Overview
Nestled along the warm tropical waters of the Gulf of Guinea on the red-soiled land of Ghana, Winneba is a historic and vibrant fishing town located just 35 miles west of the capital city of Accra.
In April of 2008, then Birmingham City Councilman Roderick Royal and Birmingham Sister Cities Director Scotty Colson led a delegation of city and community leaders to Ghana for a cultural/economic exchange visit.
Winneba’s Chief Neenyi Ghartey VII visited the Magic City in 2008 and was warmly welcomed by Birmingham City leaders and a host of community leaders at a public reception. During his visit, Birmingham City leaders awarded Chief Ghartey with the key to the City of Birmingham and the Birmingham- Ghana (Winneba) Sister City relationship was publicly recognized and approved at a Birmingham City Council Meeting.
Through education and cultural exchange, Birmingham citizens have created a strong service-oriented relationship with Winneba town leaders and locals. Projects have included building a public library and medical outreach.
Locale Information
Winneba has a population of approximately 55,000 people and is known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant fishing industry.
Winneba is rich in cultural heritage, and is home to several traditional festivals, including the Aboakyir Festival, which celebrates the hunting of deer.
Winneba is known for its fishing, pottery trades, the University of Education, smiling faces as well as the elaborate annual musical deer-hunting Aboakyer festival.
Economy
The main driver of the economy in Winneba, Ghana is agriculture, particularly fishing and crop farming. The town is located near the coast, which makes fishing a major economic activity.
Additionally, Winneba is known for its production of cassava, maize, and other crops. The town also has a small tourism industry, with visitors coming to see the Winneba Crocodile Pond and attend the annual Aboakyer festival.
Fun Facts
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Tourist Places
Kakum National Park; Accra (includes Artists Alliance Gallery); Labadi Beach; Cape Coast
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Climate
Tropical; warm and comparatively dry along southeast coast; hot and humid in southwest; hot and dry in north
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Sports
Soccer, boxing
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Local Meal
Fufu — cassava and unripe plantains mashed together in water with a wooden pole; once the mixture is smooth it is shaped into small balls that are placed in a stew or soup with meat
