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

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

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.

afternoon
:

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.

evening
:

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.

day 2
Beach and Water Sports
morning
:

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.

afternoon
:

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.

evening
:

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.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔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.

Sekondi Harbour and Fishing Canoes

Early morning and late afternoon provide dramatic shots of colourful wooden canoes, fishers at work, and bustling market activity.

Coastal Forts and Waterfront Ruins

Colonial-era forts, walls and old warehouses along the coast give atmospheric architectural and historical photos, especially at golden hour.

Sekondi Central Market

A vibrant palette of produce, textiles and customers — great for candid street photography and capturing daily life.

Beaches at Sunset

Wide coastal views with silhouetted fishermen and canoes produce excellent sunset and silhouette photographs.

Local Villages and Canoe-making

Document traditional canoe-building and coastal craft skills in nearby fishing villages for cultural portraits and process photos (ask permission).

Culinary Guide

Food in Sekondi

Sekondi’s cuisine reflects coastal Ghanaian food: abundant fresh seafood, coconut and palm-based stews, and staples like banku, fufu and rice dishes. Meals are hearty and often shared; street food and chop bars (local eateries) offer authentic, inexpensive dining. Expect bold flavours — peppery soups, smoked fish, and starchy sides that pair with spicy sauces. Markets and beachside stalls are the best places to sample everyday local cooking.

Sekondi Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Banku and Tilapia

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!

Fufu with Light Soup or Palm Nut Soup

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.

Waakye

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.

Kelewele

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

Sekondi Fish Market

Early-morning hub where fishermen sell the day’s catch; great for fresh seafood, photos and trying grilled fish at nearby stalls.

Sekondi Central / Local Food Stalls

Cluster of chop bars and street vendors near the market serving banku, waakye, jollof rice and snacks — ideal for cheap, authentic meals.

Takoradi Market Circle (nearby)

Larger market a short trip away, with more variety of street food, pastries, and regional specialties — busy and excellent for food exploration.

Climate Guide

Weather

Sekondi has a tropical coastal climate with warm temperatures year-round (generally mid-20s to low-30s °C / mid-70s to high 80s °F) and high humidity. Rainfall follows two main peaks (April–June and September–November) with drier months in between; coastal breezes moderate temperatures but humidity can make it feel hotter. Prepare for sudden showers during rainy seasons and for dusty Harmattan conditions in some dry months.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

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.

Respect for Elders

Show deference to elders in conversation; use polite language and stand when an older person enters a room where appropriate.

Dress and Modesty

Dress modestly in public, particularly when visiting religious sites or rural communities — avoid overly revealing clothing.

Photography

Ask permission before photographing people, ceremonies or private property; many will say yes if asked respectfully and sometimes request a small tip.

Bargaining

Bargaining in markets is normal for crafts and souvenirs; do so courteously and enjoy the social exchange.

Safety Guide

Safety

Sekondi is generally safe for visitors but exercise typical urban precautions: watch for petty theft, avoid displaying valuables, and be cautious in isolated areas after dark. Use reputable taxis or ride-hailing where available after late-night outings and keep an eye on belongings at markets and beaches. Swimming can be hazardous due to currents; ask locals about safe spots and lifeguard presence. Carry a copy of your passport, have emergency contacts, and consider a local SIM for quick communication.

Tipping in Sekondi

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

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.

Payment Methods

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...

Dry Season / Harmattan (approx. Dec–Feb)

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.

Main Rainy Season (approx. Apr–Jun)

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.

Minor Rainy Season (approx. Sep–Nov)

Shorter rain spells with warm temperatures; good for fewer tourists but some attractions or roads may be affected by showers.

Hot Season / Peak Humidity (approx. Mar)

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.

Nightlife Guide

Sekondi at Night

Sekondi’s nightlife is low-key compared with nearby Takoradi, but you’ll find neighbourhood bars, live-music venues showcasing highlife and hiplife, and busy weekend spots where locals gather. Takoradi (a short taxi ride) has larger clubs, more restaurants and late-night entertainment for visitors seeking a livelier scene. Beachfront bars sometimes host informal music and dancing on weekends; always use taxis at night and avoid walking poorly lit streets alone.

Hiking in Sekondi

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Kakum National Park (day trip)

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.

Ankasa Conservation Area (longer trip)

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 Trails and Cape Three Points Walks

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.

Takoradi Airport (TKD)

Small regional airport serving Sekondi-Takoradi with domestic flights and occasional charter services; closest airport for quick access to the town.

Kotoka International Airport (ACC)

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.

Getting Around

Walkability

Sekondi is relatively compact and walkable in central neighborhoods, harbourside promenades and market areas. Sidewalks can be uneven and roads may lack pedestrian infrastructure in places, so exercise caution when crossing streets and avoid long walks after dark. Short distances between markets, the harbour and beaches make walking a pleasant option for daytime exploration.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Fante (Akan subgroup)

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.

Urban working-class communities

Sekondi has a large population involved in fishing, port activities, small-scale commerce and oil/cocoa-related industries, creating a busy, industrious urban character.

Ethnic diversity and migrant workers

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.

Football (Soccer)

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.

Beach Soccer and Canoe Racing

Informal beach football matches and traditional canoe races are common along the coast and during festivals, reflecting the town’s fishing heritage.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Sekondi is generally lighter than in Accra but congestion can build during morning and evening peaks, market days and festivals. Tro-tros (shared minibuses), taxis, and motorcycles are common modes of transport; negotiate fares for taxis ahead of time or insist on the meter where available. Road conditions vary — major roads are paved but secondary roads can be rough, especially after heavy rains.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Sekondi.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

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.

Vegan

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.

Halal / Muslim Diets

Many vendors and restaurants can accommodate halal preferences informally; look for Muslim-run eateries or ask if meat is halal — seafood is widely acceptable.

Allergies

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.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic clinics and health centers serve Sekondi residents and visitors for minor ailments; for more advanced care, the Sekondi-Takoradi Regional Hospital and other larger facilities in Takoradi offer broader services. Bring any necessary prescription medications, carry travel health insurance, and know the location and contact details of nearby hospitals before you travel. Emergency response times may be slower than in major cities; for serious medical issues, transfers to Accra or private clinics could be necessary.

Discover Ghana

Read more in our Ghana 2025 Travel Guide.

Ghana Travel Guide