Jamra, Ghana

Giving back to our home

Formally located in the Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa District Assembly (A.O.B.D.A.) in the North-Central portion of the Central Region of Ghana, Breman-Jamra is a small village the represents so many like it across the country of Ghana.

As of 2015, the District had a total population of 112,706 representing, 5.1 percent of the total population of the Central Region of Ghana (GSS, 2013); representing a 2% increase since 2000. Overall, the district is sparsely populated, made up of many scattered small villages & settlements much like Jamra.

Economy

The District is richly endowed with Human and Natural Resources, particularly, mineral deposits, forests and timber species, rich soil and good climatic conditions. The District produces large quantities of cassava, maize, rice, plantain, cocoyam and vegetables. Cocoa and Oil Palm are the major cash crops. Crop Farming is the major agricultural activity practiced in the District and also the primary occupation of people that live there, roughly 65 percent (65%) of the Labour Force. Approximately, 52 percent (52%) of those engaged in other Occupations still take up agriculture as a secondary occupation. 

Education

While there is no current estimate of literacy levels in the region, as of 2015 it was estimated that a total of 45,131 children (3yrs or older) were enrolled in basic and secondary schools. Of that number, 51.9 percent (51.9%) were at the Primary Level, 18.3 percent (18.3%) at the Kindergarten Level, 18.2 percent (18.2%) at the Junior High School (JHS) Level, and, 5.1 percent (5.1%) at the Senior High School (SHS) Level. 

What we’re up against

Jamra and the surrounding region face many challenges:

Poor educational infrastructure. Poor road network in the rural areas. Poor sanitation and Poor drainage systems (about 25% of the District Population do not have access to potable water). Illegal felling of trees. Low electricity coverage. Inadequate credit facilities to support businesses.Inadequate market infrastructure. Poor physical planning. Limited access to health facilities. Poor housing structures. Lack of accommodation for public officers. Increase in school drop-outs. High rates of unemployment and Child labour.

Most tragically, some of these challenges have lead to fatal consequences. In 2017, a school building in Jamra killed 6 children and wounded many others. The town is still recovering, mostly with the help of devoted locals and national organizations.

We are focused on education because so many challenges start and end with education, and we know the power it has to uplift those and the communities they come from.