Stories and facts
The average transient student population from the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), is approximately 17,235, and the municipal population is growing at a rate of 2.8%.
Effutu Municipal Assembly envisions a municipality of excellence focused on sustainable and integrated development within a well-planned, secure, and investor-friendly environment, promoting social equity and good governance.
The mission of the Effutu Municipal Assembly is to enhance the people's standard of living by equitably providing sustainable socio-economic infrastructure and services and fostering holistic development under the principles of good governance.
The goals of the Effutu Municipal Assembly are to enhance the quality of life of its residents by improving access to quality education and healthcare and expanding social, economic, and security infrastructure and activities. The assembly also aims to advance agricultural production while practicing sound and sustainable environmental management with active grassroots participation in development planning.
The core functions of the Municipality, as defined by L. I 1860, include overall district development, formulation, and execution of plans and programs for development, support for productive activities and social development, provision of municipal works and services, management of human settlements and the environment, maintenance of security and public safety, ensuring access to justice through available courts, conducting necessary studies, and performing functions referred by the government.
In terms of agriculture, the main activity in the Municipality is fishing along the coast, primarily marine fishing carried out by motorized canoes, with some fishing in lagoons and rivers. The region's rainfall pattern is unfavorable for cash crops like cocoa, oil palm, and citrus but suitable for vegetables like tomatoes, okra, groundnuts, garden eggs, and pepper. The municipality also practices livestock farming on an extensive scale.
Effutu Municipality has a road network of approximately 150km, with a portion being tarred or surface-dressed, while the majority is gravel-surfaced. Some roads are currently under rehabilitation, and there is one non-functioning traffic light due to lightning damage. Additionally, there are few un-engineered roads encroached upon by developers.
Electricity from the national grid is available in all communities within the municipality, and routine maintenance is carried out to improve street lighting.
Health facilities in the municipality include 5 hospitals, 2 clinics, 3 CHIP compounds, 1 maternity home, and 1 community health nurses training school. The prevalent diseases in the area include malaria, upper respiratory tract infections, hypertension, typhoid, and gynecological disorders.
Effutu Municipality has 247 educational institutions, with approximately 30% being public and the rest private. It includes pre-schools, kindergartens, schools, junior high schools, senior high schools, and specialized institutions like the University of Education and Community Health Nurses Training School.
The municipality has one main market in the central business area, with plans to expand it and construct satellite markets at other locations through public-private partnerships.
Water and sanitation issues arise from urbanization encroaching on traditional farmlands, leading to population expansion, land grabbing, and poor sanitation practices. Dredging the Ntakofam stream aims to mitigate climate change impacts and promote local economic development.
Tourism is underdeveloped in the municipality, but it has potential resources such as festivals, lagoons, sandy beaches, and eco-tourist sites, which can contribute to its revenue base when developed.
The continuous urbanization has led to land grabbing, sanitation issues, and land degradation. Ramsar sites have also faced encroachment by estate developers.
The Effutu Municipal serves as a remarkable representation of Ghana's abundant cultural legacy, skillfully embracing modern advancements while treasuring its historical roots. The area captivates visitors with its enchanting festivals, vibrant musical traditions, and welcoming atmosphere, offering an authentic journey into the heart of Ghanaian heritage. As the municipality prioritizes sustainable development, its promising future makes it a vital destination for inquisitive tourists and researchers intrigued by the harmonious interplay of tradition and progress.
