Sekondi-Takoradi

Sekondi-Takoradi is a city in Ghana comprising the twin cities of Sekondi and Takoradi. 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 104,847 people, according to the 2021 census.

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. Sekondi-Takoradi lies on the main railway lines to Kumasi.

Etymology
Sekondi is a name derived from the word 'second' after the settlement was chosen as the second location for a shallow water harbour. Takoradi is a combination of the Portuguese word 'taccarada' and an Ahanta word 'ntakor'.

History
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.

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.

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

Culture
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.

Economy
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, is one of the largest fishing port in the region. 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.

Demographics
Close to all of Sekondi-Takoradi's population is Christian from which 35% 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.

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.

Climate
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 while the average annual low is 22.2 C. 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 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.

Education
The city has several secondary schools, colleges, and special schools. This is a list of senior high schools, colleges, and universities in the city: Takoradi Technical Institute houses a fab lab, equipped by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), which is the first of its kind in Africa. The Western Regional Library was established in Sekondi in 1955.
 * Senior High Schools
 * St. John's School
 * Ghana Senior High Technical School
 * Baidoo Bonsoe Senior High Technical School
 * St. Mary's Boys' Senior High School
 * Methodist senior high school
 * Ahantaman Senior High School
 * Fijai Secondary School
 * Adiembra Secondary School
 * Bompeh Senior High Technical School
 * Archbishop Porter Girls Secondary School
 * Colleges/Universities
 * Takoradi Technical University
 * Nurses and Midwifery Training College
 * Holy Child Teachers Training College
 * Sekondi College

Sports
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.

Sister cities

 * 🇮🇹 Palermo, Italy (2021)
 * 🇺🇸 Boston, United States (2001)
 * 🇺🇸 Oakland, United States (1975)

Notable people

 * Ben Bentil (born 1995), basketball player for Hapoel Tel Aviv of the Israeli Basketball Premier League