Here are 8 of the most iconic forts in Africa with rich colonial history you should know

Fort Amsterdam – Ghana

Fort Amsterdam is located in Ghana, specifically in Kormantin-Abandze, Cape Coast in the Central Region. The fort was built by the British between 1631 and 1645 and was originally named Fort Courmmantyne or Cormantin.

In 1641, the fort was burnt down by the Dutch but the British rebuilt it. In 1661 the Fort became the headquarters of the English Gold Coast activities and was later captured by the Dutch in 1665 and made part of the Dutch Gold Coast.

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The fort is believed to be the first prison for slaves in the Gold Coast. In 1811, the indigenous people of Anomabu who were known to be allies of the English attacked them and burnt down the fort as a means of protest. The fort remains in ruins till date.