Stories and facts
Located in the northern part of the Greater Accra Region, Republic of Ghana, the municipality boasts abundant human and natural resources, making it an ideal destination for a high-quality living standard.
Geographically, the Ga North Municipal stretches between latitude 5o 37’0 N and 5o 42’14 N, and longitude 0o 19’31W and 0o13’42W, covering a total land mass of 636.28 (source: Dep't of Geography, University of Ghana, Legon). It shares borders with the Ga West Municipal Assembly to the North, the Ga Central/ Ablekuma North Municipal Assembly to the West, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly to the South, and the Ga East Municipal Assembly to the East. The municipal capital is Ofankor.
According to the 2021 population and housing census, the population of the Ga North Municipal stands at 235,292, with 116,481 males and 118,811 females.
One of the highlights of the Ga North Municipal is the vibrant Homowo Festival, deeply rooted in Gathe oral tradition. The word "Homowo" translates to "hooted at hunger," and its origins can be traced back to a severe famine that struck the Ga people during their migration to present-day Accra. Inspired by this crisis, the community embarked on massive food production exercises, which eventually led to a bountiful harvest and marked the beginning of the Homowo celebration.
The festival has become a major attraction for both local and international tourists. Tourists are drawn to the rich display of traditional culture, including traditional dancing, drumming, and the pouring of libations, along with the firing of musketry. Additionally, the festival provides an opportunity to witness the splendor of traditional African dressing and the array of colorful beads.
Celebrated annually in August, with occasional celebrations in July or September, the Homowo Festival has a long history and is known to have been celebrated across the Ga District since 1888 (Source: Quartey-Papafio, A.B. "The Ga Homowo Festival," Journal of the African Society, Vol. 19, 1919).
The Ga North Municipality prides itself on religious diversity and tolerance. People are free to practice their faith without hindrance. The religious composition reveals that Christians dominate the municipality, accounting for 81% of the population. Muslims make up 9% of the inhabitants, while 8% claim no religious affiliation. Traditionalists represent 1% of the population, and the remaining 1% belongs to unspecified religious groups.
The Ga North Municipality has untapped potential for tourism development. It boasts several historical sites, including the Okwaikwe Shrine, Guakoo Sacred Forest, and Omanya Forest, which, if properly developed and promoted, could attract numerous tourists to the region. The Homowo Festival, celebrated by all the Chiefs and people of the Ga Community between August and September each year, also presents a significant opportunity for cultural tourism.
To fully realize this potential, the Municipal Assembly must be supported in identifying and facilitating the development of these attractions through Public Private Partnerships (PPP). This approach would not only create employment opportunities but also enhance revenue generation within the municipality. Moreover, it would attract international investments in the hospitality industry, further contributing to economic growth and prosperity.
The Ga North Municipal Assembly stands as a rich cultural haven and a promising tourism hub within the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. With its thriving Homowo Festival, religious harmony, and potential tourist attractions, the municipality has all the elements to captivate both local and international visitors. By strategically harnessing these resources and fostering partnerships, the Ga North Municipal Assembly can pave the way for a prosperous and culturally vibrant future.
