Sekondi-Takoradi
Sekondi-Takoradi | |
|---|---|
 Top left picture: Arterial road and highway with the Sekondi-Takoradi Stadium, First top right picture: Shoreline of Sekondi-Takoradi, Second top right picture: Railway station of Sekondi-Takoradi, Bottom picture: Sekondi-Takoradi harbour with intermodal containers and private housing estates. | |
 Logo of the City Metropolitan Assembly | |
| Nickname: Oil City | |
  Sekondi-Takoradi Location of Sekondi-Takoradi in Western Region, Ghana | |
| Coordinates: 04°55′00″N 01°46′00″W / 4.91667°N 1.76667°W | |
| Country | Ghana |
| Admin. Region | Western Region |
| District | Sekondi Takoradi Metropolitan |
| Elevation | 10 m (30 ft) |
| Population (2012) | |
| • Total | 445,205[1] |
| Time zone | UTC+0 (GMT) |
| Postal codes | WS000-WS792 |
| Area code | 031 |
| Website | www |
Sekondi-Takoradi (/səˈkənˈdɪ tɑːˈkəˈrɑːˈdi/, seh-kon-DEE tar-ku-wh-DEE)[2] is a city in Ghana comprising the twin cities of Sekondi and Takoradi.[3][4] It is the capital of Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan District and the Western Region of Ghana. Sekondi-Takoradi is the region's largest city as well as an industrial and commercial center with a population of 2,060,585 people, according to the 2021 census.[1][5]
Leading industries in the city 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.[6] Sekondi-Takoradi lies on the main railway lines to Kumasi.[7][8]
Etymology[edit]
Sekondi is a name derived from the word 'second' after the settlement was chosen as the second location for a shallow water harbour.[9] Takoradi is a combination of the Portuguese word 'taccarada' and an Ahanta word 'ntakor'.[10]
History[edit]
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. The town prospered from a railroad built in 1903 to transport mineral and timber resources from the hinterland. In 1928, Ghana's first deepwater seaport was built in Takoradi.[6][12]
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 Libya. 26 Squadron SAAF was also based in Takoradi during the conflict, flying anti-submarine and convoy protection patrols over the Atlantic. A number of South African airmen are buried in the Takoradi European Public cemetery.[13][14]
Both cities merged in 1946.[15] On 20 November 1969, the city became the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sekondi–Takoradi.[16]
Demographics[edit]
Close to all of Sekondi-Takoradi's population is Christian form which 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 the city are the Ahanta people.[7]
Culture and tourism[edit]
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[edit]
The city is nicknamed the Oil City of Ghana due to the massive discovery of oil in the Western region. The city 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.[17][12]
Transportation[edit]
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.[7]
Climate[edit]
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).[18]
| Climate data for Sekondi-Takoradi | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °C (°F) | 35.0 (95.0) |
35.5 (95.9) |
35.0 (95.0) |
34.6 (94.3) |
34.6 (94.3) |
32.3 (90.1) |
31.8 (89.2) |
30.4 (86.7) |
31.2 (88.2) |
32.0 (89.6) |
34.5 (94.1) |
34.2 (93.6) |
35.5 (95.9) |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 30.4 (86.7) |
31.0 (87.8) |
31.3 (88.3) |
31.1 (88.0) |
30.2 (86.4) |
28.4 (83.1) |
27.3 (81.1) |
26.8 (80.2) |
27.6 (81.7) |
28.8 (83.8) |
30.0 (86.0) |
30.3 (86.5) |
29.4 (84.9) |
| Daily mean °C (°F) | 26.2 (79.2) |
26.9 (80.4) |
27.2 (81.0) |
27.2 (81.0) |
26.7 (80.1) |
25.6 (78.1) |
24.8 (76.6) |
24.1 (75.4) |
24.6 (76.3) |
25.5 (77.9) |
26.2 (79.2) |
26.2 (79.2) |
26.0 (78.8) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | 21.8 (71.2) |
22.6 (72.7) |
23.1 (73.6) |
23.2 (73.8) |
23.1 (73.6) |
22.8 (73.0) |
21.8 (71.2) |
21.1 (70.0) |
21.7 (71.1) |
22.1 (71.8) |
22.2 (72.0) |
22.1 (71.8) |
22.3 (72.1) |
| Record low °C (°F) | 16.1 (61.0) |
18.3 (64.9) |
20.6 (69.1) |
20.6 (69.1) |
20.0 (68.0) |
19.4 (66.9) |
17.2 (63.0) |
16.1 (61.0) |
17.8 (64.0) |
18.9 (66.0) |
18.9 (66.0) |
16.1 (61.0) |
16.1 (61.0) |
| Average rainfall mm (inches) | 31 (1.2) |
35 (1.4) |
79 (3.1) |
115 (4.5) |
250 (9.8) |
346 (13.6) |
120 (4.7) |
43 (1.7) |
57 (2.2) |
138 (5.4) |
77 (3.0) |
31 (1.2) |
1,322 (51.8) |
| Average rainy days (≥ 0.3 mm) | 3 | 4 | 7 | 10 | 17 | 19 | 13 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 10 | 5 | 126 |
| Average relative humidity (%) | 86 | 85 | 83 | 84 | 84 | 86 | 87 | 87 | 87 | 87 | 86 | 85 | 86 |
| Mean monthly sunshine hours | 207.7 | 209.1 | 229.4 | 216.0 | 192.2 | 132.0 | 148.8 | 133.3 | 126.0 | 195.3 | 243.0 | 229.4 | 2,262.2 |
| Mean daily sunshine hours | 6.7 | 7.4 | 7.4 | 7.2 | 6.2 | 4.4 | 4.8 | 4.3 | 4.2 | 6.3 | 8.1 | 7.4 | 6.2 |
| Source: Deutscher Wetterdienst[19] | |||||||||||||
Tourist attractions[edit]
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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, Last Hour Beach and Vienna Beach. It also has an annual street carnival which is locally known as Ankos, which is popular with tourists.[20]
Education[edit]
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).[21] 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
- Ghana Senior High Technical School (GSTS)
- Baidoo Bonsoe Senior High Technical School
- St. Mary's Boys' Senior High School
- Takoradi Secondary School
- Methodist senior high school
- Sekondi College
- Ahantaman Senior High School
- Fijai Secondary School
- Adiembra Secondary School
- Bompeh senior high technical school
- Archbishop Porter Girls Secondary School[21]
Takoradi Technical Institute houses a fab lab, equipped by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), which is the first of its kind in Africa.[21]
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.[22]
Stadiums and sports[edit]
Stadiums[edit]
Sports[edit]
Professional sports teams based in Sekondi-Takoradi include:
Institutions[edit]
Sister cities[edit]
Notable people[edit]
- Ben Bentil (born 1995), basketball player for Hapoel Tel Aviv of the Israeli Basketball Premier League
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ a b "World Gazetteer online". World-gazetteer.com. Archived from the original on 30 September 2007. Retrieved 8 February 2014.
- ^ "Sekondi-Takoradi – Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary". Merriam-webster.com. Retrieved 10 July 2024.
- ^ "Betway extends support to Volleyball Teams in the Western and Western North Regions". Citi Sports Online. 21 May 2021. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
- ^ "Twin-Cities project to plant 5,000 fruit-trees in Sekondi-Takoradi". Citinewsroom - Comprehensive News in Ghana. 4 February 2022. Retrieved 22 July 2023.
- ^ "Ghana Statistical Services". www.statsghana.gov.gh. Retrieved 11 May 2024.
- ^ a b "Private Tutor". Infoplease.com. Retrieved 8 February 2014.
- ^ a b c "Sekondi-Takoradi 2010 census" (PDF). Ghana Statistical Service. Retrieved 10 July 2024.
- ^ "Ministry of Railways Development - Ghana - railways development construction on western and eastern lines speeds off steadily". www.mrd.gov.gh. Retrieved 22 July 2023.
- ^ "From Second to Secondee: How the name Sekondi evolved". Graphic Online. Retrieved 10 July 2024.
- ^ "Takoradi: The tree stories behind the name". Graphic Online. Retrieved 10 July 2024.
- ^ "The Desert Air Force, 1943 - Imperial War Museums". Imperial War Museums. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
- ^ a b "Takoradi Port". Ghana Ports and Harbour Authority. Archived from the original on 31 December 2007.
- ^ Nancy Lawler (2002). Soldiers, Airmen, Spies, and Whisperers: The Gold Coast in World War II. Ohio University Press. ISBN 9780821414309. Retrieved 8 February 2014 – via BiblioVault.
- ^ "South Africa War Graves Project". Southafricawargraves.org. 8 October 2011. Retrieved 8 February 2014.
- ^ Eduful, A; Hooper, M (2019). "Urban migration and housing during resource booms: The case of Sekondi-Takoradi, Ghana". Habitat International. 93 102029. doi:10.1016/j.habitatint.2019.102029.
- ^ "Diocese of Sekondi–Takoradi, Ghana". gcatholic.org. Retrieved 10 July 2024.
- ^ Obeng-Odoom, F. (2014). Oiling the Urban Economy: Land, Labour, Capital, and the State in Sekondi-Takoradi, Ghana. ISBN 9781317682769.
{{cite book}}: Invalid|url-access=10 July 2024(help) - ^ "Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Short-Term Development Plan of Takoradi Port" (PDF). Japan International Cooperation Agency. 2010. Retrieved 10 July 2024.
- ^ "Klimatafel von Takoradi (Sekondi-Takoradi) / Ghana" (PDF). Baseline climate means (1961-1990) from stations all over the world (in German). Deutscher Wetterdienst. Retrieved 18 October 2016.
- ^ "Sekondi-Takoradi Masqueraders Street Carnival". CNN iReport. Retrieved 2 September 2016.
- ^ a b c [1] Archived 25 March 2012 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ World Guide to Libraries (25th ed.), De Gruyter Saur, 2011, ISBN 9783110230710
- ^ Starrfm.com.gh (15 July 2021). "Tarkwa: Awudua Gyaasehene reportedly kidnapped – Starr Fm". Retrieved 22 May 2022.
- ^ "Twin-Cities in Sustainable Partnership Project Launched in Takoradi". Sekondi Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
- ^ "Sister cities". boston.gov. City of Boston. 3 August 2016. Retrieved 7 December 2020.
- ^ "International Trade and Transportation". oaklandca.gov. City of Oakland. Retrieved 7 December 2020.
External links[edit]
Media related to Sekondi-Takoradi at Wikimedia Commons
Sekondi-Takoradi travel guide from Wikivoyage
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| National | |
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