Tema, Ghana
Region: Greater Accra Region
Geographic Coordinates: 5.666700, -0.016700
Temperature Range: 25.0°C to 32.0°C (77°F to 90°F)
Climate: Tropical climate with two rainy seasons (April-June and September-October) and two dry seasons (December-March and July-August). Average temperature is around 27°C.
Population: 161612
Language: English
Tema is a bustling port city located in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. It is situated on the Gulf of Guinea and has become one of the most important ports in West Africa, Serving as a gateway for trade and commerce between Ghana and other countries. The city was established in 1961 by Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah, To serve as an industrial hub for the country. One of Tema’s main attractions is its beautiful beaches. The coastline stretches for miles, With soft white sand and crystal-clear waters that are perfect for swimming, Sunbathing or just relaxing.
The beaches are also home to a wide variety of marine life, Including dolphins and sea turtles. Another highlight of Tema is its vibrant cultural scene. The city hosts numerous festivals throughout the year that celebrate traditional music, Dance and art forms from all over Ghana. One such festival is Homowo which takes place in August every year where locals dress up in traditional attire to commemorate their ancestors who survived famine. Tema also boasts several historic landmarks that are worth visiting.
These include Independence Square which was built to commemorate Ghana’s independence from British colonial rule; Fort Prinzenstein which served as a slave trade station during the 18th century; and Osu Castle which was once used as a residence by European traders. The economy of Tema relies heavily on its port facilities which handle imports and exports from all over West Africa. In addition to this, There are several industrial estates located within the city that produce goods ranging from textiles to cement products.
This has made Tema an attractive destination for foreign investors looking to tap into West Africa’s growing consumer market. Despite being known primarily as an industrial hub, Tema has plenty of green spaces where visitors can enjoy nature walks or picnics with family and friends. Some popular parks include Community 11 Park which features a large lake surrounded by lush greenery; and the Tema Wildlife Reserve which is home to a variety of exotic animals such as antelopes, Monkeys and baboons. Overall, Tema is a fascinating destination that offers visitors a unique blend of history, Culture and modernity.
It is an ideal place to experience Ghana’s rich cultural heritage while also enjoying the conveniences of a modern city.
- Tema Harbour
- Community 1 Market
- Sakumono Beach
- Kpone-Katamanso District Assembly
- Ashaiman Municipal Assembly
- Tema Manhean Palace Museum
- Teshie-Nungua Traditional Area
- Afienya Nature Reserve
- Ada Foah Beach Resort
- Akosombo Dam and Lake Volta
- Port operations: Tema houses one of West Africa’s largest seaports, making it an essential hub for shipping and logistics.
- Manufacturing: A variety of manufacturing companies operate within Tema, including food processing, textile manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and chemical production.
- Oil and gas: The city is home to an oil refinery that processes crude oil from offshore fields.
- Construction: As the population and economy continue to grow, there is a high demand for construction services in Tema.
- Trade: Many wholesale markets sell goods such as textiles, electronics, and food products within the thriving trade sector of the city.
- Banking and finance: Several banks provide financial services to individuals and businesses alike within Tema.
- Tourism: Although not as developed as other cities like Accra or Kumasi, tourism remains an important industry with attractions such as beaches and historic sites drawing visitors to the area.
- Tema was established in 1952 as a planned industrial city to serve as the main port for Ghana’s economic development.
- The construction of the Tema Harbour began in 1954 and was completed in 1961, making it one of the largest and busiest ports in West Africa.
- Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first President, played a significant role in the establishment and development of Tema as an important part of his vision to modernize Ghana’s economy.
- During the 1960s and 1970s, Tema played a key role in Ghana’s industrialization drive with several factories established there.
- Along its coast are several fishing communities that make up an important part of Tema’s economy.
- In 2007, oil was discovered off the coast near Takoradi which has had significant implications for Ghana’s economic growth including that of Tema.
- Tetteh Quarshie Cocoa Farm is located near Tema and is considered one of the most important cocoa farms in Ghana because it was where cocoa seeds were first planted leading to today’s thriving cocoa industry.
- The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) is named after former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan who hails from Ghana; it overlooks Accra-Tema motorway interchange at Michel Camp area.
- Tema Motorway Interchange connects Accra-Tema motorway with other major roads leading into Accra city center.
- Tema Port: The largest seaport in Ghana and a major gateway for trade and commerce.
- Manet Cottage Art Gallery: A contemporary art gallery showcasing the works of Ghanaian artists.
- Tema Community 1 Center for National Culture: An arts and cultural center that hosts exhibitions, workshops, and performances.
- Tetteh Quarshie Interchange Monument: A monument dedicated to the man who brought cocoa to Ghana in the late 1800s.
- Tema Newtown Beach: A popular beach with white sand and clear water, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
- Maritime Museum of Ghana: A museum dedicated to the history of maritime trade in Ghana, housed in an old lighthouse.
- Kpone Traditional Area Palace Museum: A museum displaying artifacts related to the history and culture of the Kpone people.
- Sakumo Lagoon Protected Area: A nature reserve with mangrove forests, wetlands, birds, and other wildlife.
- Tema International Trade Fair Center: An exhibition center that hosts international trade fairs, conferences, concerts, and other events throughout the year.
- Tema Steel Works Industrial Museum: A museum showcasing steel industry machinery from its inception till date.
- Tema Youth Football Club: Established in 2004, this football club has become one of the most successful clubs in Ghana’s second-tier league. They won the Ghana Division One League title in 2013.
- Tema Basketball Club: Founded in 1985, this basketball team has participated in several national competitions and won the National Basketball Championship twice.
- Real Tema Hockey Club: Established in 1970, this hockey club is one of the oldest hockey clubs in Ghana and has won numerous national championships over the years.
- Mighty Jets FC: This football club was founded back in 1958 and is known for producing talented players who have gone on to play for top teams both locally and internationally.
- Tema United FC: A merger between two local teams – Great Ambassadors FC and Kumapim Royals FC – formed this football club with an aim to create a stronger team that can compete at higher levels.
Sports play a significant role for many people living within Tema as several local teams compete at various levels across different sports disciplines.
- Homowo Festival is a harvest festival celebrated by the Ga people of Tema in August or September. The festival involves a procession, drumming, dancing, and feasting.
- Kplejoo Festival is an annual festival celebrated by the people of Tema in November or December to mark the end of the farming season and give thanks to their gods for a bountiful harvest.
- The Ghana International Trade Fair takes place annually in February at the Ghana International Trade Fair Centre in Tema. It brings together local and international businesses to showcase their products and services.
- Temafest is an annual cultural festival organized by the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) to promote tourism and culture in Tema. It features music, dance, food, fashion shows, and other cultural activities.
- Easter Celebrations are observed by Christians with church services on Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
- Independence Day Celebrations are held annually on March 6th to commemorate Ghana’s independence from British colonial rule with parades across all regions including Tema.
- Tema Music Festival is a yearly event that brings together musicians from across Ghana for live performances.
- Banku and Tilapia at Auntie Muni’s.
- Fufu and Soup at Kofi Brokeman.
- Jollof Rice at Mama Mia’s Kitchen.
- Waakye at Tasty Treats.
- Grilled chicken and kebab at Chop Better.
- Fried rice, noodles, and chicken wings at Papa’s Pizza.
- Kenkey with grilled fish or meat stew at Kenkey House.
- Local street food such as kelewele (spicy fried plantains) or bofrot (doughnuts) from roadside vendors.
- Seafood dishes like lobster, crab, shrimp, octopus etc., are available in many restaurants in Tema since it is a port city.
- Palm wine is a popular drink that can be found in many local bars and restaurants around Tema.
- Tema Community 4 Park is a well-known recreational spot in Tema that offers activities such as jogging, walking, and picnicking.
- Sakumono Beach is situated in Sakumono, a suburb of Tema. It provides visitors with opportunities to swim, sunbathe and indulge in other beach activities.
- Afienya Nature Reserve can be found on the outskirts of Tema and boasts hiking trails and bird watching opportunities.
- Kpeshie Lagoon Protected Area is home to various species of birds and fish, making it an ideal location for fishing or taking a boat ride on the lagoon.
- The sports stadium in Tema hosts various sporting events such as football matches and athletics competitions.
- TDC Club House has facilities for tennis, squash, basketball as well as a swimming pool among others.
- Tema Country Golf Course provides golf enthusiasts with an opportunity to enjoy the sport with friends or family.
- Community 18 Park has facilities for playing soccer, basketball, etc.
