Which of the following towns has the best natural harbour in West Africa?

Analyze the question The question asks which town has the best natural harbour in West Africa. A natural harbour is a deep, sheltered body of water formed by nature (such as a drowned river estuary or a bay), without needing much human engineering like breakwaters or heavy dredging.

Explain the concept Natural harbours are usually formed by submergence of a river valley (a ria coast) or by sheltered bays. They are deep, wide and protected from strong waves and storms. This lets large ships anchor safely.

Examine each option

• A. Port Harcourt: This is a river port on the Bonny River in the Niger Delta. It is far inland and needs constant dredging because of silt. It is not a natural deep-water harbour.
• B. Takoradi: This is an artificial harbour in Ghana. It was built with breakwaters in the 1920s on an open coast.
• C. Freetown: It lies on the estuary of the Sierra Leone River, which formed from a drowned river valley. The harbour is deep, wide and well sheltered by the Freetown Peninsula hills. It is widely regarded as the finest natural harbour in West Africa, and one of the largest natural harbours in the world.
• D. Monrovia: The Liberian port was largely developed by building a breakwater and a Freeport. It is partly artificial and is exposed to heavy surf.

Answer Freetown, Sierra Leone, has the best natural harbour in West Africa.

Exam tip Remember: "Freetown = Free of work." Freetown's harbour needs little human effort, while Takoradi and Tema are artificial harbours. If you see "best natural harbour in West Africa" in an exam, think Freetown straight away.