Ussher Fort Accra
A 17th-century Dutch fort in Accra, now a museum site detailing the brutal history of the slave trade.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal guide time
Ussher Fort Accra
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal guide time
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 17th-century Dutch fort in Accra, now a museum site detailing the brutal history of the slave trade.
"A fort built by the Dutch 350 years ago then bought and used by the English for slave trade to America. Unforgettable experience."
๐ค Hire a Local Guide
Guides like Thomas and Solomon enrich the experience, providing crucial historical context. Essential for understanding the site's significance.
โ ๏ธ Manage Expectations
The fort is in disrepair. Focus on the powerful history, not the pristine condition.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Slave Holding Cells
Interior of the fort
Witness the stark reality of the slave trade, with rings in the floor where individuals were bound. A truly shocking and unforgettable experience.
Fort Architecture
Exterior and interior
Explore the 17th-century Dutch architecture, a testament to its colonial past, despite its current state of decay.
Historical Context
Throughout the fort
Gain a deep understanding of the fort's role in the transatlantic slave trade and its subsequent use as a prison.
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Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Manage Expectations for Ussher Fort
Embrace the History with a Guide
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Recommended places to visit in Accra
๐ค Hire a Local Guide
Guides like Thomas and Solomon enrich the experience, providing crucial historical context. Essential for understanding the site's significance.
โ ๏ธ Manage Expectations
The fort is in disrepair. Focus on the powerful history, not the pristine condition.
๐ฐ Admission Fee
Expect to pay around 40 cedis for entry. This supports the site's upkeep, though its condition is debated.
๐ธ Photography
Capture the evocative atmosphere, but be mindful of the somber history. The raw state can be visually striking.
Tips
from all over the internet
๐ค Hire a Local Guide
Guides like Thomas and Solomon enrich the experience, providing crucial historical context. Essential for understanding the site's significance.
โ ๏ธ Manage Expectations
The fort is in disrepair. Focus on the powerful history, not the pristine condition.
๐ฐ Admission Fee
Expect to pay around 40 cedis for entry. This supports the site's upkeep, though its condition is debated.
๐ธ Photography
Capture the evocative atmosphere, but be mindful of the somber history. The raw state can be visually striking.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ussher Fort is a historically significant site offering a profound, albeit somber, experience of the slave trade. Visitors praise the evocative nature of the fort and the invaluable insights provided by knowledgeable guides. However, many are disappointed by the fort's poor state of maintenance and disrepair, which detracts from its potential as a well-preserved historical monument.
"A fort built by the Dutch 350 years ago then bought and used by the English for slave trade to America. Unforgettable experience. Thomas' guidance was very helpful for anticipation of the history and the facility"
Ahmet Iลฤฑk
"As others have noted, the place is in a shocking state and is totally falling apart. We have been told that UNESCO did provide money to restore it, but it's been siphoned off elsewhere by corrupt officials.
This is a shame as it is a very evocative site, where you see how horrible it would have been to move through as either a slave or, later, as a prisoner. Seeing the rings in the floor where they bound slaves is shocking.
Our guide, Solomon, was wonderful and friendly, and ultimately took my friend and I around to the other forts and into Maloka Market. Cheers, Solomon!"
Kristian Gustafson
"Site is in a depressing state. UNESCO should review this site and demand immediate conditions to keep it on the list. It looks like an important, historical place, yet that is very hard to see when it looks like it is falling down. Prices for tourists are 40 cedis."
Sebastian Naranjo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
๐ ๐บ๏ธ Getting There
Ussher Fort is located in Jamestown, Accra. You can reach it by taxi or ride-sharing services. It's often visited in conjunction with other Jamestown attractions like the lighthouse and market.
While public transport (tro-tros) can get you to the general Jamestown area, you might need a short walk or a quick taxi ride from the nearest stop to the fort itself.
Many visitors combine a visit to Ussher Fort with exploring Jamestown. Consider hiring a local guide who can show you around both the fort and the surrounding historic neighborhood.
๐ซ ๐ซ Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary, but it's generally open during daylight hours. It's best to confirm locally or with your guide upon arrival.
The admission fee for tourists is typically around 40 Ghanaian Cedis. This fee contributes to the site's maintenance, though its effectiveness is debated.
Advance booking is generally not required for Ussher Fort. You can usually purchase tickets upon arrival.
While there are no strict restrictions, visitors are advised to be respectful of the historical significance and the site's condition.
๐ซ ๐งญ Onsite Experience
Ussher Fort was built by the Dutch in the 17th century and later used by the English for the slave trade. It served as a holding point for enslaved Africans before their journey to the Americas.
You can see the former slave holding cells, the fort's architecture, and gain insight into the brutal history of the slave trade. The site is in a state of disrepair, making it a raw and evocative experience.
Unfortunately, many reviews indicate that Ussher Fort is not well-maintained and is in a state of disrepair, with some parts literally falling apart.
Yes, guided tours are highly recommended. Knowledgeable guides like Thomas and Solomon can provide invaluable historical context and make the visit more impactful.
Engage with your guide, ask questions, and try to imagine the conditions faced by enslaved people. The emotional weight of the history is palpable despite the site's condition.
๐ธ ๐ธ Photography
Photography is generally allowed, but it's advisable to be respectful of the somber nature of the site. The raw, decaying state can make for powerful, albeit melancholic, images.
The slave holding cells, the fort's crumbling walls, and the overall atmospheric decay offer unique photographic opportunities. Capture the textures and the sense of history.
There are no specific stated restrictions, but always be mindful of the historical context and avoid intrusive photography, especially if there are other visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐ง Families with Kids
It's advisable to prepare children beforehand about the fort's purpose and the difficult history it represents. Consider it more of an educational outing for older children or teenagers who can grasp the historical context. The lack of modern amenities and the rough terrain might also pose challenges for families with very young children.
๐๏ธ History Enthusiasts
Engage deeply with the guides; they are often repositories of local history and can offer perspectives not found in textbooks. Be prepared for a less curated experience and focus on the tangible evidence of the past. The fort's role in the transatlantic slave trade makes it a significant site for understanding colonial history and its lasting impact.
๐ถ Budget Travelers
To maximize value, prioritize hiring a local guide. While an additional cost, their insights are crucial for a meaningful visit and can be negotiated. Combine your visit with exploring other free or low-cost attractions in Jamestown, such as the fishing harbor and the lighthouse, to create a full day of exploration without breaking the bank.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Tragic History of Ussher Fort
Visitors often describe the experience as 'heart-wrenching' and 'shocking.' The remnants of the slave holding cells, with visible rings in the floor where people were bound, offer a visceral connection to this dark past. The fort also served as a prison in later years, adding another layer to its tragic narrative. Understanding this history is paramount to appreciating the significance of Ussher Fort.
Despite its profound historical importance, the fort's current state of disrepair is a recurring theme in visitor feedback. Many lament the lack of maintenance, with parts of the structure visibly falling apart. This decay, while disheartening, also contributes to the fort's raw and evocative atmosphere, making the historical experience even more potent for those who manage their expectations.
Navigating the Fort: Guides and Expectations
It's crucial for visitors to 'manage expectations' before arriving. Ussher Fort is not a polished historical site; it's a place of profound historical trauma that is visibly deteriorating. Reviews consistently mention the 'shocking state' and that the site is 'falling apart.' While some express disappointment and concern over alleged mismanagement of restoration funds, others find the raw, unvarnished reality to be a powerful part of the experience.
Despite the physical decay, the emotional resonance of Ussher Fort remains strong. The stories shared by guides and the tangible remnants of its past create an unforgettable, albeit somber, encounter. Visitors are advised to approach the site with an open mind and a willingness to confront difficult history, understanding that the value lies in the narrative and the historical significance, not in the pristine presentation.
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