Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA)
- Name of MMDA: Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA)
- Region: Greater Accra Region
- Type of Assembly: Metropolitan Assembly
- Capital: Tema
- Year Established: 1988 (under PNDC Law 207; later restructured by Legislative Instrument 1929 in 2007)
The Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) is one of the 261 Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in Ghana and forms part of the 29 MMDAs in the Greater Accra Region. Originally established in 1974 as the Tema City Council and later elevated to a Metropolis, the Assembly has undergone several administrative re-demarcations—including the carving out of Ashaiman, Adentan, and Kpone Katamanso. It operates under Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2300, with Tema Community 1 serving as its administrative capital.
Tema Metropolis is located in the eastern coastal part of the Greater Accra Region, approximately 25 kilometres east of Accra. It shares boundaries with Kpone Katamanso Municipal Assembly to the north and east, Ashaiman Municipal Assembly to the north-west, Ledzokuku Municipal Assembly to the west, and the Gulf of Guinea to the south. Its strategic positioning as Ghana’s primary industrial and maritime hub gives the Metropolis a vital role in national and regional trade networks.
In terms of land area, the Metropolis covers approximately 87.8 square kilometres. The 2021 Population and Housing Census recorded a total population of 177,924, comprising 86,220 males and 91,704 females. Females therefore constituted approximately 51.5% of the population, compared with 48.5% males. As a major employment destination, the daily daytime commuting population of the Metropolis swells considerably due to industrial and port-related activities.
The economy of Tema is overwhelmingly industrial, maritime, and commercial. Often referred to as the “Harbour City,” it hosts the Port of Tema—Ghana’s largest commercial seaport—which handles the bulk of the nation’s international cargo and trade. The Metropolis contains major petroleum refineries, manufacturing plants, steel works, food processing industries, textile mills, and chemical factories. Commercial fishing, cold storage logistics, banking, and shipping services also form core pillars of the local economy.
Tema Community 1 is the principal administrative, commercial, and transport center of the Metropolis. Designed as Ghana’s first master-planned industrial city by Kwame Nkrumah and urban planner Constantinos Doxiadis, Tema features structured residential communities (Communities 1 through 12 within TMA jurisdiction), organized commercial centers, distinct industrial zones, and designated green belts.
Administratively, the Tema Metropolitan Assembly is the highest political, administrative, and planning authority within the Metropolis. The Assembly is responsible for overall urban planning, infrastructure maintenance, port-city logistics management, environmental sanitation, public health, and internal revenue mobilization. The Metropolis operates through Sub-Metropolitan District Councils, including the Tema Central and Tema East Sub-Metropolitan Councils.
The Assembly’s governance structure comprises elected Assembly Members representing various electoral areas, Government Appointees, the Metropolitan Chief Executive (Mayor of Tema) as the administrative head, and Members of Parliament representing the constituencies within its administrative domain (Tema East and Tema Central). The General Assembly serves as the local legislative and policy-making body.
Tema possesses major national economic, maritime, and eco-tourism assets. Key landmarks include the Tema Port and Fishing Harbour, the Meridian Rock (marking the exact intersection of the Greenwich Meridian and the Equator line passing through the town), the Chemu Lagoon, and various coastal beach resorts. The traditional Ga fishing community in Tema Manhean adds a rich cultural layer to the planned industrial landscape.
The Metropolis faces urban and industrial management challenges, including aging municipal drainage infrastructure, industrial effluent pollution, traffic congestion around port transit corridors, informal settlement expansion, and high waste management demands. However, its world-class port infrastructure, dense concentration of manufacturing industries, planned layout, and high revenue base provide robust opportunities for sustained economic growth and modernization.
With Tema Community 1 as its administrative capital, the Tema Metropolitan Assembly occupies a premier position in the Greater Accra Region. Its master-planned layout, industrial powerhouse status, international seaport gateway, and central place in national commerce make it an indispensable industrial, maritime, and economic engine of Ghana.
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Population: 177,924
Male: 87,183
Female: 90,741
Female population share: 51%
Male population share: 49%
Land area: 39.2 km²
Capital: Tema Community 1
Sub-Metropolitan Councils: 2 (Tema Central, Tema East)
Parliamentary Constituencies: 2 (Tema Central, Tema East)
Establishing legislation: L.I. 1929
Region: Greater Accra Region
- Total Land Area: ~ 39.2 km²
- Population: ~ 177,924 (2021 Census estimate)
- Major Towns/Communities: Tema Central, Tema East, Tema West, Community 1–25, Tema Newtown, Sakumono, Kpone (partly before boundary restructuring)
- Boundaries:
- North: Shai-Osudoku District
- East: Ningo-Prampram District
- West: Ledzokuku Municipal Assembly
- South: Gulf of Guinea (Tema Harbour coastline)
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- Municipal Chief Executive (MCE): Hon. Yohane Amarh Ashitey (current as of 2025)
- Presiding Member: Elected from among Assembly Members
- Assembly Structure: Metropolitan Assembly with statutory sub-committees (Finance, Development Planning, Social Services, Works, Justice & Security)
- Assembly Membership: 21 elected members + government appointees + MP
- Key Sectors of Focus:
- Port & Industrial Development – Expansion of Tema Port, industrial parks, and logistics hubs.
- Infrastructure & Transport – Road rehabilitation, traffic management, and improved public transport.
- Sanitation & Waste Management – Solid waste collection, recycling, and improved drainage systems.
- Health & Social Services – Upgrading Tema General Hospital and expanding CHPS compounds.
- Education – Classroom expansion, ICT integration, and vocational training.
- Climate Resilience – Flood control, coastal protection, and afforestation.
- Governance & Security – Strengthening local governance, digitization of services, and community safety.
- Flagship Projects & Programmes:
- Tema Port Expansion: Modernization of port facilities to boost trade and logistics.
- Industrial Parks: Development of industrial enclaves to support manufacturing and SMEs.
- Sanitation Projects: Waste collection logistics, recycling plants, and improved landfill management.
- Flood Control: Upgrading drainage systems in Tema Newtown and Community 1–12 areas.
- Health: Expansion of Tema General Hospital and establishment of new CHPS compounds.
- Education: ICT labs for schools, vocational training centers, and classroom blocks.
- Transport: Rehabilitation of roads, installation of traffic lights, and improved public transport systems.
- Coastal Protection: Sea defense projects to safeguard vulnerable coastal communities.
- Sea Defence Project (to combat coastal erosion)
- Volta Estuary eco-tourism development
- Salt industry modernization at Songor Lagoon
- Road rehabilitation (Ada-Foah–Otrokpe, Ada-Foah–Kewunor)
- SDGs Alignment:
- SDG 3 (Good Health & Well-being): Strengthening healthcare facilities and public health services.
- SDG 4 (Quality Education): Classroom expansion, ICT integration, and vocational training.
- SDG 6 (Clean Water & Sanitation): Waste management reforms and improved drainage systems.
- SDG 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth): Industrial parks, SME support, and job creation.
- SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure): Port expansion, road rehabilitation, and ICT integration.
- SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities & Communities): Flood control, coastal protection, and urban renewal.
- SDG 13 (Climate Action): Climate resilience projects, afforestation, and disaster risk reduction.
- Main Economic Activities:
- Port operations – Tema Harbour is Ghana’s largest port, driving logistics, shipping, and international trade.
- Manufacturing – Industrial enclave hosts factories producing steel, aluminum, textiles, and food products.
- Fishing – Tema Newtown is a major fishing hub, supporting artisanal and semi-industrial fisheries.
- Trading & services – Retail markets, transport services, and hospitality businesses thrive across Communities 1–25.
- Real estate – Residential and commercial property development driven by urban expansion.
- Key Investment Opportunities:
- Industrial parks – Expansion of Tema Free Zones and industrial enclaves for manufacturing and export.
- Logistics hubs – Warehousing, cold storage, and distribution centers linked to port activities.
- Hospitality & tourism – Hotels, restaurants, and leisure facilities to serve port workers and visitors.
- Fisheries development – Modern fish processing plants and cold chain facilities.
- Real estate projects – Affordable housing schemes and commercial complexes.
- Renewable energy – Solar and wind energy solutions for industrial and residential use.
- 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.
- Microfinance institutions – Provide credit facilities to traders, fishermen, and SMEs.
- Port-related services – Clearing agents, shipping companies, and logistics firms supporting trade.
- NGO & donor programs – Initiatives in sanitation, climate resilience, and women’s empowerment.
- Health Facilities:
- Tema General Hospital – The main referral hospital serving the metropolis and surrounding districts.
- Tema Polyclinic – Provides outpatient services and maternal/child health care.
- Private Hospitals & Clinics – Numerous facilities across Communities 1–25, including specialized centers.
- CHPS Compounds – Located in peri-urban communities to provide primary healthcare.
- Educational Institutions:
- Basic Schools – Public and private primary and JHS across Tema Central, East, and West.
- Senior High Schools – Tema SHS, Chemu SHS, and Our Lady of Mercy SHS are key institutions.
- Vocational & Technical Training – Technical schools and training centers supporting industrial skills.
- Tertiary Institutions – Private universities and professional colleges serving the metropolis.
- Road Network Condition:
- Major Roads – Tema Motorway, industrial enclave roads, and highways linking Accra and Afienya.
- Urban Roads – Communities 1–25 have tarred roads, though many inner roads are deteriorated.
- Transport Challenges – Congestion, poor drainage, and potholes in residential areas.
- Ongoing Projects: Rehabilitation of inner roads, expansion of Tema Motorway, and installation of traffic lights.
- Water & Sanitation Coverage:
- Water Supply – Ghana Water Company pipelines serve most communities; boreholes supplement peri-urban areas.
- Sanitation Facilities – Public toilets and household latrines expanded to reduce open defecation.
- Waste Management – Door-to-door collection, communal skips, and private contractors like Zoomlion.
- Challenges: Industrial waste disposal, urban congestion, and inadequate recycling facilities.
- Waste Management Systems:
- Door-to-door collection – Managed by private contractors and supported by Zoomlion.
- Communal skips – Located in densely populated communities like Tema Newtown and Communities 1–12.
- Industrial waste management – Specialized systems for factories and port-related industries.
- Recycling initiatives – Pilot projects for plastics and e-waste recycling.
- Challenges: Irregular collection in some areas, indiscriminate dumping, and industrial pollution.
- Climate Adaptation Efforts:
- Coastal defence projects – Sea walls and embankments to protect Tema Newtown and Sakumono from erosion.
- Flood mitigation – Dredging of drains and Odaw tributaries, plus construction of new drainage systems.
- Afforestation campaigns – Tree planting in schools, parks, and industrial enclaves.
- Community sensitization – Education campaigns on waste disposal, flood preparedness, and climate resilience.
- Industrial pollution control – Enforcement of environmental regulations on factories and port operations.
- Environmental Challenges:
- Flooding – Poor drainage and rapid urbanization cause seasonal floods in low-lying areas.
- Coastal erosion – Threatens fishing communities and port infrastructure.
- Industrial pollution – Air and water pollution from factories and port activities.
- Waste disposal – Indiscriminate dumping of plastics and refuse in open spaces and beaches.
- Urban congestion – Expansion of settlements without adequate planning, leading to environmental stress.
- Public Engagement Strategies:
- Town hall meetings – Regularly organized to discuss budgets, development projects, and community concerns.
- Community durbars – Traditional gatherings used to engage residents and solicit feedback on local governance.
- Radio & local media – Platforms like local FM stations used for sensitization on sanitation, health, and civic duties.
- Digital platforms – WhatsApp groups and social media pages used for announcements and mobilization.
- Participatory budgeting – Citizens involved in prioritizing projects and resource allocation.
- Youth & Women Inclusion Mechanisms:
- Youth employment programs – Skills training, entrepreneurship support, and job creation initiatives.
- Women’s cooperatives – Support groups for women traders, fishmongers, and artisans 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.
- Youth councils – Platforms for young people to voice concerns and contribute to policy discussions.
| 1 | Sea-Light | Tema East |
| 2 | Homowo | Tema East |
| 3 | Harbour | Tema East |
| 4 | Oninku | Tema East |
| 5 | Kwasi-Plange | Tema East |
| 6 | Dade Agbo | Tema East |
| 7 | Padmore | Tema East |
| 8 | Oklor-Kofi | Tema East |
| 9 | Ashiboi | Tema East |
| 10 | Bankuman | Tema East |
| 11 | Union | Tema Central |
| 12 | Uhuru | Tema Central |
| 13 | Ottowa | Tema Central |
| 14 | Dzata-Gon | Tema Central |
| 15 | Sahara | Tema Central |
| 16 | A-Road | Tema Central |
| 17 | Republic | Tema Central |
| 18 | Horticulture | Tema Central |
| 19 | Black Cat | Tema Central |
| 20 | Valco | Tema Central |
| 21 | Low Cost | Tema Central |