Fort Orange in Sekondi is one of Ghana’s oldest European-built structures, originally established by the Dutch in 1642 as a trading post and later expanded into a fortified stronghold. Over the centuries, it played a role in colonial rivalry, maritime trade, and regional defense. Today, it stands as a lighthouse and a registered national monument under the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board (GMMB).
However, while its historical significance is undeniable, visiting Fort Orange is not recommended for most travelers — and here’s why.
Reaching Fort Orange is a logistical hurdle. Ongoing massive roadworks between Kasoa and Cape Coast, and again between Elmina and Takoradi, make the journey long, unpredictable, and uncomfortable. Even once you arrive in Sekondi, navigating the town’s deteriorated infrastructure is a challenge in itself.
Sekondi, once a thriving colonial port town, is now in a devastatingly run-down state, and the fort reflects that decline. The structure is poorly maintained, with visible signs of neglect. There are no proper visitor facilities, no guided tours, and no interpretive signage to help you understand the site’s history.
Photography and videography are strictly prohibited at Fort Orange — especially if you intend to use the content on any website or publication. Visitors have reported being shouted at by locals near the harbor, which the fort overlooks, with aggressive warnings of “No Photos!” The atmosphere around the site is tense and unwelcoming.
Inside the fort, the experience is no better. The caretaker is reportedly unfriendly, and the manager has been described as arrogant and dismissive, particularly toward tourists and content creators. Requests for permission to document the site are often met with hostility or outright refusal.