Five of Ghana’s historic coastal forts have been closed to the public with immediate effect to allow for critical maintenance and safety checks, the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board (GMMB) has announced.
In a press release dated December 19, 2025, the Acting Executive Director of the GMMB, Mr. Kwest Essel-Blankson, said the decision was taken to enable “essential maintenance work, safety assessments and ongoing conservation activities aimed at preserving the structural integrity and historical value of these significant heritage sites.”
The affected forts are Fort Apollonia at Beyin in the Western Region, Fort St. Anthony at Axim, Fort Orange at Sekondi, James Fort at Jamestown in Accra, and Ussher Fort at Usshertown, Accra.
According to the Board, the closure took effect from Thursday, December 18, 2025, and will remain in place until further notice.
The forts, which are among Ghana’s most important historical landmarks and major tourist attractions, form part of the chain of European trade and slaving posts along the country’s coastline. Several of them are recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and serve as powerful reminders of the trans-Atlantic slave trade.
The GMMB noted that the structures, some of which are centuries old, are continually exposed to harsh coastal weather conditions, making periodic conservation and safety interventions necessary.
“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused and appreciate the understanding and cooperation of the public,” Mr. Essel-Blankson said in the statement.
The temporary shutdown is expected to affect tourism activities, particularly visits along Ghana’s popular “Castles and Forts” heritage trail, which plays a key role in the country’s cultural tourism and heritage promotion. In recent years, the government has intensified efforts to preserve and promote these sites for both their historical importance and economic value
