Sekondi-Takoradi

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Sekondi-Takoradi, a coastal city situated on the Gulf of Guinea in southern Ghana, is positioned along an embayment of the Atlantic Ocean.

During the 17th century, both the Dutch and the British constructed forts in Sekondi, only to see them destroyed by the Ahanta. Fort Orange, originally built by the Dutch, was later reconstructed and acquired by the British in 1872; it now stands as a functioning lighthouse. The city experienced growth in the 1900s after the establishment of a railway connection to the interior goldfields. However, the significance of its surf port diminished with the inauguration of the artificial harbour in Takoradi in 1928. Sekondi and Takoradi, initially a single municipality since 1946, officially merged into one city in 1963.

Sekondi showcases a blend of old and contemporary structures across its hilly terrain, stretching down to the seashore. The old port serves fishing and pleasure vessels, with a nearby naval station. Takoradi, on the other hand, boasts a well-planned layout featuring modern buildings and tree-shaded residential zones. The harbour in Takoradi is enclosed by two breakwaters, spanning 220 acres (90 hectares), equipped with quay berths and facilities for loading bauxite and unloading oil. The harbour acts as the endpoint for several Ghana railways and is accessible by road and air. Sekondi-Takoradi is home to light industrial, agricultural, and fishing activities. The bustling market and street vending scene is predominantly managed by women. The population was recorded as 289,593 in 2000 and increased to 539,548 in 2010.

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More about Sekondi-Takoradi

ID
52201
Name
Sekondi-Takoradi
State ID
49
State Code
WP
State Name
Western
Country ID
83
Country Code
GH
Country Name
Ghana
Latitude
4.92678000
Longitude
-1.75773000
WikiData ID
Q243293

Sekondi-Takoradi is a city in Ghana comprising the twin cities of Sekondi and Takoradi. It is the capital of Sekondi – Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly and the Western Region of Ghana. Sekondi-Takoradi is the region's and largest Fante city as well as an industrial and commercial center, with a population of 2,060,585 people (2021). The chief industries in Sekondi-Takoradi are timber, cocoa processing, plywood, shipbuilding, its harbour and railway repair, and recently, sweet crude oil and crude oil. The fundamental job in Sekondi-Takoradi is fishing. Sekondi-Takoradi lies on the main railway lines to Kumasi.

History

Sekondi, an older town, was the site of Dutch Fort Orange (1642) and English Fort Sekondi (1682). It prospered from a railroad built in 1903 to hinterland mineral and timber resources. Takoradi was the site of Dutch Fort Witsen (1665) and has an important deepwater seaport, Ghana's first, built in 1928.

During World War II, RAF Takoradi was an important staging point for British aircraft destined for Egypt. Spitfire fighter planes were shipped in crates from England to Takoradi where they were assembled then flown via Nigeria and Sudan to the war in Libya. 26 Squadron SAAF was also based in Takoradi during World War II, flying anti-submarine and convoy protection patrols over the Atlantic. A number of South African airmen are buried in the Takoradi European Public cemetery.

The cities combined in 1946. On 20 November 1969, the city became the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sekondi–Takoradi.

The city is currently named (although not officially) as the Oil City of Ghana due to the massive discovery of oil in the Western region and has attracted massive migration from people all around the world. For example, of the 248,680 people in the Sekondi-Takoradi metro area in 2010, some 148,000, or well above half, were indigenous Ahanta people, 30,000 came from the central region of Ghana, 60,000 are from other regions of Ghana and 10,000 are foreign nationals.

Demographics

Sekondi-Takoradi's population is overwhelmingly Christian. 35% of the region are Pentecostal/Charismatic, 26% are Protestant and 14% are Catholic with the remaining 12% comprising numerous minor denominations. 9% of the population are Muslim, 3.5% identify as non-religious and 0.2% practice traditional African religions. The major ethnic group found in Sekondi are the Fanti people.

Culture and tourism

Sekondi has a rich cultural heritage, and the city is home to several landmarks and tourist attractions. The city's most notable landmark is the Sekondi European Town, which was built by the British during the colonial era. The town features several well-preserved colonial buildings, including the Governor's Residence, the Post Office, and the District Commissioner's Office.

Economy

Sekondi is a bustling commercial center with a thriving economy. The city's location on the coast makes it an essential hub for fishing and trading activities. The Sekondi Fishing Harbour is the largest fishing port in Ghana and provides employment to thousands of people in the region. The city is also a center for the timber and cocoa industries, which are vital to the country's economy. Takoradi houses the Harbour and has timber, energy and technology industries. Over the years it has attracted a good number of investors, including miners, as the city is close to the mining towns in the western part of Ghana. Ghana's recent discovery of oil gave the Sekondi-Takoradi township to be known as the Oil City.

Transportation

Sekondi is well-connected to other parts of Ghana and neighboring countries through a network of roads and railways. The city's port is a vital transportation hub, with several shipping lines providing regular services to other West African countries and Europe. The Takoradi Airport (TDI), located about 5 km from Sekondi, provides air transportation to other parts of Ghana and international destinations. There are public transport connections from Takoradi to major cities such as Accra; Kumasi; Mim; Cape Coast; Sunyani; Tamale; Tema; Ho; Wa; Bolgatanga; Elubo; Aflao; and Techiman.

Tourist attractions

Sekondi-Takoradi has plenty of beaches, however they are not a major tourist attraction. Many of the beaches are found to the west of Takoradi, with small resorts such as Fanta's Folly, The Hideout, Allan Beach and Vienna Beach. It also has an annual street carnival, which is popular with tourists.

Education

Sekondi-Takoradi city has several secondary schools, colleges, and special schools, ranging from single-sex to coeducational institutions. Among the tertiary institutions are: Takoradi Technical University (a public institution), Nurses and Midwifery Training College, Holy Child Teachers Training College (now a College of Education). The Sekondi-Takoradi city currently has several secondary schools and Special schools, ranging from single-sex to coeducational institutions. These include:

St. John's School (The Saints)
Ghana Senior High Technical School (GSTS)
Baidoo Bonsoe Senior High Technical School (BBSTS)
St. Mary's Boys' Senior High School (MARISCO)
Takoradi Secondary School (Tadisco)
Methodist senior high school ( The Young legend)
Sekondi College (Sekco)
Ahantaman Senior High School
Fijai Secondary School
Adiembra Secondary School
Bompeh senior high technical school
Archbishop Porter Girls Secondary School and many others.

Takoradi Technical Institute houses a fab lab, equipped by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), which is the first of its kind in Africa.

Takoradi has a well-equipped technical training center (Takoradi Technical Institute, TTI, 1,400 students in two shifts) assisted by the German government through GIZ / GOPA. Apart from TTI, Takoradi has a technical university and other renowned secondary schools including Ghana Secondary Technical School, St. Mary Secondary School, Bompeh Secondary School, Takoradi Secondary School and many others. Sekondi-Takoradi has many internet cafés and computer training centers to encourage familiarity with computers and acquire computer skills.

The Western Regional Library was established in Sekondi in 1955.