Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly

Profile of Ayawaso West MCE - Dr. Michael Mensah

Dr. Michael Mensah is the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Ayawaso West Municipal
Assembly. A distinguished Ecology and Natural Resources Management Scientist, he is
also a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Business Administration, University of
Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA).

Dr. Mensah's academic credentials include a PhD in Ecology and Natural Resources
Management from the University of Bonn, Germany, an MBA in Finance from the
University of Ghana, and an MSc in Landscape Studies/Architecture from KNUST.

With over 20 peer-reviewed journal articles, Dr. Mensah has established himself as a
prominent researcher in his field. Prior to his appointment as MCE, he taught and
conducted research at KNUST's Department of Architecture for over nine years, holding
positions such as Assistant Examination Officer and Assistant Coordinator for the
Commonwealth Association of Architects.

Dr. Mensah's research focuses on ecology and natural resources management, climate
change, environmental quality assessment, agriculture, and human-environmental
interactions. His work has been published in reputable international journals,
contributing significantly to the field and expanding the knowledge base. Through his
research and teaching experience, Dr. Mensah continues to make a meaningful impact
in academia and his community.

About Ayawaso West 

Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly: Urban Growth, Luxury Living, and Exceptional Development Projects in Accra
The Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly (AWMA) was established on 15th March 2018 through Legislative Instrument (L.I. 2312), having been carved out of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly. With Dzorwulu as its capital, the creation of the Assembly marked a significant milestone in the decentralisation agenda of Ghana’s local governance system.

The Assembly's first Medium-Term Development Plan, covering the period from 2018 to 2021, laid the foundation for structured socio-economic development in the newly formed municipality.According to the 2010 Population and Housing Census, Ayawaso West had a total population of 70,667, representing 5.7 percent of the Greater Accra Region’s population of 4,010,054 at the time. The demographic breakdown showed 37,065 males and 33,602 females, indicating a slight male majority. Applying the regional growth rate of 3.1 percent, the municipality's population was projected to reach 93,013 in 2019, comprising 48,786 males and 44,228 females. With a population density of approximately 1,234 persons per square kilometre, Ayawaso West remains one of the most densely populated urban municipalities in the region.

Culturally, Ayawaso West is a dynamic and cosmopolitan environment, reflecting Ghana’s diversity in full. The indigenous Ga people, who celebrate the annual Homowo Festival, coexist with a large mix of other ethnic groups including Akans, Ewes, people of Northern descent, Nigerians, and a significant number of expatriates. This diversity has contributed to the area’s vibrant social fabric and multilingual character, where languages such as Twi, Ga, Ewe, and English are widely spoken. The religious makeup of the population includes Christians, Muslims, Traditionalists, and followers of other faiths. Celebrations like Christmas and Eid al-Fitr are widely observed across the municipality, reinforcing its inclusive and tolerant cultural landscape.

Geographically, the Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly covers an area of approximately 385 square kilometres, accounting for about 3 percent of the Greater Accra Region’s total land area. Located along Latitude 05°35′N and Longitude 0°06′W, the municipality is predominantly urban, with over 90 percent of its population living in urbanised communities. It shares boundaries with La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipal Assembly to the north, Adentan Municipal Assembly to the northeast, Ledzokuku Municipal Assembly to the east, La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly to the southeast, Ayawaso North Municipal Assembly to the south, Accra Metropolitan Assembly to the southwest, Okaikwei North Municipal Assembly to the west, and Ga East Municipal Assembly to the northwest.

The vision of the Assembly is to become a first-class, client-focused institution that delivers sustainable development for its people. Its mission is anchored on the provision of socio-economic and environmental services through the efficient use of human and material resources. These goals are supported by the core functions of the Assembly as stipulated under Section 12 of the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936), which mandates it to implement development plans, coordinate departmental activities, and promote orderly growth and service delivery.

In recent years, Ayawaso West has witnessed significant transformation driven by key developments in commercial infrastructure, real estate, and tourism. A&C Mall, located in East Legon, has become a landmark destination in the municipality, offering a blend of retail shops, restaurants, banks, offices, and educational facilities including Lancaster University Ghana. The mall exemplifies a modern mixed-use centre and serves as a hub for business and leisure in the area.

Another standout project is the ongoing enhancement of the Legon Botanical Gardens. This expansive eco-recreational park has grown to become one of Accra’s most visited green spaces, featuring canopy walkways, nature trails, rope courses, picnic areas, and adventure zones that promote wellness and environmental education. The Gardens provide residents and visitors with a serene escape from the urban bustle while contributing to ecological sustainability.

East Legon has also seen the rise of the Underbridge Mall, a recently established commercial centre near the East Legon Underbridge. The facility hosts an array of boutiques, restaurants, lounges, and service outlets, making it a new lifestyle destination for both residents and visitors within and beyond the municipality.

Complementing these developments is the Octagon Heights project located between Roman Ridge and the Airport Residential Area. This high-rise luxury apartment complex offers contemporary urban living complete with rooftop facilities, tight security, and proximity to Airport City. It caters to high-net-worth individuals, expatriates, and professionals seeking comfort and convenience in Accra’s premium zones.

Through these exceptional developments, Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly continues to position itself as a hub of urban excellence—blending modern infrastructure, green innovation, upscale living, and inclusive cultural life.