Tema is a metropolitan district in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana, and the seat of the
country’s main seaport. Its capital is Tema. The metropolis recorded 177,924 people at the 2021
census, against 168,932 in 2010; the two counts sit either side of a boundary change that created
Tema Central and Tema East municipals within the old metropolitan area.
| Region | Greater Accra |
|---|---|
| District capital | Tema |
| Status | Metropolitan district |
| Population (2021 census) | 177,924 |
| Population (2010 census) | 168,932 |
Towns and Communities in Tema
The site lists 34 towns, communities and numbered Tema communities.
- Adamrobe
- Addogonno
- Afianya
- Agblesia
- Akwani
- Apolonia
- Asokrochona
- Awuku
- Bawalishi
- Community 9
- Katamanso
- Kpone
- Kposi
- Kubekro
- Kwedonu
- Manchiman
- Mlichakpo
- Obeye
- Okusubiri
- Oyibi
- Saduasi
- Sakumona
- Santeo
- Sasabi
- Silehu
- Spintex Road
- Tema
- Tema Community 12
- Tema Community 2
- Tema Community 3
- Tema Community Four
- Tema Community Seven
- Tema New Town
- Zenu
Geography
Tema lies on the Atlantic coast about 25 km east of central Accra. The town
was laid out in the 1950s and 1960s as a planned harbour city, which is why so many of its
neighbourhoods are numbered communities rather than named villages. The old fishing settlement was
moved to make room for the port and became Tema New Town.
The coastal plain here is flat and dry, with scrub grassland inland. Tema adjoins
Ashaiman immediately to the
north and the coastal suburbs of
Ledzokuku–Krowor to
the west; Shai Osudoku lies
inland to the north-east. Some communities in the list below, including Kpone and Katamanso, now fall
under districts split from the metropolis.
Economy and Local Life
The port drives everything. Tema Harbour handles most of Ghana’s imports and a large
share of its exports, and clearing, haulage, warehousing and freight offices fill the industrial
communities around it. Heavy industry sits alongside: refining, aluminium, cement, milling, steel and
food processing.
A separate fishing harbour supports a large canoe and trawler fleet, and fish smoking and cold
storage are major employers. Spintex Road, on the western approach, has grown into a strip of
factories, warehouses and retail.
Getting There
The Accra–Tema Motorway is the fast route in, ending at the Tema
roundabout; the older Accra–Tema beach road serves the coastal suburbs. Tema sits on the N1,
which continues east towards Aflao and the Togo border.
Buses and trotros run constantly between Accra’s Tema Station and Tema’s community lorry parks, and
Kotoka International Airport is about 20 km west.
FAQ
What is the capital of Tema Metropolitan District?
Tema is the capital of the metropolitan district.
Which region is Tema in?
Tema is in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana.
What is the population of Tema?
Tema Metropolitan had 177,924 people at the 2021 census, compared with 168,932 at the 2010 census.
How many towns and communities are listed for Tema?
This page lists 34 towns and communities.