Accra, Ghana – President John Dramani Mahama has announced an ambitious plan to develop the historic Osu Castle and its surrounding areas into a vibrant cultural and tourism hub, aiming to position Ghana as a premier heritage tourism destination.
Speaking during the State of the Nation Address on Thursday, February 27, President Mahama reaffirmed his government’s commitment to preserving and promoting Ghana’s rich history by revitalizing the former seat of government.
“We will develop the Osu Castle, the former seat of Government, and the area surrounding it as a tourist attraction, a pedestrian precinct, with arts and craft markets, and a jewellery and gold market,” Mahama stated.
This initiative forms part of a broader strategy to boost historical tourism in Ghana, attracting both local and international visitors by leveraging the country’s rich colonial heritage.
Historical Significance of Osu Castle
Also known as Fort Christiansborg, the Osu Castle is one of Ghana’s most iconic historical sites. Built by the Danish in the 1660s, it served as a key trading post along the Gold Coast before becoming a major center for the transatlantic slave trade.
For centuries, the castle witnessed the horrors of slavery, significant treaties between European powers and local chiefs, and Ghana’s journey from colonial rule to independence. It later became the seat of government until the presidential office was relocated to the Jubilee House.
With this redevelopment plan, the government aims to preserve the castle’s legacy while transforming it into a thriving center for arts, culture, and tourism, including dedicated markets for crafts, gold, and jewellery.
