By Hebrews Pouyeli Kumako
A senior citizen, NUGLOZE, has sparked renewed conversation on heritage preservation with a powerful reflective piece titled “The Walls That Watched Us: Memories of Keta,” highlighting the rich and complex history of Fort Prinzenstein.
In the narrative, NUGLOZE recounts childhood experiences around the historic fort while calling on Ghanaians to take ownership of their stories. According to him, the inspiration to write came after encountering what he described as inaccurate accounts shared by a “self-proclaimed historian.”
“If we don’t tell our own stories, others will—and they may not get them right,” he cautioned.
Childhood Memories in a Historic Setting
NUGLOZE vividly recalls growing up in the shadow of the 18th-century Danish-built fort, where children often climbed its ramparts out of curiosity. From those elevated vantage points, they observed daily activities within the fort’s courtyards, unaware at the time of the deeper historical significance beneath them.
Built in 1784, Fort Prinzenstein once served as a key holding site during the trans-Atlantic slave trade and remains one of the few Danish forts east of the Volta River.
A Fort of Many Functions
Beyond its role in the slave trade, NUGLOZE describes the fort as a place layered with authority and evolving purpose. Over the years, it functioned as a colonial administrative centre, housing a magistrate court, district offices, and prison facilities.
He also highlights personal connections to the site, noting that respected local figure Torgbui Agbotui once served there as a Commissioner of Oaths, with family routines intertwined with the daily operations of the fort.
Contrasting Realities
In a striking reflection, NUGLOZE points to the contrast between the fort’s heavy historical past and its later use as a community space. He recalls how the upper sections of the fort occasionally served as a training ground for local boxers — a scene far removed from its earlier role in law enforcement and human confinement.
Call to Preserve Local Narratives
The reflection concludes with a strong appeal for communities to document and preserve their own histories to prevent distortion or loss over time.
NUGLOZE’s account adds a personal dimension to the story of Fort Prinzenstein, reinforcing its significance not only as a historical monument but also as a living symbol of memory, identity, and community heritage.
Source News Volta
