Fort William (Fort Anomabo), Ghana

Fort William, also known as Fort Anomabo, is one of Ghana’s most important historical sites, located in the coastal town of Anomabo in the Central Region. Just 135 km (2.5–3 hours) from Accra, it is an accessible and must-visit destination for travelers exploring Ghana’s historic coastline.

Anomabo was one of the busiest slave trading hubs along the Gold Coast, and Fort William is noted for having supplied the highest number of enslaved Africans compared to other forts and castles in Ghana. During the colonial era, over 208,000 Africans were transported along this coast to plantations in the Americas.

Fort William was built primarily for the slave trade, unlike other forts that served multiple purposes. The colonial powers did not disguise their intentions; enslaved Africans were treated as commodities, with no church or other facilities built for them. Men were sold for approximately five English pounds, women for three English pounds, while children were often bartered in exchange for guns, gunpowder, clothing, and schnapps.

One of the fort’s most unique features is the original auction platform, where enslaved Africans stood before being sold,a powerful reminder of Ghana’s historical role in the trans-Atlantic slave trade.

Visiting Fort William and Nearby Attractions

Tourists can arrange guided visits through the Anomabo Tourist Centre, which offers tours to multiple historical sites in the town. The centre provides historical context through knowledgeable local guides.

Other attractions in and around Anomabo include:
• Posiban – a sacred site with spiritual and cultural significance
• Fort William (Fort Anomabo) – the main heritage landmark
• Anomabo Heroes Centre – celebrating local heroes and resistance history

With its preserved structures, historical significance, and proximity to other heritage sites, Fort William is a must-visit for cultural tourism in Ghana.