Vanishing Shores: How Climate Change is Erasing Ghana’s History and Homes

Fort Prinzenstein in Ghana stands as a quiet reminder of a painful past. Once a bustling Danish slave fort, only crumbling walls remain, teetering on the edge of the sea. Historically, this site held thousands of enslaved Africans before they faced the treacherous journey across the Atlantic. Today, it faces a new enemy: climate change.

With rising sea levels and relentless coastal erosion, Ghanaians are witnessing their history washed away. The coastline spans around 550 kilometers, and villages are disappearing as nature and neglect take their toll. Ernestina Gavor, a local bar owner, worries about the future of her business, which depends on tourists visiting the fort. “I hope it lasts a few more years,” she shares.

James Ocloo Akorli, the fort’s caretaker for over two decades, recalls the coast receding dramatically. His childhood home is now gone, swallowed by the sea. Only 10% of the original fort remains, with the dungeons that once held enslaved women still visible, while the men’s quarters have vanished beneath the waves. “We’re losing everything—our history, homes, and livelihoods,” he laments.

Ghana’s coastal forts, like Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle, attract thousands of visitors each year, especially those of African descent seeking to reconnect with their roots. UNESCO representative Edmond Moukala emphasizes the significance of these places, stating, “For Afro-descendants, they embody resilience and pain. Losing them would sever our links to history.”

Restoring and protecting these sites proves to be a challenge. Chris Gordon, an environmental scientist at the University of Ghana, stresses that the necessary interventions exceed the country’s capabilities. He points out that advanced coastal defenses, similar to those in the Netherlands, are needed to combat the erosion.

Local communities are not only witnessing the loss of landmarks, but personal lives are being upended as well. Samuel Yevu, displaced by tidal waves, recalls how his village lost its natural resources. “We had everything—now it’s gone,” he said, highlighting the looming threat to everyday life along the coast.

In 2000, Ghana initiated a $100 million sea wall project, which managed to protect some areas but inadvertently shifted erosion to others, causing devastation in places like Agavedzi. Experts warn that short-term fixes can redirect erosion damage, exacerbating the problem.

A University of Ghana study warns that famous landmarks could vanish in the coming decades without decisive action. This isn’t just about historical preservation; the economy heavily relies on coastal industries like fishing and tourism.

Fort Prinzenstein is particularly significant because of its unique role in the slave trade, despite Ghana’s modern vulnerabilities. Akorli recalls the harrowing process that enslaved people endured before being shipped away, even after Britain outlawed the trade in 1807. “This is the only fort in the Volta region,” he explains, stressing its uniqueness.

At Cape Coast Castle, a tour guide captures the emotional weight of these sites. “If this castle disappears, it’s like losing a graveyard of millions. It’s not just Ghana’s past—it’s a part of world heritage,” he asserts.

Yet, maintenance for these important sites lags behind. Moukala notes that the core issue isn’t just erosion, but neglect. “Regular care could have prevented much of the deterioration we see now,” he says.

As the fort crumbles, Akorli’s plea to the authorities is urgent. “We need restoration,” he says, emphasizing the need to reconnect the diaspora with their roots. Addressing these issues is essential for preserving not just history, but the stories connected to it, ensuring that future generations remember where they came from.

For more information on the impacts of climate change on coastal heritage sites, check out this UNESCO report.

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Ghana,Environment,Climate change,Cultural heritage, Along Ghana