Ghana suspends visits to five colonial-era forts

Ghana has temporarily closed five historic coastal forts to the public to allow for essential maintenance, safety assessments and conservation works, the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board (GMMB) said on Friday.

In a statement, the Board said Fort Apollonia in Beyin, Fort St. Anthony in Axim, Fort Orange in Sekondi, James Fort in Jamestown and Ussher Fort in Accra were closed with effect from Thursday (18 December), until further notice.

The closures are aimed at preserving the structural integrity and historical value of the sites, which form part of Ghana’s colonial-era heritage and attract both domestic and international tourists.

“The decision has been taken to allow for essential maintenance work, safety assessments and ongoing conservation activities,” the GMMB said.

Ghana’s forts and castles, several of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, played a central role in the transatlantic slave trade and remain key landmarks in the country’s tourism sector.

The Board apologised for the inconvenience caused and said further updates would be communicated in due course.

The statement was signed by Kwesi Essel-Blankson, Acting Executive Director of the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board.