New Juaben South Municipal Assembly
- Name of MMDA: New Juaben South Municipal Assembly
- Region: Eastern Region
- Type of Assembly: Municipal Assembly
- Capital: Koforidua
- Year Established: 2017, under Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2301. The municipality was created from the former New Juaben Municipal Assembly following the creation of New Juaben North Municipal Assembly. Inaugurated 0n 15 March 2018.
The New Juaben South Municipal Assembly (NJSMA) is one of the administrative municipalities located in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The Municipality was created in 2017 under Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2301 following the division of the former New Juaben Municipal Assembly, which resulted in the creation of the New Juaben North Municipal Assembly. The remaining southern portion was subsequently designated as the New Juaben South Municipal Assembly, with Koforidua serving as its administrative capital. Koforidua is also the capital of the Eastern Region, giving the Municipality an important administrative and commercial role within the region.
The Municipality is situated in the central part of the Eastern Region and occupies a compact, highly urbanised area surrounding Koforidua. It shares boundaries with the New Juaben North Municipal Assembly to the north, Yilo Krobo Municipal Assembly to the east, Akuapem North Municipal Assembly to the south-east, and Suhum Municipal Assembly to the west. Its strategic location within the regional capital area, together with its connections to major settlements and transport corridors, makes New Juaben South an important administrative, commercial and service centre in eastern Ghana.
In terms of land area, the Municipality covers approximately 60 square kilometres. Despite its relatively small geographical size, it has a high population density and is predominantly urban in character. The 2021 Population and Housing Census recorded a population of 125,256, comprising 60,567 males and 64,689 females. Females therefore constituted approximately 51.6% of the population, compared with 48.4% males. The Municipality is overwhelmingly urban, with the vast majority of its residents living within the built-up Koforidua metropolitan area and its surrounding communities.
The economy of New Juaben South is predominantly driven by commerce, services, public administration, education, transport, construction, small-scale manufacturing and other urban economic activities. As the location of Koforidua, the regional capital, the Municipality hosts numerous government institutions, financial institutions, businesses, educational establishments, health facilities and service providers. Trading is particularly important, supported by markets and commercial centres serving both residents and people from neighbouring municipalities. The Municipality’s economic structure is therefore more service- and commerce-oriented than that of predominantly rural municipalities elsewhere in the Eastern Region.
Koforidua is the Municipality’s principal administrative, commercial and institutional centre. Major communities and neighbourhoods within the Municipality include Adweso, Srodae, Nsukwao, Anlo Town, Betom, New Town, Old Estate, Oguaa, Tanoso, Nyamekrom, Asuofiri, Kantudu and Akwaasu. These communities form an interconnected urban settlement system around the regional capital. Several of the communities have experienced substantial residential and commercial expansion as Koforidua continues to grow.
Administratively, the New Juaben South Municipal Assembly is the highest political, administrative and planning authority within the Municipality. The Assembly is responsible for local governance, development planning, spatial planning, environmental management, public health, sanitation, infrastructure development, social services and internal revenue mobilisation. The Municipality is decentralised into eight Zonal Councils, namely Old Estate, Srodae, Adweso, New Town, Ogua, Betom, Nsukwao and Anlo Town. The Assembly has 34 Electoral Areas and 70 Unit Committees, providing a framework for grassroots participation and local administration.
The Assembly’s governance structure comprises elected Assembly Members, Government Appointees, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) as the administrative and political head, and the Member of Parliament for the New Juaben South Constituency. According to the Municipality’s Medium-Term Development Plan, the General Assembly comprises 51 members, made up of the MCE, 34 elected Assembly Members, 15 Government Appointees and one Member of Parliament. The General Assembly serves as the principal deliberative, legislative and policy-formulating organ of the Municipality.
New Juaben South possesses significant educational, cultural, administrative and tourism assets. Its location in Koforidua gives it access to major educational institutions, government offices, health facilities and commercial establishments. The Municipality also benefits from its proximity to the Akuapem mountain and forest landscape, including the culturally significant Obuo Tabri Mountain and surrounding scenic areas. These natural features, together with Koforidua’s urban character and proximity to other tourist destinations in the Eastern Region, provide opportunities for recreation, hospitality and tourism development.
The Municipality also plays an important role as a regional service and institutional hub. Koforidua hosts the headquarters of the Eastern Regional administration and numerous public and private institutions. This concentration of institutions generates demand for accommodation, retail, transportation, professional services, food businesses, construction and other urban economic activities. The Municipality’s service economy is further supported by its substantial population and its connections with surrounding municipalities.
However, the Municipality faces a number of urban development challenges. These include traffic congestion, inadequate drainage in some communities, flooding, pressure on sanitation and waste-management systems, inadequate maintenance of some roads, rapid urban expansion and increasing demand for social infrastructure. The Municipality’s compact land area and growing population also create pressure on available land for housing, commercial development and public facilities. Urban drainage is particularly important because the central Koforidua plain receives runoff from surrounding higher terrain.
New Juaben South nevertheless possesses strong opportunities for commercial development, tourism, education, financial services, hospitality, real estate, ICT, transport and other service-sector investments. Its position as the regional capital provides a substantial institutional and consumer market, while its proximity to major transport routes strengthens its role as a distribution and service centre. The Municipality’s development plans also identify tourism diversification, science and technology, youth participation and improved health services among important development priorities.
With Koforidua as its administrative capital, the New Juaben South Municipal Assembly holds a particularly important position within the Eastern Region. Its status as the regional capital, highly urbanised character, concentration of government and private institutions, commercial activity, educational facilities and growing service economy make it one of the most important administrative and economic centres in eastern Ghana.
Key Profile Data
- Population: 125,256
- Male: 60,567
- Female: 64,689
- Female population share: 51.6%
- Male population share: 48.4%
- Land area: 60 km²
- Capital: Koforidua
- Zonal Councils: 8
- Old Estate
- Srodae
- Adweso
- New Town
- Ogua
- Betom
- Nsukwao
- Anlo Town
- Electoral Areas: 34
- Unit Committees: 70
- Parliamentary Constituency: 1 (New Juaben South Constituency)
- Year established/re-designated: 2017
- Establishing legislation: L.I. 2301
- Region: Eastern Region
- Major economic sectors: Commerce, services, public administration, education, transport, construction and small-scale manufacturing
- Major urban centre: Koforidua
- Major communities: Adweso, Srodae, Nsukwao, Anlo Town, Betom, New Town, Old Estate and Oguaa
- Major natural/tourism asset: Obuo Tabri Mountain and surrounding Akuapem landscape
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- Total Land Area: Approximately 60 sq. km.
- Population: 125,256 according to the 2021 Population and Housing Census, comprising 60,567 males and 64,689 females.
- Major Towns/Communities: Koforidua, Adweso, Effiduase, Srodae, Oguaa, New Town, Old Estate, Betom, Nsukwao, Anlo Town, Nyamekrom, Tanoso, Asokore and surrounding communities. The municipality is predominantly urban, with Koforidua serving as the administrative and commercial centre.
Boundaries
- North: New Juaben North Municipal Assembly
- East: Yilo Krobo Municipal Assembly
- West: Suhum Municipal Assembly
- South: Akuapem North Municipal Assembly
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- Municipal Chief Executive (MCE): Hon. Ransford Owusu Boakye
- Presiding Member: Elected from among Assembly Members
- Member of Parliament: Hon. Michael Okyere Baafi (MP for New Juaben South Constituency)
- Assembly Structure: Municipal Assembly with statutory sub-committees (Finance, Development Planning, Social Services, Works, Justice & Security)
- Assembly Membership: 34 elected members + government appointees + MP
- Key Sectors of Focus:
- Agriculture & Agribusiness – Cassava, maize, vegetables, and poultry farming; promotion of irrigation and agro-processing.
- Infrastructure & Transport – Road rehabilitation, bridges, and drainage systems to ease traffic congestion in Koforidua and connect peri-urban communities.
- Health & Social Services – Expansion of CHPS compounds, upgrading of Koforidua Regional Hospital, 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 poultry processing centres; farmer support with improved seedlings and mechanization.
- Infrastructure: Rehabilitation of feeder roads linking Koforidua to surrounding towns; construction of bridges and culverts to reduce flooding.
- Health: Upgrading Koforidua Regional Hospital, 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 – Cassava, maize, vegetables, poultry, and livestock farming dominate, with peri-urban farming supporting Koforidua’s food supply.
- Trading & commerce – Koforidua Central Market and Effiduase Market serve as major commercial hubs for food crops, textiles, and household goods.
- Agro-processing – Cassava flour, gari production, palm oil extraction, and poultry feed milling are common small-scale activities.
- Tourism & hospitality – Attractions such as Boti Falls, Obuo Tabri Mountain, and cultural heritage sites contribute to the local economy.
- Artisanal activities – Carpentry, tailoring, mechanics, bead-making, and small-scale manufacturing provide livelihoods.
- Key Investment Opportunities:
- Agro-processing plants – Expansion of cassava, palm oil, and poultry feed processing facilities for local consumption and export.
- Market infrastructure – Modernization of Koforidua Central Market and satellite markets to boost trading activities.
- Agricultural mechanization – Tractor services, irrigation systems, and improved seed distribution.
- Tourism development – Promotion of Boti Falls, Obuo Tabri Mountain, and hospitality services.
- ICT & innovation hubs – Establishment of digital centers for youth training, entrepreneurship, and e-commerce.
- Real estate projects – Affordable housing estates and commercial complexes in Koforidua and Effiduase.
- 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.
- Health Facilities:
- Koforidua Regional Hospital – The main referral facility serving the municipality and the wider Eastern Region.
- Health Centres – Facilities in Effiduase, Adweso, and surrounding communities provide outpatient and maternal health services.
- CHPS Compounds – Spread across peri-urban and 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 Koforidua, Effiduase, and Adweso.
- Senior High Schools – Institutions such as Pope John SHS, Oti Boateng SHS, and Koforidua Technical Institute serve the municipality.
- Vocational & Technical Training – Skills development centers focusing on carpentry, tailoring, ICT, and agriculture.
- Tertiary Institutions – Koforidua Technical University and private colleges provide higher education and professional training.
- Road Network Condition:
- Major Roads – The Koforidua–Accra highway and intra-city roads are tarred but face congestion and require 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 Ghana Water Company pipelines provide potable water.
- Sanitation Facilities – Public toilets and household latrines expanded to reduce open defecation.
- Waste Management – Door-to-door collection in Koforidua, communal skips, and private contractors like Zoomlion.
- Challenges: Irregular waste collection, poor disposal practices, and limited recycling facilities in peri-urban communities.
- Waste Management Systems:
- Door-to-door collection – Managed by private contractors in Koforidua and other urban centers.
- Communal skips – Located 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 indiscriminate dumping in peri-urban communities.
- Climate Adaptation Efforts:
- Flood control – Construction of storm drains and desilting of waterways to reduce seasonal flooding in Koforidua, Effiduase, and Adweso.
- Afforestation projects – Tree planting campaigns in schools, parks, and degraded lands to combat deforestation.
- Watershed protection – Safeguarding river basins and water sources to ensure sustainable supply.
- Community sensitization – Education campaigns on waste disposal, flood preparedness, and climate resilience.
- Urban greening – Development of green spaces and beautification projects to improve air quality and reduce heat.
- Environmental Challenges:
- Deforestation – Logging, farming, and settlement expansion threaten forest reserves and river catchment areas.
- Flooding – Poor drainage systems in Koforidua and Effiduase 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.
- Urbanization impacts – Rapid expansion of Koforidua increases pressure on waste management, water supply, and green spaces.
- Public Engagement Strategies:
- Town hall meetings – Regularly organized in Koforidua, Effiduase, and Adweso 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 trading communities.
- Youth & Women Inclusion Mechanisms:
- Youth employment programs – Skills training, entrepreneurship support, and job creation initiatives targeting young farmers, 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 Koforidua and nearby towns.
- Youth councils – Platforms for young people to voice concerns and contribute to policy discussions.
| 1. | Old Estate West |
| 2. | Old Estate East |
| 3. | Nyamekrom |
| 4. | Railway Station |
| 5. | Nsukwao Abotanso |
| 6. | Tanoso |
| 7. | Nsukwaoso |
| 8. | Osabene Mile 50 |
| 9. | Adweso Estate |
| 10. | Adweso |
| 11. | Two Streams |
| 12. | Nyerede North |
| 13. | Nyerede South |
| 14. | Oguaa |
| 15. | Residential Area |
| 16. | Sempoamiensa |
| 17. | Ohemaa Park |
| 18. | Adontua |
| 19. | School Town |
| 20. | Anglican |
| 21. | Asuofiri |
| 22. | Anlo Town South |
| 23. | Anlo Town North |
| 24. | Central Hospital |
| 25. | Klu Town/Kyeremah |
| 26. | Social Welfare |
| 27. | Central Market Area |
| 28. | Debrakrom |
| 29. | Akwaasu Asebi |
| 30. | Kantudu Community A & B |
| 31. | Community C |
| 32. | Community D |
| 33. | Ada |
| 34. | Sempoamiensa |