A Dispatch from Ghana

NAC intern Akua Nyame-Mensah reports from the fishing town of Jamestown, in Accra. Click through to see photos of the city’s harbor, people and built environment.

This is your first of three free stories this month. Become a free or sustaining member to read unlimited articles, webinars and ebooks.

Become A Member

Jamestown is one of the oldest and culturally rich districts of Accra. Originally settled by the Ga, an ethnic group from southern Ghana, Jamestown became a British colonial port because of its coastal location. After achieving independence the Ghanaian government decided to move the country’s primary port to another coastal city. This had a devastating effect on Jamestown’s economy. Today, Jamestown is a poorly maintained fishing harbor that happens to be one of the city’s most densely populated areas and a popular tourist destination.

The Ghanaian government is currently trying to redevelop Jamestown to improve living conditions and attract more tourists. Warehouses, many which are being converted to offices and large family homes, line the streets of this district. The water is full of multicolored traditional fishing boats and the beach is cluttered with illegal shanty structures. The government is looking into rebuilding the fishing harbor to help boost the local fishing industry, preserving colonial warehouses and family houses and widening roads to accommodate the heavy traffic of the area.

Here is a slideshow of images from the town.

Like what you’re reading? Get a browser notification whenever we post a new story. You’re signed-up for browser notifications of new stories. No longer want to be notified? Unsubscribe.

Tags: built environmentwateraccraghana

×
Next City App Never Miss A StoryDownload our app ×
×

You've reached your monthly limit of three free stories.

This is not a paywall. Become a free or sustaining member to continue reading.

  • Read unlimited stories each month
  • Our email newsletter
  • Webinars and ebooks in one click
  • Our Solutions of the Year magazine
  • Support solutions journalism and preserve access to all readers who work to liberate cities

Join 1108 other sustainers such as:

  • Peter at $5/Month
  • Pilar in Lehigh Acres, FL at $5/Month
  • Anonymous at $5/Month

Already a member? Log in here. U.S. donations are tax-deductible minus the value of thank-you gifts. Questions? Learn more about our membership options.

or pay by credit card:

All members are automatically signed-up to our email newsletter. You can unsubscribe with one-click at any time.

  • Donate $20 or $5/Month

    20th Anniversary Solutions of the Year magazine

has donated ! Thank you 🎉
Donate
×