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 recently restored, now serves both as a tourist attraction and a modest guesthouse.
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 ranges from GH¢5 per head at Fort Gross Fredericksburg to GH¢7 nightly rooms at Princes Guesthouse.
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.”
Oral Ofori is Founder and Publisher at www.TheAfricanDream.net, a digital storyteller and producer, and also an information and research consultant.
