Things To Do
in Sekondi
Sekondi is one half of the twin city Sekondi-Takoradi on Ghana’s Western Coast, a working port and fishing town with a busy harbour, colourful markets, and coastal charm. The town blends colonial-era forts and warehouses with lively local markets, seafood chop bars, and everyday Ghanaian life. Sekondi’s shoreline offers sandy beaches, fishing canoes at dawn, and photogenic sunsets over the Gulf of Guinea.
Close ties to the oil, cocoa and fishing industries give the area a strong maritime and working-class character that visitors can explore within a compact urban center.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a delightful breakfast at a local café, sampling traditional Ghanaian dishes like kelewele and porridge. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the historic streets of Sekondi, where colonial-era buildings tell the story of the town's past. Visit the Sekondi-Takoradi Museum of Natural History to gain insights into the local culture and heritage.
Enjoy a hearty lunch at a nearby restaurant, savoring fresh seafood dishes that celebrate the coastal location. In the afternoon, explore the bustling markets, where you can interact with local artisans and purchase handmade crafts. Don’t miss the chance to visit the iconic Fort Orange, a significant historical site that offers stunning views of the coastline.
Wrap up your day by dining at a seafood eatery along the coast, indulging in grilled tilapia and banku. As the sun sets, take a tranquil walk along the beachfront, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and the sound of waves. Consider joining a local drumming circle or cultural performance to experience the rich musical heritage of the area.
Kick off your morning with a refreshing swim at the beautiful Busua Beach, known for its golden sands and gentle waves. Rent a surfboard or take a surfing lesson from local instructors eager to share their expertise with you. Enjoy a beachside breakfast at one of the beach bars, where you can relish fresh fruits and smoothies.
After your morning activities, engage in thrilling water sports such as jet skiing or paddleboarding, with options available for all skill levels. Grab a light lunch at a beach shack, trying out dishes like jollof rice or grilled chicken. Spend the afternoon relaxing under the sun or participating in beach volleyball games with locals and fellow travelers.
As the day winds down, enjoy a sunset cruise along the coastline, allowing you to take in the stunning views of the horizon. Afterward, settle down for dinner at a beachfront restaurant, tasting local delicacies like fried yam and spicy pepper sauce. Experience the nightlife at Busua Beach, where you can enjoy live music and dance under the stars.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee or soft drink | $1-2 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (within town) | $1.50-4 |
| 🛏️Budget guesthouse / hotel (per night) | $20-40 |
| 🎟️Local attraction / museum | $1-5 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic coastal Ghanaian experience with fresh seafood and working harbour life
- Compact town with photogenic markets, forts and beaches within easy reach
- Friendly local communities and opportunities for cultural exchanges
- Affordable costs and good access to regional attractions such as Kakum National Park
- Limited high-end tourist infrastructure compared with larger cities
- Rainy seasons can disrupt travel and make roads muddy
- Some areas can feel rough around the edges and require extra caution at night
- Fewer direct international transport links — transfers often required via Accra
- "Maakye" - Good morning (Twi/Fante)
- "Maaha" - Good afternoon (Twi/Fante)
- "Maadwo" - Good evening (Twi/Fante)
- "Meda wo ase" - Thank you (Twi)
- "Mepa wo kyɛw" - Please / Excuse me (Twi)
- "Ɛte sɛn?" - How are you? (Twi)
- "Yoo / Yoo na" - Okay / Alright (evergreen informal acknowledgement)
Places to Visit in Sekondi
Visit one of these nice places.
Early morning and late afternoon provide dramatic shots of colourful wooden canoes, fishers at work, and bustling market activity.
Colonial-era forts, walls and old warehouses along the coast give atmospheric architectural and historical photos, especially at golden hour.
A vibrant palette of produce, textiles and customers — great for candid street photography and capturing daily life.
Wide coastal views with silhouetted fishermen and canoes produce excellent sunset and silhouette photographs.
Document traditional canoe-building and coastal craft skills in nearby fishing villages for cultural portraits and process photos (ask permission).
Food in Sekondi
Sekondi Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fermented corn and cassava dough (banku) served with grilled or fried tilapia and a peppery tomato-onion sauce; widely available at beachfront chop bars and fish markets.
Must-Try!
Pounded cassava and plantain (fufu) eaten with a clear light soup or rich palm nut stew, often with fish or meat — a filling, traditional meal popular across the region.
Rice and beans cooked together, served with assorted sides such as fried fish, boiled eggs, shito (hot pepper sauce) and gari; a staple street-food breakfast or lunch.
Spiced fried plantain cubes seasoned with ginger, pepper, and salt — a popular snack sold by street vendors and in markets.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Early-morning hub where fishermen sell the day’s catch; great for fresh seafood, photos and trying grilled fish at nearby stalls.
Cluster of chop bars and street vendors near the market serving banku, waakye, jollof rice and snacks — ideal for cheap, authentic meals.
Larger market a short trip away, with more variety of street food, pastries, and regional specialties — busy and excellent for food exploration.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Always greet people politely when entering shops or meeting locals; a handshake and a smile go a long way and asking 'How are you?' is customary.
Show deference to elders in conversation; use polite language and stand when an older person enters a room where appropriate.
Dress modestly in public, particularly when visiting religious sites or rural communities — avoid overly revealing clothing.
Ask permission before photographing people, ceremonies or private property; many will say yes if asked respectfully and sometimes request a small tip.
Bargaining in markets is normal for crafts and souvenirs; do so courteously and enjoy the social exchange.
Safety
Tipping in Sekondi
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always expected; round up small bills for porters and taxi drivers or leave 5–10% for table service in nicer restaurants. Offer small tips to guides and drivers for good service.
The Ghanaian cedi (GHS) is the local currency; cash is king in Sekondi, especially at markets and small eateries. Mobile money (MTN Mobile Money and others) is widely used; larger hotels, supermarkets and some restaurants accept major credit/debit cards but connectivity can be unreliable — carry cash for most transactions.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Generally dry and slightly cooler in the mornings; dust-laden Harmattan winds can reduce visibility and create hazy skies — carry a light scarf, moisturizer and eye protection.
Expect heavier rains and humid conditions, with short, intense downpours that can disrupt coastal travel and make some unpaved roads muddy — pack a rain jacket and waterproof shoes.
Shorter rain spells with warm temperatures; good for fewer tourists but some attractions or roads may be affected by showers.
Hottest month before the main rains: hot and humid with strong sun—stay hydrated, use sunscreen, and plan strenuous outdoor activities for mornings or late afternoons.
Sekondi at Night
Hiking in Sekondi
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Rainforest reserve known for its canopy walkway, trails and biodiversity — a few hours’ drive inland and a popular day trip for hiking, birdwatching and cooling off in forest shade.
Western-region rainforest with trails, waterfalls and rich wildlife; more remote and suited to nature-focused travellers prepared for a longer journey and guided hikes.
Coastal paths and headland walks near Cape Three Points and other nearby capes offer easier hikes with ocean views, lighthouse visits and opportunities to explore secluded beaches and fishing hamlets.
Airports
How to reach Sekondi by plane.
Small regional airport serving Sekondi-Takoradi with domestic flights and occasional charter services; closest airport for quick access to the town.
Ghana’s main international airport in Accra; about a 3–4 hour drive from Sekondi depending on traffic and route — most international travellers transfer here by road or internal flight connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The Fante people (part of the Akan) are a dominant cultural and linguistic group in Sekondi and the coastal Western Region, with strong fishing and trading traditions.
Sekondi has a large population involved in fishing, port activities, small-scale commerce and oil/cocoa-related industries, creating a busy, industrious urban character.
The town includes migrants from other Ghanaian ethnic groups and neighbouring countries drawn by trade, fishing and regional employment opportunities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The dominant sport locally — follow matches, local club fixtures and enthusiastic community support; Sekondi has its own football culture with local clubs and match days as major social events.
Informal beach football matches and traditional canoe races are common along the coast and during festivals, reflecting the town’s fishing heritage.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Sekondi.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are more limited; request dishes based on beans (waakye), plain rice, vegetable stews and plantain. Many soups are fish- or meat-based, so clearly state preferences and ask if stock contains fish or meat.
Chop bars may use fish or shrimp stock; stick to plain rice, kenkey without fish, plantain, salads and vegetable stews, and confirm ingredients before ordering.
Many vendors and restaurants can accommodate halal preferences informally; look for Muslim-run eateries or ask if meat is halal — seafood is widely acceptable.
Seafood is a staple in Sekondi — inform vendors about shellfish allergies and be cautious with street food where cross-contamination is possible. Carry translation cards for severe allergies.