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Sekondi-Takoradi

Coordinates: 04°55′N 01°46′W / 4.917°N 1.767°W / 4.917; -1.767
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"Sekondi" redirects here. For the constituency, see Sekondi (Ghana parliament constituency).

Sekondi-Takoradi
City
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.
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.
Official logo of Sekondi-Takoradi
Logo of the City Metropolitan Assembly
Nickname: 
Oil City
Sekondi-Takoradi is located in Ghana
Sekondi-Takoradi
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 / 4.91667; -1.76667
CountryGhana
Admin. RegionWestern Region
DistrictSekondi Takoradi Metropolitan
Elevation
10 m (30 ft)
Population
 (2012)
 • Total445,205[1]
Time zoneUTC+0 (GMT)
Postal codes
WS000-WS792
Area code031
Websitewww.stma.gov.gh

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]

The Desert Air Force, 1943; Royal Air Force (RAF) airmen in tropical dress work on the Allison V-1710 Aircraft engine of a Tomahawk aircraft in a makeshift hangar. The photograph is believed to have been taken at RAF Takoradi.[11]

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[edit]

A house in Sekondi-Takoradi

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.[17][18]

Economy[edit]

See also: Takoradi Harbour

The city is a 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, is one of the largest fishing port in the region.[19] It historically have been a center for the timber and cocoa industries as these resources were transported into the city for export. The Takoradi Harbour is 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][12][21]

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).[22]

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[23]

Education[edit]

The city has several secondary schools, colleges, and special schools.[24] This is a list of senior high schools and colleges and universities in the city:[24]

Senior High Schools
Colleges and Universities

Takoradi Technical Institute houses a fab lab, equipped by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), which is the first of its kind in Africa.[24] The Western Regional Library was established in Sekondi in 1955.[25]

Sports[edit]

Interior design of Sekondi-Takoradi Stadium (2008)

Sekondi-Takoradi is home to two stadiums, Essipong Stadium and Gyandu Park. Notable sports teams based in the city are FC Takoradi, Sekondi Hasaacas, and Sekondi Wise Fighters.[26]

Sister cities[edit]

Notable people[edit]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b "World Gazetteer online". World-gazetteer.com. Archived from the original on 30 September 2007. Retrieved 8 February 2014.
  2. ^ "Sekondi-Takoradi – Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary". Merriam-webster.com. Retrieved 10 July 2024.
  3. ^ "Betway extends support to Volleyball Teams in the Western and Western North Regions". Citi Sports Online. 21 May 2021. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
  4. ^ "Twin-Cities project to plant 5,000 fruit-trees in Sekondi-Takoradi". Citinewsroom - Comprehensive News in Ghana. 4 February 2022. Retrieved 22 July 2023.
  5. ^ "Ghana Statistical Services". www.statsghana.gov.gh. Retrieved 11 May 2024.
  6. ^ a b "Private Tutor". Infoplease.com. Retrieved 8 February 2014.
  7. ^ a b c "Sekondi-Takoradi 2010 census" (PDF). Ghana Statistical Service. Retrieved 10 July 2024.
  8. ^ "Ministry of Railways Development - Ghana - railways development construction on western and eastern lines speeds off steadily". www.mrd.gov.gh. Retrieved 22 July 2023.
  9. ^ "From Second to Secondee: How the name Sekondi evolved". Graphic Online. Retrieved 10 July 2024.
  10. ^ "Takoradi: The tree stories behind the name". Graphic Online. Retrieved 10 July 2024.
  11. ^ "The Desert Air Force, 1943 - Imperial War Museums". Imperial War Museums. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
  12. ^ a b "Takoradi Port". Ghana Ports and Harbour Authority. Archived from the original on 31 December 2007.
  13. ^ 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.
  14. ^ "South Africa War Graves Project". Southafricawargraves.org. 8 October 2011. Retrieved 8 February 2014.
  15. ^ 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.
  16. ^ "Diocese of Sekondi–Takoradi, Ghana". gcatholic.org. Retrieved 10 July 2024.
  17. ^ Fordjour, R. "Traditional Cultural Festivals and Socio-economic Boost: Evidence from the Ankos Masquerade Festival in Ghana" (PDF). African Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure. 12 (3). doi:10.46222/ajhtl.19770720.417. Retrieved 11 July 2024.
  18. ^ "Sekondi-Takoradi Masqueraders Street Carnival". CNN iReport. Archived from the original on 19 June 2018. Retrieved 11 July 2024.
  19. ^ "Post Harvest Loss Reduction Study" (PDF). USAID. p. 30. Retrieved 11 July 2024.
  20. ^ Obeng-Odoom, F. (2014). Oiling the Urban Economy: Land, Labour, Capital, and the State in Sekondi-Takoradi, Ghana (PDF). p. 9. ISBN 9781317682769.
  21. ^ "Sekondi-Takoradi as an Oil City - Geography Research Forum". Geography Research Forum. Retrieved 11 July 2024.
  22. ^ "Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Short-Term Development Plan of Takoradi Port" (PDF). Japan International Cooperation Agency. 2010. Retrieved 10 July 2024.
  23. ^ "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.
  24. ^ a b c "Schools in Ghana, from Creche, JSS, JHS, SSS, SHS, Polytechnics, Teacher Training to Universities - Ghana Schools Online". Archived from the original on 25 March 2012. Retrieved 11 July 2024.
  25. ^ World Guide to Libraries (25th ed.), De Gruyter Saur, 2011, ISBN 9783110230710
  26. ^ "Sekondi-Takoradi Stadium (Sekondi Sports Stadium)". stadiumdb.com.
  27. ^ "Twin-Cities in Sustainable Partnership Project Launched in Takoradi". Sekondi Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
  28. ^ "Sister cities". boston.gov. City of Boston. 3 August 2016. Retrieved 7 December 2020.
  29. ^ "International Trade and Transportation". oaklandca.gov. City of Oakland. Retrieved 7 December 2020.

External links[edit]

04°55′N 01°46′W / 4.917°N 1.767°W / 4.917; -1.767

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