Introduction to Fort Metal Cross, Western Region, Ghana

Fort Metal Cross, located in the coastal town of Dixcove in Ghana’s Western Region, stands as one of the enduring markers of the country’s encounter with European colonial powers. Built by the English between 1683 and 1697, the fort was originally known as Dixcove Fort. Its elevated position overlooking the Atlantic made it a highly strategic site, carefully chosen to protect maritime trade routes and to compete with other European strongholds operating along the Gold Coast. Though intended primarily as a secure base for the gold trade, the fort’s history soon became intertwined with shifting alliances, economic ambitions, and the wider struggles for influence among European powers... Continues Below!

Despite early expectations of accessing large quantities of gold from the hinterlands, the English soon discovered that the region did not yield the wealth they imagined. This disappointment earned the fort a local reputation as a “fake mint”—a reminder of the mismatch between European expectations and local realities. Over time, Fort Metal Cross adapted to broader economic trends, transitioning into a fortified depot for ship repairs, timber supplies, and eventually, a site associated with the trans-Atlantic slave trade—a tragic era that left a profound mark on the entire West African coastline.

The fort also became a focal point of regional conflicts. Its construction and operation were frequently challenged by local communities, some of whom supported rival European traders, leading to repeated sieges and periods of instability. In 1868, after nearly two centuries under British control, the fort was ceded to the Dutch, who renamed it Fort Metal Cross after one of their naval vessels. Their hold, however, was brief. In 1872, the fort was transferred back to the British, who retained the new name.

In the years following the end of the colonial era, Fort Metal Cross outlived its military and commercial roles, serving at various times as a police station, postal point, and community gathering space. Today, it remains an important heritage monument and a place of reflection—part of the network of Ghanaian forts and castles recognized for their historical significance. Through its layered past, Fort Metal Cross offers insight into global trade dynamics, colonial rivalry, African resistance, and the human stories that shaped the Atlantic world.

For official inquiries or additional historical information, you may contact:
Email: official@gmmb.gov.gh
Phone: +233-302 221633