Fort James, also known as Jamestown Fort, was constructed by the Royal African Company of England in 1673. It served initially as a trading post for gold and slaves alongside other coastal forts like Dutch Fort Crêvecœur and Danish Fort Christiansborg. Recognised for its historical significance during European colonial times, it became part of UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1979.

Named after the Duke of York, who later became King James II and was the Governor of the RAC at the time, the fort also lent its name to the adjacent town of Jamestown. It has a notable history as a prison until 2008 and held Ghana's first president, Kwame Nkrumah, from 1950 to 1951.

Today, Fort James is well-preserved and serves as an important tourist site in Accra, offering visitors a glimpse into the country’s colonial history.