Awutu Senya West District Assembly

Awutu Senya West District Assembly

  • Name of MMDA: Awutu Senya West District Assembly
  • Region: Central Region
  • Type of Assembly: District
  • Capital: Awutu Bereku
  • Year Established: 2012, established under Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2024 after the former Awutu Senya District was divided.

The Awutu Senya West District Assembly (ASWDA) is one of the administrative districts located in the Central Region of Ghana. The District was established on 6 February 2012 under Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2024, following the reorganisation of the former Awutu Senya District. Awutu Beraku serves as its administrative capital. The creation of the District followed the separation of the eastern portion of the former Awutu Senya area to form the Awutu Senya East Municipality, allowing the remaining western and northern communities to have a dedicated local government administration.

The District is situated in the eastern part of the Central Region, within the wider Accra-Cape Coast corridor. It shares boundaries with the Awutu Senya East Municipal Assembly and Ga South Municipal Assembly to the east, Effutu Municipal Assembly and the Gulf of Guinea to the south, West Akim District to the north, Agona East and Birim South Districts to the north-west, Agona West District to the west, and Gomoa East District to the south. Its location gives it important connections to both the Central and Greater Accra regions.

In terms of land area, the District covers approximately 237 square kilometres. The 2021 Population and Housing Census recorded a total population of 161,460, comprising approximately 78,219 males and 83,241 females. Females therefore constituted approximately 51.6% of the population, compared with 48.4% males. The District has a mixed settlement pattern, with approximately 48% of residents living in urban areas and 52% in rural areas, reflecting its combination of growing settlements and extensive rural communities.

The economy of Awutu Senya West is predominantly driven by agriculture, commerce, small-scale industry and services. Agriculture remains particularly important in the rural parts of the District, with farmers cultivating cassava, maize, plantain, vegetables and other food crops, while livestock production also contributes to household livelihoods. The District has considerable potential for irrigation agriculture because of water resources including the Ayensu River, Kwekude River and dam, and Okurudu stream. These resources provide opportunities for expanded crop production, aquaculture and agro-processing.

Awutu Beraku is the District’s principal administrative and traditional centre. Other important communities and settlements include Bawjiase, Senya Beraku, Bontrase, Akrampa, Papaase, Awutu Mampong, Obrachire, Jei Krodua, Kwame Anum and Anoma. The District encompasses communities associated with both the Awutu Traditional Council and Senya Traditional Council, giving it a distinctive traditional and cultural identity.

Administratively, the Awutu Senya West District Assembly is the highest political, administrative and planning authority within the District. It is responsible for local governance, development planning, spatial planning, infrastructure provision, environmental management, sanitation, public health, agricultural development and local revenue mobilisation. The Assembly operates through decentralised sub-district structures that facilitate community participation and the delivery of local government services.

The District’s governance structure comprises elected Assembly Members representing its electoral areas, Government Appointees, the District Chief Executive (DCE) as the administrative and political head, and the Member of Parliament for the Awutu Senya Constituency. The General Assembly serves as the principal deliberative and decision-making body. As of 2026, Mr. Nyamekye Kalala Eghan serves as the District Chief Executive.

Awutu Senya West possesses significant cultural, agricultural and natural assets. The traditional institutions of the Awutu and Senya peoples constitute an important part of the District’s heritage. The Awutu people celebrate the Awubia Festival, while the Senya people celebrate the Akumase Festival, both of which contribute to the preservation of traditional identity and provide opportunities for cultural tourism. The District’s rivers, agricultural landscapes and rural settlements also provide opportunities for eco-tourism and community-based tourism development.

The District faces development challenges including inadequate road infrastructure, limited access to potable water, inadequate social infrastructure, sanitation concerns, agricultural constraints and limited agro-processing capacity. The predominantly rural character of much of the District makes feeder-road development particularly important for connecting farmers to markets and transporting agricultural produce. The Assembly also needs to manage increasing development pressures arising from its proximity to the rapidly expanding Accra metropolitan area.

However, Awutu Senya West has substantial opportunities in modernised agriculture, irrigation, agro-processing, livestock production, commerce, tourism, small and medium-scale enterprises and rural infrastructure development. The Ayensu and other water resources could support expanded irrigation and agricultural production, while the District’s position between the Greater Accra and Central regions provides opportunities for trade and investment. Strengthening agricultural value chains, particularly processing and market access, could further increase local incomes and employment.

With Awutu Beraku as its administrative capital, the Awutu Senya West District Assembly occupies an important position in the Central Region. Its strategic location near the Greater Accra metropolitan area, extensive agricultural resources, rich Awutu and Senya cultural heritage, and network of growing communities make it an important agricultural, cultural and emerging commercial district. Continued investment in roads, irrigation, agriculture, agro-processing, education, healthcare, water, sanitation and local enterprise development will remain central to its long-term development.

Key Profile Data

  • Name of MMDA: Awutu Senya West District Assembly
  • Region: Central Region
  • Type of Assembly: District
  • Capital: Awutu Beraku
  • Year Established: 2012
  • Establishing Legislation: L.I. 2024
  • Parent Assembly: Former Awutu Senya District Assembly
  • 2021 Population: 161,460
  • Male Population: 78,219
  • Female Population: 83,241
  • Female Population Share: 51.6%
  • Male Population Share: 48.4%
  • Urban Population: Approximately 48%
  • Rural Population: Approximately 52%
  • Land Area: 237 km²
  • Major Traditional Areas: Awutu and Senya
  • Parliamentary Constituency: 1, Awutu Senya Constituency
  • Key Water Resources: Ayensu River, Kwekude River and Dam, Okurudu Stream
  • Major Festivals: Awubia and Akumase
  • Total Land Area: Approximately 237 sq. km.
  • Population: 161,460 (2021 Population and Housing Census).
  • Major Towns/Communities: Awutu Bereku, Bawjiase, Bontrase, Obrachire, Awutu Akrampa, Jei-Krodua, Senya, Papaase, Awutu Ahentia, Ayensuako and Awutu Mankessim.
  • Boundaries:
    • North: West Akim District
    • East: Awutu Senya East Municipal Assembly
    • West: Agona West District
    • South: Effutu Municipal Assembly

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Major towns
  • District Chief Executive (DCE): Hon. Eghan Kalala Nyamekye.
  • Presiding Member: Hon. Francis Yaovi.
  • Member of Parliament: Hon. Gizella Akushika Tetteh-Agbotui, (MP for Awutu Senya West.)
  • Assembly Structure: The Assembly is the highest political and administrative authority in the district. Its structure comprises the General Assembly, Presiding Member, Executive Committee, statutory sub-committees, Municipal/District Coordinating Directorate and decentralized departments, supported by sub-district structures including Area Councils and Unit Committees. The district has six sub-structures, namely Senya Urban Council, Awutu, Obrachire, Bawjiase, Bontrase and Jei-Krodua Area Councils.
  • Assembly Membership: The Assembly has 24 elected Assembly Members and 11 government-appointed members, giving 35 Assembly Members. The DCE and MP form part of the broader Assembly structure, with the MP serving as an ex-officio member. The Assembly has 24 electoral areas.
  • Key Sectors of Focus:
    • Agriculture & Agribusiness – Cocoa, oil palm, cassava, maize, and vegetable farming; promotion of irrigation, mechanization, and agro-processing.
    • Infrastructure & Transport – Road rehabilitation, bridges, and drainage systems to connect farming communities to Awutu Bereku and Senya.
    • Health & Social Services – Expansion of CHPS compounds, upgrading of Awutu Bereku Health Centre, and improved sanitation systems.
    • Education – Classroom expansion, ICT integration, and vocational training for youth.
    • Local Economic Development – MSME support, entrepreneurship training, and revenue mobilization.
    • Environmental Management – Waste management, afforestation, and climate adaptation programmes.
  • Flagship Projects & Programmes:
    • Agriculture: Establishment of cassava and palm oil processing centres; farmer support with improved seedlings and mechanization.
    • Infrastructure: Rehabilitation of feeder roads linking Awutu Bereku, Senya, and surrounding farming communities; construction of bridges and culverts to reduce flooding.
    • Health: Upgrading Awutu Bereku Health Centre, expanding CHPS compounds, and maternal health outreach programmes.
    • Education: ICT labs for schools, vocational training centres, and classroom blocks in rural and peri-urban communities.
    • Local Economic Development: Business counselling for MSMEs, entrepreneurship training, and automation of IGF collection.
    • Environment: Waste segregation and recycling projects, afforestation campaigns, and flood control measures.
  • SDGs Alignment:
    • SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): Agricultural modernization and agro-processing to improve food security.
    • SDG 3 (Good Health & Well-being): Strengthening healthcare facilities and maternal health services.
    • SDG 4 (Quality Education): Classroom expansion, ICT integration, and vocational training.
    • SDG 6 (Clean Water & Sanitation): Boreholes, rural water projects, and improved sanitation coverage.
    • SDG 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth): SME support, youth employment, and agro-industrial expansion.
    • SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure): Road rehabilitation, ICT integration, and agro-processing facilities.
    • SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities & Communities): Flood control, urban renewal, and community safety.
    • SDG 13 (Climate Action): Climate resilience projects, afforestation, and disaster risk reduction.
    • SDG 15 (Life on Land): Forest conservation, watershed protection, and biodiversity preservation.
  • Main Economic Activities:
    • Agriculture – Cocoa, oil palm, cassava, maize, and vegetable farming dominate, with poultry and livestock production supporting rural livelihoods.
    • Fishing – Senya coastal communities engage in artisanal fishing, providing food and employment.
    • Trading & commerce – Awutu Bereku and Senya markets serve as major hubs for food crops, fish, and household goods.
    • Agro-processing – Cassava flour, gari production, palm oil extraction, and maize milling are common small-scale activities.
    • Artisanal activities – Carpentry, tailoring, mechanics, and small-scale manufacturing provide employment.
  • Key Investment Opportunities:
    • Agro-processing plants – Expansion of cassava, maize, palm oil, and fish processing facilities for local consumption and export.
    • Market infrastructure – Modernization of Awutu Bereku and Senya markets to boost trading activities.
    • Agricultural mechanization – Tractor services, irrigation systems, and improved seed distribution.
    • Tourism promotion – Development of eco-tourism sites, cultural festivals, and hospitality services along the Senya coast.
    • Real estate development – Affordable housing estates and commercial complexes due to growing population.
    • Renewable energy projects – Solar-powered irrigation and rural electrification initiatives.
  • Business Support Services:
    • Business Advisory Centre (BAC) – Provides training, entrepreneurship support, and SME development.
    • Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA) – Offers financial and technical support for small businesses.
    • Rural banks & microfinance institutions – Provide credit facilities to farmers, traders, and artisans.
    • NGO & donor programs – Initiatives in agriculture, women’s empowerment, and youth employment.
    • Farmer cooperatives & market associations – Support collective bargaining, advocacy, and access to inputs.
    • Business incubators – Emerging hubs for youth-led startups and innovation in Awutu Bereku and Senya.
  • Health Facilities:
    • Awutu Bereku Health Centre – The main referral facility serving the district.
    • Health Centres – Located in Senya and other communities, providing outpatient and maternal health services.
    • CHPS Compounds – Spread across rural areas to deliver primary healthcare closer to residents.
    • Private Clinics & Pharmacies – Complement government facilities with specialized care and laboratory services.
  • Educational Institutions:
    • Basic Schools – Numerous public and private primary and JHS across Awutu Bereku, Senya, and surrounding towns.
    • Senior High Schools – Institutions such as Awutu Bereku SHS and Senya SHS serve the district.
    • Vocational & Technical Training – Skills development centers focusing on carpentry, tailoring, ICT, and agriculture.
    • Private Training Institutes – Provide ICT, business, and technical courses for youth employment.
  •  Road Network Condition:
    • Major Roads – The Awutu Bereku–Senya corridor is tarred but requires periodic maintenance.
    • Feeder Roads – Many rural roads are untarred, becoming muddy and inaccessible during rainy seasons.
    • Transport Challenges – Poor feeder roads affect access to farms, schools, and health facilities.
    • Ongoing Projects: Road rehabilitation, culvert construction, and drainage works to improve connectivity and reduce flooding.
  • Water & Sanitation Coverage:
    • Water Supply – Boreholes, hand-dug wells, and small-town water systems provide potable water.
    • Sanitation Facilities – Public toilets and household latrines expanded to reduce open defecation.
    • Waste Management – Door-to-door collection in Awutu Bereku township, communal skips, and private contractors like Zoomlion.
    • Challenges: Irregular waste collection, poor disposal practices, and limited recycling facilities in rural areas.
  • Waste Management Systems:
    • Door-to-door collection – Managed by private contractors in Awutu Bereku township to reduce indiscriminate dumping; suported by Zoomlion.
    • Communal skips – Placed in densely populated areas to serve households without direct collection services.
    • Recycling initiatives – School-based waste segregation, small-scale plastic recycling, and composting projects.
    • Challenges: Irregular collection schedules, inadequate disposal sites, and poor compliance with sanitation bye-laws in rural and coastal communities.
  • Climate Adaptation Efforts:
    • Flood control – Construction of storm drains and desilting of waterways to reduce seasonal flooding in Awutu Bereku, Senya, and surrounding towns.
    • Afforestation projects – Tree planting campaigns in schools, parks, and degraded lands to combat deforestation.
    • Watershed protection – Safeguarding river basins and coastal water sources to ensure sustainable supply.
    • Community sensitization – Education campaigns on waste disposal, flood preparedness, and climate resilience.
    • Coastal protection – Initiatives to safeguard Senya’s shoreline against erosion and rising sea levels.
  • Environmental Challenges:
    • Deforestation – Logging, farming, and settlement expansion threaten forest reserves and river catchment areas.
    • Flooding – Poor drainage systems in Awutu Bereku and riverine communities cause seasonal floods.
    • Waste disposal – Indiscriminate dumping of plastics and refuse in open spaces and drains.
    • Soil erosion – Farming on slopes without proper conservation measures leads to land degradation.
    • Sand winning impacts – Unregulated sand mining contributes to erosion, loss of arable land, and environmental degradation.
    • Coastal erosion – Rising sea levels and unregulated sand winning threaten Senya’s coastline.
  • Public Engagement Strategies:
    • Town hall meetings – Regularly organized in Awutu Bereku, Senya, and other communities to discuss budgets, development projects, and local concerns.
    • Community durbars – Traditional gatherings used to engage residents, strengthen accountability, and solicit feedback on governance.
    • Radio & local media – Local FM stations provide civic education on sanitation, health, and Assembly initiatives.
    • Digital platforms – WhatsApp groups and social media pages mobilize residents and share announcements.
    • Participatory planning – Citizens involved in prioritizing projects and resource allocation, especially in farming and fishing communities.
  • Youth & Women Inclusion Mechanisms:
    • Youth employment programs – Skills training, entrepreneurship support, and job creation initiatives targeting young farmers, fishers, traders, and artisans.
    • Women’s cooperatives – Support groups for women traders, farmers, and service providers to access credit and training.
    • Scholarship schemes – Targeted support for girls and vulnerable youth in secondary and tertiary education.
    • Microfinance initiatives – Credit facilities for women-led businesses and SMEs in Awutu Bereku, Senya, and nearby towns.
    • Youth councils – Platforms for young people to voice concerns and contribute to policy discussions.
1 Awutu
2 Kweku Ansah-Ahimia
3 Anomansah
4 Alata-Egyaa
5 Simpapebiso
6 Odomse-Nkwanta
7 Ndadito-Anochie
8 Kyenkyenso-Korle-Bu
9 Obodam-Obaakwaa
10 Krobonshie-Bonsuoko
11 Jei-Krodua-Papaase
12 Adawukwaa-Osae Krodua
13 Obrachire
14 Kojo Akwa (Mfaafu)
15 Awutu-Mankessim
16 Bawjiase-Zongo
17 Bawjiase Newtown
18 Bawjiase Central
19 Fianko
20 Ofadaa-Ofaso
21 Ayensuako
22 Nyarkokwaa
23 Aberful-Samsamso
24 Mfadwen-Pobee Ayiresu