Five of Ghana’s historic coastal forts have been closed to the public with immediate effect to allow for critical maintenance and safety checks, the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board (GMMB) has announced.

In a press release dated 19th December 2025, the Board’s Acting Executive Director, Kwest Essel-Blankson, stated that the closure of the facilities is to “allow for essential maintenance work, safety assessments and ongoing conservation activities aimed at preserving the structural integrity and historical value of these significant heritage sites.”

The affected sites are Fort Apollonia at Beyin in the Western Region, Fort St. Anthony at Axim, Fort Orange at Sekondi, James Fort at Jamestown, Accra, and Ussher Fort in Usshertown, Accra.

The closure took effect from Thursday, 18th December 2025, and will remain until further notice.

These forts, which are pivotal to Ghana’s history and major tourist attractions, form part of the string of European trade and slaving posts dotted along the country’s coast.

Many are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and serve as sobering reminders of the trans-Atlantic slave trade.

The GMMB, which is the state agency responsible for preserving Ghana’s material heritage, often undertakes periodic conservation work on these centuries-old structures, which are constantly exposed to the harsh coastal weather.

“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused and appreciate the understanding and cooperation of the public,” the statement from the Acting Executive Director added.

The temporary closure is likely to affect tourism itineraries, especially for visitors exploring the country’s “Castles and Forts” trail—a key component of Ghana’s cultural and heritage tourism drive. The government has in recent years invested in promoting these sites both for their historical significance and their economic potential.