy Transmission systems 5.7.11 Electricity The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) purchases power from Volta River Authority (VRA) and other companies but the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) is in charge of transmission of power. Consumption in the region has gone up due to the increase in population. The region ranks second to Greater Accra in percent of household that have access to electricity as shown Figure 5.9 GRIDCo transmission of power within the region is made possible through a series of substation that are placed at vantage points within the region as shown Figure 5.9.

91

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Figure 5.9: GridCo Powerlines and Substations

Source: GRIDCo, 2012 In addition to national power outages due to supply problems, is reliable in the region is the age and poor condition of the transmission system. Supply has been erratic for many years throughout the region. For a region with the second highest concentration of industries in Ghana, the obvious effect on the regional economic cannot be under estimated. Workshops, industries, commercial and service activities lack sufficient and continuous energy supply. Again, the aged transmission system cause large power losses and costs are also not fully recovered from users. 5.7.12 Petroleum – Fuel/Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation The Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company (BOST)29 has the mandate to develop a network of storage tanks, pipelines and other bulk transportation infrastructure throughout the country and to keep Strategic Reserve Stocks for Ghana. At the moment Kaase a suburb of Kumasi is among the six locations in Ghana where bulk oil storage plants are sited. Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) has about 47 tanks in Kumasi where petroleum products including gasoline, gas oil and kerosene are stored. There are plans in the NIP to extend the natural gas supply for use in thermal generation plants, from the Gas Plant at Atuabo30 through Prestea to Obuasi and then to Kumasi in the Ashanti

29 incorporated in 1993 as a private Limited Liability Company with the Government of Ghana as the sole shareholder 30 This processes gas from the off-shore fields.

92

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Region. These have mostly been driven by the need for the gold mining companies to have a reliable power supply. BOST has been given an additional mandate as the Natural Gas Transmission Utility (NGTU) to develop the Natural Gas infrastructure throughout the country.

93

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

5.8 Water Supply in Ashanti Region 5.8.1 Importance of Water and Water Resources in Ashanti The importance of water as a primary human support was captured in the Millennium Development Goals, the UN Sustainable Development Goals and reiterated in many Ghanaian policy documents including the Water Policy (2007). Universal access to acceptable quality and sufficient quantities of water promotes socio-economic development, human health, food security, gender equality and environmental sustainability. Water is traditionally perceived as a common good and has been intricately associated with civilization, religion, culture and for productive activities. Water scarcity can therefore degenerate into conflicts with serious implications for socio-economic development. As in the subsections below, the main sources of water in Ashanti Region are surface water (rivers, lakes and ponds), ground water and rainfall. 5.8.2 Surface Water: Rivers and Streams As shown in Figure 2.3, Ashanti Region is endowed with rivers and tributaries including the River Offinso, Oda and Annum which collectively form the Pra Basin. These water bodies drain about 55 percent of the region and provide a lifeline to the residents in adjoining rural and urban settlements in terms of domestic water and recreation. It is also for productive activities including agriculture, industry, trade and tourism. Many rivers in the region were in the past regarded as sacred resource or even divinity and were so cherished and protected. However, the challenge is the rivers and streams are not evenly distributed across the region hence there is limiting access in certain areas. Secondly, there are seasonal variations in terms of quantity of water flows due to variable weather patterns, creating shortages during dry seasons and inundation of farmlands and settlements resulting in fatalities and losses during the heavy rainfall. Thirdly, many rivers in the region are polluted with urban effluents and solid wastes and unregulated natural resource exploitation including mining and logging. As a result, rivers have high levels of sedimentation which contributes to flooding. Fourthly, areas along many streams running through urban landscapes have largely been encroached for housing, and for other economic activities including farming and informal activities. These anthropogenic activities, along with the changing climatic conditions, have altered natural ecosystems around rivers and streams with negative implications on human and aquatic habitats. This poses a major threat to the sustainability of conventional water supply systems which are based on rivers and streams. 5.8.3 Surface Water: Lakes Lake Bosomtwe which is located about thirty-two kilometers southeast of Kumasi, is another source of water for domestic use, fishing, farming and tourist attraction. The lake is located in a meteoric depression such that it only receives water inflows from a number of small streams upslope. Due to the nature of the topography, there is no drainage from the lake and so it is susceptible to sedimentation and pollution from the catchment areas. However, the quantity of inflows have gradually reduced due to the loss of forest and vegetative cover through farming activities and logging in the catchment area. While the lake is a potential source for recreation, tourism and fishing activities, it is of limited use as a source of domestic water supply.

94

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

5.8.4 Underground water Ashanti Region falls within three main geological systems, namely, the Birimian, Tarkwain and the Voltain formations.31 As shown in Figure 5.10, ground water occurs in all the three formations at average depths of 35.4 meters. In the Birimian formations, groundwater is trapped at shallow depths of about 13m and so is easily accessible while it occurs at a maximum depth of 74m in the Voltaian basin. The latter consists of sedimentary rocks with high transmissivity hence it is often very difficult to trap water.

Figure 5.10: Ground water sources in Ashanti Region

Source: Ofosu et al, 2014 There are challenges associated with groundwater as a resource. Firstly, it is difficult to locate, measure and describe. While the presence of springs, swamps, lakes landscape may offer clues about the occurrence of shallow groundwater, the potential yield and water quality are determined through hydrologic and geologic tests which may be expensive to procure. In fact the CWSA has had only 40 percent success rate of drilling boreholes particularly in parts of

31 Ofosu B., CFA Akayulib, Seth O. Nyakoc, K. O. Opunid, F. A. Mensahe, (2014), GIS based Groundwater Level Mapping in Ashanti Region of Ghana, International Journal of Sciences: Basic and Applied Research pp:129-139

95

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036 the Voltaian basins. Secondly, accessibility to the aquifers by individuals and municipalities requires relatively higher capital outlay and so is used only where surface water does not exist. Thirdly, groundwater may be polluted by excessive amounts of iron, manganese and other chemicals which may require expensive treatment before use. Fourthly, despite the utility of information on groundwater for land use planning and engineering, there is a paucity of data on groundwater resources in the region and in Ghana as a whole. Excessive water use from the aquifers has implications on soil bearing capacities and structural subsidence. There must be a balance therefore between aquifer recharge and the rate of groundwater withdrawals for production and domestic purposes. 5.8.5 Rainwater Harvesting Systems Rainwater harvesting involves the collection of rainwater from rooftops, filtering and storage in special tanks for drinking, laundry, gardening, landscaping and for animal husbandry. Rainwater collection and storage potentially reduces the dependency if households on wells and boreholes which potentially deplete the aquifers and lead to soil subsidence and further reduces water demand on municipal water supply systems. This not only offsets household water bills but also offsets the need for heavy investments to upgrade and increase installed capacities. More significantly, rainfall harvesting reduces the amount of runoff which overwhelms municipal drains and contribute to flooding. However, this is the least popular source of water. 5.8.6 Water demand for Consumption and Production

The projections on population and water demand in Ashanti Region (illustrated in Chart 5.6) are based on 2010 census figure of 4,780,380 (GSS, 2012), annual growth rates of 3.0 percent (median variant) and standard water consumption of 65 liters per day per person32. In 2016 the population of the Region is projected at 5,708,024 while the water demand stands at 428,102 m3. The projections in Chart 5.6 shows that the population of the region will increase from 5,708,024 million in 2016 to over 10 million by the year 203633 while the water demand will increase from 428,102 m3 to about 773,199 m3 of water per day.34

32 Although the UN proposal for Africa is said to be 50 litres per day with many only using 20l per day: https://www.water-for- africa.org/en/water-consumption.html 33 These figures will have to be reconciled with the team’s population projections 34 While water demand is calculated based on consumption and population, water supply in the region is variable by geographic location, seasonality and sources of water including ground and surface water which are not easy to estimate

96

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Chart 5.6: Projected Population and Water Demand for Ashanti Region

12,000,000 900,000 773,199 800,000 10,000,000 700,000 8,000,000 600,000 500,000 6,000,000 400,000 428,102 4,000,000 300,000

Projected Population Projected 200,000 2,000,000

100,000 demand meters) Water (cubic

0 0

2021 2036 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 Year

Source: GWCL 2015 and Spatial Solutions 2016

Water management is a shared responsibility between the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) and Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA). The former is tasked with the responsibility of providing potable water to major settlements which together account for about 49.5 percent of the regional population. This figure fairly corresponds with the proportion of the population that depends on piped systems provided by the GWCL. On the other hand, the CWSA (created by Act 564, 1998) is tasked with the responsibility of facilitating water provision in the rest of the region (about 50.5 percent consisting of rural and small urban communities). The CWSA considers a small town as a settlement with population of above 2000 (no upper limit was set) while those below are classified as rural communities. A better coordination between the two organizations is therefore critical to ensure that no settlement is “left behind” because of definitional arguments. However, estimating water supply in the region to match water demand is an arduous task. Surface water is difficult to quantity and its reliability and quantity vary by geographic location and seasonality. This data gap constrains effective planning. Despite this lack of data, the GWCL and CWSA must redouble their efforts in exploring other sources of water and upgrade and protect existing facilities to meet the growing population in the region.

97

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Figure 5.11: Ghana Water Company Systems in Ashanti Region

Source: GWCL, 2015

Table 5.1: The Conventional water treatment plants in Ashanti Region

Name of Installed Actual River Areas of operation Remarks Plant capacity produc per day tion (m3) per day (m3) 1 Barekese 136364 100,000 River Offin Barikese to Offinso, Catchment area is Water and Kumasi Metro under threat from Treatment illegal Chainsaw Plant Operators. 2 Owabi 13636 10,000 Owabi Areas around the dam The headwaters which Headwork also serve as wildlife s sanctuary by homebuilders have been encroached by homebuilders 3 Mampong 6500 4000 River Mampong, Nsuta and Low voltage Asamanp all the neighboring a and settlements River Kyeremfa 4 Konongo 18920 3600 River Konongo to Agogo Under rehabilitation to Atonsu/Ri increase capacity to ver Anunu 16,300 by end of 2015 5 Odaso 18181 6000 Oda Water is highly turbid from mining activities hence increasing production costs

98

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Source: GWCL, 2015 5.8.7 Provision of Water to Major Settlements by the GWCL As shown in Figure 5.11, the Ghana Water Company Limited manages and operates nine (9) water treatment facilities in the region. These include five (5) conventional water treatment systems (based on surface water), and four (4) underground systems using boreholes the company refers to as “rural systems”. For the purpose of this report, the conventional systems and borehole-based systems are discussed separately in order to evaluate their potentials in meeting future water demands 5.8.8 The Kumasi Water Treatment Plants (Barekese and Owabi) The larger Kumasi Metropolitan area depends on two conventional water treatment plants which are based at Barekese and Owabi and located northwest of the city (see Figure 5.12). The Barekese Dam which is located about 27 kilometers away is the largest and has installed capacity of about 136364 m3. However, the actual production per day is about 100,000 m3 per day. The GWCL claims that this quantity of water meets the city’s current water demand. However, the design capacity of the plant has not been fully utilized. This means that the plant has a potential for higher production to meet future demands if additional investments in pumps, pipelines, booster stations and other requisite infrastructural facilities are made. However, the water catchment area has been encroached by loggers, farmers and hunters. The Owabi Treatment Plant, located about 20 kilometers away, has installed capacity of about 13636m3 a day. Currently, water produced at Owabi has been redirected towards the settlements around the dam such as Akropong. The GWCL has indicated that the quantity of water produced by Barekese is sufficient for the Kumasi. Therefore, water from Owabi is no longer channeled to Suame for distribution in Kumasi as the case was in the past. However, the sustainability of the treatment plant is under threat from human activities. The forest cover which protects the catchment area and also serves as a sanctuary for birds, monkeys and aquatic vegetation has been encroached mostly for housing. While the GCWL boasts of its ability to meet current demand with its 150 m3 per day, a clear analysis of the spatial dispersal of the population in the larger metropolitan area clearly indicates that this production level is inadequate to meet the current water demand in the city. In fact, many residents are not linked to its distribution network and so have to rely on other sources of water. The GWCL concedes that only 70 percent of the city’s residents receive water from its distribution network and attribute this to the damaged and disused pipelines (in the southwest and eastern part of the city), the lack of higher capacity primary distribution lines (with larger diameters), irregular flow of processed water to households due to erratic power supply (which appears to be easing), increased costs of treatment due to high levels of turbidly, encroachment on utility lines resulting in bursts and leaks, and high levels of uncounted for water.

99

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Figure 5.12: The Distribution network of the Kumasi Water supply system

Source: GWCL, 2015

Chart 5.7: Projected population and projected water demand (in cubic meters)

8,000,000 600,000 516,455 7,000,000 500,000 6,000,000 400,000 5,000,000

4,000,000 300,000

3,000,000 200,000

2,000,000 202,212 Water demand in cubic meters cubicin demandWater Projected Population Projected 100,000 1,000,000

0 0

2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 2036

Year

Source: GWCL, 2015 and Spatial Solutions 2016

Based on water standard of 75 liters per day per person, the current water demand for the city’s population (2,696,161 in 2016) is estimated at about 202,212 m3 per day (Chart 5.7). This

100

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036 figure far outstrips the city’s current quantity of water produced by both plants. Due to its location at the center of major transport routes, the city attracts a high inflow of migrants within and from all parts of the country. As a result, the city’s population is expected to grow at a decreasing annual rate of 3.0 percent over the next 20 years. The rising standard of living that may accompany this growth is likely to exert pressure on the existing water facilities. Therefore the water deficit is likely to exacerbate by 2036 when the city’s water demand reaches 516,455 m3 per day35. 5.8.9 The Oda Water Treatment Plant This project which abstracts raw water from River Oda at Odaho, has an installed capacity of 18182 cubic meters. The facility is unable to meet its current water demand, let alone the needs of the future population. This problem is attributable to frequent power outages, low voltage and frequent breakdown of ageing machines, and more significantly, threats from mining operators (see Figure 5.13) which has increased turbidity and hence production costs. The projected population and water demand36 (illustrated in chart 5.7) indicates that the current water demand will increase from 11159 m3 per day to 26,403 m3 per day in 2036. At the current production level of 6000 m3 per day (which is far below its installed capacity) there is water stress in the municipality. However, the plant has the potential to meet water demand up to 2027 and beyond if it operates at full capacity. Besides, many parts of Obuasi are not linked to the distribution network. However, the situation at Obuasi is quite complex. The AngloGold Ashanti which used to operate its own systems have now offloaded that responsibility to the GWCL which is already under stress due to low water production. This means that alternative sources of surface water should be found and the existing source plant expanded and protected to meet the needs of the growing population.

35 The figures are expected to be significantly higher as the projections are only based on the population in the Kumasi Metropolitan Area. The GWCL operates beyond the city’s administrative limits. 36 Figures were generated based on projected 2016 of 143, 644, standard water demand of 60 liters per day, and growth rate of 3.1% (low variant).

101

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Figure 5.13: Illegal mining on River Oda

Source: Spatial Solutions 2016 5.8.10 Konongo-Agogo System The Konongo-Agogo plant (which is based on River Annum and Atonsu) supplies potable water to Konongo Odumasi and Agogo. The system currently produces 3600 m3 per day as against its installed 18920 m3 per day. The projection on water demand37 (see Chart 5.7) indicates that there is currently water stress in the areas served by the system. However, the system is currently undergoing rehabilitation to increase production capacity from the current levels to 16,300 by end of 2016. When this is achieved, the water produced will outstrip current demand levels and will meet demand up to 2025. The system has a high design capacity of about 34, 482 cubic meter/day. In fact, offshore retention ponds have been created for use during the dry season when the quantity of water flow from the rivers is significantly reduced. This means that with future investments in infrastructural facilities, the plant can potentially provide enough water for its area of operation up to the plan period. However, the removal of bamboo which act as cover in the catchment areas and farming activities around the dam pose threats to the sustainability of the project. Another major problem relates to the distribution network which currently covers only a fraction of the townships. Hence despite the availability of piped-systems, many residents are compelled to rely on other sources of water.

37 Projections are based on population 2010 of 143, 644 (GSS, 2012) and growth rate of 3.1% (low variance)

102

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

5.8.11 Mampong Water Supply Project The Mampong system which is based on River Sumanpa and River Kyiremfa has recently undergone rehabilitation and expansion hence raising its capacity from 2,500m3 per day to10, 500m3 per day. In addition, transmission mains and 42 kilometer distribution lines have been reconstructed together with elevated water reservoirs and a sludge treatment plant. This system only supplies water to the Mampong Township38 and the adjoining settlements (Daaho/Bosufuor, Nsuta, Beposo, Kyerefaso, Krobo and New Town). With its current production capacity of 2,500m3 per day, the system is able to meet is current water demand estimated at 2462m3 per day. The expected capacity of the plant of about 10,500m3 per day will far exceed water demand during the plan period. However, more has to be done to provide water access to communities which are not connected to the network.

The Non-Conventional Water Treatment Plants Apart from the conventional water treatment plants outlined above, the GWCL also manages four (4) other borehole-based systems which provide water for Tepa, Agona, Effiduase- Asokore and New Edubiase as summarized in Table 5.2. The projections used in estimating water demand in these urban settlements are based on a standard of 60 liters per day per person.

Table 5.2: Water supply systems based on boreholes in Ashanti Region

Town No of Installed Production Problems boreholes capacity per day (m3 per (m3 per day) day) 1 Tepa 4 480 450 Not enough boreholes, Plans to sink more rampant power cuts boreholes resulting in irregular water flows 2 New 1 240 250 Not enough boreholes Under rehabilitation to Edubiase resulting in irregular increase capacity to water flows 1500 m3 per day Projected to last till 2025 3 Effiduase 5 420 410 Not enough boreholes; Asokore irregular flow of water 4 Agona 2 160 0 Low voltage which not Under rehab suitable for the plant Source: GWCL, 2015

The Tepa Project The population of Tepa Township is likely to grow annually at 2.8 percent (median variant) from 20,116 (in 2016) to 30,483 by the year 2036. However, the current water production per day is only 450m3 per day which is close to its installed capacity of 480 m3 per day. However, this daily water provision is about a third of the current water demand of 1207 m3 per day which points to water stress. However, this problem is likely to worsen when the water demand increases to 1829 m3 by 2036. It is apparent that additional high yielding boreholes are required to boost water production. Another problem which militates against the smooth functioning is

38 This is a description, not a name and so cannot be capitalized. (Please remove this footnote)

103

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036 erratic power supply which results in irregular water flows. Finally, the distribution network will have to be expanded to cater for the newly emerging areas of the township.

Effiduase and Asokore System The Effiduase-Asokore system is based on five boreholes with an installed capacity of 420 m3. Currently the system is operating close to full capacity at 410 m3. The current population which is estimated at 39,218 requires 2353 m3 per day, nearly six times what is currently being produced. As a result, there is water stress in the township which is manifested in irregular flow of water. The problem will worsen as water demand is likely to reach 3640 m3 at the end of the plan period.

New Edubiase System The New Edubiase system currently produces 240m3 which is close to its full capacity (250 m3). However, the quantity of water produced currently is far below the water demand of about 888 m3 per day (see Chart 5.8), which means that the township is currently undergoing water stress. However, the system is currently undergoing rehabilitation and expansion to increase the capacity to 1500 m per day. When this is completed, the system could meet water demand in the municipality up to 2031 beyond which expansion works may be required to increase production.

Chart 5.8: Projected population and water demand for the New Edubiase system

2200 2800 1768 2500 1700 2200

1900 1200 Water demand (m3) demandWater Projected Population Projected 1600 888 700 1300

1000 200

2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 2036 Year

Source: GWCL, 2015 The Agona Project The population of Agona was 10955 as at 2010 (GSS, 2012). Based on the median annual growth rate of 2 percent, the population was projected from 12,337 in 2016 to 18,332 in 2036. The system, which is based on two (2) boreholes, is expected to produce 160 m3 of water per day which is far below the current water demand of 740 m3. This water demand is expected to increase to 1100 m3 to correspond with population growth during the planning period. However, due to problems of low voltage, water production has stopped hence compelling residents to rely on other sources of water supply. After acquiring stable sources of electricity supply, the system may require expansion in response to increased demand as projected.

104

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

The above analysis indicates that areas served by the GWCL are currently undergoing water stress. The exception is Mampong where water produced exceeds water demand due to rehabilitation and expansions works carried out recently. The problem with the Kumasi system revolves around the limited distribution network and disused pipelines. The township that has the severest water stress is Agona where the system has been shut down due to low voltage electricity supply. In order to rectify the anomaly, the GWCL needs to collaborate with the Electricity Company Limited to resolve the problem by investing in new transformers and dedicated transmission lines to the project sites. Water Supply to Rural Settlements The Community Water and Sanitation Agency was created by Act 564 (1998) and mandated to “facilitate the provision of safe drinking water and related sanitation services to rural communities and small towns in Ghana”. In furtherance of these objectives, the agency collaborates with Assemblies and donor agencies to provide water to all communities not serviced by the GWCL. Chart 5.9 shows the water coverage in the various districts and municipalities of Ashanti Region (which excludes urban communities catered for by the GWCL). Areas with the highest water coverage is led by Asante Akim South. There must be interventions to provide additional sources of water to Sekyere Kumawu, Sekyere East Offinso North and Obuase Municipality which are among the areas with the lowest water coverage. With respect to Sekyere Kumawu, a new water treatment plant is currently under construction at Aframso under the auspices of the Ghana Water Company with a designed capacity of 5.3 million cubic meters per day to offset the water deficit in that district.

Chart 5.9: Water coverage in the various municipalities

90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20

Percentage coverage Percentage 10

0

Bosomtwe

Ejisu Juaben Ejisu

Kwabre East Kwabre

Sekyere East Sekyere

Adansi South Adansi

Adansi North Adansi

Offinso North Offinso

Amansie West Amansie

Bosome Freho Bosome

Afigya-Kwabre

Sekyere Central Sekyere

Amansie Central Amansie

Atwima Mponua Atwima

Ahafo Ano South Ano Ahafo

Ahafo Ano North Ano Ahafo

Sekyere Kumawu Sekyere

Obuasi Municipal Obuasi

Bekwai Municipal Bekwai

Offinso Municipal Offinso

Regional Coverage Regional

Asante Akim South Akim Asante

Asante Akim North Akim Asante

Atwima Nwabiagya Atwima

Ejura Sekyedumase Ejura

Atwima Kwanwoma Atwima

Asante Akim Central Akim Asante

Sekyere Afram Plains Afram Sekyere

Sekyere South (Afigya) South Sekyere Mampong Municipality Mampong

Asokore Mampong Municipal Mampong Asokore Source: CWSA, Kumasi

105

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

The CWSA supports a number of groundwater based piped systems (small town water supply systems) which mostly rely on an interconnected systems of boreholes pumped to an overhead tank which then flows under gravity for local distribution on limited basis. However, the CWSA also utilizes surface water with slow sand filtration, piped schemes and surface water with minimal conventional treatment schemes. This system is then managed by the Water Board (now Water Team). A borehole system can be found in Kokofu. However, borehole-based systems may require additional treatment to remove the color and tastes associated with high concentrations of iron and magnesium in order to increase levels of acceptability to communities. From Table 5.3, majority of rural folks rely on groundwater sources. However, about 35 percent of the residents depend on other less reliable water sources including rivers and streams, unprotected wells and dugout wells which may have health implications. Therefore, new sources of water particularly boreholes should be constructed for such communities.

Table 5.3: Sources of water for in rural communities and small towns Bore-hole/Pump/Tube well 1,280,465 46.4 Protected well 465,775 16.9 Protected spring 18,854 0.68 Rain water 39,916 1.45 River/Stream 588,590 21.3 Unprotected well 152,055 5.51 Tanker supply/Vendor provided 100,048 3.63 Unprotected spring 15,738 0.57 Dugout/Pond/Lake/Dam/Canal 96,422 3.50 Total 2,757,863 100 Source: GSS, 2012

5.8.12 Status of Water Supply in Ashanti Region This report has shown that most of the urban settlements in Ashanti Region suffer from water stress. Unless measures are taken to rehabilitate and expand the existing plants to meet increasing water demand, water stress is likely to be exacerbated during the plan period with severe development implications. The water plants are seriously under threat from logging and agricultural activities, encroachment on wetlands and riparian lands, discharges of effluents which have all contributed to change the morphological conditions of rivers and negatively impacts on the quantity of raw water flows. However, currently, the Mampong system exceeds expectation. The challenge is how to solve the electric voltage which could potentially constrain the smooth functioning of the system. On the other hand, Agona is the most stressed of all the urban settlements as the system has shut down due to voltage issues. In particular, while underground water source is currently being utilized by both urban and rural communities, there is currently no coherent data on the quantum of water available and areas that have higher water yields. This data gap constrains effective planning for water to match demand with supply. Specifically, these challenges have been identified in this report.

106

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

The Kumasi water systems provides water beyond the administrative boundary of Kumasi. Therefore water demand would actually be higher than that used in the projections. However, the catchment areas of these systems are being encroached through logging, hunting and farming and by homebuilders. As a result, the pollution levels and turbidity have increased resulting in increased costs of production. Additionally, the utility reservations are ignored, hence making it difficult to plan for the construction of new pipelines with increased diameter The Agona system has been shut down due to electricity voltage problems. So far, the Electricity Company has been unable to fix the problem citing the need for heavy investments in new transformers. The Obuasi area has one of the least water coverages. The Odaho plant is seriously under stress from illegal mining and the removal of vegetative cover. The ageing distribution networks of the major plants operated by the GWCL as well as those supported by the CWSA are incapable of providing water for the increasing population during the plan period. A substantial proportion of residents in small and rural communities do not have access to potable water supply and so utilize unreliable and polluted sources of surface water, shallow ponds, and wells for domestic use. 5.9 Technical Infrastructure: Summary of findings Roads • All the major trunk roads in the Ashanti Region are in relatively good condition except for a few kilometres of Obuasi to Bekwai and Lake Road. • The Ashanti Region has feeder roads connecting all rural areas. An estimated 63% of the feeder roads are engineered and 16% are partially-engineered. The remaining 21 are earth roads which are vulnerable during the rainy seasons. Rail:

• The absence of the railway system in the region has affected commercial and industrial

activities between the region and the Accra, Central and Western Regions. Air: • There are plans to build a new international airport in Mamponteng in the Kwabre District (see Greater Kumasi Plan), and to upgrade the Obuasi Airstrip. • The region has the potential to become an alternative hub to Accra linking to landlocked ECOWAS countries like Mali and Burkina Faso through Kumasi. Special Transport Projects • The first phase of the outer ring road proposed in the GK Plan, would begin a step change in Kumasi's development and provide a by-pass for traffic between the north and south of Ghana, and would have a very beneficial effect on congestion in the City Centre. • The Boankra Inland Port is expected to reduce congestion at the Takoradi and Tema ports and lower transport costs for importers and exporters in the middle and northern parts of Ghana as well as in the landlocked countries. Its site is also near residential

107

TECHNICAL INFRASTRUCTURE TECHNICAL Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

and commercial development areas, and near to a toll free zone planned for agro- produce processing industries • The Railway Development Plan will have a major economic impact when implemented ICT • The ICT Sector is one of the fastest growing and with the greatest potential. The cable networks are centred on Kumasi, while other areas are not well provided for. The significance of mobile services, (mobile money and banking in enabling people to trade and access credit must be supported), along with potential for social media and upper end of services sector, marketing e commerce, BPO etc.

Energy • The goals are to increase capacity quickly from 2,000 MW today to 5,000 megawatts (MW) by 2020, and increase access from 75% to universal usage by 2020. Thermal and Hydro • The Hydropower share of the energy mix is significant, but unlikely to increase. Gas from offshore Western Region and elsewhere will play an increasing role. Kumasi Region is expecting its own thermal plant to be constructed with gas supplies from the new gas plant in Atuabo. However, measures to increase gas production and transmission may not keep up with the growing demand, and may not sustainable in the long term. Petroleum products • The Region and the country are dependent on imported products for transport and other fuel uses. • The means of producing LPG from the gas plant at Atuabo are now being constructed at Domunli in the Western Region Renewable energy • The major energy source for cooking is from fuelwood and charcoal. This impacts on growth of forests and especially agro-forestry which are constantly raided for fuel by charcoal burners. LPG and other means can supplant charcoal when it becomes cheaper and readily available • Other sources of biomass such as timber off cuttings, municipal and agro-Waste are available. Transmission • A main challenge is making supply in the region reliable: the aged transmission system, the fact that costs are not fully recovered and lack of power grid are some of the reasons for this. Water Surface Water: Rivers and Streams and Lake • Distribution of rivers and streams is not evenly distributed across the region hence

limiting access in certain areas.

• Seasonal variations create shortages during dry seasons and inundation of farmlands and settlements during floods.

108

TECHNICAL INFRASTRUCTURE TECHNICAL Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

• Rivers in the region are polluted with urban effluents, solid wastes, unregulated mining, and logging. Streams running through urban landscapes have been significantly encroached • Lake Bosomtwe is a potential source for recreation, tourism and fishing activities, but

has limited use as a source of domestic water supply

Underground Water • Underground water occurs in all the three formations. • Secondly, accessibility to the aquifers requires higher capital outlay and so it is used only where surface water does not exist. • There must be a balance between aquifer recharge and the rate of groundwater withdrawals for production and domestic purposes. Piped Water Supplies • There are piped water systems in Kumasi, Oda, Konongo, Mampong, Tepa, Effiduase- Asokore, Edubiase and Agona. All have different projections as to their ability to meet required capacity by 2036. 5.10 Challenges, and opportunities for Technical Infrastructure The Kumasi Metropolis and the remaining districts that are the economic hotspots should be supported through massive government investment in transportation networks, energy provision among other fiscal incentives as these areas with large contributions to GDP have the largest contributions to taxation as well as job creation potentials. This, however, does not INFRASTRUCTURE NICAL prevent the identification of new areas with economic potentials. The challenges in term of transportation are continuing lack of investment in access by road or rail to Accra and Takoradi and the north, and untapped potential for at least regional air traffic. TECH A further challenge is that there are some areas which are still unconnected – particularly in the south west and the north east of the region. Opportunities are to plan road and rail investments to open up major trade routes in Ghana and to ECOWAS countries; north-south, and the proposed east-west route (to the south of the region) while attending to improvements within the region (which should be prioritized according to the economic development and urban growth program). The challenge of energy / supply is that investment is needed particularly in the transmission networks. The opportunity is that investment in improving the network should respond flexibly to immediate economic priorities by membership of the agencies on the ROC, and that Energy supply must be boosted by speeding up the in-country development of gas for thermal generation as well as LPG as an alternative to fuelwood and charcoal. The challenge in IT is that the region will be able to keep pace with the rapid increase in IT systems globally and their demand for bandwidth. The opportunity is to develop IT infrastructure which will speed up development not only of the services sector, but also agriculture and industrial markets, while also bringing credit to the informal economy. The challenge in the water supply sector is to be able to create the supply capacity which can keep up with demand, especially in urban areas of Kumasi and other main urban centers, and also especially for production – both irrigation and for the industrial sector. The opportunity

109

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036 exists to invest in water for irrigation which could bring substantial returns in terms of agricultural output and productivity (the same being true of water for other types of production).

110

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

6 SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT 6.1 Introduction Planning for schools, health infrastructure and access to basic utilities as water improves social welfare and livelihoods of people. A proper distribution of services mean people travel less distances to access basic needs and this promotes equity. In addition to a fair distribution of facilities, the quality of services provided services is equally essential. The Ghana Medium Term National Policy Framework (2014_2017) and other policy documents as the Millenium Development Goals (MDG) and more recently the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), lay emphasis on the need to develop human capital productivity and create healthy and safe communities. The Ghana Social Development Outlook (2014) highlighted the key social development issues in the country. Main issues highlighted include the growing and privatization of tertiary education which it described as “unbridled, unplanned and often chaotic’, a discrepancy between the educational system and industry demand, a bulging youth population, social inequities in healthcare, decreasing health sector budge to the need to sustain the National Health Insurance Scheme and improve midwifery and psychiatric care. Other issues highlighted include poor sanitation, poor access to housing among low income groups, growing youth unemployment, low access to cleaner cooking fuels and reliable energy sources. Notwithstanding these challenges, the implementation of policies geared towards improving social services have led to an increase in literacy and enrolment levels at all levels of education, a decline in poverty across regions in the country, improved coverage of primary health care services and improved access to safe drinking water among others. The National Health Insurance Scheme, the CHPs policy, the Ghana Secondary School Improvement Project, Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP), Capitation grant, School Feeding Programs, the Ghana Social Opportunities Project (GSOP) are some of the operational intervention policies adopted to improve social development outcomes in the country. Studies have showed that although there were drawbacks in the implementation of the LEAP, the project had positive impacts on schooling of wards of recipients, household debt repayment, strengthening social networks and general happiness in households. The GSOP project has also increased labor opportunities and has also led to the improvement in local infrastructure as roads, dams etc. As the most populous region in the country, the Ashanti region plays a key role in the development of the country. As such, addressing social issues in the region and promoting safe human settlement in the area has positive externalities for the country. On the whole, data on the region shows greater participation of young people in schools, improved gender parity index and pupil teacher ratios, increase in the number of CHP compounds, improvement in access to improved water sources and a decline in poverty rates over the last two decades. However, issues as increasing urban poverty, inadequate healthcare professionals, and geographical inequities in access to healthcare, education and basic services need to be addressed. Investment in social infrastructure and social services would be required to improve livelihoods and create safe human settlements particularly in the Kumasi Metropolitan area that is continually attracting populations and the Sekyere Afram Plains that lags behind on all social indicators. This section of the report examines the spatial characteristics of health, education and provision of basic services within the Ashanti Region. The focus is on geographical equity and effectiveness of facilities provided.

111

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

6.2 Health Care Delivery The Ministry of Health’s (MOH) policy goal is to “ensure a healthy and productive population that reproduces itself safely” as well as bridge equity gaps in geographical access to health care services. Other objectives of the medium-term health policy include

• Ensuring equitable financing for health care delivery and financial protection for the poor • Improving efficiency in governance and management of the health system • Improving quality of health services delivery including mental health services. Healthcare facilities in Ghana are managed by both private and public actors. Public health care is delivered through a three-tier system (primary, secondary, tertiary) and organized at five levels (community, sub-district, district, regional and national). Teaching hospitals provide research, teaching and specialized health treatment facilities. Health research and training of medical personnel at teaching hospital play a key role in improving the service of healthcare in the country. Regional hospitals are second order referral centres handling referral cases from district hospitals and polyclinics. District hospitals are the first order referral centres handling referral cases from clinics, health centres and CHPS. Primary healthcare services provide basic curative, preventive and reproductive healthcare services at the community and sub district level. Health care facilities include three teaching hospitals, ten regional hospitals, three psychiatric hospitals and a host of district hospitals, polyclinics, CHPS, clinics, and health centers. Chart 6.1 shows the distribution of health care facilities across regions in the country. CHPS compounds are the most prevalent health facility and the Ashanti region has about 28 percent of CHP compounds in the country.

Chart 6.1: Health care facilities by region by type in 2016 1600 1400 University Hospital 1200 Teaching Hospital 1000 Regional Hospital 800 Psychiatric Hospital 600 Polyclinic 400 Midwife / Maternity 200 Hospital 0 Health Centre District Hospital Clinic

Source: based on Ghana Health Service, DHIS data

The Demography and Health survey data, over the decades, show general improvement in healthcare indicators in the country. However, child mortality and neonatal mortality levels are still considerable high. Communicable diseases continue to be a major health care challenge.

112

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Identifying areas that are geographically lagging in the provision of health care services is an essential step in bridging equity gaps. In this section, we examine the various healthcare facilities in the region using the distribution patterns, accessibility to the facilities in terms of distance, roads and population served to determine the equity of health care services. The number of health personnel and health outcomes is used to provide an indication of the quality of healthcare services provided. 6.3 Healthcare Facilities in the Ashanti Region Ashanti region has a total of 1,368 health care facilities. It includes 895 CHPS, 146 clinics, 131 health centers, 93 hospitals, 25 district hospitals, 1 regional hospital and 1 teaching hospital. As shown in Figure 6.1 most healthcare facilities in the region are concentrated in the most densely populated area - the Kumasi Metropolitan Area and the surrounding regions. Aside KMA, Obuasi also has a high cluster of health facilities while Mampong area has a fair cluster of District hospital, clinics and health centres. Districts with less dense populations tend to have few health facilities particularly few high-level services as clinics, health centers though they might tend to have a number of CHP compounds. This could be attributed to the cost involved in providing higher level services and the population and distances thresholds necessary to justify the establishment of such facilities.

Figure 6.1: Health care facilities in Ashanti Region

Source: GHS, 2015

113

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Using Euclidean distance to measure proximity to both health facilities and all road networks, Figure 6.2 shows that majority of areas within the Greater Kumasi Area are within 10 km of a health facility. An individual in the periphery districts of GKMA is more likely to travel a distance of more than 10km to access a health facility than a person living within GKMA. Nonetheless, if road surface is in good condition then majority of the population would have access to a health facility as most people live within 0- 20 km of a health facility and the road network. The only exception is the Sekyere Afram Plains area where people live in places that are more than 25km away from either a health facility or road.

Figure 6.2: Access to Health Facility and a Road network using Euclidean Distance

Source: Spatial Solutions (2016) based on GHS (2015)

Teaching Hospital: The Ashanti region is one of three regions with a teaching hospital- the Okomfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi. Other regions with Teaching hospitals are the Greater Accra region and the Northern region. As noted in the NSDF, the current ratio of one teaching hospital to about 8 million populations far exceeds the planning standard of one teaching hospital to a million populations. This means although a teaching hospital is located in a particular region the demand for services and the sphere of influence of that hospital goes beyond the region and as such exerts pressure on the services provided by the hospital. For example, using thiessen polygon to indicate the closest distances to the three teaching hospitals and assuming that people would request for services from the teaching hospitals that are closest to them, we find that the closest distance to the Okomfo Anokye Teaching Hospital covers parts of the Western, Eastern,

114

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Central and Brong Ahafo regions. Assuming that the teaching hospital serves all these areas, then the hospital could be serving an estimated population of almost 10 million people. Determining intra- regional accessibility using multiple ring buffer of 10km interval, Figure 6.3 shows that areas within the Greater Kumasi area are nearest to the Teaching Hospital and the Sekyere Afram Plains District is farthest from the teaching hospital.

Figure 6.3: Teaching Hospital in relation to Distance to Settlements

Source: Spatial Solutions based on GSS (2010) and GHS (2015)

Regional hospital. All ten regions in the country have a regional hospital. The TCPD planning guidelines suggest that a regional hospital should serve a minimum population of 600,000 and a maximum population of 1 million. However, the regional hospital in Ashanti Region serves a population of over 4 million persons and beyond. Based on the principle that individuals will visit facilities that are closest to them and using thiessen polygon to demarcate the closest distance to a facility, Figure 6.4 shows that the regional hospital in Kumasi could possibly be serving some populations in the Western, Central and Brong Ahafo regions. In terms of distance, areas in the Sekyere Afram Plains North and Central are over a 100 kilometres away from the regional hospital.

115

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Figure 6.4: Regional Hospital

Source: Spatial Solutions (2016) based on GHS (2015) and GSS (2010)

District hospitals. There are 25 district hospitals in the region- Kumasi Metropolitan area has four district hospitals. Eight districts - Adansi North, Afigya Kwabre, Atwima Kwanwoma, Asokore Mampong, Bosome Freho, Sekyere Central, Sekyere Afram Plains and Sekyere Kumawu- do not have district hospitals. Of the 25 district hospitals, 21 are government owned while four are owned by the CHAG (Christian Health Association of Ghana). TCPD planning guidelines suggest that district hospitals serve a minimum and maximum of 80,000 and 200,000 inhabitants, respectively. Based on this guideline, four out of the eight districts- Bosome Freho, Sekyere Central, Sekyere Afram Plains and Sekyere Kumawu- have populations less than 80,000 and might not be eligible for a district hospital. Determining accessibility to district hospitals using distance to facility and distance to roads, Figure 6.5 shows that most districts without district hospitals are situated within 10-20km of the district hospital in the neighbouring district. Adansi North, Bosome Freho, Afigya Kwabre all fall within 10-20km of neighbouring district hospital while Asokore Mampong is situated within 10 km of neighbouring district hospitals. While Sekyere Kumawu is within 10- 30km of neighbouring district hospital, most part of Sekyere Central and all Sekyere Afram Plains are farther than 30km of a district hospital. This implies that although the three Sekyere areas might each not meet the

116

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

TCPD population threshold for a district hospital, considering the travel distance to the nearest health facility, the total population involved and the need for equity, a district hospital is required in the area.

Figure 6.5: Accessibility to district hospitals

Source: Spatial Solutions (2016) based on GHS (2015) and GSS (2010)

General Hospitals and Specialist Hospitals In addition to public hospitals, the region has a large number of private and CHAG hospitals that provide specialist facilities to complement public services. The sphere of influence of some of these specialist facilities extend beyond the region. Notable specialist hospitals include the Agogo Hospital which is noted for the treatment of eye care nationwide. Other facilities as the Peace and Love Hospital also provide specialist care in the treatment of gynaecological diseases. Specialist and Private hospitals however tend to be clustered around the Greater Kumasi Area and Obuasi with very few private services in the periphery districts. As such in areas as the Sekyere Afram Plains and Ahafo Ano areas public health provision is critical. Primary Healthcare

117

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

In managing the onset of diseases, primary health care services prevent the potential cost that can be incurred from expensive hospital services making them an essential component in the hierarchy of health care facilities. The Ashanti region has a widespread of primary healthcare facilities. CHP compounds make up 70% of the total healthcare facilities in the region and more than a third of all healthcare facilities within the region. Based on Ghana Health Service guidelines, CHPs serve a minimum population threshold of 500 persons and a maximum population of 5,000 persons. Considering the total population of the Ashanti region, there is approximately 1 CHP compound to every 800 population. Clinics also serve populations of less than 5000. The region has a total of about 146 clinics representing 10.6 % of total healthcare facilities in the region. Half of clinics (50.1%) are owned by private individuals, a quarter is owned by Government (26%), with the rest owned by faith based and Non-Governmental organizations. Health centres provide primary health care for populations of about 25,000. Of the 131 health centres in the region, 90% are government owned with the remaining owned by CHAG and private providers. Figure 6.6 shows the distribution of primary health care facilities in the region. A limitation to representing the primary health care facilities is that most CHP compounds do not have their geographical coordinates in the GHS database as such the CHP compounds represented in the map is a fraction of CHP compounds in the region

Figure 6.6: Distribution of Primary Health Care Facilities

Source: Spatial Solutions (2016) based on GHS (2015) and GSS (2010)

118

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

The mean centre of the population distribution is almost close to the mean centre of the health facility distribution indicating that health facilities are concentrated where majority of the population reside. Health Facility to Population ratio (health centre per 10,000 populations) is another measure of accessibility to health facility. As mentioned in the sections on teaching and regional hospital, both the teaching and regional hospitals serve populations of over 4 million persons. In analysing health facility to population, we exclude the teaching, regional and district hospitals and aggregate the number of clinics, chps, health centre, hospitals and maternity homes for every 10,000-population ad find that on average there are 3 health facilities to every 10,000 population in the region. However various health services are designed to serve different population thresholds. Clinics ad CHPS serve population of 5,000 persons while health centres serve population of 25,000. Using the level of service method, there is 1 clinic or CHP for every 5000 population and almost 1 heath centre to every 25,000 in the region. Figure 6.7 provides a summary of health to population ratio at the district level using health centre to 10,000 for the aggregate of all health facilities and using the level of service analysis for clinics and health centres. Using the level of service at the district level, districts as Mampong and Ejura sekyedumase have less than 1 clinic or chp compound to every 5000-population ad less than 1 health centre to every 25,000 population indicating deficits

Figure 6.7: Health facility to Population Ratio

Source: GSS, 2010

6.4 Health Care Personnel The quality of healthcare service is as essential as the availability of services provided. Research shows positive linkages between the availability and quality of healthcare personnel to health outcomes. Among the World Health Organization (WHO) indicators for measuring health service delivery is the health worker density which measures the number of health workers per 10,000 populations. For every 10,000 population, the WHO sets a minimum threshold of 23 doctors, nurses and midwives. The Ashanti Region has a total of seven thousand three hundred and thirty health workers (GHS 2016). Table below provides a summary of health workers in the region

Chart 6.2: Health facility to Population Ratio HW per Pop HW per Health Workers Number Percentage (10,000) Pop(100,000)

119

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Community Health Nurses 2079 28.4 4.3 43.5 Enrolled Nurses 2196 30.0 4.6 45.9 Midwife 1005 13.7 2.1 21.0 Professional Nurse 1614 22.0 3.4 33.8 Physician Assistant - Dental 13 0.2 0.0 0.3 Physician Assistant - Herbal 8 0.1 0.0 0.2 Physician Assistant - Medical 113 1.5 0.2 2.4 Medical Assistant 25 0.3 0.1 0.5 Anaesthetist 65 0.9 0.1 1.4 Pharmacist 91 1.2 0.2 1.9 Doctor 86 1.2 0.2 1.8 Specialist 35 0.5 0.1 0.7 Grand Total 7330 100 15.3 153.3 Source: Ghana Health Service data and ARSDF calculations based on GHS data, 2016

As indicated in the table, community health nurses and enrolled nurses constitute about 58% of all healthcare workers in the region while doctors, specialists, anaesthetists and pharmacists form only about 3.8 percent of health workers. Nurses and midwives constitute 22% and 14% respectively. Health worker per 10,000 persons is highest for enrolled nurses and community nurses and lowest for dental and medical assistants, specialists, anaesthetists and pharmacists and medical doctors. Using the WHO definition of the health worker to population ratio39, the region has a total of 15 doctors, nurses and midwives per every 10,000 persons. This falls short of the WHO standard of 23 to a population of 10,000. There are approximately two doctors and two pharmacists to every 100,000 population, approximately one specialist to every 100,000 persons and 55 professional nurses and midwives to every 100,000 persons. At the regional level, about 4 percent (276) of the total health workers are in the regional hospitals and the regional directorate. This includes 34 percent of specialists, 13 percent of doctors, 16 percent of pharmacists and 12 percent anaesthetists. At the district level, the KMA has the highest number of specialists, doctors, midwives in terms of numbers while Sekyere Afram Plains has the least numbers. Using the WHO standard, however, all districts fall short of the WHO requirement of 23 doctors, nurses and midwives per 10,000 populations. Figure 6.8 shows the health worker to population density using the total number of doctors, nurses and midwives.

39WHO definition includes Doctors, Nurses and Midwives.

120

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Figure 6.8: Health Worker to Population Ratio

Source: Ghana Health Services, 2016

Sekyere Afram Plains and Asokore Mampong have less than 1 doctor, nurse and midwife per 10,000 persons. Although, in terms of absolute figures, Kumasi has the highest numbers of doctors, nurses and midwives, it has fewer health workers than Ejisu Juaben or Mampong. 6.5 Health Outcomes Maternal and Child Mortality Infant and child mortality are a good indicator of healthcare and also has implications on the demography of the region. DHS data show that under 5 mortality rate in the Ashanti region is third highest in the country with the Northern and Upper West regions having the highest rates.

121

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Chart 6.3: Child Mortality Levels

Source: DHIS 2014

Education 6.6 General Overview of Education The Education Sector Medium Term Plan is to create ‘a dynamic sector that prepares and equips all Ghanaians with relevant education and skills to promote socio economic development”. More specifically the plan aims at increasing inclusive and equitable access to education at all levels, improving maths science and technology, improving quality teaching and improving the management of education service delivery. The goals of the plan reflect other education oriented government policy documents as the Government of Ghana Education Strategic Plan, The inclusive Education Policy and the Ghana Secondary Improvement Project (GSEIP). The GSEIP also aims at improving access to upper secondary education and to subsidize low income students to improve equity. There are four tiers (sectors) of the educational system in Ghana: a. Basic education (2 years of kindergarten, 6 years of primary and 3 years of Junior secondary school) b. secondary education ( 3 year senior high school/ technical, vocational and formal apprenticeship), tertiary education ( teacher education, polytechnic and university education), of Non formal and open school education( functional literacy programs).

122

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

A proper distribution of educational facilities within space promotes fair access to education. This section examines the existing spatial patterns in the availability and access to educational facilities. A major caveat to analysing spatial patterns and accessibility of school facilities is the absence of data on the exact point location of facilities. As such, the analysis, in this section, is based on general regional and district trend. 6.7 Educational Trends and Present Status of Education in the Region Educational attainment and literacy levels in the country have continually increased since the 1960s. Educational attainment and literacy levels in the Ashanti region follow the national trend. In 2000, 32% of the population above the age of 6 had never been to school while in 2010; about 15.1% had never attended school. Post- secondary education is, however, generally low; less than 10% of the population have a diploma, degree, a master’s degree or a PhD. As indicated in Figure 6.9, both literate groups and groups with post-secondary education are attracted to the more urban areas of the Greater Kumasi area and Obuasi.

Figure 6.9: Literacy Levels and Population with Post-Secondary Education

Source: GSS, 2010 6.8 Tertiary Institutions Improving participation and completion of post-secondary education is necessary to create the crops of men and women necessary to transform the economy and create a knowledge based economy. Universities and higher education institutions provide the education and skillset required for development. As education and research hubs, higher education institutions can influence the growth of communities and regions through the transfer of knowledge to strengthen human resource, create knowledge through scientific research and contribute to community and cultural development. To attain this, however, there need to be synergies between tertiary institutions and the communities they serve. In Ghana, universities, Polytechnics, College of Education, Specialised Institutions, Colleges of Agriculture and Nursing Training Institutions are all classified as Tertiary Institutions. Currently there are 171 tertiary institutions in the country spread across the ten regions. Table 6.1 shows the types and numbers of tertiary institutions in the country.

123

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Table 6.1: Tertiary Institutions in Ghana

Institutions Enrolment Type of Institution Number Enrolment (%) (%) Public universities 9 147,180 5.2 44.1 Polytechnics 10 53,978 5.7 16.2 Public colleges of education 38 36,563 21.8 11.0 Public specialized institutions 8 10,786 4.6 3.2 Private tertiary 68 63,360 39.1 19.0 Private college of education 8 8,879 4.6 2.7 College of agriculture 3 744 1.7 0.2 Nursing training college (Public and Private) 30 12,327 17.2 3.7 Total 174 333,817 100 100 Source: NCTE

About a half of all tertiary students are enrolled into one of the 9 public universities institutions in the country. The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST)is the main public university in the Ashanti region ad among the oldest tertiary institution i the country. The university originally instituted to provide science and technical education has undergone several academic transformations but is still the leading institution for training engineers and other technical and scientific based professionals. The region has the unique advantage to capitalise on this scientific education hub to foster science and technology based training across educational levels to enhance regional development. In addition to KNUST, the University of Education in Winneba also has a satellite campus in the region. Other public institutions include the Kumasi Polytechnic and the College of Agriculture. Private tertiary institutions include universities, university colleges, tutorial colleges and distance education programs. Up until the 1990s, public universities dominated the higher education and private higher educational institutions were almost non-existent. Since then there have been growth in private tertiary institutions and enrolment at higher level institutions. According to NCTE data there are about 68 private tertiary institutions. About 15% of the 68 private tertiary institutions are located in the Ashanti region; eight are located in the Kumasi Metropolitan Area, one in Ejisu (about 13km from Kumasi) and the other in Agona. Colleges of Education (COE) provide trained teachers. The Ashanti Region has about six public COEs and two private COEs representing 21 percent of COEs in the country. The colleges of education are located in Akrokerri (Adansi North) Mampong (Mampong) Offinso and Agogo (Asante Akim North). Nursing training colleges produce nursing graduates for the health care industry and as shown in the healthcare section there is a shortage of professional nurses in the region. There are about 30 private and public nursing training institutes in the country with enrolment of about 12,337 students.

124

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Ashanti region has about three nursing training colleges located in Kumasi and one in Obuasi. Figure 6.10 shows the spatial distribution of tertiary facilities in both Ghana and the Ashanti region. As indicated in the diagram, the distribution of tertiary institutions is skewed towards the southern section of the country with Greater Accra having the largest concentration of institutions followed by the Ashanti region. Tertiary institutions in the Ashanti region are concentrated in the KMA area. The cluster of tertiary institutions in KMA, which is a major economic zone, presents an opportunity to create synergies between academic research and industry development.

Figure 6.10: Tertiary Institutions in the Ashanti Region

Source: Ministry of Education, Ghana Education Services, 2014

6.9 Senior High Schools A limitation in analysing senior high school enrolment at locations is that most students, in Ghana, travel to attend secondary schools as such the presence of a school facility in a community might not indicate that the facility is used by locals. Nevertheless, wards from lower income households will tend to attend day schools within their communities or districts, wherefore location then plays a key role. 6.10 Enrolment Levels Gross Enrolment levels for Senior Secondary Schools have gradually increased from 36.1 percent in 2009/2010 academic year to 54.9 percent in the 2014/2015 academic year. This shows an increasing participation in secondary school education with about half of the population within the secondary school going age enrolled in schools. Like the National trend, senior high school enrolment in the Ashanti region have increased from about 45 percent in 2009/2010 academic year to about 54.9 percent. Though the region does not have the highest level of enrolment the

125

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036 steady growth suggests a positive trend in enrolment levels. Chart 6.4 shows enrolment levels across the country.

Chart 6.4: Senior High School Enrolment Rates

70 2009/2010 60 2010/2011 2011/2012

50 2012/2013

2013/2014 40 2014/2015 30

20

10

0

Source: Ministry of Education, Ghana Education Services, 2014

Nonetheless there are high disparities in enrolment at the district level where gross enrolment range from 1.52 percent to 10.7 percent. Districts as Kwabre East, Ejisu Juaben, and Sekyere South have gross enrolment levels above 100 percent and net enrolment rates about 50 percent. Whereas in Bosome Freho, Amansie Central, Ahafo Ano South have gross enrolment rates below 15 percent and net enrolment below 10 percent. Districts as Ahafo Ano have wide gaps between gross enrolment (46.3%) and net enrolment levels (11%) indicating large numbers of overage and underage students in school. The map below shows disparities in enrolment levels at the district level. Sekyere Afram Plains has no secondary schools. The disparities between areas as Bosome Freho, Amansie Central and areas as Ejisu Juaben suggest urban-rural differentials in senior high school education which could also an indication of the availability of school facilities.

126

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Figure 6.11: Senior High School Enrolment Rates

Source: Ministry of Education, Ghana Education Services, 2014

6.11 Gender Parity Index Gender Parity Index is a good indicator of male to female disparity in the education system. Educating more women and encouraging girl child education is entrenched in major policy documents including the Ministry of Education’s Inclusive Education. Nationwide, the GPI for senior High school education has increased from 2010/2011 academic year to 2014/2015 academic year. The increase suggests concerted efforts in reaching balance between male and female opportunities to education. An educated woman has greater opportunities to ensure the well- being of the family unit and the greater participation of women promotes socio economic development. The high level of female education has implications for maternal mortality which in tend has demographic implications. As such greater opportunities for enrolling both male and females in school have long term benefits for the development of the region. As shown in Chart 6.5. the GPI for SHS levels for the country is progressively improving. GPI in the Ashanti region for senior high school has been consistently higher than the GPI for the country as a whole.

127

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Chart 6.5: Gender Parity Index for Senior High School 0.94 0.92 0.9 0.88 0.86 0.84 Ghana 0.82 Ashanti 0.8 0.78

Source: Ministry of Education, Ghana Education Services, 2014

6.12 Assessing Adequacy of Secondary School Facilities TCPD planning standards sets a minimum and maximum population threshold of 10,000 and 20,000 for the provision of a senior high school. Using the TCPD maximum population guideline, about 53 percent of district has deficit in the supply of schools- with KMA and Asokore Mampong experiencing the highest deficits. There is currently no secondary school in the Sekyere Afram Plains, however considering the total population district a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 3 schools are required for the population.

128

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Figure 6.13 shows the spatial variation in districts using the TCPD minimum and maximum guideline. However, as showed in

Figure 6.13 if the TCPD planning standard is revised and population to include only the age appropriate population (15-19 years) then using the same maximum population threshold we find a surplus of SHS facilities in all districts. 6.13 Junior High Schools Enrolment Levels Gross enrolment in Junior High Schools increased from 79.5 percent from 2009/2010 academic year to 85.4 percent in 2014/2015 academic year. Enrolment rates for the Ashanti Region also increased from 82.5 to 91.8 percent for the same period. This means that nine in every 10 pupil within the theoretical age category for Junior High schools is enrolled in school. If the current trend continues, the region is likely to attain full gross enrolment level for Junior High School within the planning period. Figure 6.12 shows gross enrolment levels across the various regions in the country. At the district level, gross enrolment levels are generally high above 60 percent. Enrolment rates are highest in the Kwabre districts, Ejisu Juaben and lowest in Asokore Mampong. Sekyere Afram Plains is an outlier with gross enrolment levels at 10 percent.

129

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Chart 6.6: Enrolment Levels at JHS 120 2009/2010

100 2010/2011 2011/2012 80 2012/2013 2013/2014 60 2014/2015

40

20

0

Source: Ministry of Education, Ghana Education Services, 2014

Figure 6.12: Enrolment Levels at JHS

Source: Ministry of Education, Ghana Education Services, 2014

Gender Parity Index Gender Parity Index (GPI) for Junior High schools, nationwide, shows enrolment in favour of males to females. However, there is an increasing trend towards a balance with increasing female

130

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036 participation in Junior High schools. The trend is the same for the Ashanti region where for 2013/2014 academic years the GPI was better than the national average.

Chart 6.7: Gender Parity Index for JHS 0.98

0.96

0.94

0.92 Ghana 0.9 Ashanti 0.88

0.86

Source: Ministry of Education, Ghana Education Services, 2014

Assessing Adequacy of Junior Secondary School Facilities TCPD planning guidelines set a minimum and maximum population threshold of 5,000 and 10,000 for the provision of Junior Secondary School. Using TCPD planning guidelines and considering both total populations and age appropriate cohorts, we find surplus in the provision of Junior High Schools in all the districts.

Figure 6.13: Adequacy of JHS using Total District Population

131

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Source: GSS 2010

6.14 Poverty General Overview of Poverty Poverty levels declined from 1992 to 2013. The Poverty Incidence – the share of the population living below the poverty line- declined from 5.6 percent in 1992 to 2.4 percent in 2013 while the depth of poverty- how far below the poverty line- also declined from 20.9 percent to 7.8 percent for the same period. The share of the poor population living in rural areas declined from 85 in 2006 to 78 percent in 2013 and increased in urban areas from 14 percent to 22 percent. The Ghana Living Standards uses two measures of poverty level; the upper poverty limit of Ghs1,314 per annum and a lower poverty line of Ghs792 per annum. The upper poverty line refers to the threshold above which an individual is able to meet his food and non-food needs while the lower poverty line refers to a case of extreme poverty. We refer to the upper poverty line in this section. Figure 6.14. shows a decline in poverty levels for all regions. The three northern regions are the poorest regions.

132

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Figure 6.14: Poverty Levels in Ghana

Source: GSS, 2010

In the Ashanti region poverty level declined from above 41 percent two decades ago to below 14 percent in 2013 (GLSS). However, the region has the third largest population of poor persons in the country.

Table 6.2: Poverty Levels in Ashanti Region Old Poverty Line New Poverty Line Total Chan Chan Chang ge(19 ge e Regio 92_20 (2006- (1992- n 1992 1996 2006 06) 2006 2013 2013) 2013) Weste rn 59.6 27.3 18.6 -41 22.9 20.9 -2 -43 Centra l 44.3 48.4 19.9 -24.4 23.4 18.8 -4.6 -29 Greate r Accra 25.8 5.2 11.8 -14 13.5 5.6 -7.9 -21.9 Volta 57 37.7 31.7 -25.3 37.3 33.8 -3.5 -28.8 Easter n 48 43.7 14.7 -33.3 17.8 21.7 3.9 -29.4 Ashan ti 41.2 27.7 20.5 -20.7 24 14.8 -9.2 -29.9 Brong Ahafo 65 35.8 29.7 -35.3 34 27.9 -6.1 -41.4 Northe rn 63.4 69.2 52.2 -11.2 55.7 50.4 -5.3 -16.5 Upper East 66.9 88.2 70.5 3.6 72.9 44.4 -28.5 -24.9 Upper West 88.4 83.9 87.9 -0.5 89.1 70.7 -18.4 -18.9 Source: Ghana living standard survey 6, Ghana Poverty and Inequality Report

133

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Table 6.3: Poverty levels by Regions

Region 2005_2006 2012/2013 Share_2006 Share_2013 Change Northern 1,490,584 1,326,048 21.02 20.77 (0.25) Volta 618,168 773,051 8.72 12.11 3.39 Ashanti 894,264 766,148 12.61 12.00 (0.61) Brong Ahafo 692,635 727,607 9.77 11.40 1.63 Eastern 530,644 592,241 7.48 9.28 1.79 Upper West 706,083 536,943 9.96 8.41 (1.55) Western 514,737 507,416 7.26 7.95 0.69 Upper East 771,423 474,600 10.88 7.43 (3.44) Central 456,322 438,835 6.43 6.87 0.44 Greater Accra 416,827 241,166 5.88 3.78 (2.1) Total 7,091,687 6,384,055 100.00 100.00 Source: Ghana living standard survey 6, Ghana Poverty and Inequality Report

6.15 Poverty Distribution by District District level analysis reveals spatial variations in poverty rate across the region. Data show that areas as Sekyere Afram Plains, Ejura Sekyedumase have the highest proportion of their population living below the poverty line. While, the more urban areas such as – KMA and its environs- have a lower proportion of their population living below the upper poverty line of GHS 1,314 per annum. However, due to its population size, KMA has the highest proportion of estimated poor persons in the region as indicated in Figure 6.15.

134

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Figure 6.15: Poverty Rates

Source: Ghana Living Standard Survey 6, Ghana Poverty and Inequality, 2014

Chart 6.8 below shows poverty rate and poverty gap across districts with bubble size representing the share of the poor within the district. The bubble colour represents the level of urbanization of the district- red indicates 100 percent urbanization, yellow indicates urbanization between 20-50 percent, light green represents areas below 20 percent and deep green represents that are completely rural. The most urbanized districts- Asokore Mampong and KMA- have poverty rates below 10 percent, while the most rural districts- Bosome Freho and Sekyere Afram plains have poverty levels above 30 percent. Except In Ejura Sekyedumase, all districts with urban population above 50 percent have poverty rates less than 30 percent.

135

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Chart 6.8: Poverty Rate and Poverty Depth

Source: Ghana Living Standard Survey 6, Ghana Poverty and Inequality, 2014

6.16 Basic Services Access to basic household services such as water, sanitation, electricity and other energy sources are a good indicator of quality of life at the household level. Good access to these services improves the social and economic well-being of the region as a whole. According to the 2010 census data, about 73 percent of households use electricity as the main energy source for household lighting. However, a number of households in the various districts use kerosene lamps and candles as the main source of lighting. Although electricity is the main source energy for lighting, the main fuel for cooking is charcoal (39.3%), wood (29.8 %) and gas (21%). About 89 percent of households have access to improved water sources which includes access to bore hole/ pump/tube well (30.9%) pipe borne water either in home (22%)or out of home (18.7), public stand pipe (10.1%), protected well (7.2%) protected spring (0.4%). Borehole usage is more prevalent in the rural areas. For toilet facilities, only 31.9 percent of households use KVIP or WC in home, with 17.8 percent using pit latrines and 43.3 percent using public toilet40 Using access to drinking water, access to toilet facilities and access to energy sources we constructed a basic service deprivation score for the various districts. For drinking water, we used GSS data on improved water sources which includes pipe borne water (either in home or out of home), boreholes, and protected well or protected spring. For toilet facilities, we used household’s access to KVIP or Water closet facilities. In all districts a number of households use pit latrines and bucket/pan however we use only improved toilet facilities which includes KVIP or water

40 Ghana Statistical Service, 2010 Population Census Analytical Report Ashanti Region.

136

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036 closets. For the main energy for households we used household access to electricity or solar energy. Deprivation scores are highest for safe toilets and lowest for improved water and electricity. Using the three indicators for the region, about 42 percent of the population (approximately 2 million of the population) is deprived of access to safe water, toilets or electricity. The current is an improvement over 2000 census figure where about 61 percent of the population were deprived of basic services. Figure below shows the access deprivation scores at the district level

Figure 6.16: Access to Basic Services

Source: Ghana Living Standard Survey 6, Ghana Poverty and Inequality, 2014

The least deprived districts - KMA, Kwabre East, Obuasi and Asokore Mampong- have deprivation scores lower than the regional average of 42 percent. In terms of social services, population in these four districts has better access to basic services. Being urban in character, these areas are more likely to attract populations in search of better social services. Also considering that about 40 percent of the population are deprived of basic services, there is still more investment in basic services required in the region. Sekyere Afram Plains is the most deprived district in terms of access to water, electricity and toilet facilities and 85 percent of households in the district do not have safe access to water, electricity and toilets. About 57 percent of the population in the district depend on unprotected rivers and streams as their main source of drinking water and this poses a health risk for the population. Only about 7 percent of people living in the area have access to electricity or solar energy. Other districts as Sekyere Central, Ahafo North and South, Sekyere Central, Adansi South, also have more than half of the population without access to basic services. Public and community investments are required to build facilities to improve the access to basic services in these areas and make these districts more productive.

137

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Rural and Urban Localities Using the same indicators to determine deprivation levels in urban and rural areas, the urban areas have better access to services than rural areas. Figure 6.17 shows deprivation scores in urban areas and rural areas.

Figure 6.17: Deprivation Scores in Urban and Rural areas

Source: GSS, 2010 Although most rural communities have high levels of improved water sources, borehole is the main source of water supply. In some instances, locales would have to travel distances to boreholes. Building infrastructure pipes to improve in home access to water would save the travel time to fetch water and improve livelihood and productive in rural districts. In Sekyere Afram Plains, for instance, some households perceive borehole water as salty water41; such households will tend to rely on unsafe alternatives of water as rivers and streams. Building and improving water purification systems in these areas is essential. About 48.5 % of rural households in the region are connected to the National grid. Investments in alternative energy sources to diversify energy sources. Low access to basic services in rural areas could further compound urban poverty as it could drive people to urban areas. As such, there is the need to invest in basic services in rural areas. Conclusion Ashanti region, compared to the rest of the country (except Greater Accra), has a good coverage/ availability of primary health care facilities and educational centres. However, the region has its own challenges in the areas of education, health, poverty and access to basic services. Inter district disparities also require attention.

41 Sekyere Afram Plains District Profile 2016

138

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Healthcare Improved availability of CHP compounds and other primary health care facilities has not completely translated into improved health outcomes as child and infant mortality in the region remains high. The quality of healthcare delivery in the region needs to be addressed to improve healthcare outcomes within the planning period. Health care facilities are also clustered in the Kumasi Metropolitan and adjoining districts while areas in the Northern section as the Sekyere areas lack access to adequate healthcare services. Field visit in the Sekyere area revealed that a district hospital is currently under construction to serve the areas. Notwithstanding, financial resources would need to be invested in areas lagging in the provision of healthcare to attract professionals to these areas. Education Enrolment levels have increased at all levels. However, participation at secondary and post- secondary levels needs to be improved. Participation is lowest in Sekyere Afraims Plains possibly due to distance issues and also the absence of secondary schools. The region has key tertiary institutions as the University of Science and Technology, college of Agriculture and the CSIR technology school. This presents an opportunity to create education and industry linkages in the areas of research and recruitment to strengthened youth employment in the region. An example of such industry- academia research linkage would be a link between Suame magazine and engineering departments at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. Such linkages could foster the development and upscaling of non-formal education. Basic Services An estimated 2 million people are deprived of basic household services. This number is likely to increase over the planning period if adequate steps are not implemented to curtail this trend. Public investment in the provision of basic services is required to improve general livelihoods in the region. In investing in social infrastructure the urban- rural disparities would need to be addressed to create a balance in urban-rural development. A target for the planning period could be Improving access of basic services as water, electricity and safe toilets to reach at least 80% of the population. Poverty General poverty levels have declined over the period. However, the estimated number of poor persons in the KMA area raises the issues of urban poverty which could be translated into slums, crime and various social vices in the region if neglected. Given that the region urbanized over a short period and populations are still migrating from rural and settling in urban areas; there is the need to implement policies to stimulate job creation in both urban and rural areas. Balanced development growth pattern that creates opportunities in rural areas to curb rural – urban migration Geographical Inequalities

139

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

Sekyere Afram Plains is a critical area as it lags behind other districts on all social indicators; poor access to health care, low enrolment rates at basic school, no secondary school, highest poverty incidence and most deprived in terms of access to basic services. Designating the area as a zone of interest and dealing with issues of distance and settlement and investing in social infrastructure to improve livelihoods.

140

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

6.17 Summary of Key Findings Summary of findings on status of existing Social Development in Ashanti Region 6.17.1 Healthcare • Improved availability of CHPS compounds and other primary health care facilities has not completely translated into improved health outcomes. For example the child mortality rate is third highest region in Ghana. • The Region is comparatively well provided for in terms of health care, although there are some imbalances at primary and secondary levels, and some gaps at tertiary level. • Health Care facilities are also clustered in the Kumasi Metropolitan and adjoining districts while areas in the Northern section as the Sekyere areas lack access to adequate healthcare services. lagging in the provision of healthcare to attract professionals to these areas 6.17.2 Education • Basic educational attainment levels have been increasing since the 1960s • Participation at secondary and post-secondary levels needs to be greatly improved. • Post-secondary level is low at less than 10 percent. • The region has key tertiary institutions as the University of Science and Technology, college of Agriculture and the CSIR technology school. • The tertiary level subjects are relevant to the development of the region and a closer link between education and practice could be very productive. • With the literacy, secondary enrollment and post-secondary education levels all the indicationsshow the more remote areas in the west and south and north east of the region are disadvantaged. • The deficit in SHS facilities is an indicator of the existence of urban deprivation in Kumasi. 6.17.3 Basic Services • two million people lack basic services, water, electricity and sanitation • The lack of basic services is highest in the remoter areas: Sekyere areas, the outer north

west and south of the region.

6.17.4 Poverty • The poverty levels in the region have reduced, growing since 2006. But the other surrounding areas still have higher poverty levels. • Urban poverty is becoming more of a problem, with Kumasi having high levels of poverty in some areas. The districts in the transitional zone also have higher poverty rates, but low absolute numbers due to lower population. 6.18 Challenges and opportunities for Social Development Though investments in the economic sector take precedence over social programme investments, in order that the latter can be funded, in fact both should co-exist for the efficiency of the other. Without a skilled and healthy society to support economic investment, general progress in the region will slow down. Ashanti Region is relatively better in social investments programmes.

141 DEVELOPMENT SOCIAL

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016-2036

However, with the rapid increase in population there is the need to match social investment with the population growth otherwise there is the potential to have a huge unskilled and unhealthy labour force. The same areas which are further away from the Kumasi City Region generally feature as the least well provided for, although this is counterbalanced by the rising urban deprivation in Kuamsi. The challenge is how to maintain a basic, universal level of provision of education for the whole population, while focussing better education and skills on improving productivity. One opportunity is to create better linkages and awareness between educators/ researchers and those setting course content and the economic priorities of the region. The challenge can also be met by grasping the opportunity to provide more centralised better quality and better accessed facilities in the identified growth centres beyond the city region. This will challenge the ability of districts in the planning zones to share resources.

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENTSOCIAL

142

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016- 2036

7 ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE 7.1 Introduction All human progress and activities occur within an environment. Population growth and it is related human investment have impact on the environment. Most of human activities may and impacts on the environment may be realised depending on the type of sustainable measures put in place to address human activities on the environment. Ashanti Region is a vibrant and important region based on the type of available natural resources and the spur of other economic activities. It has contributed immensely towards the national GDP with a total of 26.7 percent. It will be economically prudent to examine the extent to which the development of the region has on the environment so that the appropriate measures can be recommended to ensure sustainable living. This chapter will take a critical look of the environment in the region with the view of assessing some of the environmental issues as related to human activities and some of the possible factors and effects of climate change. 7.2 Environment and Climate Change in the Context of National Spatial Development Ghana’s environmental policies articulate environmental issues under four broad categories: natural resource, socio-cultural, economic and institutional. The policies attribute the stress on the environment to the current pattern of unsustainable exploitation of natural resources as part of the country’s development process. This has generated significant environmental issues including land degradation, deforestation, biodiversity loss, water pollution, soil erosion, air pollution, marine and coastal degradation. Increasingly, these environmental challenges are magnified by climate change and related natural disasters. As a result, the National Climate Change Policy Framework aims at ensuring a climate resilient and climate compatible economy while achieving sustainable development and equitable low carbon economic growth for Ghana. In addition to the threats posed to the country’s socio-economic development, these environmental and climate change issues have differential spatial impacts and implications for spatial development. The National Spatial Development Framework has outlined the broad environmental context for spatial development at the national level. The NSDF identifies forests and wildlife depletion, wetland degradation, mining-related pollution, climate variability and change, vulnerability to natural disasters and loss of biological diversity as critical among the challenges posed by the environment for the country’s spatial development. 7.3 Snapshot of Environmental Profile of Ashanti Region The current state of the environment in the Ashanti Region mirrors the national context articulated in the NSDF. Generally, the region’s environmental situation is characterized by water pollution, deforestation, land degradation and biodiversity loss. The population and key agro- ecological systems in the region are also vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and natural disasters, notable being rising temperatures, rainfall variability and unpredictability, flood, fires and drought. Land degradation is one of the environmental stresses on agricultural land in the region. The clearing of forests through the use of bushfires leads to low agricultural yields, which in turn put more pressure on the land to be used for cultivation. The traditional shifting cultivation method, crop rotation and uncontrolled cattle grazing, and the rapidly increasing use of agricultural chemicals, such as fertilizers and pesticides, also affect the quality of the soil.

143

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016- 2036

The region has lost more than 9.5% representing 156,608.35 hectares of natural forest woodlands with closed canopy as a result of logging for timber production. Next to timber production, forests lands are under stress due to exploitation of fuel wood for domestic and industrial uses. Wood is still the main source of energy in the region. Annual loss of forest cover over the whole region is estimated at 7,830 hectares. Land in the transition zone is subject to desertification while at the same time, the area is characterized by growing agrarian population. Deforestation has led to local climatic changes, soil erosion, land degradation, instability in hydrological regimes, and loss of biodiversity. About 253,869 hectares of the region’s forests are protected in over 67, sometimes very small and patchy forest reserves including 2 game reserves. Many of these reserves were established as shelterbelts and as protection for headwaters, rather than to serve as reserves for the timber industry. In recent times, however, due to population pressure, the concept of reserve no longer protects forests from intensive logging, bushfires and encroachment by farmers. For example, the 125-square-mile Koggae Strict Nature Reserve near Ejisu has lost 40 square miles (32% of the area), largely through illegal logging. Mining and ore processing pose serious challenges to environmental sustainability and cause other environmental damage. Mining is a major contributor to land degradation which in turn influences deforestation, changes in topography, and changes in drainage patterns, slope instability, accelerated erosion and soil degradation. In the Amansie West district, industrial and illegal small scale mining are increasingly threatening agricultural production. In August 2016, ‘‘galamsey’’ operators destroyed large swathes of cocoa farms in Bepotenten and Gyamang, two farming communities in the Amansie Central District and polluted water bodies. Other effects of mining on the environment include depletion of water resources, changes in hydrology as a consequence of digging and earth moving activities, water logging, ground water percolation and pollution, siltation, increased sediment loads in rivers, toxicity and contamination with heavy metals. In the gold mine area of Obuasi, health related problems have been attributed to arsenic pollution. Encroachment on public open spaces, waterways and natural reserves, particularly in the urban areas is also a concern for environmental management in the region. This has resulted in inadequate space for recreational infrastructure and a situation where settlements expand into flood hazard zones thereby threatening public health and safety. The environmental effects of the ARSDF proposals and its alternatives is being evaluated through a strategic environmental assessment process to adequately mainstream the four pillars of sustainability – socio-cultural, economic, natural resources and institutional. Initial meetings held with the Strategic Environmental Assessment Unit of the EPA have laid the foundation for the process through articulation of comprehensive spatial development issues in the region. 7.4 Current Rainfall and Temperature Trends and Impacts of Climate Change The Ashanti region is situated in the deciduous forest and transitional ecological zones of the country. Observed climate patterns as well as temperature and rainfall projections and variations for these agro-ecological zones define the overall context of climate change in the region. Like most regions in Ghana, available studies indicate a generally warming climate in the region over the last century. Within the region, the transitional zone is observed to be experiencing longer mean warming periods than the deciduous forest zone. Temperature records for specific locations within the

144

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016- 2036 region are available for the period between 1960 -1990. This data is not up-to-date but provides an instructive 30-year trend analysis of temperature in the region. As shown in Chart 7.1 mean temperature records taken between 1960– 1990, indicates generally high temperatures in the transitional zone compared with the deciduous forest zone. As expected, analysis of this dataset also reveals that the high elevation areas, mainly characterized by mountain ecosystems within the deciduous forest zone are marked by relatively low temperatures. Like all agro-ecological zones in Ghana, average annual temperature projections for the region’s deciduous forest zone indicate an increase between 0.8°C and 5.4°C for the years 2020 and 2080.

On the other hand, rainfall data analyzed using historical record from the Ghana hydrodata revealed that rainfall decreased over the period from 1921 – 2010 by 28.0 mm, representing about 22% decrease. As shown in Chart 7.1, mean annual rainfall decreased for both major and minor rainy seasons. Also Figure 7.1 shows that the region’s deciduous forest zone received higher rainfall for most months in the year between 1960-1990, compared to the region’s transition zone. However, in September, which marks the onset of the minor rainy season, rainfall appears to be higher in the transition zone compared to the deciduous forest zone (Figure 7.1). Nonetheless, it is worthy to note that annual rainfall in Ghana is highly variable on inter‐annual and inter‐decadal timescales. Unlike mean temperature which is generally proven by Global Circulation Models (GCMs) to rise, little agreement exists on future rainfall amounts or seasonality. The analysis shows that rainfall levels in the region have been generally reducing and the patterns increasingly becoming erratic. The decrease in rainfall will likely impact agricultural productivity due in large part to a disproportionately high rural population that depends on agriculture, particularly rain-fed agriculture. With less predictable weather, uncertain and heavy storm rainfalls are more likely in the region, with risks to people, communities and ecosystems

Chart 7.1: Mean Rainfall Pattern for March-July, 1921-2010 Mean Rainfall pattern for Mar-Jul from 1921-2010 y = -0.0074x + 158.03 300 250 200 150 100 50

0

1936 1954 1924 1927 1930 1933 1939 1942 1945 1948 1951 1957 1960 1963 1966 1969 1972 1975 1978 1981 1984 1987 1990 1993 1996 1999 2003 2006 2009 1921 Source: Ghana Hydrodata 2010

145

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016- 2036

Chart 7.2: Mean Rainfall Pattern for September-November, 1921-2010 Mean Rainfall pattern for Sept-Nov from 1921-2010

1000 y = -0.7558x + 491.23

500

0

1924 1957 1990 1927 1930 1933 1936 1939 1942 1945 1948 1951 1954 1960 1963 1966 1969 1972 1975 1978 1981 1984 1987 1993 1996 2002 2005 2008 1921 Source: Ghana Hydrodata 2010

146

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016- 2036

Figure 7.1: Major and minor season rainfall and Temperature pattern for Ashanti region

Source: World Climate Data 1990

7.5 Carbon map and Ashanti region’s contribution to climate mitigation Despite the impacts of climate change on the region’s population and natural resources, there are opportunities for the region to contribute to the fight against climate change through abating greenhouse gas emissions. To this end, an assessment of carbon stocks

147

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016- 2036 carried out for the entire country shows that the Ashanti region is a significant storehouse of carbon and has the potential to generate benefits within the framework of Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) programmes. The distribution of carbon is relatively high in the deciduous forest zone as shown in Figure 7.2 and this is where most of the forest ecosystems in the region are concentrated (

Figure 7.3).

Figure 7.2: Biomass map of Ashanti region

148

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016- 2036

Source: Forestry Commission (2015)

Figure 7.3: Biomass map of Ashanti region with overlay showing forest reserves

149

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016- 2036

Source: Forestry Commission (2015) 7.6 Current state of forests, game reserves and conservation areas By the close of 2010, the Ashanti region was host to approximately 1.475 million hectares of forests representing 60.3% of the region’s total land area. This comprised approximately 67 forest reserves and off-reserve areas, most of which are in patches. As shown in Figure 7.4, most of the region’s forest reserves are concentrated in the mountainous and hilly areas. Generally, these areas are difficult to access hence serve as additional protection for the forests from human encroachment and over-exploitation. As shown in Figure 7.4, at the district level, forests are unevenly distributed on the landscape. Atwima Mponua contributes the largest share of the region’s forest cover with slightly over 155,000 hectares representing approximately 11% of total forest cover in the region. This is followed by Asante Akim South with approximately 109,000 hectares representing 7.4% of the region’s total forest cover. Kumasi Metropolitan area contributes the least share with 1,372 hectares, representing 0.1% of the region’s forest cover (Table 7.1). The forests in the region are significant because of their direct benefits to rural communities that depend on them as sources of food and livelihood security. They are also important from the conservation standpoint as they host a biologically diverse flora and fauna, some of which are threatened. In addition to forests, the region is host to the Bomfobiri Wildlife Sanctuary located in the transitional zone (Figure 7.4,), covering approximately 5,180 hectares and offering a wide variety of bird life, monkeys and small antelope. The Owabi wildlife sanctuary is also worthy of note as it serves as natural habitat for many species of wildlife and migratory birds.

150

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016- 2036

Figure 7.4: Forest Cover in Ashanti Region (2010)

Source: Spatial Solutions based on FC (2012)

151

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016- 2036

Figure 7.5: District share of forest cover in 2010

Source: Forestry Commission (2010

Table 7.1: Percentage contributions of districts to forest cover in Ashanti region No DISTRICT AREA (in Hectares) PERCENT 1 Atwima Mponua 155,408 10.6 2 Asante Akim South 108,694 7.4 3 Adansi South 105,493 7.2 4 Sekyere Afram Plains 101,085 6.9 5 Ahafo Ano South 98,443 6.7 6 Amansie West 75,279 5.1 7 Amansie Central 66,650 4.5 8 Asante Akim North 66,560 4.5 9 Ejisu Juaben 64,420 4.4 10 Atwima Nwabiagye 58,337 4 11 Adansi North 57,862 3.9 12 Bosome Freho 51,445 3.5 13 Sekyere Central 50,740 3.4 14 Ejura Sekyedumase 43,677 3 15 Ahafo Ano North 42,229 2.9 16 Bekwai 41,648 2.8 17 Mampong 39,756 2.7 18 Offinso 37,578 2.6 19 Offinso North 34,707 2.4 20 Afigya Kwabre 33,424 2.3

152

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016- 2036

21 Sekyere East 32,001 2.2 22 Afigya Sekyere 31,343 2.1 23 Obuasi 27,207 1.8 24 Bosomtwe 23,235 1.6 25 Atwima Kwamwoma 13,620 0.9 26 Kwabre East 9,872 0.7 27 Kumasi 1,372 0.1 28 TOTAL 1,472,086 100 Source: Forestry Commission (2010)

7.7 Bosomtwe Man and Biosphere Reserve The area includes part of the Bosomtwe range with about 35 tree species including three Scarlet species (threatened by overexploitation), 3 Red species (significant pressure from exploitation), 9 Pink and 20 Green species (species of no conservation concern). They include timber species such as the endemisms Khaya ivorensis and Triplochiton scleroxylon. Also endemic to the forest twoecosystem are 8 species of ants, termites, 19 species of butterflies, 5 species of amphibians, 2 species of reptiles, 29 species of birds including 2 of conservation interest and 29 species of mammals.

Some of these species are endemic and several have conservation status, at national and international levels. Over the years, the integrity of Lake Bosomtwe has suffered due to human activities. Over fishing has led to declining fish catch; unsustainable farming practices have led to erosion and sedimentation in the lake; poorly treated human waste and domestic waste discharge into the lake has resulted in pollution. Nonetheless, in March 2016, Lake Bosomtwe was enlisted by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve – a status given to ecosystems with plants and animals of unusual scientific and natural interest. With this status, the lake becomes one of 669 sites in 120 countries that constitute the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR). This new status has elevated the conservation value and interest in the lake and its associated ecosystems including the overlapping Bosomtwe range forest reserve to the south of the lake. The biosphere reserve approach combines three interconnected functions of conservation, development and logistical support through appropriate zoning. As shown in

Figure 7.6 the zones comprise, first, one or more legally constituted core areas, devoted to long- term protection; second, adjacent buffer zones; and third, an outer transition area where sustainable development is promoted and developed by public authorities, local communities and enterprises.

153

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016- 2036

Figure 7.6: Lake Bosomtwe Biosphere Reserve

Source: Forestry Commission (2010) 7.8 Flood Disaster Risk Flooding is one of the challenges facing communities in the region and this will likely increase with extreme rainfall events as a result of climate change. According to regional NADMO information, settlements in low lying urban areas are most at risk of flood disasters. These settlement clusters are mainly found within KMA and Asokore Mampong as shown in Figure 7.7.

154

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016- 2036

Figure 7.7: Flood Hazard Areas in Ashanti Region

Source: Forestry Commission (2010) 7.9 Programmes addressing environmental issues in the Ashanti Region The environmental issues faced by the Ashanti region are being addressed through programmes and projects spearheaded by the Environmental Protection Agency in collaboration with other government and non-governmental agencies in the region. Notable among such programmes are; • Environmental Education and Awareness Creation This programmes seeks to intensify awareness on phased-out substances with higher ozone depletion potential and encourage the use of ozone friendly refrigerants. It also supports information dissemination on climate change adaptation measures in all sectors of the region’s economy.

155

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016- 2036

• Hazardous and Electronic Waste Control and Management Chemicals and pesticides used in the environment are sources of potential health risks and damaging impacts on soil and water. This programme involves communication and outreach activities targeted at manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers and applicators of chemicals and pesticides. In collaboration with MOFA, the EPA is also working with extension agents to manage the application of fertilizers. • Green Economy Programme This promotes efficient use of materials by conversion of waste into resources. This programme is piloted in Kumasi because of the prominence of its wood biomass industry. Collaborative relationships have been developed with KNUST under this programme to convert wood biomass into briquettes and pellets for local use and activated carbon for export. • Promotion of Biogas in Households and Industries Biogas technology uses an airtight container to convert human and food waste into fuel for cooking. Effluent from the process, which takes less than three weeks to generate, can also be used to fertilize gardens and lawns, boosting productivity. This technology is currently being piloted in the region to augment power generation in industries, health facilities, manufacturing, shopping malls and warehouses. It involves training artisans in the conversion of septic tanks into biogas digesters.

156

Volume I Existing Situation and Main Issues 2016- 2036

7.10 Summary of Key Findings • Like most regions in Ghana, temperature records in the Ashanti region show a generally warming trend. The transitional zone is observed to be experiencing longer mean warming periods than the deciduous forest zone. In addition, high elevation areas, mainly characterized by mountain ecosystems within the deciduous forest zone are marked by relatively lower temperatures. – • Rainfall data analyzed using historical record from the Ghana hydrodata revealed that rainfall decreased over the period from 1921 – 2010 by 28.0 mm, representing about 22% decrease. Nonetheless, the high uncertainty that characterizes rainfall trends and projections should be considered for the purposes of planning. • The region has significant carbon stocks in its deciduous forest zone, hence can contribute immensely to climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. • The status of Lake Bosomtwe as Biosphere reserve presents opportunities for conservation of the lake and associated landscapes to benefit rural communities in the catchment area. • By the close of 2010, the region was host to approximately 1.475 million hectares of forests representing 60.3 percent of the region’s total land area. Ashanti Region is a significant storehouse of carbon. • Conservation Forests, Game Reserves and Wildlife Sanctuaries amount to 4,149.62km2 representing 17 percent of its land size host a biologically diverse flora and fauna, some of

which may be threatened. ENVIRONMENT • Lake Bosomtwe has suffered due to human activities, but in March 2016, was enlisted by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve –This new status has elevated the conservation value and interest in the lake and its associated ecosystems including the overlapping Bosomtwe range forest reserve to the south of the lake. Generally, the opportunity is that the region is endowed with a rich natural environment. About 62 percent of the land cover are made up of forest with a decent amount of wetlands which includes water bodies. an assessment of carbon stocks carried out for the entire country shows that the Ashanti region is a significant storehouse of carbon and has the potential to generate benefits within the framework of Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) programmes. The distribution of carbon is relatively high in the deciduous forest zone and this is where most of the forest ecosystems in the region are concentrated. One of the challenges is how to link this potential with the improvement in agricultural practices which is desperately needed. This is particularly true of the remoter and less well-serviced areas of the region. The opportunity will be to capitalize on the REDD+ for improving agricultural productivity and incomes in these areas. The other big challenge is the recent surge in illegal mining activities, with a lot of the forest land including rivers and streams and crop lands are being depleted by these illegal mining efforts. This again can only be met by regulating mining and creating other economic opportunities. Since these are in the same forest areas there may be an opportunity to link the two initiatives: mining and carbon sequestration through agro-forestry. The challenge more generally is how to protect the environment and the essential services which it provides, in the face of the pressure of population increase

157