Comprehensive list of Ghana’s forts and castles, organized by region, with UNESCO‑inscribed sites highlighted. These were built between the early 16th and late 18th centuries by European colonial powers (Portugal, Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Britain, Brandenburg/Prussia) as trading posts, military garrisons, and slave depots.

The castles and forts along Ghana’s coast date back to the 15th century, built by European traders and explorers from Portugal, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands, Germany, and Britain. These structures were used to protect their trading interests, particularly in gold, ivory, and later, enslaved people. Over time, many of these forts changed hands—sometimes through fierce battles, other times by treaty—each chapter adding to their rich and complex history.

Across Ghana, these remnants of the past can still be explored. From well-preserved monuments to weathered ruins, they offer a powerful glimpse into centuries of contact between Africa and Europe. Some of the forts have been carefully restored and repurposed, while others remain as ruins, quietly telling their stories. Most are open to visitors, serving as important national monuments and sites of reflection.