Relics of the Colonial past - a trip down memory lane with the future in sight | Daniel Anyim

Colonial dominance began from the berthing of explorer expedition ships from Europe to the coast of West Africa, particularly Ghana (formerly Gold Coast) in the 15^th century. The Europeans arrival subsequently meant the introduction of elements synonymous to their culture and way of life including religion, ammunition, building material and architectural designs reflective of that era. They basically built numerous forts and castles along the shores of the Greater Accra region through to the Volta, Central and Western regions. More than anything else, these forts symbolized “intrusion”, commercial opportunities, “otherness”, political power/force, and protection from the locals and rivals. Notable amongst the forts built during this period was Fort St. Anthony which was originally known as ‘Santo Antonio’. It was built in 1515, near the edge of the River Ankobrah located at Axim in the Western region of Ghana. The fort’s 17th-18^th century paneling is one of its archaeological fortes.

Post-colonial times, the importance of the fort serves as a remnant of a time in history which changed Africa and the world forever. The slave trade that originated from many of these structures has permanently changed the plight of families across the Diaspora. As most of the forts and castles form a reminder of that period in history, they are the sole tangible link (together with Goree, Senegal) for many residents of the new world with their roots in Africa. This creates an emotional connection in which the pragmatic challenges around site conservation and economic utilization, and possible benefit creation, need to be developed and operated.

Despite its importance, the fort has been subject to varied interpretation amongst locals and “unfair” presentation at the national level. Little is said about its existence which in turn contributes to the unimpressive number of visits it attracts annually despite being a World Heritage Site. The absence of local participation in the management and conservation of the fort is another pertinent challenge its confronted with.

Did you know Axim has the highest rain forest in Ghana with lush green hills, and fertile soil? The township equally houses some of the most gratifying white sand beaches and impeccable seafood in the country. These and many other enchanting factors such as the annual Kundum festival, village of Nzulezu (the village build on stilts on the Ankobrah river) makes it an outstanding area for ecotourism and a prospective leeway to overturn the economic fortunes of the locals.

Where’s the trick? The fort serves as an excellent catch point of advertisement to serve a double purpose of exposing patrons (both local and international) to a physical relic that embodies distinct memories significant to global history as well as the township and its hypnotizing natural beauty.

What endears me to this fort? Its socio-economic importance to the locals if effectively managed and efficiently publicized.

Do I have my sources figured out? Not entirely but I’m very much on course in gathering relevant literature and reports on the forts and castles in Ghana. What outcome do I seek to achieve? The goal is to recommend a marketing plan for the popularization of the fort as well as a medium-term plan of creating a virtual museum or website from which interested consumers can enjoy a pre-visit briefing before making an eventual trip.

Until then, my mind is still on a marathon, though the initial disjointed thoughts are fast coming together, perfectly assuming rightful status and looking like a real deal.

Can I confidently say, “I’m set and good to go?”, hell no! that’ll be a 1^st degree felony. 

But for once in a longtime, I can genuinely wear a broad smile because the headache about where to start from has been squashed and neither will it be negotiated nor compromised.

Reference:

§      Commark Trust African World Heritage Fund : Forts and castles of Ghana, Situational analysis (report 4).