Jomoro Municipal Assembly

Jomoro Municipal Assembly

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  • Name of MMDA: Jomoro Municipal Assembly
  • Region: Western Region
  • Type of Assembly: Municipal Assembly
  • Capital: Half Assini
  • Year Established: 1988, under Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 1394. The Assembly was originally established as the Jomoro District Assembly and was elevated to Municipal status in 2017 under L.I. 2285.

The Jomoro Municipal Assembly is one of the administrative municipalities located in the Western Region of Ghana. Originally carved out of the former Nzema District, the Jomoro District Assembly was established in 1988 under Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 1394, with Half Assini serving as its administrative capital. The Assembly was subsequently elevated to municipal status in 2017 under L.I. 2285, becoming the Jomoro Municipal Assembly. It remains one of the country’s strategically positioned coastal municipalities because of its location along Ghana’s westernmost frontier.

The Municipality is situated in the southwestern corner of the Western Region, extending from the interior forest zone to the Atlantic coastline. It shares boundaries with Wassa Amenfi West Municipal Assembly and Aowin Municipal Assembly to the north, Ellembelle District to the east, the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire to the west, and the Gulf of Guinea to the south. Its location on Ghana’s western border and its proximity to Côte d’Ivoire give it an important position for cross-border commerce, transportation, fisheries and regional economic activity.

In terms of land area, the Municipality covers approximately 1,344 square kilometres, representing about 5.6% of the Western Region’s land area. The 2021 Population and Housing Census recorded a total population of 126,576, comprising 62,649 males and 63,927 females. Females therefore constituted approximately 50.5% of the population, compared with 49.5% males. The Municipality has both urban and rural settlements, with extensive rural communities supporting agriculture, fishing and other natural-resource-based livelihoods.

The economy of Jomoro is predominantly driven by agriculture, fishing, forestry, commerce and emerging industrial activities. Agriculture employs approximately 65% to 70% of the municipal labour force and includes cocoa, coconut, rubber and food-crop production. Fishing is particularly important along the extensive coastline, while the Municipality’s favourable climate and vegetation also support other agricultural activities. The presence of the national electricity grid in numerous communities provides a foundation for agro-processing, manufacturing and commercial development.

Half Assini is the Municipality’s principal administrative and commercial capital. Other major communities and settlements include Elubo, Tikobo No. 1, Tikobo No. 2, Bonyere, New Town, Mpataba, Beyin, Dwenye, Takinta, Aiyinase and Jaway Wharf. Elubo is particularly significant because of its location on the Ghana-Côte d’Ivoire border and its role in cross-border trade. Jaway Wharf and several other market centres also support commercial activity within the Municipality, attracting traders from surrounding communities and across the international border.

Administratively, the Jomoro Municipal Assembly is the highest political, administrative and planning authority within the Municipality. The Assembly is responsible for local development planning, spatial development, infrastructure provision, environmental management, social services, public health, revenue mobilisation and the promotion of local economic development. The Municipality operates through ten Zonal Councils, namely Half Assini, Dwenye, Takinta, New Town, Bonyere, Mpataba, Beyin, Tikobo No. 1, Tikobo No. 2 and Elubo, which facilitate decentralised administration and community-level development planning.

The Assembly’s governance structure comprises elected Assembly Members representing the electoral areas, Government Appointees, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) as the administrative and political head, and the Member of Parliament for the Jomoro Constituency. The General Assembly serves as the principal local decision-making and policy-formulating body. The current MCE is Hon. Benedict Boadi, who was confirmed in May 2025, while Hon. Francis Kennedy Yankey serves as the Presiding Member. The Member of Parliament for the Jomoro Constituency is Hon. Dorcas Affo-Toffey.

Jomoro possesses exceptional historical, cultural, ecological and tourism assets. Among its most notable attractions are Ankasa National Park, Nzulezu, the famous village built on stilts, the extensive sandy beaches along the Gulf of Guinea, and the historic Fort Apollonia at Beyin. The Municipality also contains extensive wetlands, mangrove forests and rainforest ecosystems forming part of the wider Greater Amanzule landscape. These natural resources, together with the rich cultural heritage of the Nzema people, provide a strong foundation for eco-tourism, heritage tourism and community-based tourism.

The Municipality faces a number of development challenges, including poor feeder-road conditions, with some roads becoming difficult or impossible to use during the rainy season, inadequate educational and health infrastructure, shortages of critical health personnel, limited storage facilities for agricultural produce, and inadequate tourism infrastructure at potential tourist sites. Environmental pressures are also significant, particularly flooding, coastal erosion, wetland degradation and climate-related displacement. The coconut sector has additionally faced serious production challenges associated with Cape St. Paul Wilt Disease.

Despite these challenges, Jomoro has considerable opportunities for sustainable economic development. Its extensive agricultural base provides opportunities for cocoa, coconut, rubber and food-crop production and agro-processing, while its coastline supports fisheries, aquaculture and marine-related businesses. The Municipality’s border with Côte d’Ivoire provides opportunities for cross-border trade and commerce, particularly around Elubo and Jaway Wharf. Tourism development around Ankasa National Park, Nzulezu, Fort Apollonia and the coastal beaches could further diversify the local economy. The Municipality’s strategic position has also gained additional significance from the Petroleum Hub development, which is currently engaging the Assembly and stakeholders.

With Half Assini as its administrative capital, the Jomoro Municipal Assembly occupies a distinctive position in Ghana’s Western Region. Its combination of an international border, extensive coastline, fertile agricultural lands, forests and wetlands, important cultural heritage sites and emerging industrial opportunities gives it a diverse economic and geographical identity. The Municipality’s proximity to Côte d’Ivoire, together with its tourism and agricultural resources, provides a broad foundation for future development in trade, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, environmental conservation and industry.

Key Profile Data

  • Name of MMDA: Jomoro Municipal Assembly
  • Region: Western Region
  • Type of Assembly: Municipal Assembly
  • Capital: Half Assini
  • Year Established: 1988
  • Establishing Legislation: L.I. 1394
  • Year Elevated to Municipal Status: 2017
  • Municipal Establishing Legislation: L.I. 2285
  • Population: 126,576
  • Male: 62,649
  • Female: 63,927
  • Female Population Share: 50.5%
  • Male Population Share: 49.5%
  • Land Area: 1,344 km²
  • Parliamentary Constituency: 1, Jomoro Constituency
  • Major Economic Activities: Agriculture, fishing, forestry, commerce, cross-border trade and emerging industry
  • Major Crops: Cocoa, coconut, rubber and food crops
  • Major Tourism Assets: Ankasa National Park, Nzulezu, Fort Apollonia and coastal beaches
  • Major Environmental Assets: Greater Amanzule landscape, wetlands, mangrove forests and rainforest
  • Total Land Area: Approximately 1,344 sq. km.
  • Population: 126,576 according to the 2021 Population and Housing Census, comprising 62,649 males and 63,927 females.
  • Major Towns/Communities: Half Assini, Elubo, Tikobo No. 1, Bonyere, Tikobo No. 2, Nuba, Ahobre No. 2, Samenye, Takinta, Ezinlibo, Jaway Wharf, Beyin, New Town, Mpataba and surrounding communities. The Municipality has about 96 settlements.
  • Boundaries:
    • North: Wassa Amenfi West Municipal Assembly and Aowin Municipal Assembly
    • East: Ellembelle District
    • West: The Republic of Côte d’Ivoire
    • South: Gulf of Guinea

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  • Municipal Chief Executive (MCE): Hon. Benedict Boadi
  • Presiding Member: Hon. Francis Kennedy Yankey
  • Member of Parliament: Hon. Dorcas Affo-Toffey, (Member of Parliament for the Jomoro Constituency)
  • Assembly Structure: The Assembly is the highest political and administrative authority in the Municipality. Its structure comprises the General Assembly, Presiding Member, Executive Committee chaired by the MCE, statutory and other sub-committees, Municipal Coordinating Directorate and decentralised departments. It operates through 10 Area/Zonal Councils: Half Assini, Dwenye, Takinta, New Town, Bonyere, Mpataba, Beyin, Tikobo No. 1, Tikobo No. 2 and Elubo.
  • Assembly Membership: The Assembly currently states that Jomoro has 29 electoral areas. However, its membership information still lists 34 elected Assembly Members and 15 Government Appointees, giving 49 elected/appointed members, alongside the MCE and MP.
  • Key Sectors of Focus:
    • Agriculture – Cocoa, coconut, oil palm, cassava, and food crop production, with emphasis on mechanization and agro-processing.
    • Fisheries – Coastal fishing communities along Half Assini, Bonyere, and Tikobo No.1, focusing on sustainable fishing practices and cold storage facilities.
    • Education – Expansion of classroom blocks, ICT integration, and vocational/technical training for youth.
    • Health – Upgrading health centres, expanding CHPS compounds, and improving maternal and child health services.
    • Roads & Infrastructure – Rehabilitation of feeder roads, township roads, and improved connectivity between farming and fishing communities.
    • Water & Sanitation – Borehole construction, toilet facilities, waste management, and hygiene education.
    • Local Economic Development – Market modernization, SME support, and youth entrepreneurship initiatives.
    • Environment & Climate Resilience – Afforestation, flood control, and climate-smart agriculture.
    • Tourism – Promotion of Nzulezo stilt village, coastal eco-tourism, and cultural heritage sites.
  • Flagship Projects & Programmes:
    • Agriculture: Establishment of coconut and oil palm processing centres; farmer support with improved seedlings and mechanization.
    • Fisheries: Construction of cold storage facilities, fish landing sites, and training in sustainable fishing methods.
    • Education: ICT labs for schools, vocational training centres, and classroom blocks in rural communities.
    • Health: Expansion of CHPS compounds, maternal health outreach, and sanitation improvement projects.
    • Infrastructure: Rehabilitation of feeder roads linking farming and fishing communities, storm drain construction, and rural electrification.
    • Water & Sanitation: Borehole drilling, toilet facilities, and waste segregation projects.
    • Local Economic Development: Business incubators for youth, agro-processing SMEs, and automation of IGF collection.
    • Environment: Afforestation campaigns, flood control, and climate resilience programmes.
    • Tourism: Development of Nzulezo stilt village as a flagship eco-tourism site, promotion of coastal tourism, and hospitality investments.
  • SDGs Alignment:
    • SDG 1 (No Poverty): SME support, youth employment, and social protection programmes.
    • SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): Agricultural modernization, fisheries development, 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): Improved sanitation coverage and water supply systems.
    • 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, rural electrification, and urban renewal.
    • SDG 13 (Climate Action): Climate resilience projects, afforestation, and disaster risk reduction.
    • SDG 14 (Life Below Water): Sustainable fisheries management and marine ecosystem protection.
    • SDG 15 (Life on Land): Forest conservation, watershed protection, and biodiversity preservation.
  • Main Economic Activities:
    • Cocoa farming – A major cash crop cultivated across Half Assini, Tikobo No.1, and adjoining villages.
    • Coconut & oil palm cultivation – Large-scale coconut plantations and oil palm farms support agro-processing and export.
    • Cassava and plantain production – Staple crops widely grown, supporting food security and gari/powder processing.
    • Fishing – Coastal communities such as Half Assini and Bonyere engage in artisanal fishing, supplying fresh fish to local and regional markets.
    • Trading & commerce – Half Assini Market and satellite markets serve as hubs for food crops, fish, livestock, and household goods.
    • Agro-processing – Coconut oil extraction, palm oil processing, gari production, and maize milling are common small-scale activities.
    • Artisanal activities – Carpentry, tailoring, mechanics, and blacksmithing provide employment for youth and artisans.
    • Tourism – Nzulezo stilt village and coastal eco-tourism attractions.
  • Key Investment Opportunities:
    • Agro-processing plants – Expansion of coconut oil, palm oil, cassava, and maize processing facilities for local consumption and export.
    • Market infrastructure – Modernization of Half Assini and Tikobo No.1 markets to boost trading activities.
    • Agricultural mechanization – Tractor services, irrigation systems, and improved seed distribution.
    • Fisheries development – Cold storage facilities, fish landing sites, and value addition through fish processing.
    • Tourism promotion – Development of Nzulezo stilt village as a flagship eco-tourism site, coastal tourism, and hospitality services.
    • ICT & innovation hubs – Establishment of digital centres for youth training, entrepreneurship, and e-commerce.
    • Renewable energy projects – Solar and mini-hydro systems to support rural electrification and sustainable development.
  • 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.
    • Farmer cooperatives & market associations – Support collective bargaining, advocacy, and access to inputs.
    • NGO & donor programs – Initiatives in agriculture, fisheries, women’s empowerment, and youth employment.
    • Fisherfolk associations – Promote responsible fishing practices and community development.
  • Health Facilities:
    • Half Assini Government Hospital – The main referral hospital in the municipality, offering general medicine, surgery, maternity, and emergency services.
    • Bonyere Health Centre – Provides outpatient care, antenatal services, and child welfare clinics.
    • CHPS Compounds – Located in rural communities such as Tikobo No.1 and fishing villages, offering primary healthcare, immunization, and family planning.
    • Private Clinics – Complement public facilities with laboratory services, dental care, and maternal health support.
    • Challenges: Shortage of doctors and midwives, limited ambulance services, and inadequate equipment in rural health facilities.
  • Educational Institutions:
    • Half Assini Senior High School – The main second-cycle institution, offering general arts, science, and business programmes.
    • Basic Schools – Numerous public and private primary and JHS across Half Assini, Bonyere, Tikobo No.1, and coastal villages.
    • Vocational & Technical Training Centres – Centres offering carpentry, tailoring, mechanics, ICT, and artisanal training for youth.
    • Private Schools – Located mainly in Half Assini township, providing alternative education options with emphasis on ICT and modern teaching methods.
    • Challenges: Overcrowding in SHS classrooms, inadequate classroom blocks in rural basic schools, and limited ICT and science labs.
  •  Road Network Condition:
    • Major Roads – The Half Assini–Tikobo No.1 corridor serves as a key transport route, though some sections suffer potholes and erosion.
    • Township Roads – Rehabilitation projects ongoing in Half Assini township to improve mobility.
    • Feeder Roads – Many rural roads remain untarred, becoming impassable during rainy seasons, especially in farming and fishing communities.
    • Challenges: Poor maintenance, flooding, and limited connectivity between farming and fishing communities and markets.
  • Water & Sanitation Coverage:
    • Boreholes – Mechanized boreholes provide water to peri-urban and rural communities.
    • Public Toilets – Available in urban centres, though rural areas still face open defecation challenges.
    • Waste Management – Refuse collection services concentrated in Half Assini, with sanitation exercises in smaller communities.
    • Drainage Systems – Ongoing construction of storm drains to reduce flooding in low-lying areas.
    • Challenges: Inadequate coverage, poor maintenance, and need for improved hygiene education.
  • Waste Management Systems:
    • Refuse collection points – Established in Half Assini township, but rural and fishing communities still rely heavily on open dumping.
    • Waste disposal sites – Existing sites are unmanaged, leading to leachate and pollution risks.
    • Sanitation exercises – Monthly clean-up campaigns organized with schools, churches, fisherfolk associations, and traditional authorities.
    • Door-to-door collection – Piloted in Half Assini township, but not extended to rural settlements.
    • Community sanitation committees – Local groups monitor refuse collection, boreholes, and hygiene education.
    • Private contractor partnerships – The Assembly collaborates with waste companies for refuse evacuation in urban centres.
  • Climate Adaptation Efforts:
    • Afforestation campaigns – Tree planting in schools and degraded lands to restore forest cover.
    • Climate-smart agriculture – Farmer training on irrigation, soil conservation, and drought-resistant crops like cocoa, cassava, and maize.
    • Disaster risk reduction – Flood control projects, dredging of drains, and sensitization on disaster preparedness.
    • Renewable energy promotion – Encouraging solar-powered irrigation and household electrification.
    • Watershed protection – Safeguarding streams, rivers, and coastal lagoons from pollution and overuse.
    • Eco-tourism integration – Linking conservation efforts with cultural tourism around Nzulezo stilt village and coastal ecosystems.
  • Environmental Challenges:
    • Deforestation – Logging, farming expansion, and charcoal production contribute to forest loss.
    • Flooding – Poor drainage and heavy rainfall cause seasonal floods in low-lying areas.
    • Waste disposal issues – Inadequate engineered landfill sites and poor household waste segregation.
    • Climate variability – Unpredictable rainfall patterns affecting cocoa, cassava, and maize yields.
    • Soil erosion – Farming on slopes and fishing-related activities increase vulnerability.
    • Water pollution – Agricultural runoff, improper waste disposal, and fishing-related activities threaten rivers, lagoons, and coastal waters.
  • Public Engagement Strategies:
    • Community durbars – Traditional gatherings in Half Assini, Bonyere, Tikobo No.1, and coastal villages where chiefs, Assembly members, and residents deliberate on development priorities.
    • Town hall meetings – Quarterly forums organized by the Assembly to present budgets, project updates, and receive citizen feedback.
    • Radio and local media – Local FM stations broadcast Assembly announcements, civic education, and interactive programmes for community input.
    • Participatory planning – Citizens involved in prioritizing projects such as road rehabilitation, school expansion, and sanitation initiatives.
    • Feedback mechanisms – Suggestion boxes at the Assembly office, complaint desks at zonal councils, and liaison officers documenting community concerns.
    • Digital platforms – WhatsApp groups for youth and traders, Facebook pages for Assembly updates, and SMS alerts for sanitation exercises or health campaigns.
    • Stakeholder consultations – Engagement with NGOs, CSOs, fisherfolk associations, religious leaders, and traditional authorities to co-design development programmes.
  • Youth & Women Inclusion Mechanisms:
    • Youth empowerment programmes – Skills training in ICT, carpentry, tailoring, and entrepreneurship, with youth involvement in decision-making committees.
    • Women’s cooperatives – Platforms for women traders, farmers, and fish processors to access credit, training, and advocacy.
    • Gender mainstreaming – Ensuring women’s representation in Assembly sub-committees and leadership roles.
    • Youth councils – Formal structures for young people to contribute to local governance and community development.
    • Social protection initiatives – Targeted support for vulnerable women and youth, including livelihood programmes, scholarships, and microfinance access.
1 Sowodadzem
2 Takinta
3 Adonwozo
4 Half-Assini
5 Effasu-Mangyea
6 Bonyere Zongo/Bankyim
7 Kengen/Elloyin
8 Anlomatuope
9 Bonyere Ackah-Suazo
10 Bonyere Ekegyinla
11 Tikobo 2
12 Ahumuasuazo/Samenye
13 Old and New Kabenla Suazo/Egbazo/Ahobre Kyi
14 Mpataba
15 Mpeasem/Enzemetianu
16 Newtown
17 Anwiafutu
18 Elubo East
19 Allowule/Ehoaka
20 Ekpu
21 Beyin
22 Twenen/Allengenzule
23 Adusuazo
24 Ellenda/Ellenda Wharf
25 Nuba
26 Jaway Wharf
27 Ahobre/Edobo/Atwebanso
28 Half-Assini-Amanzule
29 Allowule-Ehoaka