Do you know about the slave dungeon that was later covered to prevent people from knowing what occurred there? Do you know the last fort to be built in Gold Coast? Fort Good Hope tells it all.
In the year 1667, the Dutch established their fort in Senya Beraku along the coast of the then Gold Coast for their lodgement. It was triangular in shape and was serving as a lodging facility while trading in the Gold Coast with the people of Akim.
Being considered as one of the finest and most spacious fort along the coast , the Dutch believed the fort had the potential of bringing a great proceeds in their gold trade, hence naming it ‘’ Fort de Goede Hoop’’ or Fort Good Hope as translated in English.
Around 1715, they realized the fort was too small thereby breaking the diagonals to double its size making it rectangular shaped. It consists of garrisons, hall for officers, male and female prisons, washrooms, granary, a wall providing security to the fort and security office. Also is the room of no return which transported enslaved black people through the tunnel to the arriving ship on the sea.
In the year 1782, the British conquered the Netherlands and under the captainship of Thomas Shirley, hence, the fort becoming a property of the British.
After the country had its independence from the British in 1957, the fort fell into disuse and was partially ruined. Before the Europeans left, the dungeon in the ‘’Room of No Return’’ leading through to the sea where the ship awaits to transport the slaves, were covered up to prevent people from knowing what occurred there. However, from the opposite bank of the sea, one can enter the dungeon from there and have access leading to the ‘’Room of No Return’’ in the fort.
At the moment, Fort Good Hope is serving as a rest house where tourists can feel the breeze while sipping their drinks at pleasure. Entry is free, however you can tip the tour guide who will take you round for the history of the facility as a way of showing appreciation.
Also read about… How Elmina Castle Failed The Building Purpose
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