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.