Stories and facts
The Gomoa West District, situated in the Central Region of Ghana, is one of the twenty-two districts in the area. It was originally a part of the larger Gomoa District until 1988. At that time, the eastern section of the district was separated to establish the Gomoa East District, with Gomoa Afransi as its capital town. Subsequently, the Gomoa East District was divided into two new districts in 2018: Gomoa Central District (capital: Gomoa Afransi) and Gomoa East District (capital: Potsin). The remaining portion was then designated as the Gomoa West District. The district's population is approximately 44,834 people. The district assembly is located in the southeastern part of the Central Region, with Apam serving as its capital town.
As one of the 261 Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in Ghana, the Gomoa West District is part of the larger administrative framework comprising 22 MMDAs within the Central Region.
Geographically, the Gomoa West District is situated between latitudes 514 north and 535 north, and longitudes 0.22 west and 054 west, in the eastern part of the Central Region. The district spans an area of 465 square kilometers.
The district shares borders with the Gomoa East District to the north, Mfantseman Municipal to the west, Effutu Municipal to the east, and the Gulf of Guinea to the south.
According to the 2021 population and housing census, the district's population stands at 129,512, with 59,420 males and 70,092 females. The establishment of the Gomoa West District was defined by L.I. 1896, which carved it out of the original Gomoa District. It is bordered by Gomoa Central District and Efutu Municipal Assembly to the northeast and east, respectively. To the west and northwest, it shares borders with Ekumfi and Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam Districts. Its southern boundary extends to the Atlantic Ocean, encompassing a total land area of 514.2 square kilometers.
Key policy objectives for the district encompass various areas, including promoting employment opportunities, ensuring inclusive decision-making, enhancing environmental sanitation services, developing resilient infrastructure, fostering social and economic inclusion, improving education and healthcare, and boosting agricultural productivity.
The vision for the Gomoa West District is to be a premier local government institution providing outstanding services, while the goal is to advance equitable socio-economic development through effective human resource development, governance, and private sector empowerment.
The core functions of the district entail exercising political and administrative authority, promoting local economic development, providing guidance to other administrative bodies, overseeing various functions including deliberation, legislation, and execution, and facilitating overall development. The district is also responsible for security and public safety, initiating infrastructure and service programs, formulating budgets, collecting revenue, and establishing bye-laws.
Economically, agriculture is a significant occupation, with farming and fishing being prominent activities due to the district's forest and coastal location. The district boasts several fishing communities and a network of feeder roads connecting various areas.
In terms of education, the district comprises numerous basic and senior high schools, with varying ownerships and levels of training among teachers.
Health services are delivered through a network of facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and health centers, while sanitation and water supply initiatives aim to address environmental challenges and provide clean water sources.
The Gomoa West District also has the potential to leverage its cultural and environmental attractions, such as historical sites and natural landmarks, to contribute to local tourism and the economy.
The Gomoa West District burgeons as an emblem of local governance, poised on a trajectory of equitable progress, poised to leverage its unique attributes toward a thriving future marked by community well-being, economic vibrancy, and sustainable development.
