Ghana - Forts and Castles, Volta, Greater Accra, Central and Western Regions

"The remains of fortified trading-posts, erected between 1482 and 1786, can still be seen along the coast of Ghana between Keta and Beyin. They were links in the trade routes established by the Portuguese in many areas of the world during their era of great maritime exploration." 

Source: UNESCO World Heritage

Postcard 1
Elmina Castle started as a Portuguese fort, later Dutch, then English trading center. It was a center for ivory, gold and later slaves. Thanks to James for sending this wonderful card from his travels in Ghana.

Postcard 2

Cape Coast Castle - the slave trade was administered through castles, forts and lodges all along the west and east coasts of Africa. Thanks to Leeli of Ghana.

Postcard 3
Cape Coast Castle, near Accra. Thanks to Karolyn of USA.

Ghana - Asante Traditional Buildings

"Near Kumasi, a group of traditional buildings are the last remaining testimony of the great Asante civilization, which reached its peak in the 18th century. The buildings include ten shrines/fetish houses (Abirim, Asawase, Asenemaso, Bodwease, Ejisu Besease, Adarko Jachie, Edwenase, Kentinkrono, Patakro and Saaman). Most are to the north-east of Kumasi, and Patakro, to the south.

Arranged around courtyards, the buildings are constructed of timber, bamboo and mud plaster and originally had thatched roofs. The unique decorative bas-reliefs that adorn the walls are bold and depict a wide variety of motifs. Common forms include spiral and arabesque details with representations of animals, birds and plants, linked to traditional “Adinkra” symbols. As with other traditional art forms of the Asante, these designs are not merely ornamental, they also have symbolic meanings, associated with the ideas and beliefs of the Asante people, and have been handed down from generation to generation...."

Source: UNESCO World Heritage

Postcard 1
Multi-view of traditional buildings of Ghana with the top right corner picture showing Asante Traditional Buildings. Thanks to Mike of Netherlands for arrangement for mailing from Ghana.

Postcard 2A

Asante Traditional Buildings is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Thanks to Karolyn of USA. By mistake, I received two same postcards with different stamps used - double delight.

Postcard 2B