Princes Town, Ghana – A Hidden Gem on the Atlantic Coast
Princes Town, long known locally as “Pokesu” or “Bokaso,” has opened its doors to visitors eager to explore a living piece of Ghana’s colonial past. The once‑ruined Fort Gross Fredericksburg, built by Brandenburg in 1683 and restored, now serves as a tourist attraction. It is located 5 km east of Fort Saint Antonio on Manfro Hill in the Ahanta West District of the Western Region of south Ghana, in West Africa.
The beach at Princes Town, praised for its clean, pristine sands, remains one of the most unspoiled stretches on Ghana’s shoreline. Situated on the fringe of the Cape Three Points Forest Reserve, the town offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Tourists can join a guided walk through the fort’s exposed stone walls, hearing stories of the “Black Prussian” merchant‑chief John Connie, who defended the outpost against Dutch and British forces. A short stroll leads to the secluded beach where sunbathing is enjoyed, though swimming is discouraged due to dangerous waters.
Between July and February, lucky visitors may spot whales or dolphins offshore. The town’s Ahanta and Nzema communities keep traditions alive with ceremonies ranging from naming rituals to the week‑long Kundum Festival each September‑October.
Guests can also try local activities such as fufu pounding, yaka preparation, and a relaxed canoe ride on the Ehunli Lagoon. For nature lovers, the Cape Three Points Forest Reserve offers trails teeming with monkeys, crocodiles and a rich array of medicinal flora.
Early mornings and late evenings are prime times for birdwatching and primate sightings. A short drive or a minibus from Takoradi brings travellers to this off‑the‑beaten enclave, where accommodation from Fort Gross Fredericksburg to Princes Guesthouse are affordablly priced.
Meals are prepared on request, and local dishes such as fufu, kenkey, gari, yaka and atuku are served by vendors on the beach. The Town Tourism Development Committee invites visitors to register in advance for guided tours, cultural experiences and fishing excursions that may include a deep‑sea sortie for barracuda, cassava, tuna, or swordfish.
“Princess Town remains a best‑kept secret, where history, culture, and nature converge,” said a local guide. “Come feel the tranquillity of our shores and the spirit of our ancestors.”
Princes Town (Pokesu) lies between Axim to the west and Sekondi-Takoradi to the east. On 1 January 1681, a Brandenburger expedition of two ships commanded by Otto Friedrich von der Groeben arrived in the then Gold Coast and began to build a strong fort between Axim and the Cape of Three Points.
The fort was named Fort Fredericksburg (German: Groß Friedrichsburg, Groß-Friedrichsburg, Großfriedrichsburg) in honour of Prince Frederick William I, Elector of Brandenburg. Because the fort was named after a Prince, it has been referred to as Princes Town. The fort was to be the headquarters of the Brandenburgers in Africa.
Oral Ofori is Founder and Publisher at www.TheAfricanDream.net, a digital storyteller and producer, and also an information and research consultant.
