Attraction · Beyin
Fort Apollonia
Fort Apollonia is a colonial-era seafront fort at Beyin, Western Region, Ghana, housing the Museum of Nzema Culture and History since 2010.
Photo: Esthee2010 · Source
Explore Ghana
Forts and castles in Western Region
The Western Region holds some of Ghana's most evocative coastal history, where European trading forts still stand above the surf. Fort Metal Cross at Dixcove, begun by the British in 1692, and Fort San Sebastian at Shama, a Portuguese fort of 1520 to 1526 later expanded by the Dutch, are both protected monuments within Ghana's UNESCO-listed forts and castles. Further west, Fort Santo Antonio at Axim was begun by the Portuguese in 1515, while Fort Apollonia at Beyin now houses the Museum of Nzema Culture and History, an eco-museum presenting Nzema culture and the Amansuri wetland environment.
Each place tells a different story. Fort Gross-Friedrichsburg at Prince's Town is Ghana's only German-built fort, sitting on Manfro Hill and partially restored, with a rest house. Fort Dorothea at Akwidaa is a ruined Brandenburg-era fort on a rocky hill, reached on foot with permission from the local chief. Some are museums, some are monuments, and one is a ruin you climb to for the view.
Come for the architecture, the sea air and the layered histories of trade, empire and local life that these sites hold.
Good to know
Before you go
These forts lie along the coast between Shama and Beyin, so plan your days around one stretch at a time rather than doubling back. Roads and conditions vary, so allow generous time and consider a driver who knows the area. Fort Santo Antonio at Axim is closed, so check the status of each site before you set out. Fort Dorothea at Akwidaa is reached on foot and only with permission from the local chief, so ask locally in advance. Carry water, sun protection and cash, and dress respectfully at heritage sites.
Start here
Places to explore
Attraction · Prince's Town
Fort Gross-Friedrichsburg
Ghana's only German-built fort, a hilltop fortification on Manfro Hill at Princes Town (Pokesu), Western Region, now a partially restored attraction and rest house.
Photo: Roberto Zaugg · Source
Attraction · Dixcove
Fort Metal Cross
Fort Metal Cross is a British colonial fort begun in 1692 on a promontory at Dixcove in Ghana's Western Region, now a UNESCO-listed protected monument.
Photo: Nicholas McGee · Source
Attraction · Shama
Fort San Sebastian
Fort San Sebastian at Shama, Western Region, is a Portuguese fort of 1520–1526, later expanded by the Dutch and now a National Monument in Ghana's UNESCO-listed forts and castles.
Photo: Esthee2010 · Source
Attraction · Axim
Fort Santo Antonio
Portuguese-built fort begun in 1515 at Axim, Western Region, now a UNESCO-listed state monument managed by the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board and closed since 18 December 2025.
Photo: Jesuraj Alakassery · Source
Attraction
Attraction · Akwidaa
Fort Dorothea, Akwidaa
Fort Dorothea is a ruined Brandenburg-era fort on a rocky hill at Akwidaa in Ghana's Western Region, reached on foot with permission from the local chief.
Attraction
Attraction · Beyin
Museum of Nzema Culture and History
An eco-museum inside the restored Fort Apollonia at Beyin, Jomoro District, presenting Nzema culture, history and the Amansuri wetland environment.
Wider area
More in Western Region
- Things to do in Western Region
- Beaches in Western Region
- Resorts in Western Region
- Heritage sites in Western Region
- Boat trips in Western Region
- Monuments in Western Region
- Museums in Western Region
- Rivers in Western Region
- Hiking trails in Western Region
- Viewpoints in Western Region
- Wildlife reserves in Western Region