Shama Ahanta East Metropolitan District
The Shama Ahanta East Metropolitan District was a district in the southeasternmost part of the Western Region of Ghana. The district was dominated by the two cities or the twin city Sekondi-Takoradi and was the only urban district in the western region. Shama Ahanta East was one of three Ghanaian districts with the type designation "Metropolitan" (ie "metropolitan"). The name of the district referred to the local Ahanta people . The residents of the twin city spoke different native languages, in addition to Ahanta, Nzema , Sehwi , Wasa , Brosa / Aowin (dialects of Anyin ) and Gwira / Pepesa were also common. 366,579 inhabitants lived in an area of 384 km² (as of 2002). The district was divided into the Sekondi-Takoradi and Shama districts.
Administration and government
The highest administrative and government body at the district level was the district assembly. It consisted of two-thirds elected members in the constituencies, one third was appointed by the district government. There were also three district councils for Sekondi, Takoradi and Shama.
Economy and Transport
The twin city of Sekondi-Takoradi is the third most important industrial location in Ghana. The most important location factor is the deep sea port of Takoradi. In addition to the approximately 360,000 inhabitants of the district, there are around 80,000 people who regularly commute here from neighboring districts in order to trade, shop or do wage labor. The district was also a railroad hub. The headquarters of the Ghana Railway Corporation is also located in Takoradi . This is where the railway lines from Accra in the east and from Kumasi in the north meet . There is a well-developed road network in the district by Ghanaian standards and an airport in Takoradi ( Takoradi Airport ).
education
The district had 105 pre-schools, 118 elementary schools, 79 junior secondary schools (approximately for ages 12-15) and 11 senior secondary or technical schools (approximately for ages 15-18). At the university level there was the Takoradi Polytechnic as a nationally respected facility for technical and scientific training.
History and sights
The area of the district had contact with European traders very early. Portuguese , Dutch and Brandenburger built fortified bases for the trade in gold, ivory and slaves here from the early 16th century. Fort San Sebastian in Shama , Fort Witsten in Takoradi and the two fortresses, Fort Sekondi and Fort Oranje in Sekondi, which are opposite in sight, are tourist attractions.