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 built
During the colonial era, the fort changed hands several times, with the British and the Dutch both occupying it at various times. It was used as a base for suppressing the slave trade and enforcing colonial authority in the region.
After Ghana gained independence from colonial rule in 1957, Fort Amsterdam was used as a training center for the Ghanaian military. The fort was eventually abandoned in the 1980s and fell into disrepair.
Fort Amsterdam today and what to expect when you visit
In recent years, there have been efforts to restore the fort and preserve it as a historical site. Today, visitors can explore the fort and learn about its history, as well as the wider history of Abandze and Ghana. The fort is considered an important cultural and historical landmark in the region.
Fort Amsterdam became a symbol of Ghana’s struggle for independence and was eventually repurposed as a military training center after independence was achieved.
Watch this stunning video created by David Appiah of Fort Amsterdam
