DISTRICT ECONOMY
STRUCTURE OF THE LOCAL ECONOMY

Production activities in the District have been categorized into 3 major sectors namely, Agriculture, Industry and Service.  The agricultural sector is dominated by crop farming, which is mostly done on subsistence basis and employs rudimentary production techniques.  The 2009 household survey reveal that about 82% of all farmers interviewed are food crops farmers.  Fruits, vegetables, cocoa and livestock are also grown but on a smaller scale.

The industrial sector consists of a wide range of micro, small and medium scale manufacturing and processing activities, including agro processing, wood-based, textiles based, metal based, quarrying, construction and other activities.

Trading, personal services such as hairdressing and barbering, drinking and ‘chop bar’ operations, transport, tourism and other services are referred to as services sectors.

Table 9: Percentage Distribution of Aggregate Household Income According to Employment

Household heads employed in the services sector command as much as 52% of the Districts aggregate income while agriculture and industry contribute only 41% and 7% respectively.  Thus the service sector is, not only the most contributor to employment generation but is also most important contributor to household income.

SERVICE/COMMERCE

The significant economic activities in the District include trading, transportation, postal services and hair dressing. Commodities traded in range from agricultural produce to industrial products (food and non food items). The bulk of the commodities traded are mostly brought from Kumasi. Others are also brought from within the communities. Products like kente and Adinkra cloths are sold in Kumasi and other towns outside the District.

Financial Services

The Sekyere Rural Bank is the only financial institution in the District. It has branches at Ntonso, Ahwiaa and Mamponteng. Due to the District proximity to Kumasi, many residents get financial services from there.