Numerous forts and castles of impressive historic value can be found along the coastline of Ghana. Three of these, namely Elmina Castle and the associated Fort St. Jago both at Elmina and the Cape Coast Castle are World Heritage Sites and have been restored recently.
The forts and castles date back to the 15th Century and were built and occupied at different times by European traders and adventurers from Portugal, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Holland, Germany and Britain. In the 15th to 18th century, these played a major role not only in the trading of gold, diamonds and other mineral resources but also in the trading of slaves. Several of them changed hands on numerous occasions in bloody battles or by treaty, and all have a fascinating history. Today, some have been restored and have variety of users while some are in ruins. Most are open to the public.
Famous Forts and Castle
- Fort Eliza Cathargo
- Fort S. Antonio
- Fort Appolonia
- Groot-Friedrichsburg or Fort Hollandia
- Fort Sophie Louise
- Fort Dorethea
- Fort Metal Cross
- Fort Batensteyn
- Fort Orange
- Fort St. Sebastian
- Fort Vredenburg
- Fort St. Jorge
- Fort St. Jago (Conraadsburg)
- Cape Coast Castle
- Fort Victoria
- Fort William
- Fort McCarthy
- Fort Nassau
- Fort Amsterdam
- Fort Leydsaemheyt (Fort Patience)
- Fort Goedehoop (Good Hope)
- Fort James
- Fort Crevecoer (Ussher Fort)
- Christiansborg Castle
- Fort Augustaborg
- Fort Vernon
- Fort Kongestein
- Fort Prinsenstein
