In the heart of Jamestown, Accra, stands James Fort, a powerful symbol of Ghana’s layered past. Built in 1673 by the Royal African Company of England, the fort once traded in gold and enslaved people, later turning into a prison that operated until 2008. Over time, it passed through the hands of the Dutch, Danes, and finally back to the British. More than just stone and mortar, James Fort holds stories of pain, power, and perseverance. One of its most striking moments in history was when Ghana’s first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, was held there as a political prisoner during the fight for independence. Though no longer open to the public, the fort still watches over the coastline beside the Jamestown Lighthouse. It lives on as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, occasionally featured in virtual events like the Chale Wote Festival, which celebrates African creativity and culture. James Fort may be silent now, but its walls continue to echo Ghana’s journey.
Location
Jamestown, Greater Accra
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