Upper West Akim
District Assembly

Our Services

Our Services

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Detailed Service Information

Click on any service to view requirements, processes, and fees

Births & Deaths Registry

Register births and deaths, obtain certificates quickly and efficiently.

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Under One (1) Year - One (1) Day

Requirements:

  • Produce weighing card
  • Fill a form
  • Pay approved fee
  • Certificate issued same day

Above One (1) Year - One (1) Month

Requirements:

  • Fill a Form
  • Form sent to Regional Office for vetting
  • Sent to Head Office for signing and printing
  • Certificate issued within 1 month

Newly Deceased (1 Day)

Requirements:

  • Fill a form
  • Pay approved fee
  • Issuance of burial permit and Death Certificate

Already Buried (1 Month)

Requirements:

  • Fill a form
  • Pay approved fee
  • Issuance of burial permit and Death Certificate

FEES: Based on Assembly’s Fee Fixing Resolution

Marriages & Divorces

Register marriages and process divorce documentation.

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Requirements:

  • Customary marriage must be performed first
  • Both parties complete registration forms
  • Witnesses from both families sign documents
  • Certificate of Marriage issued by Registrar

Requirements:

  • Marriage must be dissolved in presence of representatives from both sides
  • Submit affidavit naming those present at dissolution
  • Attach photocopy of marriage certificate
  • Registration of dissolution by Registrar

Process Timeline

  • Notice Period: File notice of marriage for 21 days
  • Church Announcements: 3 consecutive Sundays
  • Certificate Validity: 3 months from collection
  • Marriage must be solemnized within 3 months of Certificate of Notice

Documentation Requirements

  • Both parents (preferably mother and father) must sign certificate
  • Gazetted Church: Uses own marriage certificate
  • Non-Gazetted Church: Uses Assembly-provided certificate

Divorce Process

Requirements:

  • Seek dissolution at Law Court
  • Submit court adjudication report determining if marriage should be dissolved
  • Provide affidavit
  • Attach copy of marriage certificate issued by Assembly or Church
  • Assembly processes dissolution after court determination

FEES: Based on Assembly Fee Fixing Resolution

Building Permits & Planning

Apply for building permits and get planning approvals

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  • Formulation of policies for development and management of human settlements
  • Preparation of human settlement plans
  • Advisory services on land use planning
  • Processing building and development permits
  • Development control and enforcement
  • Building Permits: Within 2 months (48 days)
  • Planning Schemes: 6-12 months (depending on settlement size)
  • Submit development/building application
  • Technical review (within 2 weeks)
  • Technical Sub-Committee assessment and site visit (within 1 month)
  • Statutory Planning Committee meeting (9 working days after technical meeting)
  • Approval and permit issuance (5 working days)
  • Building permit ready (3 months total from submission)
  • Completed application form
  • Site plan
  • Architectural drawings
  • Engineer’s report (where applicable)
  • Land title/documentation
  • Payment of application fees 
  • FEES: Based on Annual Fee Fixing Resolution

Business Operating Permits

Register your business and obtain operating licenses

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Within 3 Working Days

REQUIREMENTS

  • Application letter
  • Building permit (if operating in container/kiosk)
  • Payment of required fees
  • Valid business registration
  • GRA Tax Identification Number (TIN)

PROCESS

  • Submit application letter
  • Provide necessary documentation
  • Pay required fees
  • Permit issued within 3 working days

 CONTACT: Finance Department – 0540714964

 

Social Welfare Services

Child protection, disability support, and community development

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  • Child Custody Cases: Social enquiry reports for court
  • Child Maintenance Support: Enforcement of parental responsibilities
  • Pregnancy Neglect Cases: Intervention and DNA testing if necessary
  • Child Labor Prevention: Quarterly education on worst forms of child labor
  • Regular inspections for child welfare and safety
  • Environment and facility checks
  • Food and drinking water quality verification
  • Furniture and equipment safety assessment

2% Common Fund for Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWD)

Application Process

  • Register with Assembly (provide 2 full-size photos)
  • Submit application letter through District Chief Executive
  • Social investigation conducted by department
  • Vetting by Disability Fund Management Committee
  • Quarterly disbursement to approved applicants  

Note: Applications are vetted according to life situation and verified disability status.

LEAP Programme

  • Support for vulnerable persons in the district
  • Ministry-supported cash transfer program

NGO Registration & Supervision

  • Register new NGOs in the district
  • Visit and supervise NGO activities

Guidance & Counseling

  • Psychological support services
  • Marriage conflict resolution and reconciliation
  • Family counseling

Justice Administration

  • Represent Assembly in all Juvenile cases
  • Panel member at District/Magistrate Family Tribunals

Support for Stranded Persons

  • Assistance for persons unable to pay hospital bills
  • Support for stranded individuals in the district

Adult Education

  • HIV/AIDS sensitization in churches and schools
  • Education on deadly diseases
  • Teenage pregnancy awareness programs (quarterly, targeting JHS and primary pupils)

Income Generating Activities Training

  • Dettol making
  • Liquid soap production
  • Power zone manufacturing
  • Quarterly community training programs

PROCESSING TIMES

ServiceTimeline
Disability FundQuarterly disbursements
Family DisputesWithin 2 weekly sittings
Child MaintenanceWithin 2 weekly sittings

CONTACT: Social Welfare & Community Development Department

Environmental Health Services

Food safety, sanitation, and public health services

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  • Community health and hygiene education sessions
  • Disease prevention programs
  • Public gatherings for Q&A on health issues
  • Infection spread prevention education

Types of Premises Inspected:

  • Residential premises
  • Industrial premises
  • Institutional premises
  • Commercial premises     

Process:

  • Inspection conducted
  • Notice issued if nuisances detected
  • Specified days given for abatement
  • Court summons issued for non-compliance
  • Fines charged through court process

Process:

  • Periodic seizure and arrest of stray animals
  • Animals kept in public pound for 10 working days
  • Public notice issued
  • Owners can claim animals by paying fees (receipt issued)
  • Unclaimed animals auctioned to public (receipt issued)
Legal Basis: Section 296 of Criminal Offence Act, 1960 (Act 29) and Auction Sales Act, 1989 (PNDC Law 230)
Food Handlers Hygiene Education
  • Proper food handling techniques
  • Sanitation at food premises
  • Personal hygiene requirements
  • Annual screening: Medical examination required before handling food
Food Vendors Certificate:
  • Processing Time: 8 working days
  • Medical screening conducted
  • Fees based on Assembly Fee Fixing Resolution
  • Receipt issued upon payment
  • Premises sanitation inspection
  • Ante-mortem inspection: Animals examined before slaughter
  • Post-mortem inspection: Carcasses examined after slaughter
  • Conducted in collaboration with Veterinary Department
  • Fees paid to Assembly (receipt issued)

Services Provided

  • Solid Waste Management: Door-to-door collection twice weekly
  • Liquid Waste Management: Public and community systems
  • Environmental sanitation in communities and public places
  • Supervision of contracted waste management companies
  • Enforcement of sanitation laws (statutory and local)
  • Court prosecution for non-compliance
  • Fines imposed through legal process
  • Integration of health education with law enforcement
  • Behavior change promotion in communities

Legal Basis: Public Health Law, 2012 (Act 851), Section 296 of Criminal Offence Act, 1960 (Act 29) – littering provisions

ServiceTimeline
Food Vendors Certificate8 working days
Waste Collection (Door-to-door)Twice weekly
Stray Animal Pound Holding10 working days

FEES: Based on Assembly Fee Fixing Resolution

Disaster Management (NADMO)

Emergency response and disaster preparedness

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Disasters are natural or anthropogenic (man-made) occurrences that cause ecological deterioration, loss of human lives, deterioration in utility facilities and services on a scale sufficient to warrant a response from outside the affected community.

PRE-DISASTER PHASE (Mitigation & Preparedness)

Measures to prevent disasters and minimize effects:

  • Identification of hazards and emergency situations
  • Identification and designation of safe havens
  • Institution of effective communication system linking all stakeholders
  • Education and training for awareness creation
  • Skills acquisition for disaster prevention and mitigation
  • General state of preparedness (planning and data acquisition)
  • Design and equipping of emergency operations centers
  • Earmarking spaces for victim relocation
  • Purchase and storage of relief items
  • Formation of Disaster Volunteer Groups
  • Ongoing research on disaster management

EMERGENCY PHASE (Response & Relief)

Immediate actions for victims:

  • Search and rescue operations
  • Evacuation of victims and provision of shelter
  • Assessment of disaster impact
  • Registration of victims
  • Distribution of food, water, clothing
  • Medical relief provision
  • Restoration of utility services
Priority Groups: Women, children, the aged, the sick, the wounded, and the physically challenged receive priority attention.

POST-DISASTER PHASE (Rehabilitation & Reconstruction)

Long-term recovery activities:

  • Construction of permanent accommodation structures
  • Reconstruction of infrastructural facilities
  • Promotion of self-reliance programs
  • Income-generating activities support
  • Agricultural production packages
  • Community resettlement

Reporting Chain:

  • First Point of Contact: Zonal Co-ordinator in your zone
  • If unavailable: Contact your Assembly Member
  • Assembly Member reports to: NADMO District Office
  • District Office: Assesses disaster scene and extent of damage
  • Official Report: Written report to Regional Co-ordinator (copy to District Chief Executive)

 IMPORTANT NOTE: The possibility of NADMO responding with relief items depends solely on the availability of relief items in stock. Not all disasters may receive material support, but assessment and reporting are always conducted.

NADMO uses an integrated approach to disaster management, addressing multi-sectoral issues to ensure the impact on victims and the population is mitigated effectively through all phases of disaster occurrence.

EMERGENCY CONTACT: Contact your Zonal Co-ordinator or NADMO District Office immediately in case of disaster

Business Advisory Centre

Training programs and business development support

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To alleviate rural poverty and improve living conditions through increased productivity, wage-employment opportunities, and income generation for rural poor families through comprehensive aid for agriculture-related rural small-scale enterprises.

Agricultural & Farming Skills

✓ Grass cutter rearing
✓ Bee keeping
✓ Palm oil processing
✓ Gari processing
✓ Fish farming
✓ Mushroom cultivation

Artisan & Craft Skills

✓ Fashion design and production
✓ Batik Tie and Dye
✓ Kente weaving
✓ Welding and fabrication
✓ Baking
✓ Pomade making

Beauty & Events

✓ Facial/Pedicure/Acrylic nails
✓ Bridal decoration
  • Financial Management – Budgeting and financial planning
  • Record Keeping – Business documentation and accounts
  • Group Formation – Cooperative and group business structures
  • Access to Rural Finance – Connecting to funding sources
  • Business Counseling – One-on-one business advisory
  • OSHEM – Occupational Safety, Health & Environment Management
  • NVTI Certification for graduate traditional apprentices and master craft persons
  • Exposure visits to successful enterprises
  • Ongoing mentorship and support programs

Cost Sharing Structure:

20%

Participant Contribution

80%

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Note: The Project Co-ordinating and Management Unit (PCMU) covers 80% of the total training cost. Participants are only required to contribute 20%.

HOW TO APPLY

  • Visit the Business Advisory Centre office at the Assembly
  • Express interest in specific training program
  • Fill application form
  • Await notification of training schedule
  • Participate in approved training program
  • Make 20% contribution as required

PROGRAM GOALS

  • Increase productivity of rural households
  • Create wage-employment opportunities
  • Boost incomes of rural poor families
  • Support agriculture-related small-scale enterprises
  • Improve living conditions in the district
  • Reduce rural poverty through skills acquisition

CONTACT: Business Advisory Centre, Upper West Akim District Assembly

Agriculture Extension Services

Farm extension services and veterinary support

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Free professional agricultural extension services available 24 hours, 7 days a week to support farmers and promote agricultural development in Upper West Akim District.

Farm Problem Diagnosis & Solutions

  • Assist farmers in diagnosis of farm and farming-related problems
  • Conduct on-farm adaptive trials
  • Collect relevant data for analysis by researchers
  • Provide technical solutions and recommendations

Demonstrations & Field Days

  • Establish demonstration farms
  • Organize field days with contact groups
  • Work with community-based organizations
  • Assess results with farmers
  • Share best practices and innovations

Planning & Problem Identification

  • Organize planning sessions with farmers
  • Identify agricultural problems and root causes
  • Develop practical solutions
  • Create farm development plans

Farm Management Education

  • Farm management education and practice
  • Cost-effective farming enterprise guidance
  • Record keeping training
  • Business planning for farms

Farmer Organization Development

  • Facilitate and develop viable farmer groups
  • Strengthen community-based organizations
  • Cooperative formation and management
  • Group dynamics and leadership training

Information & Market Linkages

  • Information on farm inputs and suppliers
  • Credit support information and access
  • Marketing channels and opportunities
  • Collect and share market price data on agricultural commodities
  • Collect prices of farming inputs
  • Share labour rates for all farm activities

Data Collection & Reporting

  • Liaise with statisticians for farm-level data collection
  • Prepare and submit reports on services rendered
  • Monitor agricultural trends and patterns
  • Document farmer challenges and successes

Animal Disease Management

  • Disease Diagnosis: Assist farmers in diagnosis of animal diseases
  • Outbreak Control: Control natural outbreaks of animal diseases
  • Disease Reporting: Report outbreaks of scheduled diseases to authorities
  • Preventive Care: Vaccination and immunization programs

Food Safety

  • Ensure food safety in collaboration with relevant agencies
  • Meat inspection services
  • Quality control for animal products

Animal Husbandry Support

  • Liaise with Veterinary Department for animal immunization
  • Supervise construction of improved animal housing
  • Organize animal production farmers in record keeping
  • Provide technical advice on animal welfare

Cross-Cutting Issues

  • HIV/AIDS Awareness: Promote HIV/AIDS education in farming communities
  • Gender Awareness: Promote gender equity in agriculture
  • Youth in Agriculture: Encourage youth participation
  • Climate Change: Address emerging issues affecting agricultural programs

Human Capital Development

  • Sponsor students from the district for agricultural education
  • Fill particular manpower needs of the district
  • Ensure fair and equitable balance between male and female students
  • Focus on social sector needs (education and health)

Two Easy Ways:

1. Invite an Agricultural Officer

Request for services directly – officer will visit your farm

2. Visit Department Office

Come to the Agriculture Department at the Assembly for consultation

24/7 SERVICE

Available 24 Hours, 7 Days a Week

FEES: NO PAYMENT REQUIRED – All agricultural extension services are FREE to farmers

CONTACT: Agriculture Department, Upper West Akim District Assembly

Finance Department

Contractor certificates and financal services

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The Finance Department handles revenue mobilization, contractor certifications, business permits, and other financial services for the district.

PROCESSING TIME: One (1) Day

Requirements:

  • Application letter
  • Building permit (if operating in a container/kiosk)
  • Payment of required fees
  • Valid business registration documents

Process:

  • Submit application letter
  • Provide all required documentation
  • Pay the approved fees
  • Issuance of Business Operating Permit

PROCESSING TIME: One (1) Day

Requirements:

  • Application letter on Company’s letterhead
  • Submission of Registrar General’s Certificate
  • Works & Housing Certificate (where applicable)
  • GRA Certificates
  • GRA Tax Identification Number (TIN)
  • Account Details:
    • Account Name
    • Bank Name
    • Branch
    • Account Number
  • Payment of approved fees

Process:

  • Submit application on company letterhead
  • Provide all required certificates and documents
  • Submit complete bank account details
  • Pay the approved fees
  • Certificate issued same day

Types of Revenue Collected:

  • Property Rates
  • Business Operating Permits
  • Basic Rates
  • Market Tolls
  • Lorry Park Fees
  • Building Permit Fees
  • Other Assembly fees and charges

Payment Guidelines:

  • All payments attract official receipts
  • Receipts must be collected and kept for records
  • Courteous revenue collectors with tags visit daily
  • Payments can be made at Assembly office or through collectors
Important: Always demand and collect official receipts for all payments made. Report any collector who refuses to issue receipts.
  • Revenue mobilization and collection
  • Fixing of rates and fees (annual resolution)
  • Budget preparation and execution
  • Financial reporting and accountability
  • Payment processing for contractors and suppliers
  • Grant management and disbursement

The Finance Department operates under:

  • Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921)
  • Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936)
  • Public Procurement Act, 2016 (Act 914)
  • Annual Fee Fixing Resolution of the Assembly

FEES: Based on Assembly’s Annual Fee Fixing Resolution

CONTACT: District Finance Officer – 0540714964

Physical Planning

Land use planning and development control

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Formerly known as Town and Country Planning Department, we formulate policies, prepare plans, and provide advisory services for orderly development of human settlements in the district.

  • Formulation and review of policies and strategies for development and management of human settlements
  • Formulation of human settlement legislation and technical guidelines relating to land use
  • Provision of advisory services on land use planning and management to:
    • Government institutions
    • Private sector
    • General public
  • Preparation of human settlement plans to guide growth and development
  • Decentralized and participatory approach involving:
    • Chiefs and traditional authorities
    • Land owners
    • General public
  • High levels of efficiency and integrity in processing building and development permits

A. Temporary Structures & Sign Posts

Timeline: 14 Days
  1. Submission of application
  2. Response to application within 14 days
  3. Site inspection and technical advice
  4. Approval for payment of fees within 14 days

B. Unauthorized Structures

  1. Inspection and advice on need for acquiring permit before construction
  2. Removal of unauthorized structures (where applicable)
  3. Court prosecution for persistent violations

 Warning: Building without a permit is illegal and may result in demolition and legal penalties. Always obtain proper authorization before construction.

  • Provide technical advice to the Assembly on public projects
  • Oversee process of awarding contracts
  • Supervision of public works
  • Maintenance of public infrastructure
ServiceTime Frame
Process development or building applicationWithin 2 weeks of receipt
Technical Sub-Committee assessment and site visitWithin 1 month of receipt
Statutory Planning Committee meeting9 working days after Technical Sub-Committee
Submit approved plans to Works Department5 working days after approval
Communicate to applicants5 working days after approval
Building permits ready for collection3 months from submission
StageTime Frame
Discuss draft plan1 day
Second draft plan discussion by Technical Sub-CommitteeWithin 2 weeks
Submit second draft to Statutory Planning CommitteeWithin 2 weeks
Publicize final draft for public commentsWithin 2 weeks
Final approval and signing by DCE and SecretaryWithin 2 weeks
TOTAL TIMELINE6-12 months (depending on settlement size)
  • All necessary information made available to clients
  • Annual customer service improvement surveys conducted
  • Results publicized for enhanced service delivery
  • Clean, healthy, and friendly reception areas provided
  • Clear signage and information desks available

The department operates under:

  • Spatial Planning Act, 2016 (Act 925)
  • Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936)
  • National Building Regulations
  • Assembly Bye-laws

FEES: Based on Annual Fee Fixing Resolution of Upper West Akim District Assembly

CONTACT: Physical Planning Department (formerly Town & Country Planning)

Waste Management

Waste collection and environmental sanitation

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The Environmental Health Department manages both solid and liquid waste to ensure environmental sanitation in all communities and public places in Amansie Central District.

DOOR-TO-DOOR COLLECTION

Twice Weekly Service

Collection Schedule:

  • Residential waste collected twice per week
  • Commercial areas serviced regularly
  • Institutional premises on scheduled days
  • Market waste collection daily

What We Collect:

  • Household waste
  • Commercial waste
  • Organic waste
  • Non-hazardous solid waste
  • Market waste
Important: Do NOT dispose of hazardous materials (chemicals, medical waste, batteries) in regular waste collection. Contact the department for special disposal.
  • Public toilet facilities management
  • Septic tank emptying services
  • Wastewater treatment
  • Drainage system maintenance
  • Prevention of water pollution WASTE CONTRACTOR SUPERVISION

The department supervises contracted waste management companies to ensure:

  • Timely waste collection
  • Proper disposal methods
  • Environmental compliance
  • Quality service delivery
  • Coverage of all assigned areas
  • Promote waste segregation at source
  • Encourage recycling practices
  • Composting education for organic waste
  • Plastic waste reduction campaigns
  • Community clean-up exercises

The following are ILLEGAL and subject to prosecution:

   Indiscriminate dumping of waste

  •  Littering in public places
  •  Burning of waste in open areas
  •  Disposal of waste in water bodies
  •  Blocking drains with refuse
  •  Failure to use designated disposal points


Penalties apply under:

  • Section 296 of Criminal Offence Act, 1960 (Act 29) – Littering
  • Public Health Law, 2012 (Act 851)
  • Assembly Bye-laws on Sanitation

For Households:

  • Store waste in covered bins
  • Segregate wet and dry waste where possible
  • Place bins at collection points on scheduled days
  • Do not overfill bins
  • Keep collection area clean

For Businesses:

  • Obtain Business Operating Permit
  • Subscribe to waste collection service
  • Provide adequate waste storage facilities
  • Pay fees promptly
  • Maintain cleanliness of premises
ServiceFrequency/Timeline
Residential Door-to-Door CollectionTwice Weekly
Market Waste CollectionDaily
Public Toilet Services24/7
Septic Tank EmptyingOn Request
Report the following immediately:
  • Missed collections
  • Illegal dumping
  • Blocked drains
  • Overflowing public bins
  • Sanitation violations

FEES: Waste collection fees based on Assembly Fee Fixing Resolution. Payment receipts issued for all fees.

CONTACT: Environmental Health Department – Report issues to Client Service Unit: +233—–

Let’s Keep Upper West Akim Clean Together! 

12+

Service Categories

Same Day

Processing for Birth Certificates

48 Days

Building Permit Processing

24/7

Support Available

Our Service Standards

Commitments we make to you

Our Client Service Unit is ready to assist you with any questions or concerns