Akyem Mansa means “three Akyem States”. The District therefore got its name from the three Akyem traditional states of Abuakwa, Bosome and Kotoku, parts of which constitute the district. The traditional institution of chieftaincy is an important component of the social organization of the people of the district who are predominantly Akyems with the people of Akyem Kotoku constituting about 75 percent of the population.

Culture

There are three Traditional Areas in the District. These are Akyem Kotoku, Akyem Abuakwa and Akyem Bosome. The predominant among them is the Kotoku Traditional Authority, which consists over 85% of the people. It has its traditional headquarters at AkimOda. The Abuakwa towns are Chia, Adubiase and Odumase whilst Ofoase, Brenase and Anyinase constitute the Bosome towns in the district.

Apart from these indigenous people there are a large number of settlers in the District. These include Asantes, Kwahus, Ga-Adangbes, Ewes, Akuapems and Fantes. The traditional rulers work hand in hand with the District Assembly, attending meetings and workshops to share ideas and offer solutions to the challenges the district confronts with.

The contribution of the Traditional Authorities is enormous in the governance of the district, in that, it promotes peace and unity amongst the people to create an enabling environment where sustainable socio-economic development can thrive.

The main festivals celebrated by the people of the district include the Odwira festival of Akyem Kotoku and the Ohum festival of Akyem Abuakwa. The system of inheritance of the majority of the people is the matrilineal in line with the Akan system of inheritance. However, the matrilineal system of inheritance is practiced by the other ethnic groups in the district. The people in the district are predominantly Christians with a small proportion being traditionalists and Moslems.

Ethnicity

Ethnicity refers to the ethnic group that a person belonged to. This information is collected only from Ghanaians by birth and Ghanaians with dual nationality. The classification of ethnic groups in Ghana is that officially provided by the Bureau of Ghana Languages and which has been in use since the 1960 census.