Sekondi-Takoradi: The Twin City Jewel of Ghana

• HelloAgoo
  [ah-goh]
• GoodbyeAfehyia pa
  [ah-fay-hee-ah pah]
• YesAane
  [ah-neh]
• NoDabi
  [dah-bee]
• Please/You're welcomeMesrɛ
  [meh-sreh]
• Thank youMedaase
  [meh-dah-ah-seh]
• Excuse me/SorryKramo
  [krah-moh]
• How are you?Wo ho te sen?
  [woh hoh teh seh]
• Fine. And you?Yɛbɛhyia. Na wo nni hɔ?
  [yeh-beh-hee-yah. nah woh nnee hoh]
• Do you speak English?Wo ka ho a, twi ne saa?
  [woh kah hoh ah, t-wee neh sah]
• I don't understandMenso abɛba
  [mehn-soh ah-beh-bah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseM'akoma nkyerɛ me
  [mah-koh-mah en-cheh-reh meh]
• I don't eat meatM'ani bɔ nkɔtɔ
  [mah-nee boh n-ko-toh]
• Cheers!Nkosua!
  [en-koh-suh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseM'ani mma wo
  [mah-nee mmah woh]

• Help!Boa me!
  [boh-ah meh]
• Go away!Kae w'ani
  [kah-eh w-ah-nee]
• Call the Police!Kɔ yɛ aman ne kɔtɔfoɔ
  [koh yeh ah-mahn neh koh-toh-foh]
• Call a doctor!Kɔ yɛ dɔkita
  [koh yeh doh-kee-tah]
• I'm lostM'ani afei
  [mah-nee ah-fay]
• I'm illM'ani nso
  [mah-nee en-soh]

• I'd like to buy...M'ani nso nkyerɛ...
  [mah-nee en-soh en-cheh-reh]
• I'm just lookingM'ani ntɛm
  [mah-nee en-tem]
• How much is it?Afei bɔdeɛn?
  [ah-fay boh-dehn]
• That's too expensiveƐyɛ dɛn
  [eh-yeh dehn]
• Can you lower the price?Wo nni dɛn hɔ?
  [woh nnee dehn hoh]

• What time is it?Dɛn ne yɛnom?
  [dehn neh yeh-nom]
• It's one o'clockYɛn nom no mu
  [yehn nom noh moo]
• Half past (10)Afei kakra (10)
  [ah-fay kah-krah]
• MorningAnɔpa
  [ah-noh-pah]
• AfternoonƐwiɛm
  [eh-wee-em]
• EveningAnɔpa
  [ah-noh-pah]
• YesterdayNnim
  [nee-m]
• TodayN'ɛda
  [neh-dah]
• TomorrowƐkyɛda
  [eh-cheh-dah]
• 1Kɔ
  [koh]
• 2Abo
  [ah-boh]
• 3Anan
  [ah-nahn]
• 4Anan
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• 5Anan
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• 6Anan
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• 7Anan
  [ah-nahn]
• 8Anan
  [ah-nahn]
• 9Anan
  [ah-nahn]
• 10Anan
  [ah-nahn]

• Where's a/the...?Ɛwɔ...?
  [eh-woh]
• What's the address?Ɛtɔɔso bɛn nnyɛ?
  [eh-toh-so behn n-nyeh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Wo nni kyerɛ me?
  [woh nnee cheh-reh meh]
• When's the next (bus)?Afei bɔkɔɔ no?
  [ah-fay boh-koh-koh noh]
• A ticket (to ....)Tikɛt (kɔ ....)
  [tee-keh-t (koh)]

Sekondi and Takoradi, the twin cities now collectively known as Sekondi-Takoradi, have their origins rooted in the early 17th century. Sekondi was originally a small fishing village, while Takoradi was relatively more inland. The region became significant due to the presence of the Europeans, particularly the Dutch, British, and Swedes, who were engaged in trade, including the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Fort Orange, built by the Dutch in 1642 in Sekondi, is a testament to the early European influence.

The colonial era brought significant changes to Sekondi-Takoradi. The British took control of the region in the late 19th century, and Sekondi became an important administrative and commercial center. The construction of the Sekondi Harbour in 1903 and the Takoradi Harbour in 1928 marked major milestones in the cities' development. Takoradi Harbour, in particular, played a crucial role during World War II, serving as a key logistical hub for the Allies.

After Ghana gained independence in 1957, Sekondi-Takoradi continued to grow as a major economic hub. The city's infrastructure expanded, and it became known for its industrial activities, especially in the sectors of shipping and timber. The establishment of the Takoradi Polytechnic in 1954, later transformed into the Takoradi Technical University, contributed to the city's educational landscape.

Sekondi-Takoradi is rich in cultural heritage, with various festivals celebrated throughout the year. One of the most prominent is the Kundum Festival, celebrated by the Ahanta and Nzema people. This harvest festival, which involves traditional drumming, dancing, and feasting, is held to thank the gods for a good harvest and to pray for prosperity. The twin cities also boast vibrant arts and crafts, including kente weaving and bead-making.

Today, Sekondi-Takoradi is known as the 'Oil City' of Ghana due to the discovery of oil in the Western Region. The city has seen rapid development and modernization, with numerous multinational companies establishing their presence. Despite this, Sekondi-Takoradi retains its historical charm, with colonial-era buildings and forts like Fort Orange and Fort Sekondi still standing as reminders of its rich past.

Sekondi-Takoradi is served by the Takoradi Airport, which has domestic flights from Accra. The journey from Accra by road takes approximately 4-5 hours. Buses and private cars are available for this route. The city is also accessible by train from Accra, though schedules can be irregular.

In Sekondi-Takoradi, taxis are a common mode of transport and are relatively affordable. Trotros (shared minibuses) are another popular option for getting around the city and are very economical. Car rentals are available but driving can be challenging due to local traffic and road conditions.

The official currency is the Ghanaian Cedi (GHS). Credit cards are accepted in larger hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are widely available, but it's wise to withdraw sufficient cash when in more rural areas.

Sekondi-Takoradi is generally safe for tourists, but it's essential to exercise standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night, particularly in less populated areas. Be vigilant in crowded places to avoid pickpocketing. Certain areas, like Market Circle, can have higher crime rates, so stay alert.

In case of emergency, dial 191 for police assistance, 192 for fire services, and 193 for medical emergencies. The city has several hospitals and clinics for medical emergencies. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical issues. Pharmacies are available for minor health concerns.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in religious and rural areas. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local religious practices. Remove your shoes when entering mosques or homes. Public Transport: Do be polite and give up your seat for elders on trotros. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. Using the right hand is customary. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings as a sign of hospitality. Don't refuse food without a polite explanation.

To experience Sekondi-Takoradi like a local, visit the local markets and try street food delicacies like 'kebabs' and 'banku.' Engage with the locals, who are usually friendly and willing to share stories. Don't miss the Takoradi Beach for a relaxing day and the lively nightlife in the city.