Sekondi-Takoradi

Sekondi-Takoradi: A Twin City Adventure in Ghana

Sekondi-Takoradi is a bustling city and the capital of the Western Region of Ghana. The city holds duality at its core. With the discovery of oil in 2007, this West African city has gone from fishing settlements to a bustling metropolis. As the industrial and commercial capital of the region, this port city is home to over 445,000 people and serves as a ‘Golden Gateway’ for the nation's economy.

Historic Background

The economic history of Sekondi-Takoradi, a city in Ghana, is fascinating. Trade, colonialism, and economic growth have shaped West Africa in various ways. Sekondi-Takoradi got the names "Taccarary" and "Secundis" from the Prussians, emphasising their presence and connection to trade on the Gold Coast. The Dutch were the first to establish a settlement in the city, building Fort Orange in Sekondi in 1644. However, by 1872, the Dutch left the area and sold everything they had to the British, dissolving the division between ‘Dutch and British Sekondi’. Fort Orange is (literally) a bright reminder of that era, serving as a lighthouse guiding ships to the city’s welcoming shores.

The development of Takoradi Harbour in 1928 under Governor Gordon Guggisberg's plan marked a pivotal moment. This harbour, the first one built by humans in West Africa, brought significant economic growth to the city. The railway, constructed in 1963, linked important mining towns and made it easier to transport goods, like cocoa, to the harbour. As a result, Sekondi-Takoradi, Kumasi, and Accra became known as the "Golden Triangle." Government even reduced income tax for businesses setting up in the city. These policies and initiatives helped the city attract new companies, making it a key player in Ghana's wood-processing industry by the 1980s. The economic boom started ongoing growth in industry and the economy that continues to shape Sekondi-Takoradi today.

Exploring Sekondi-Takoradi

Today, Sekondi-Takoradi plays a dynamic role in Ghana's economy. It is an industrial powerhouse, a magnet for international investment because of the significant political and Economic developments spurred by the discovery of oil. The city's infrastructure has received a facelift to accommodate this new status. The rhythmic hum of machinery from its factories is like a heartbeat in the growing ‘oil city’.

Known not only for its industrial activities, this town boasts a lively atmosphere. Something is always going on. With museums, boutiques, alongside a variety of restaurants downtown to explore Ghanaian cuisine, you will not get bored. And remember, as you depart with souvenirs in hand and memories in your heart, a simple "ayekoo" (thank you) will ensure smiles and warm farewells wherever you go.

Attractions in Sekondi-Takoradi

Sekondi-Takoradi has several interesting sites that visitors can explore. Some of the popular historical sites in Sekondi-Takoradi include: 

• Bisa Aberwa Museum : A museum that showcases the history and culture of the Ahanta people.
• Fort Orange: A historic fort that was rebuilt by the Dutch and now serves as a lighthouse. 
• Fort San Sebastian: A well-established fort in Shama. It is the second fort in the country after Axim Fort and has a lot of great history.
• The Old Port, established in 1928 is a living testimony to Sekondi-Takoradi's maritime history and heritage. 
• Nzulezu Village : The unique village, perched atop stilts amid a tranquil lake. The journey to Nzulezu itself is an adventure, with a canoe ride across the placid waters leading you to this quaint village. The Nzulezu people's simplistic lifestyle and their connection to nature is a refreshing perspective.

The town also hosts cheerful and colourful annual festivals like the Ankos Festival. It takes place on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day - a colourful, vibrant and cheerful celebration of Takoradi people. Colourful outfits, crafts, dances, street art, unending parties, and jams will just unnoticeably ‘pull you in’ the celebration! When that happens, just enjoy the celebration!