When in Ghana it is recommended that you take some time out to visit one of the many forts and castles that are dotted along the coastline. They are steeped in history from the colonial period when Europeans settled on the coast to trade in minerals and in people. These forts tell the history and the battles fought by the Ashanti Empire against the British, Dutch, Portuguese and Spanish who were all at war with each through the 16th and 17th centuries.
How many forts and castles are there to see in Ghana?
There were over 30 forts and Castles that were built during the 17th and 17th Centuries period. The ones that are still standing and offer an insight into these times are listed below.
Have a read and check out the locations of the 10 must see forts and castles in Ghana with their opening times and what to expect.
The 10 must see forts and castles in Ghana
Fort Saint Anthony, also known as Santo Antonio, is a historic fort located in Axim, a coastal town in the Western Region of Ghana. It was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and served as a trading post for gold, ivory, and slaves. A brief history of Fort…
Osu Castle, also known as Christiansborg Castle, or “The Castle is a historic building located in Osu, a neighborhood in Accra, Ghana. The castle has served as the residence of the President of Ghana since 2013 and only specific areas are open to the public for guided tours and visits.…
Fort Batenstein is a historical fort located in Butri, a town in the Western Region of Ghana. The fort was originally built by the Dutch in the 17th century as a trading post for gold and other valuable commodities. Brief history of Fort Batenstein and why it was built During…
Fort Metal Cross is a historical fort located in Dixcove, a town in the Western Region of Ghana. The fort was built by the British in the 18th century as a trading post for gold and other valuable commodities. A brief history of Fort Metal Cross and why it was…
Fort Amsterdam is a historical fort located in Abandze, a coastal town in the Central Region of Ghana. The fort was originally built by the Dutch in the 17th century as a trading post for gold and other valuable commodities.A brief history of Fort Amsterdam and why it was builtDuring…
Fort San Sebastian in Ghana changed hands several times during its history, with different colonial powers occupying it at different times. However, it’s difficult to say which group occupied it the most, as there were several periods of occupation and the length of each occupation varied. Fort San Sebastian (São…
Fort St. Jago is a historical fort located in the coastal town of Elmina, in the Central Region of Ghana. It is situated on a hill overlooking the town and the Atlantic Ocean. Sometimes referred to as as Coenraadsburg Brief history of Fort St. Jago when it was built and…
The Ussher Fort is a fort in Accra, Ghana. It was built by the Dutch in 1649 as Fort Crèvecœur, and was a day’s march from Elmina and to the east of Accra on a rocky point between two lagoons. Ussher Fort allows visitors to learn about the dark history…
Fort James is located in Accra, Ghana and was built by the British as a trading post by the Royal African Company of England for both gold and slaves in 1673. Fort James was one of may Forts along the coast of Ghana like the Dutch Fort Crêvecœur, and the…
Elmina Castle was erected by the Portuguese in 1482 as Castelo de Sao Jorge da Mina (St. George of the Mine Castle), also known as Castelo da Mina or simply Mina (or Feitoria da Mina) in present-day Elmina. Most visitors to Ghana tour Elmina Castle, because of its history as…
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1 Comment
Ghana is worth visiting based on these discoveries I have just experienced here. There are so many landmarks to visit. It is a country full of history not only about Ghana but also the whole Subsaharan Africa. I can’t wait visit this pride of Africa with its well- known first president and outstanding pan african leader.