Fort William

Fort William is a stone structure on Ghana's coast featuring prison chambers and military architecture built for colonial defense. The building displays characteristics from different construction periods, including an upper floor added during a later expansion that altered its original form.

This fort was built in 1753 following the destruction of an earlier structure to prevent foreign control of the site. Structural modifications in the 1830s gave it the name it carries today.

The fort's name reflects its colonial past and royal connections, while today it serves the local community as a shared space for cultural gatherings. Visitors can observe how the building has been repurposed and adapted by residents who now care for it.

The site is open to visitors daily and currently functions as a community facility serving local needs. Early morning visits offer better lighting to explore the interior spaces and appreciate the coastal setting.

The fort was originally known by a different name and was renamed after an English monarch, reflecting its complex past. This renaming shows how colonial power was expressed even through the naming of locations.

Location: Central Region

Inception: 1640

Part of: Forts and Castles, Volta, Greater Accra, Central and Western Regions

GPS coordinates: 5.17419,-1.11890

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:42