Stories and facts

Fort Gross Fredericksburg, built between 1681 and 1683, stands as a significant historical structure in Ghana. Constructed from stone transported by sea from Prussia, it is one of two German forts in the country, the other being Fort Dorothea.

The fort played a grim role in the Atlantic slave trade, with an estimated 300,000 Africans being transported through its gates.

The mystery surrounding the remains of John Canoe adds a layer of intrigue to the fort's history. Some sources suggest he was captured after losing the battle at the fort, while others claim his remains rest in the Tafo Cemetery in Kumasi.

Due to its historical significance in reflecting the Atlantic slave trade and European colonial exploitation, Fort Fredericksburg, along with several other castles and forts in Ghana, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979.

Explore colonial Forts in Ghana worth visiting below.