The city of Takoradi stands as a symbol of industrial strength and economic promise in West Africa. It has transformed in the past two decades into the beating heart of Ghana’s oil and gas industry. Since the discovery of offshore oil in commercial quantities in 2007, and the commencement of production in 2010, Takoradi, often referred to as “Oil City”, has been fundamental in shaping Ghana’s energy sources and contributing significantly to national development.
In this article, you’ll discover how Takoradi’s port infrastructure and skilled workforce drive national development, and what this transformation signals for Ghana’s future on the global energy stage.
Takoradi has emerged as an onshore base for the operations surrounding the oil industry. © Kees Torn/Wikimedia – CC BY-SA 2.0
The Discovery of Oil and Takoradi’s New Identity
The Jubilee oil field, discovered by Kosmos Energy and later developed by Tullow Oil and its partners, is located about 60 kilometers offshore from Takoradi. This discovery marked a turning point in Ghana’s economic trajectory.
Though Ghana was already known for its gold, cocoa, and timber, the addition of oil to its export portfolio promised to catapult the country into a new league of resource-rich nations.
The city’s proximity to the Jubilee Field, its established port infrastructure, and its growing population made it ideal for the setup of oil service companies, logistics hubs, and training institutions.
As a result, Takoradi evolved into a bustling metropolis, one that not only facilitated offshore exploration and production but also began to reshape the broader economic landscape of Ghana.
Economic Contributions to Ghana
The contribution of oil to Ghana’s economy since commercial production began has been substantial. According to the Ghana Petroleum Funds, oil revenues have supported key national initiatives, infrastructure development, and budgetary stabilization. A portion of the revenues goes into the Ghana Stabilization Fund and the Ghana Heritage Fund, which are designed to provide economic cushion and long-term savings respectively.
The oil industry has increased Ghana’s GDP, boosted foreign direct investment (FDI), and supported the national currency by adding a valuable export commodity. For instance, within just a few years after the first oil flowed, Ghana experienced one of the fastest economic growth rates in the world, with growth peaking at over 14% in 2011, largely due to the commencement of oil exports.
Locally, Takoradi has reaped some of the early benefits. Job creation has seen a noticeable improvement, especially in support services such as transportation, hospitality, logistics, and technical services.
Infrastructure Development in Takoradi
Takoradi has become a strong maritime hub in West Africa. © Banku/Wikimedia – CC BY-SA 3.0
The oil boom has sparked significant improvements in infrastructure in and around Takoradi. The Takoradi Port, for instance, has undergone major expansion projects aimed at increasing its capacity to handle oil and gas logistics, as well as bulk cargo, becoming in the process one of Ghana’s most important ports.
These expansions have boosted port traffic and also enhanced Ghana’s
New roads, real estate developments, hotels, and commercial buildings have sprung up to meet the demands of a growing population of oil workers, engineers, and expatriates. This urban expansion has brought new energy to the city, transforming it from a sleepy coastal town into a vibrant urban center.
Educational institutions have also benefited. The Takoradi Technical University, for instance, has expanded its programs to include petroleum-related engineering and technology courses. These programs are designed to train the next generation of Ghanaians to take ownership of their country’s resources and build capacity in the sector.
Key Milestones in Takoradi’s Oil & Gas Development
| Year | Milestone | Description |
| 2007 | Jubilee field discovery | Ghana’s first commercial offshore oil find |
| 2010 | First oil produced | FPSO Kwame Nkrumah begins operation |
| 2011 | Takoradi Supply Base opens | Major logistics hub for offshore services launched |
| 2012 | TEN field discovery | Tweneboa-Enyenra-Ntomme adds significant reserves |
| 2014 | Phase 1B expansion | FPSO John Evans Atta Mills deployed |
| 2019 | Sankofa-Gye Nyame production | Third FPSO starts output from Sankofa field |
| 2022 | Port expansion completed | Increased berth capacity and onshore storage added |
| 2025 | Offshore wind feasibility studies | Planning begins for renewable integration |
Challenges and the Need for Sustainable Management
Despite the opportunities oil has presented, challenges remain. The global volatility of oil prices has shown that oil revenues can be inconsistent. There have been calls for improved transparency and accountability in how oil revenues are managed to ensure that they translate into long-term national development, rather than being misused or wasted.
Moreover, environmental concerns have arisen from the increased industrial activity, both offshore and onshore. Coastal communities in the Western Region, including Takoradi, have raised concerns about the impact of oil spills, waste disposal, and degradation of marine resources.
Another pressing concern is local content. While progress has been made, more can be done to ensure that Ghanaians, especially those in the Western Region, are employed in key positions within the oil and gas sector. Empowering local companies to become major players in the supply chain will ensure that a greater portion of the oil wealth remains within the country.
What Locals and Expats Should Know about Takoradi
The modern Sekondi-Takoradi Stadium. © Oluniyi Ajao/Wikimedia – CC BY-SA 2.0
As Takoradi continues to grow alongside Ghana’s oil industry, staying informed about the region’s evolving landscape is essential, whether you’re looking for investment opportunities in Ghana, a professional, or a new resident in the city.
With ongoing port expansions, new training centers, and rising demand for specialized skills, the city is increasingly becoming a hotspot for opportunities in logistics, engineering, energy services, and education.
It’s worth keeping an eye on key developments in infrastructure and local partnerships. Businesses are expanding, and the city’s real estate, hospitality, and retail scenes are adapting to meet the expectations of a more diverse, global population.
The growing presence of oil service companies and training institutions also presents networking and collaboration opportunities for both locals and foreigners with expertise in the energy, construction, and tech sectors.
Final Thoughts
As Takoradi cements its role at the heart of Ghana’s offshore oil and gas network, its evolution from a quiet fishing town to “Oil City” illustrates the profound impact of strategic infrastructure, specialized expertise, and community resilience.
The city has become a catalyst for regional prosperity and a bellwether for how emerging markets can leverage their coastal assets. Looking ahead, how Takoradi balances continued petroleum-driven growth with environmental stewardship and economic diversification will shape not only the city’s identity, but also Ghana’s broader journey through the global energy transition.
