Ahanta Heritage Month: Diplomats, youth tour forts, Cape Three Points and historic sites

Ghana's southwestern coastline buzzed with history, diplomacy, and cultural heritage on Saturday, July 26, 2026, as foreign diplomats, a senior UNESCO official, and international community members explored the centuries-old forts and landmarks of Ahanta West during the 2026 Ahanta Heritage Month. This tour, a highlight of the month-long celebrations, brought together ambassadors, traditional leaders, heritage enthusiasts, and a vibrant group of students.

The meticulously planned itinerary, organized by Mavis Kuukua Bissue, the Member of Parliament for Ahanta West, guided participants through significant historical sites. The journey began at Fort Gross Friedrichsburg in Princes Town, a late 17th-century fortress built by the Brandenburg African Company, notable as one of the few German-built colonial forts on the Gold Coast. From there, the delegation proceeded to Cape Three Points, mainland Ghana's southernmost point, where they enjoyed panoramic views from the historic lighthouse.

The tour culminated at Fort Batenstein in Butre, the former Dutch colonial administrative center, forever linked to the resistance and execution of Otumfuo Nana Badu Bonsu II in 1838. The visit concluded with a traditional courtesy call on the Chief of Butre, honoring the customs of the historic Ahanta state. The event underscored Ghana's historical significance in the transatlantic slave trade and its ongoing connections with the African diaspora, drawing considerable international attention.