Initially they were outposts, then garrisons for gold - and finally prisons and depots for slavery. Ghana's forts would continue to generate new pages in history books right up to the present. As colonial powers grew in might and again subsided, these structures changed hands many times, reflecting the forces at work in a continent away.
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Fort Batenstein is situated on a high hill with an astonishing view over the coastline. It was once built by the Swedes in 1652. The initial purpose was a trading post, with gold and indigo as its biggest merchandise to bri
ng back to Europe.
By force, it was handed over to the Dutch who converted it into a fort in 1656. Fort Batenstein has been under Dutch and British control at various times. Of little strategic importance it was eventually abandoned from 1818 to 1829. Under Dutch occupation it became vital as a sawmill with operations to repair ships, and agriculture activities to supply other forts. |
In 1872 the Bristish government handed over Fort Batenstein to the Ghanian people. When you start to think, it's hard to imagine that it was just a century ago. Still the sense of superiority and suffering are present within the walls of Fort Batenstein, and the people in the small fishingvillage Butre will forever be reminded of the past.
The forts hold different meanings for different people. While they are reminders of the horrors of the slave trade, they are also important as an world heritage to preserve for future generations. |
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 Fort Batenstein at Butre Beach
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"The memory will remain through generations." |
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