Forts and Castles in Greater Accra Region

Osu-Castle-Accra inside view — Osu Castle (Christiansborg) · Photo: Danieljatuat · License: CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source

The Greater Accra coast holds one of the densest stretches of historic forts anywhere in West Africa, and several of them sit within the same UNESCO World Heritage listing of Ghana's coastal forts and castles. They share a great deal: European trading companies built them between the seventeenth and late eighteenth centuries, and most were caught up in the transatlantic slave trade before later serving as prisons, government offices or museums. What differs is their condition and their setting. Osu Castle (Christiansborg) and Ussher Fort in Accra are the most substantial, and Ussher Fort now houses a museum on the history of the slave trade in Ghana. James Fort in Jamestown, built in 1673, is a GMMB-managed heritage site currently listed as temporarily closed. Further east, Fort Augustaborg in Teshie and Fort Fredensborg at Old Ningo are ruined Danish sites, while Fort Kongenstein at Ada Foah has been largely eroded by the sea, leaving only traces. Together they trace a coastline of trade, empire and memory.

Good to know

Before you go

Plan this as a coastal route rather than a single day out, since the sites run from Accra eastwards through Teshie, Old Ningo and Ada Foah. Accra's forts are the easiest to reach, and Ussher Fort and Osu Castle sit close to each other in the city. Before travelling, check the current status of each site, as James Fort is listed as temporarily closed and opening arrangements at the others can change. Ruined forts such as Augustaborg, Fredensborg and Kongenstein are outdoor sites, so bring water, sun protection and sturdy shoes, and go with a local guide where possible. Allow extra time for the drive to Ada Foah.

Start here

Places to explore

Attraction · Teshie

Fort Augustaborg

Fort Augustaborg (Fort Teshie) is a ruined 1787 Danish fort in Teshie, Greater Accra, listed among Ghana's UNESCO-inscribed coastal forts and castles.

Photo: Shahadusadik · Source

Attraction · Old Ningo

Fort Fredensborg

Fort Fredensborg is a ruined 1734 Danish-Norwegian slave-trading fort at Old Ningo on Ghana's Gulf of Guinea coast, part of a UNESCO World Heritage serial property.

Photo: Owula kpakpo · Source

Attraction · Accra

James Fort

James Fort is a 17th-century British fort in Jamestown, Accra, built in 1673, later a prison and now a GMMB-managed heritage site that is currently listed as temporarily closed.

Photo: Newfoundlandguy · Source

Attraction · Accra

Osu Castle

Osu Castle (Christiansborg) is a 17th-century fort at Osu, Accra, run by the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board and part of a UNESCO World Heritage listing.

Photo: Danieljatuat · Source