Heritage sites in Ghana

Ghana's heritage sites tell the country's story in stone, earth and timber. Along the coast, a chain of forts and castles — Elmina Castle, Fort Metal Cross at Dixcove, Fort San Sebastian at Shama, Fort Gross-Friedrichsburg at Princes Town and Fort Apollonia at Beyin — marks centuries of trade between Europe and West Africa, and the painful history of the slave trade. Inland, the Asante Traditional Buildings at Besease and Ejisu Besease preserve shrine houses of earth and timber, while the Bonwire Kente Museum celebrates the weaving town that gave kente its name. Further north, the Dakpema Chief's Palace in Tamale and St. Andrew's Cathedral in Wa show Dagbon and Upper West traditions, and the old Sudano-Sahelian Dondoli Mosque stands nearby.

What these places share is that they are living heritage, not museum pieces alone. Some are active shrines, palaces or places of worship; others are cared for as monuments and museums. They differ greatly in condition and access. Elmina Castle and Fort Apollonia are established visitor sites with museums, Fort Good Hope at Senya Beraku and Fort Gross-Friedrichsburg offer rest-house stays, while Fort Augustaborg at Teshie, Fort Fredensborg at Old Ningo, English Fort Komenda and Dondoli Mosque are ruins. Fort Santo Antonio at Axim is closed, so check before travelling.