Fort James is located in Accra, Ghana. It was built by the Royal African Company of England as a trading post for both gold and slaves in 1673 where it joined the Dutch Fort Crêvecœur (1649), and the Danish Fort Christiansborg (1652).

Fort James was likely named after James, Duke of York, who was Governor of the RAC at the time it was built and after whom the adjacent town of Jamestown in Accra is also named.

The fort stands next to Jamestown Lighthouse and from colonial times up to 2008 the fort served as a prison. On entering the fort, one is most likely to witness the thatched roof structures, as well as an Anglican church, a court of guard, a storehouse and a governor's house. Again ,Inside the fort, you may see interpreters making wood and leather products using 17th-century-style tools, sewing or preparing meals. This fort is noted for hosting the first president of Ghana, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah from 1950 to 1951. Dr.Kwame Nkrumah was arrested for leading a disturbing ‘positive action’ campaign in Ghana against British rule in 1950 and was therefore arrested. While in prison at Fort James, he was treated as a criminal in prison. The charismatic nature of Nkrumah earned him the love and support of the Gold coasters. It is known according to history that that crowds met daily and chanted "There is victory for us" and while they did this every day, Nkrumah was ignited more than ever and busied himself writing on toilet sheets his next strategies and tactics upon his release to satisfy the dying quest of his people for freedom and independence.He was released finally and he led the newly formed government a year later on 12 February 1951, after his party, the Convention People's Party (CPP), won the 1951 elections. Notwithstanding these facts about Fort James, Jamestown is now the domicile for the local people ; the Ga's and their main primary activity is fishing since the town lies along the coast of Ghana. It is not surprising to know that Jamestown once was the capital of the Gold coast in the year 1876 after it was moved to cape coast. #kwamenkrumah

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