Fort Elize Carthago, Dutch colonial fort at Ankobra River, Ghana.
Fort Elize Carthago stands on a hill at the mouth of the Ankobra River, overlooking the Gulf of Guinea coastline. The stone ruins reveal the fort's former defensive layout and its position at a key river crossing point.
The Dutch West India Company built the fort in 1702 to protect trade routes and collect tolls from ships using the Ankobra River. It was destroyed in 1712 by John Conny and never rebuilt afterward.
The fort was built following a request from the local Azane people, showing a period of cooperation between Dutch traders and coastal communities. The name reflects how Europeans linked this place to ancient history and commercial networks.
Visitors can reach the fort ruins through a pathway starting at Ankobra Beach Hotel, with guided tours offered year-round. The path to the site can change with weather conditions, so it's wise to check current conditions before visiting.
Archaeological excavations in 1999 and 2011 uncovered artifacts from the fort's short operational period. These findings offer insight into daily life for both the European traders and African inhabitants during the early colonial era.
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