17/10/2026
Walking through the beating heart of Accra: Jamestown & James Fort
Few places in Ghana carry as much history, resilience, and culture as Jamestown.
The Roots of James Fort (1673)
Built in 1673 by the British Royal African Company, James Fort was established as a European trading post for gold and human beings during the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Named after James, Duke of York (later King James II of England), it stands as a poignant reminder of Ghana’s complex history and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.
From Fort to Prison
Following the colonial era, the fort was converted into a prison. Most famously, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first President and founding father was imprisoned here from 1950 to 1951 by colonial authorities for organizing political protests. He was released directly from James Fort after winning the election while still in jail, leading Ghana toward independence in 1957!
The Iconic Lighthouse
Right across from the fort stands the famous red-and-white Jamestown Lighthouse. Originally erected in 1871 and rebuilt in the 1930s, it has long served as a beacon for fishermen returning to the shores of the Gulf of Guinea.
Today, Jamestown is a vibrant cultural hub, home to traditional Ga fishing communities, boxing legends, street art, and legendary festivals like Chale Wote.
BOOK YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE WITH FM TRAVEL AND TOURS
