Stories and facts

The Anglo-Dutch Gold Coast Treaty of 1867 was an agreement between Britain and the Netherlands to reorganize control of forts along the Gold Coast.

Under the deal, Britain took over all forts east of Elmina, while the Dutch assumed those to the west. The aim was to create clearer zones of influence and improve customs revenue collection.

The arrangement quickly backfired for the Dutch. Their alliance with the Ashanti clashed with local communities near their new forts, sparking resistance in places like Komenda, where locals refused Dutch authority and even held naval officers hostage.

Tensions escalated as the Fante Confederacy besieged Elmina, leaving the Dutch increasingly vulnerable.

Unable to manage the unrest, the Netherlands secretly negotiated with Britain and, in 1871, sold all remaining forts for 46,939.62 Dutch guilders.

This marked the end of Dutch colonial rule on the Gold Coast and solidified Britain’s dominance in the region.

Explore significant moments of conflict in Ghana’s history.