
Heritage lost to the waves
Now, only a shell remains – a crumbling monument teetering at the edge of the sea.
For centuries, Ghana's coastline has borne the brunt of history.
Today, it is being consumed by nature and neglect as climate change, rising sea levels and unchecked human activity eat away at the 550km shore.
Villages are vanishing, and with them, centuries-old heritage.
The modern economy is also at risk.
A few metres away from the fort, Ernestina Gavor cleans a glass behind a bar.
'I'm hoping it survives a few more years,' she said, noting that the restaurant relies on tourists to keep afloat.
Fort Prinzenstein, once a Danish slave fort and now a Unesco World Heritage Site, is among the most threatened sites on Ghana's coast.
James Ocloo Akorli, its caretaker for 24 years, has watched the Gulf of Guinea claw away at the structure – and his memories.
The coast used to be about 6km from the fort, he recounted.
The village he was born in has been swept away, his family packing up and leaving in 1984.
Today, only 10% of the original fort survives.
The dungeons that once held enslaved women are still visible, but the men's quarters have been swallowed by the waves.
'This fort used to be significant,' said Akorli. 'Now, we are losing everything – our history, our homes and our livelihoods.'
Ghana's castles and forts – particularly Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle – attract thousands of visitors each year, mostly African Americans seeking to reconnect with their ancestral past.
'For Afro-descendants, they are sacred places – testimonies of our resilience, our pain and our ingenuity.
'If we lose them, we lose our connection to history,' said Edmond Moukala, Unesco's representative in Ghana.
But preserving that history is proving difficult.
Chris Gordon, an environmental scientist at the University of Ghana, warned that the scale of intervention required was beyond the country's current means.
'You'd need the kind of coastal defences they have in the Netherlands,' he said.
History isn't the only thing at risk.
Samuel Yevu, 45, was among those displaced after 'tidal waves', as ocean surges are locally known, swept through nearby Fuvemeh village in March.
'We used to have coconut trees, fishing nets, everything. Now it's all gone,' said Yevu, whose family sleeps in a school classroom.
In 2000, Ghana launched a US$100mil sea wall project to protect communities like Keta, home to Fort Prinzenstein.
It saved the town, but shifted erosion eastwards, devastating places like Agavedzi and Aflao.
Experts warn that short-sighted interventions – like groynes and sea walls – can worsen erosion by redirecting the ocean's energy elsewhere.
Meanwhile, human interventions that worsen natural coastal erosion continue unabated.
'Sand mining, river damming, unregulated construction – they all starve the coast of sediment,' said Gordon.
A study by the University of Ghana suggests the country could lose key landmarks like Christiansborg Castle and Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum within decades if nothing is done.
The country's modern economy is also heavily reliant on coastal activities, from ports and fishing to oil and gas.
Yet the destruction of Fort Prinzenstein – stone of the prince, in the Danish language – is particularly poignant because of its unique role in the slave trade.
Akorli recounted how enslaved people from modern-day Benin, Nigeria and Togo were branded, sorted and shipped from the fort, even after Britain outlawed the slave trade in 1807.
'This is the only fort in the Volta region. Togo doesn't have one. Benin doesn't. Nigeria doesn't,' he said.
At Cape Coast Castle, a tour guide warned of a similar fate.
'Every day, people from the diaspora come here and cry in these dungeons,' he said, requesting anonymity since he was not authorised to speak to the media.
'If this castle disappears, it's like losing a graveyard of millions. It's not just Ghana's history – it's world history.'
Even so, maintenance remains neglected.
Moukala believes the core problem is not erosion, but lack of care.
'If there had been regular maintenance, we wouldn't witness the severe deterioration. These were buildings meant to last centuries. But neglect, urban development and vandalism have destroyed many.'
In Keta, Akorli's plea to authorities is urgent.
'They must come as a matter of urgency, restore this fort to boost visitation, so that our brothers in the diaspora will not lose their roots.' — AFP
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The Star
a day ago
- The Star
Heritage lost to the waves
THE salty wind blows across the ruins of Ghana's Fort Prinzenstein, where thick walls once held thousands of enslaved Africans before their journey across the Atlantic. Now, only a shell remains – a crumbling monument teetering at the edge of the sea. For centuries, Ghana's coastline has borne the brunt of history. Today, it is being consumed by nature and neglect as climate change, rising sea levels and unchecked human activity eat away at the 550km shore. Villages are vanishing, and with them, centuries-old heritage. The modern economy is also at risk. A few metres away from the fort, Ernestina Gavor cleans a glass behind a bar. 'I'm hoping it survives a few more years,' she said, noting that the restaurant relies on tourists to keep afloat. Fort Prinzenstein, once a Danish slave fort and now a Unesco World Heritage Site, is among the most threatened sites on Ghana's coast. James Ocloo Akorli, its caretaker for 24 years, has watched the Gulf of Guinea claw away at the structure – and his memories. The coast used to be about 6km from the fort, he recounted. The village he was born in has been swept away, his family packing up and leaving in 1984. Today, only 10% of the original fort survives. The dungeons that once held enslaved women are still visible, but the men's quarters have been swallowed by the waves. 'This fort used to be significant,' said Akorli. 'Now, we are losing everything – our history, our homes and our livelihoods.' Ghana's castles and forts – particularly Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle – attract thousands of visitors each year, mostly African Americans seeking to reconnect with their ancestral past. 'For Afro-descendants, they are sacred places – testimonies of our resilience, our pain and our ingenuity. 'If we lose them, we lose our connection to history,' said Edmond Moukala, Unesco's representative in Ghana. But preserving that history is proving difficult. Chris Gordon, an environmental scientist at the University of Ghana, warned that the scale of intervention required was beyond the country's current means. 'You'd need the kind of coastal defences they have in the Netherlands,' he said. History isn't the only thing at risk. Samuel Yevu, 45, was among those displaced after 'tidal waves', as ocean surges are locally known, swept through nearby Fuvemeh village in March. 'We used to have coconut trees, fishing nets, everything. Now it's all gone,' said Yevu, whose family sleeps in a school classroom. In 2000, Ghana launched a US$100mil sea wall project to protect communities like Keta, home to Fort Prinzenstein. It saved the town, but shifted erosion eastwards, devastating places like Agavedzi and Aflao. Experts warn that short-sighted interventions – like groynes and sea walls – can worsen erosion by redirecting the ocean's energy elsewhere. Meanwhile, human interventions that worsen natural coastal erosion continue unabated. 'Sand mining, river damming, unregulated construction – they all starve the coast of sediment,' said Gordon. A study by the University of Ghana suggests the country could lose key landmarks like Christiansborg Castle and Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum within decades if nothing is done. The country's modern economy is also heavily reliant on coastal activities, from ports and fishing to oil and gas. Yet the destruction of Fort Prinzenstein – stone of the prince, in the Danish language – is particularly poignant because of its unique role in the slave trade. Akorli recounted how enslaved people from modern-day Benin, Nigeria and Togo were branded, sorted and shipped from the fort, even after Britain outlawed the slave trade in 1807. 'This is the only fort in the Volta region. Togo doesn't have one. Benin doesn't. Nigeria doesn't,' he said. At Cape Coast Castle, a tour guide warned of a similar fate. 'Every day, people from the diaspora come here and cry in these dungeons,' he said, requesting anonymity since he was not authorised to speak to the media. 'If this castle disappears, it's like losing a graveyard of millions. It's not just Ghana's history – it's world history.' Even so, maintenance remains neglected. Moukala believes the core problem is not erosion, but lack of care. 'If there had been regular maintenance, we wouldn't witness the severe deterioration. These were buildings meant to last centuries. But neglect, urban development and vandalism have destroyed many.' In Keta, Akorli's plea to authorities is urgent. 'They must come as a matter of urgency, restore this fort to boost visitation, so that our brothers in the diaspora will not lose their roots.' — AFP


The Star
2 days ago
- The Star
Celebrating George Town's history on foot
GEORGE TOWN: The streets of George Town came alive early in the morning as crowds gathered for a heritage walk that traced Penang's rich and storied past through its shophouses, religious sites, and cultural landmarks. At least 2,000 people, comprising locals, history buffs, foreigners, and members of community groups, turned up at Beach Street yesterday to take part in the George Town Heritage Walk, which was held to commemorate the 17th anniversary of the city's designation as a Unesco World Heritage Site. The annual event has become a fixture in the city calendar, aimed at raising awareness about George Town's historical significance and the ongoing efforts to preserve its unique multicultural heritage. Among the participants were civil servant Nurul Syafezah Zakariah and her friend Siti Nabilah Abdul Rahman, both 23. 'I have been hearing about the event, but never participated. 'This year, I wanted to give it a try,' said Nurul Syafezah. Besides enjoying a healthy walk, she said the event also gave her a chance to explore heritage sites and learn more about them. Siti Nabilah, who works as an airline ticketing officer, said the walk served as a meaningful reminder that heritage is not just about buildings, but also about the stories, people, and culture that bring a city to life. 'It's easy to take it all for granted, but walking past the clan houses, temples, and old merchant buildings with people from all over the world reminded me about how special this city is,' she said. British citizen Marie Worrall, 33, a history teacher at an international school, was curious to learn more about the heritage buildings in George Town. 'It's just absolutely gorgeous to come here early in the morning when the weather is cool and the streets are a little clearer, and taking time to look at the buildings,' she said. Worrall, who has been in Penang for over a year now, said she is still getting to know the city and learning something new every day. Her friend Yaseen Akhtar, 34, also a teacher, said he loves everything about the city, especially its history and architecture dating back to the 1800s and 1900s. Lt-Kdr Fadhil Samsuddin, 38, of the Royal Malaysian Navy, was with his wife and three children at the walk. The cheery family mingled with other participants, reflecting the strong community spirit fostered by the event. 'I feel the event is good for the community, as it is not only healthy but raises awareness about heritage preservation too,' Lt-Kdr Fadhil said. The 5km walk drew participants from Malaysia and 18 other countries. Penang celebrates Heritage Day on July 7 annually to mark George Town's induction as a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2008. The celebrations often includes events such as open houses in heritage buildings, cultural performances, and heritage walks. Present at the event were Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Tanjung MP Lim Hui Ying, Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng, and Penang Island City Council mayor Datuk A. Rajendran. 'We are now entering the 17th year of this prestigious status, which comes with a great responsibility, not just for government bodies, but for everyone, including residents, business owners, community organisations, NGOs, and developers,' the Chief Minister said. Chow said it was important to preserve the city's cultural values, architectural heritage and intangible assets such as language, traditions, customs, food, beverages, and performances. He also said that the state must ensure that development in the heritage zone is regulated and complies with the conservation guidelines that have been set. Besides raising public awareness, he said the state also allocated funding to support the restoration of heritage buildings, including those classified under Category 1 and 2. 'These efforts contribute to the achievements we've seen over the past 17 years since George Town was recognised as a World Heritage Site,' he said However, he said the journey is far from over. The recognition is a daily commitment and not something that is only cherished once a year, Chow added.

The Star
3 days ago
- The Star
A safer Penang for visitors
Helpful Tourist Police boost security and confidence for travellers GEORGE TOWN: The visible presence of the Tourist Police Unit (UPP) at Penang's key tourist hotspots has boosted security and confidence among visitors, especially the large number of Chinese tourists. Software engineer Li Wei, 32, from Shanghai, who is on his first solo visit to Penang for a short vacation, said he felt completely safe throughout his week-long stay here. 'I saw tourist police patrolling near Lebuh Armenian and since I am travelling alone, this gave me a safe feeling. 'Although I didn't need their assistance, it was comforting to know they are around and easily noticeable,' he said when met yesterday. Another visitor, retired teacher Chen Min, 58, from Chengdu, said the presence of the tourist police helped her get better oriented with the city. 'This is my second visit to Penang and I returned because I love the peaceful atmosphere and friendly people here. 'I went to Esplanade and Batu Ferringhi recently and noticed the tourist police stationed at both places. I approached them once for directions to a bus stop and they were polite and helpful even though we had some language barriers. 'Their presence really makes it easier for tourists like me to explore with peace of mind,' she said. Marketing consultant Emily Hartmann, 34, from Frankfurt, Germany, found it reassuring to have the UPP personnel around, especially at busy spots. 'Their presence makes me feel safer especially when travelling solo. I've seen similar tourist police at places like Bangkok and Barcelona, but here they seem more visible and proactive. 'It's a great initiative that is trusted and helps tourists feel welcomed and protected,' she said. Central police station chief ASP Muhamad Firdaus Ishak said four stations namely his in Lebuh Carnavon, Lebuh Pantai, Jalan Patani and Pulau Tikus are involved in providing UPP personnel on the ground. 'At the Central police station specifically, two to three officers are assigned to the unit from 8am to 8pm daily. They are deployed to areas with high volume of tourists and public traffic, particularly around Lebuh Armenian, Lebuh Cannon and Lebuh Acheh, all located within the Unesco World Heritage Site. 'During peak periods, the regular deployment of two to three UPP officers remains unchanged but other patrol officers, including those from the Motorcycle Patrol Unit (URB), will also conduct routine patrols in those areas to boost crime prevention efforts. 'The common issues often faced by tourists include misplacement of their belongings or needing directions to specific locations. 'Our aim is to not only enhance crime prevention, but also foster a sense of safety among the public, especially foreign tourists. 'With the increasing number of tourists from China, UPP officers have been encouraged to use auto-translation apps to facilitate communication. 'In addition, our station assigns two female Chinese officers on a rotational basis to assist with communication, especially with tourists from China,' he said. The UPP, which was established in 1998, suspended operations during the Covid-19 pandemic following the closure of borders worldwide, but was reactivated on Oct 2 last year. Currently, their operations are coordinated by respective police stations by districts. Besides foreign tourists, locals also benefit from the additional security and hospitality provided by the UPP personnel on the ground. Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said Penang International Airport recorded 3.16 million passengers between January and May this year, a 7.37% increase compared to 2.94 million during the same period in 2024. 'Of the total, 1.7 million were international passengers, up from 1.5 million last year. 'Indonesia accounted for the highest number of international arrivals at 162,768, largely driven by medical tourism, while China followed with 76,532 arrivals, primarily for leisure travel. 'Other key markets included Singapore (59,728), Taiwan (17,672), Thailand (13,589) and India (10,735). 'China has risen from third place last year to second this year, while India, which is now in sixth place, wasn't in the top 10 last year,' he said. China was the only top source country to more than double its tourist arrivals to Malaysia in 2024 compared to the previous year, according to Tourism Malaysia director-general Datuk Manoharan Periasamy in the Malaysia Tourism Statistics in Brief 2024. He said Malaysia recorded 37.96 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2024, a 31.1% increase from 28.96 million in 2023. Total tourism receipts also rose significantly, reaching RM106.8bil, up 43.7% from RM74.3bil in 2023. Manoharan added that Singapore remained the leading source of international visitors, followed by Indonesia, China, Thailand, Brunei, and India. The report highlighted particularly strong growth from China and India, with arrivals surging by 130.9% and 76.6% respectively, driven largely by Malaysia's visa exemption policy for both countries. The increase in visitors was supported by a 10.9% rise in weekly flight seat capacity. In terms of travel modes, 66.1% of tourists arrived by land and 28.9% by air. Penang International Airport alone welcomed 1.15 million tourists in 2024. Visitor spending in 2024 totalled RM106.8bil, with shopping accounting for the largest share at 37.4%. The influx of tourists also contributed to hotel occupancy, with Penang hotels registering an average occupancy rate of 56.8% across its 376 hotels and 26,692 available rooms.