Samuka

Samuka is a small rural community situated in the western region of Ghana, within the West African country of Ghana. It falls under the administrative jurisdiction of the Siwu District in the Volta Region, and is part of the traditional Waale cultural area. The village lies in a low-lying savannah landscape that is characterized by a mix of grassland and scattered acacia trees. Its approximate population, according to the most recent municipal census, is around 1,200 residents, who are primarily engaged in subsistence farming and small-scale trading.

Historically, Samuka has been inhabited by the Waale people, an ethnic group that traces its origins to the ancient Anlo-Akan lineage. Oral histories indicate that the village was founded in the 17th century as a satellite settlement of the larger Anlo Chiefdom. Over the centuries, Samuka has remained relatively static, maintaining its agrarian lifestyle and customary governance structures, which are overseen by a council of elders and a chief.

The local economy is largely based on agricultural production, with yams, cassava, maize, and plantain being the staple crops. Livestock rearing, especially goats and poultry, supplements household income. Periodic market days draw traders from neighboring communities, providing access to basic goods such as cloth, ceramics, and foodstuffs. The community also relies on nearby forest resources for firewood and medicinal plants.

Education facilities in Samuka include a primary school, which serves children from the village and surrounding hamlets, and a secondary school located in the district capital. Healthcare access is available through a community health post, which offers basic preventive services. Recent developmental initiatives have focused on improving road connectivity, water supply, and irrigation infrastructure to enhance agricultural productivity and improve living standards in the village.