Both cities grew from Dutch and English forts built around the 17th century.[5]: 2 After a railway and a deepwaterseaport was built in Sekondi and Takoradi in 1903 and 1928, both cities became important economic sectors in Ghana. They merged in 1946.[5]: 6, 8, 4
Sekondi is a name derived from the Old Prussian word "Taccarary", which meant "second" after the settlement was chosen as the second location for a shallow water harbour.[12] The origins of Takoradi is conflicted but in one account it is a combination of the Portuguese word "taccarada" or "Taccarary" (Old Prussian) and an Ahanta word "ntakor".[13][5]: 2
Early settlement
Sekondi, the older and larger of the two towns, was the site of Fort Orange, Fort Witsen, and Fort Sekondi, all built in the 17th century by the Dutch. During this time, there was a huge British and Dutch influence in the town to the point where there was two political divisions: “Dutch Sekondi”
and “British Sekondi”. Both collapsed after the Dutch left in 1872.[5]: 3 The town prospered from a railroad built in 1903 to transport mineral and timber resources from the hinterland. In 1928, Ghana's first deepwaterseaport was built in Takoradi.[9][14][5]: 4
The city is an important commercial center in Ghana with an industrialized economy. Its location on the coast makes it an essential hub for fishing and trading activities. The Albert Bosomtwi-Sam Fishing Harbour, located in Sekondi. It is one of the largest fishing ports in the region.[19] Historically it was a center for the timber and cocoa industries as these resources were transported into the city for export. The Takoradi Harbour and the Takoradi Market Circle are also an important sector in the city's economy. The discovery of oil in the region in 2010 have resulted in Sekondi-Takoradi to be known as the "Oil City".[20][14][21]
The population of Sekondi-Takoradi is 245,382 people,[2] a -37.5% difference from the last census.[23] Close to all of Sekondi-Takoradi's population is Christian from which 34.7% are Pentecostal/Charismatic, 25.6% are Protestant, and 14.3% are Catholic with the remaining 11.8% comprising numerous minor denominations. About 9% of the population are Muslim, 3.5% identified as non-religious and 0.2% practice traditional African religions while the remaining 0.6% practice other religions.[3]: 34 The major ethnic group found in the city are the Ahanta followed by the Ashanti, Nzema, and Wassa people.[3]: 4
Sekondi-Takoradi has a tropical savanna climate (Köppen climate classification: Aw), where it experiences a wet and dry season and the temperature being hot year-round. The average annual high is 28 °C (82 °F) while the average annual low is 22.2 °C (72.0 °F). The hottest time of year is from January to May, around the time the wet season begins.
The city receives a total amount of 126 mm (5.0 in) of rainfall throughout the year, with a distinct wet and dry season. The dry season is short, spanning from December to March while the wet season is between May and June. June, the wettest month, receives on average 346 mm (13.6 in). The relative humidity in the city is small and also erratic at times due to influence of sea and land breezes. The highest humidity is experienced in August after the rainy season and is the lowest in December.[24]
Based on a 2017 study, Sekondi-Takoradi and the metro as a whole is prone to flooding due to its proximity to the Anankwari, Kansawura and Whin rivers. In 2009 and 2011, more than one thousand people went homeless after heavy rainfall caused the rivers to overflow their banks to the neighbouring communities.[25]
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.[5]: 3, 4
Culture
Masquerades Dancing in Takoradi during the Ankos Festival
Sekondi-Takoradi has a rich cultural heritage, and the city is home to several landmarks and tourist attractions. Fort Sekondi and the local railway museum are some notable structures originated from the colonial era. The city also have notable nightlife, with several pubs, restaurants and clubs popping out all across the city. Many annual festivals are celebrated in the city, including the Ankos Festival and the Kundum Festival.[27][28]
Social Security & National Insurance Trust (SSNIT)
Zenith Bank Gh. Ltd.
Prudential Bank Ltd.
Rebulic Bank
Healthcare
On 5 June 2024, Mr Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, the Western Regional Minister, commissioned a 60-bed capacity polyclinic in New Takoradi, an upgrade from the original facility which was a CHPS compound.[b][31]
There are about 114 internet service providers operating in the city along with over 150 FM radio stations and 20 TV stations in the city. All of these services help with inter-communication around the residents.[5]: 8
Sister cities
The following shows the cities Sekondi-Takoradi is twined with:
Sofo, E.; Avoke, E.; Bodjawah, E. (2023). "Morphing Identity and Style in Contemporary Ghanaian Painting: Two Artists From Sekondi-Takoradi". African Arts. 56 (4). MIT Press: 42–61. doi:10.1162/afar_a_00729. ISSN0001-9933.
