Jamestown, the heart of the old Ga community, is the most atmospheric corner of Accra. Fishing canoes are pulled up along the harbour, nets are mended in the lanes and the streets are lined with faded colonial buildings, painted murals and boxing gyms. James Fort, built by the Royal African Company of England in 1673, stands at the edge of the neighbourhood. It was part of the chain of European trading forts on the coast, served as a prison until 2008 and held Kwame Nkrumah in 1950 and 1951. Beside it rises Jamestown Lighthouse, a white tower of about 92 feet built in the 1930s to replace a smaller one from 1871, which has long been the district’s landmark. The fort and the lighthouse are tied into the story of the slave trade and of colonial Accra, and the community itself is a living, working place. Visit respectfully, ask before photographing people and go with a guide if possible.
Access and status: James Fort was one of five forts closed by the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board in December 2025 for maintenance, safety assessments and conservation. The ministry reopened James Fort and Ussher Fort a few days later, with controlled access, strict guidelines for visitors and guides, and restoration work continuing. That means you may only see parts of the site, so check on arrival or with a local guide, and do not enter areas that are roped off. The lighthouse is a landmark you can see from anywhere in the quarter, and whether you can climb it varies, so ask locally.
Walking Jamestown: the best way to see the neighbourhood is on foot with someone from the community, who can introduce you to the fish smokers, the canoe builders and the old Ga traditions. Go in the morning, when the boats are coming in and the harbour is busy. Keep valuables out of sight, carry small cash for tips and avoid pointing a camera at people without asking first. The lanes can be rough underfoot, so wear closed shoes.
Making the most of it: combine the fort and lighthouse with a drive along the seafront to Independence Square and the Nkrumah memorial for a full colonial-and-independence day. Be aware that the area is lively and sometimes crowded on match days and festivals, and that the harbour smells strongly of fish, which is part of its character. The tourism authority’s pages on the forts are the best starting point for current access.
What to expect
The experience
A walk through the old Ga fishing quarter to James Fort and the lighthouse, ideally with a local guide, with access to the fort controlled and subject to restoration work.
Best time
Morning, when canoes land the catch and the harbour is at its busiest.
How long
About one and a half to three hours on foot.
Tips
Go with a local guide, ask before photographing people, wear closed shoes and respect any roped-off areas in the fort.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Travellers who want living local culture and colonial history in the same walk.
- Families
- Older children enjoy the boats and murals, but the lanes are uneven and crowded, so keep young ones close.
- Couples
- Atmospheric and photogenic, especially in the morning light over the harbour.
- Pair with
- Independence Square and the Nkrumah memorial, or Makola Market.
- Time needed
- Allow half a day with travel.
Good questions
What is Jamestown known for?+
It is the old Ga fishing quarter of Accra, famous for its harbour, murals, boxing gyms and colonial-era buildings. James Fort and the lighthouse are its best-known landmarks.
Is James Fort open to visitors?+
It was closed in December 2025 and reopened days later with controlled access and ongoing restoration. Check on arrival or ask a guide what you can see.
Can you climb the Jamestown Lighthouse?+
Access varies, and we could not confirm a regular policy. Ask locally, and do not enter areas that are closed off.
Is Jamestown safe for tourists?+
It is a busy working neighbourhood, and visiting with a local guide is the best approach. Keep valuables out of sight and ask before taking photographs of people.
When was James Fort built?+
The Royal African Company of England built it in 1673 as a trading post. It later served as a prison until 2008 and held Kwame Nkrumah in 1950 and 1951.