The Agortime-Ziope District took Centre stage at the Seventh Volta Trade and Investment Fair as it profiled its key features, development prospects and rich cultural heritage to exhibitors, investors and visitors.
The fair, Ghana‘s first-ever 24-hour trade exhibition, opened on November 26 and runs until December 8, offering round-the-clock engagement for participating districts and businesses.
Presenting the district’s profile during the District Days, Mr. Reuben Akuffo, District Coordinating Director, recalled that Agortime-Ziope “was carved out of the former Adaklu-Anyigbe District and established by Legislative Instrument 2080 in 2012,” with Kpetoe as its capital.
Get the latest news, updates by joining our WhatsApp channel here: Join on WhatsApp.
He said the district is widely known for its vibrant cultural heritage, especially traditional kente weaving, which remains a major economic activity and a source of community pride.
Agriculture forms the backbone of the local economy, with farmers cultivating maize, cassava and vegetables.
Mr. Akuffo described Agortime-Ziope as a district that blends a strong cultural identity with steady development efforts, making it an important contributor to the Volta Region‘s social and economic progress.
Its strategic location, sharing a border with the Republic of Togo, enhances its potential for cross-border trade.
Covering 315.65 square kilometers, Agortime-Ziope is one of Ghana’s smallest districts by land size. Its projected 2025 population stands at 39,553, with females making up 52 per cent and a population density of 88.75 persons per square kilometer.
Major communities include Agortime-Kpetoe, Afegame, Abenyinase, Ziope, Adedome and Wudzedeke. Key public institutions operating in the district are the District Court, Police Station, Fire Service, NHIS office, Immigration Service, GRA and NGOs such as World Vision International.
He explained that the district’s traditional structure is anchored by the Agortime and Ziope Traditional Areas, which celebrate distinctive festivals
Agbamevorza, the colorful kente festival, and Agbleza, the farm festival that expresses gratitude for harvests and signals the start of a new farming season.
Highlighting its natural and economic assets, Mr. Akuffo mentioned Bismarckian clay deposits and the River Tordze as notable endowments.
Agriculture, craftwork and trade continue to dominate local livelihoods, with tomato cultivation standing out as a strong potential area for future agro-processing.
Livestock rearing is also widespread, with pigs, sheep, goats and poultry commonly kept, supported by designated grazing areas around Agortime-Afegame.
On tourism, he noted that the district’s appeal is driven largely by its cultural festivals and celebrated kente tradition.
“Agortime is the home of kente,” he said, emphasising that weaving is a natural skill among residents and a unique cultural and economic attraction for the district.
