Shama Esima Shema
Town & District Capital
Shama Location of Shama in Western Region
Coordinates: 5°1′N 1°38′W / 5.017°N 1.633°W / 5.017; -1.633
Country	Ghana
Region	Western Region
District	Shama Ahanta East Metropolitan District
Population  (2013)
• Total	23,699[1]
	Ranked 60th in Ghana
Time zone	Greenwich Mean Time
• Summer (DST)	GMT

Shama or Shema is a town with a fishing village, and is the capital of Shama district, a district in the Western Region of Ghana.^[2][3] The town lies about 20 km east of Sekondi-Takoradi, on the mouth of the Pra River. The town is home to Fort San Sebastian, in whose graveyard philosopher Anton Wilhelm Amo, the first African known to have attended a European university, is interred.^[3]

The town is situated in the Shama Ahanta East Metropolitan district and Shama constituency of the Western region of Ghana.^[3] The inhabitants of the town are mostly engaged in fishing and its related activities such as fish processing for local markets. Shama is the sixtieth most populous settlement in Ghana, in terms of population, with a population of 23,699 people.^[1]

Shama is the English name of the town, originally and locally called Esima.^{[citation needed]}

History

Shama has a rich history that dates back to the pre-colonial era. The town was a hub for trade and commerce, with the Pra River providing easy access to the interior regions of Ghana. The town also played a significant role in the transatlantic slave trade, serving as a major port for the export of slaves to the Americas.

Economy

Shama has a thriving economy based on agriculture and fishing. The town is known for its production of cassava, maize, and palm oil, which are important commodities in the region. The Pra River provides an excellent fishing ground, with several fish species, including tilapia, catfish, and herring, being abundant in the river.

Infrastructure

Shama has a well-developed infrastructure that includes roads, hospitals, schools, and other essential services. The town has several educational institutions, including the Shama Senior High School and the Shama District Education Office. The town also has several health facilities, including the Shama District Hospital and several clinics.