James Fort, Accra

James Fort is a poignant symbol of the region’s colonial past. Built in 1673 by the Royal African Company of England, it initially served as a trading post for gold and slaves. The fort was named after James, Duke of York, later King James II, and contributed to the area's development, including the naming of the adjacent town of Jamestown. In recognition of its historical significance, James Fort, along with other forts and castles in Ghana, was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

During British colonization, James Fort transitioned into a key administrative hub and later became a prison, where Ghana’s first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, was incarcerated in the early 1950s. The fort remained a functioning prison until its closure in 2008. Its proximity to the iconic Jamestown Lighthouse highlights its importance in the colonial maritime landscape.

Although it is not open to public visits, James Fort continues to draw interest for its historical value and its role in the transatlantic slave trade. However, as with many significant sites in Accra, photography is prohibited. The fort’s relatively good condition serves as a testament to ongoing efforts to preserve Ghana's rich yet complex heritage.