Introduction
If you want to fully understand Ghana’s role in the transatlantic slave trade, two sites are essential stops on the Accra to Cape Coast-Elmina route according to Accra Street Journal: Fort William (Anomabo Fort) and the Assin Manso Slave River & Memorial Site.
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Anomabo Fort (Fort William), located along the coast in Anomabo, was once a major slave trading fort and military post during the 17th–19th centuries.
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Assin Manso Slave River, located inland about 40 km from Cape Coast, served as a final bathing and resting place for enslaved Africans before they were marched to coastal forts for shipment across the Atlantic.
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Together, they tell a story of resilience, suffering, and remembrance, making them key destinations for heritage tourism, Pan-African pilgrimage, and educational travel.
Distance & Travel Time from Accra
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Accra to Anomabo Fort: ~145 km, 3.5–4 hours.
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Accra to Assin Manso: ~170 km, 4–4.5 hours.
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Assin Manso to Anomabo Fort: ~30–40 km (1 hour drive).
Transport Options from Accra
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By Bus (VIP, STC, Metro Mass, OA)
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From Accra (Circle, Kaneshie, or STC terminal), board a bus headed for Cape Coast or Takoradi.
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Tell the driver you’ll stop at Anomabo Junction.
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Fare: GHS 80 – 120 per person.
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From Anomabo Junction, take a taxi to the fort (5 mins, GHS 10 – 20).
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For Assin Manso, continue from Cape Coast or Mankessim with a shared taxi (GHS 20 – 30).
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By Private Car / Rental
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Driving allows you to combine Cape Coast Castle, Elmina Castle, Anomabo, and Assin Manso in one heritage tour.
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Car rental: GHS 800 – 1200/day with driver.
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By Tour Operator
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Day trips cost GHS 700 – 1500 depending on group size.
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Most packages combine Cape Coast Castle, Elmina Castle, Assin Manso, and sometimes Kakum.
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Rest Stops Along the Way
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Winneba Junction – snacks & washrooms.
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Mankessim Roundabout – major food stop before branching to Anomabo or Assin Manso.
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Oguaa (Cape Coast) – refreshment break if doing the full circuit.
Entry Fees
Anomabo Fort (Fort William)
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Ghanaians: GHS 20 – 30
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Foreigners: USD 5 – 10 (GHS 70 – 150)
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Student rates available.
Assin Manso Slave River & Memorial Site
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Ghanaians: GHS 30 – 40
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Foreigners: USD 10 – 15 (GHS 150 – 200)
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Students: GHS 15 – 20
History & Culture
Anomabo Fort (Fort William)
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Originally built by the Dutch in the 17th century, later expanded by the British in the 18th century.
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Served as the headquarters of the British slave trade on the Gold Coast for much of the 18th century.
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Thousands of enslaved Africans passed through its dungeons before being shipped overseas.
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Later used as a colonial military post, lighthouse, and administrative center.
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Today, it stands as a heritage site, symbolizing resilience and remembrance.
Assin Manso Slave River & Memorial Site
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Known locally as “Donkor Nsuo” (Slave River).
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It was the last bathing place for enslaved Africans before they were marched to coastal forts.
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In 1998, remains of two enslaved Africans (from Jamaica and the U.S.) were returned and reburied here in a Pan-African reinterment ceremony.
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Hosts the Emancipation Day celebrations in Ghana every year (July 31 – Aug 1).
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A place of solemn reflection, prayer, and Pan-African unity.
Hotels & Guesthouses Nearby
Near Anomabo Fort
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Anomabo Beach Resort – beachside chalets and rooms, from GHS 450/night.
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Lemon Beach Resort (Elmina) – eco-friendly, from GHS 500/night.
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Brenu Beach Lodge – quiet retreat, from GHS 400/night.
Near Assin Manso
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Most visitors stay in Cape Coast/Elmina hotels (30–45 mins away).
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Ridge Royal Hotel (luxury, GHS 600+)
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Hans Cottage Botel (mid-range, GHS 400+)
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Oasis Beach Resort (budget, GHS 250+)
Contact Details
Anomabo Fort (Fort William)
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Ghana Museums & Monuments Board (GMMB)
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Phone: +233 302 221 633
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Website: gmmbghana.org
Assin Manso Slave River & Memorial Site
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Local Tourism Board Office, Assin Manso
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Phone: +233 244 687 383
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Email: [email protected]
FAQs
Q: Can I visit both Anomabo and Assin Manso in one day?
A: Yes. Many travelers combine both with Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle.
Q: Is it family-friendly?
A: Yes, but the history is heavy. Parents should explain sensitively to children.
Q: Are photography and video allowed?
A: Yes, but sometimes a small camera fee (GHS 20 – 30) is charged.
Q: Is there a guide available?
A: Both sites have trained guides who share history and context.
Best Time to Visit
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Year-round, but best during dry season (Nov–March).
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For cultural immersion, visit during Emancipation Day (July–August) or PANAFEST (biennial festival).
Travel Tips By Accra Street Journal
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Wear comfortable walking shoes; terrain at Assin Manso is natural and uneven.
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Bring water and snacks — food options near Assin Manso are limited.
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Carry cash (mobile money sometimes works, but network is unreliable).
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Be respectful; these are solemn heritage sites, not just tourist attractions.
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Hire a local guide for deeper storytelling.
Source: Accra Street Journal
Last Updated on September 29, 2025 by Samuel Kwame Boadu
Disclaimer: Some content on Accra Street Journal may be aggregated, summarized, or edited from third-party sources for informational purposes. Images and media are used under fair use or royalty-free licenses. Accra Street Journal is a subsidiary of SamBoad Publishing Hub under SamBoad Business Group Ltd, registered in Ghana since 2014.
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Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Accra Street Journal, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.
