by DETELLE BROKERS 
Ussher Fort, located in Accra, Ghana, was originally constructed by the Dutch in 1649 under the name Fort Crèvecœur. Positioned east of Accra on a rocky peninsula between two lagoons, it was one of three forts built by Europeans in the region during the mid-17th century. Following the Anglo-Dutch Gold Coast Treaty of 1867, which delineated colonial territories, the fort was transferred to British control in 1868. Recognized for its role in European colonial trade and its impact on Africa, Ussher Fort was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979, along with several other castles and forts in Ghana.
Comparatively less politically significant than Elmina and Cape Coast Castle to the west, Ussher Fort and Fort James nonetheless provided substantial economic benefits to their owners through trade activities.
Over time, Fort Crèvecœur was renamed Ussher Fort in honor of Herber Taylor Ussher, a former Administrator of the Gold Coast. Today, the fort is undergoing restoration funded by the European Commission and UNESCO. The restoration aims to transform it into a museum and International Documentation Centre, preserving its historical significance. Operating hours are from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Saturday, including public holidays. Additionally, the fort hosts virtual exhibitions during the annual Chale Wote festival.
