SLAVE FORT ST ANTONIO
Axim bears witness to perhaps one of the darkest chapters of Ghana’s colonial history. Erected in 1515, FORT ST ANTONIO is in fact the second oldest fort in Ghana after ELMINA CASTLE. Thousands of Africans were shipped out from these shores into the pointless brutality of slavery. The site now includes a small , informative exhibition. Here you can discover the history of ANTON WILHELM AMO, Germany’s first African scholar. In 1701 Amo was taken from these very shores to Germany. He arrived at the court of the German Count of Wolfenbüttel to serve as a toy/companion(!) to the Count’s children. The Count and his brother educated young Amo, who went on to become an accomplished musician, multi-linguist and philosopher. He went on to teach on major universities in Germany. Amo returned to his birthplace of Axim towards the end of his life. Germany has only recently begun to recognize Amo’s existence and contributions. The square before the High Court in Stuttgart, Germany as well as a street in Berlin have been named after him in acknowledgment and celebration of his importance and achievements. A knowledgeable guide will lead you through the tragic and dark past of this historic sight. FORT ST ANTONIO can be reached by foot after a pleasant walk along the beach from our Retreat.