Forts & Castles of Ghana
Ghana has the greatest concentration of colonial-era forts of any country in Africa. The most visited destinations are the colonial fortresses at Cape Coast and Elmina, which were once major transshipment points for tens of thousands of slaves on their way to the New World.
There are also many smaller forts that may be visited as well. Some are in a state of ruin while others are maintained and provide basic tours. There are far fewer visitors to these smaller forts, which makes for an interesting contrast to the experience at Cape Coast or Elmina.
Cape Coast Castle
Cape Coast Castle is the largest of the buildings which contains the legacy of the trans-Atlantic slave trade and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The best history tells us that the Dutch lost control of a fortification to Swedish adventurers in 1652, who name it Fort Carolusburg. Ownership changed numerous times, both among local peoples and various European powers, until finally, in 1664, after a four-day battle, the fort was captured by the British and re-named Cape Coast Castle. The Castle served as the seat of the British administration in the then Gold Coast (Ghana) until the administration was moved to Christianborg Castle in Accra on March 19,1877.
Like most ancient fortifications in Ghana, Cape Coast Castle played a significant role in the gold and slave trades. But also, two significant contributions were made here: the arrival of Christianity, and the establishment of the first formal education system through Castle Schools.
Fort Amsterdam
Fort Amsterdam is a picturesque hilltop fort looking down on the fishing beach of Abandze. Completed by the British in 1645, it and was taken by the Dutch West India Company in 1665 in retaliation for the capture of several Dutch forts by the British, including Fort Patience (Apam), Fort Good Hope (Senya Bereku), and Ussher Fort in Accra.
In 1811, the people of Anomabu (next fort), who were allied with the British attacked the fort, leaving it in ruins. It was unoccupied from then until its partial restoration in 1951.
Fort William (in Anomabu)
Fort William (not to be confused with Fort William in Cape Coast) is a nicely maintained, sturdy fort in the fishing village of Anomabu, near to Cape Coast. It sits on the site of previous other fortifications by other European traders. At the time of its completion in 1757 by the British, Fort William was considered to be the strongest fortification on the coast. It was involved heavily in the slave trade, which was then supported by the local population.
In addition to the fort, the village of Anomabu boasts a lovely beach resort, a fishing beach, ancient village, and numerous sacred shrines.
St. George's Castle (Elmina Castle)
St. George's Castle, commonly referred to as Elmina Castle, is a well maintained site that offers very good historical tours.
Just 10km west of Cape Coast, Elmina is the earliest European structure in sub-Saharan Africa and recognized as first point of contact between the Europeans and the inhabitants of today's Ghana. In 1471, a Portuguese expedition arrived, led by Don Diego d' Azambuja. They called the area "Mina de Ouro" because of the vast amount of gold and ivory, they found.
Fort San Jago
Within walking distance to Elmina Castle, Fort St Jago originated as a chapel built between 1555 and 1558 by the Portuguese, which was later converted into a lodge and watch tower. From the vantage point of this nearby hill, the Dutch launched their successful land attack on Elmina Castle against the Portuguese in 1637.
The Dutch then constructed this for to provide military protection to the now Dutch-owned Elmina Castle and to serve as a disciplinary institution for European convicts. Walk up to this small hilltop fort for an excellent view of Elmina and Elmina Castle.
Fort St Sebastian
Located in Shama is a unique and well maintained structure which is easily accessible from the coastal road. It was originally built as a Dutch lodge in 1526, with the Portuguese converting it into a fort in 1590. Abandoned in 1600, the Dutch returned and restored the fort in 1638. Temporally in English hands, it was again abandoned sometime before 1870 and was ceded to Britain in 1872.
Fort Prinzenstein
Fort Prinsenstein is the only fort of note that is east of Accra. Located in the village of Keta on a sandbar between the ocean and the Keta lagoon, this fort was established in the early 1700's by the Dutch, about 200-300 yards from the sea. Danes began to build the present fort in 1784 and it was purchased by Britain in 1850.
Traveling east of Accra is a very different feel than traveling the coast west of Accra. Not just that the tribes and language are different, but there are fewer visitors to this area making for a relaxed visit with more interactions with locals possible.
The nearby Keta Lagoon is one of Ghana's most important marine birding locations, with a lookout platform and canoe rides available for bird watching.
Fort Metal Cross
Fort Metal Cross is a small fort about a 20 minute walk from Busua Beach. Built by the English in 1691-97, the primary purpose was as a fortified trading post and a slave prison. This fort has the typical history of many occupiers and abandonment. The Dutch named it Metalen Kruis in 1868, and ceded it to Britain in 1872.
Fort Gross Friedrichburg
The wonderfully maintained Fort Gross Friedrichsburg in Prince's Town began as a Danish lodge in 1658, with the fort originally built in 1682 by the Brandenburg Africa Company, making this Ghana's only German fort. Abandoned in 1716 and occupied by a local chief, John Connie, in 1717, who remained in occupation until 1725 repelling European attacks. Eventually captured by the Dutch, it was renamed Fort Hollandia and remained in Dutch possession until 1872 when it was ceded to Britain.
Fort San Antonio
Fort San Antonio in Axim has a history like many forts, beginning as a Portuguese trading post in 1502, and changing hands many times among English, European and local powers over a long history, until its final ownership by the British was established in 1872. This fort has the distinction of being recognized as the second fortification built in today's Ghana by the Portuguese.
Axim is about a 6 hour drive west of Accra, on one of Ghana's most beautiful beaches with wonderful resorts, nearby forests and close enough to easily permit excursions to the stilt village of Nzulezu.
Fort Apollonia
Fort Apollonia is the westernmost fort in Ghana, located in Beyin. In 1691, a British trading post was erected at this site, which was extended into a fortification by 1770. The fort was abandoned in 1819 after the abolition of slave trade, but it was occupied again 17 years later by the Dutch. The fort was bombarded by the British in 1873 as part of their campaign against the Ashanti Kingdom, upon which it remained a runin until being restored in th 1960's.
Visiting this fort is easy when making a trip to the Nzulezu stilt village through the Amansuri wetlands. The Ankasa Conservation Area, site of Ghana's largest concentration of biodiversity is also nearby.
Want to Tour the Forts of Ghana?
Visit 19 forts on this 10 day Tour of Forts in Ghana.