Sekondi-Takoradi, population 335,000 (2005), comprising the twin cities of Sekondi and Takoradi, is the capital of the Western Region of Ghana. It is Ghana’s fourth largest city and an industrial and commercial center. The chief industries are timber, plywood, shipbuilding and railroad repair and recently, oil. It lies on the main railway lines to Accra and Kumasi.
History
Sekondi, older and larger, was the site of Dutch Fort Orange (1642) and English Fort Sekondi (1682). It prospered from a railroad built in 1903 to hinterland mineral and timber resources. Takoradi was the site of Dutch Fort Witsen (1665) and has an important deepwater seaport, Ghana’s first, built in 1928. During World War II, Takoradi Air Base was an important staging point for British aircraft destined for Egypt. 26 Squadron SAAF was also based in Takoradi during WWII flying anti-submarine and convoy protection patrols over the Atlantic. A number of South African airmen are buried in the Takoradi European Public cemetery.
The cities combined in 1946.On November 20, 1969, the city became the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sekondi–Takoradi.
The city is currently named (although not officially) as the Oil City of Ghana due to the massive discovery of oil in the western region of Ghana and has attracted massive migration from people all over the world.
Education
Sekondi Takoradi is home to Takoradi Polytechnic, (A Tertiary Institution), Nurses and Midwifery Training College, Holy Child Teachers Training College(Now a College of Education.)The Sekondi Takoradi city currently has several secondary schools, colleges, and Special schools, ranging from single-sex to coeducational institutions. These include: Ghana Secondary Technical School (GSTS) St. John’s School, Sekondi College, Ahantaman Secondary School, Fijai Secondary School, Adiembra Secondary School, Archbishop Porter Girls Secondary School and many others.
Takoradi has a well-equipped technical training centre (Takoradi Technical Institute, TTI, 1,400 students in two shifts) assisted by the German government through GTZ/GOPA.
Apart from TTI, Takoradi has a polytechnic and other renowned secondary schools including Ghana Secondary Technical School, St. Mary Secondary School, Bompeh Secondary School, Takoradi Secondary School and many others. Takoradi is also a port city 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.
It has a lot of beautiful beaches which also attract tourists from throughout the world.
Sekondi-Takoradi is a Sister City of Boston (Massachusetts, USA), Oakland (California, USA) and maintains a link with Plymouth (Devon, England).
Takoradi Technical Institute houses a Fab lab, equipped by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), which is the first of its kind in Africa.
Mercy Foundation International is an organization that works with vulnerable children and street children. It has recently opened an internet café and computer training centre to encourage familiarity with computers and help them acquire computer skills.
Sister cities
Sekondi-Takoradi Stadium
United States Boston (United States)
United States Oakland (United States)
