Wenchi Municipal Assembly

• Name of MMDA: Wenchi Municipal Assembly
• Region: Bono Region
• Type of Assembly: Municipal
• Year Established: 1988 (by Legislative Instrument 1473; elevated to Municipal status in 2007 by LI 1870)

The Wenchi Municipal Assembly is one of the 261 Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in Ghana and forms part of the 12 MMDAs in the Bono Region. The Municipality traces its origins to the establishment of the Wenchi District during Ghana’s decentralisation reforms. It was later reorganised following the creation of Tain District in 2004, and was subsequently elevated to Municipal status under Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 1876 of 2007. Wenchi serves as the administrative capital of the Municipality.

Wenchi Municipality is located in the north-eastern part of the Bono Region. It shares boundaries with Kintampo South and Banda Districts to the north, Techiman Municipal and Techiman North District to the east, Sunyani West Municipality to the south, and Tain District to the west. Wenchi is approximately 29 kilometres from Techiman, giving the Municipality strong commercial and transportation links with neighbouring areas.

In terms of land area, the 2021 Population and Housing Census records Wenchi Municipality at approximately 1,067 square kilometres. According to the 2021 Census, the Municipality had a population of 124,758, comprising 60,960 males and 63,798 females. Of the total population, 63,936 people lived in urban areas, while 60,822 lived in rural areas. This gives the Municipality an urban population share of approximately 51.2%, making it almost evenly divided between urban and rural populations.

The economy of Wenchi Municipality is predominantly agriculture-based, with farming serving as an important source of employment and livelihood. The Municipality has favourable conditions for the cultivation of food and cash crops, while livestock production and other agricultural activities also contribute to the local economy. Wenchi town functions as an important commercial centre, supporting trading, transportation, financial services, hospitality and other businesses.

The Municipality has approximately 93 communities, giving it a relatively broad network of settlements. Major communities include Wenchi, Nchiraa, Koase, Subinso No. 1, Subinso No. 2, Branam, Akete, Nwoase, Beposo-Yoyoano, Tromeso, Ayigbe, Buoku and Amponsakrom.

Administratively, the Wenchi Municipal Assembly is the highest political, administrative and planning authority within the Municipality. It is responsible for local governance, development planning, infrastructure provision, revenue mobilisation, environmental management and the coordination of social and economic development programmes within its jurisdiction.

Politically, the Municipality is divided into 29 electoral areas. The Assembly’s General Assembly has historically comprised 29 elected Assembly Members and 12 Government Appointees, together with the Municipal Chief Executive and Member of Parliament as members of the Assembly. The MP serves as an ex-officio member without voting rights.

The Municipality’s strategic position has also made infrastructure development particularly important. Major development priorities include roads, water supply, sanitation, education, healthcare, agriculture and local economic development. The Assembly is also undertaking projects aimed at improving the urban environment and expanding access to essential services. Current municipal development activity includes the Wenchi Water Project and road improvement works within Wenchi township.

With Wenchi as its administrative capital and principal commercial centre, the Municipality occupies an important position in the Bono Region. Its location between the northern and southern parts of the region, its agricultural base, substantial population and links to Techiman, Sunyani and the neighbouring districts make it an important agricultural, commercial, administrative and transportation centre.

Population: 124,758
Male: 60,960
Female: 63,798
Urban population: 63,936
Rural population: 60,822
Urban population share: 51.2%
Rural population share: 48.8%
Land area: 1,067 km²
Capital: Wenchi
Electoral Areas: 29
Communities: Approximately 93
Elected Assembly Members: 29
Government Appointees: 12
Parliamentary Constituency: 1
Year established as Municipality: 2007
Establishing legislation: L.I. 1876