# Bamenda Urban Council

The Bamenda Urban Council was founded after the decree No 2007/117 of 24th April 2007. As a sub-divisional Council of the Great Bamenda region, primary objective of the Council is to direct developments to the grass roots, including services such as maintaining and constructing roads, market, medical, and education infrastructures. While doing this, the Council fosters effective, innovative, and strong leadership for the overall development of the greater Bamenda. The Council consists of departmental staffs, deputy Mayors, and the Mayor working collaboratively to enhance the quality of life for the people. This is achieved by establishing a dynamic economy, which furthers education, health, and agricultural development while also deploying various groundbreaking programs.
Bamenda Municipality
Bamenda is a diverse and vibrant city, serving as the capital of the North West Region of Cameroon. It is the third-largest city in the country, following Douala and Yaoundé, and is located 366 kilometers northwest of the national capital, Yaoundé. With a population exceeding 600,000 and covering an area of 1,076 square kilometers, the city has a population density of 744 people per square kilometer. Bamenda is governed by a city council and is divided into three Sub-Divisional councils (Bamenda I, II, and III). It acts as a key socio-economic, political, and commercial center for the region, and serves as a vital link to Nigeria, connecting several major cities and towns.
Structure
The Bamenda 1 council consists of 31 councilors, two deputy mayors, and a mayor who is elected by the public. Additionally, a secretary general and a municipal treasurer are appointed by the state. The council carries out its duties through a range of departmental staff, each with specific responsibilities.
Population and Settlement
As of 2020, Bamenda I had a population of over 62,000 (sixty-two thousand) with 60% being youths. As of 2008, the population was estimated at 105.244 people, according to projections by CAMGIS in Minimum Urban Local Development Scheme (SMAUL). Relating to settlement, the Municipality is divided into three groups, being urban, peri-urban and rural settlements. The total surface area of Bamenda is 22.9 Km2.
Composition
The population of Bamenda municipality is highly cosmopolitan, consisting of the indigenous Nkwen and Ndzah peoples, as well as migrants from various parts of the North West and West Regions, other areas of Cameroon, and even Nigeria. The city is home to both Christian and Muslim communities. The Bamenda Urban Council encompasses two main clans: Nkwen and Ndzah. The Nkwen people, part of the Tikari ethnic group, originally migrated from Northern Nigeria, passing through Ndop, Njinkwin in Kom, then Bafut, and finally settling in their current location. The Ndzah people, believed to be part of the Baforchu (Mbu) group, separated in the 18th century under Chief Ngu Fomumunte Foboingong. They moved through Widikum, Bafut, Mankon, and Nkwen before settling where they are today. These migrations were often driven by the search for fertile land, safety, or chieftaincy disputes. Over time, these groups have intermarried, as well as with neighboring communities like Bafut, Mankon, Mendankwe, and Bambili. This intermingling has resulted in cultural similarities between them. Today, the council area is home to a diverse mix of ethnic groups. It is common to find Fulani people, who are primarily engaged in cattle rearing, as well as Nigerians, Ngemba, Bamilike, Noni, Nso, and Wimbum peoples. Despite this ethnic diversity, there remains a strong sense of unity among the residents, who interact freely for social, cultural, or other reasons whenever needed.