James Town Lighthouse & Ussher Fort – Accra, Ghana
James Town and Ussher Fort are twin historic landmarks located along Accra’s old colonial coast. The James Town Lighthouse stands as a beacon overlooking the Gulf of Guinea, offering panoramic views of Accra’s coastline and fishing harbor. Nearby is Ussher Fort, one of the oldest forts on the Ghanaian coast, built by the Dutch in the 17th century. Together, they tell the story of Accra’s early colonial history, maritime trade, and vibrant local culture.
Quick Facts
Location: James Town, Accra, Ghana.
James Town Lighthouse Built: Original in the 1870s; current structure in the 1930s.
Ussher Fort Built: 1649 by the Dutch, later taken by the British.
Purpose: Coastal defense, trade supervision, and lighthouse operations.
Status: Managed by the Ghana Museums & Monuments Board.
Best For: History, photography, heritage tours, and cultural exploration.
Highlights & Things To Do
Climb the James Town Lighthouse
Ascend the spiral staircase for breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, fishing boats, and the colorful James Town community.
Explore Ussher Fort
Tour the remains of this 17th-century fort — once used for trade and later as a prison. It now houses a small museum about the trans-Atlantic slave trade.
Fishing Harbour Experience
Watch local fishermen hauling nets, repairing boats, or auctioning their catch on the beach.
Chale Wote Festival
If you visit in August, witness the annual Chale Wote Street Art Festival — a celebration of art, music, and culture in James Town.
Hours, Contact & Essentials
Opening Hours:
James Town Lighthouse: Daily, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Ussher Fort: Monday – Saturday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Entry Fees: Small fee for both sites; guided tours available.
Contact: Ghana Museums & Monuments Board – Accra office.
Tour Duration: 1–2 hours for both sites combined.
Getting There
From Kotoka International Airport: ~25 minutes by car.
From Independence Arch: ~10 minutes by car.
By Public Transport: Easily accessible by taxi, Uber/Bolt, or trotro to James Town.
Travel Tips
Wear comfortable shoes — the lighthouse stairs are narrow.
Bring cash for entry and tipping local guides.
Visit in the morning or evening for great light and cooler temperatures.
Be respectful — James Town is a residential fishing community.
Keep your camera handy but ask permission before photographing people.
Nearby Attractions
Independence Arch & Black Star Square
National monument, 5 minutes away.
Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park
Mausoleum & museum, ~10 minutes away.
Osu Castle (Christiansborg Castle)
Coastal colonial castle, ~15 minutes away.
National Museum of Ghana
Historic museum, ~10 minutes away.
Nearby Hotels
Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City – Accra
(luxury, spa, pool).
Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel – Accra
(luxury, near business district).
Accra City Hotel – Accra
(modern, mid-range).
La Palm Royal Beach Hotel – Accra
(family-friendly, ocean views).