People & Places: Axim - A treasure trove of history, culture, natural beauty
Axim is a charming coastal town and the capital of the Nzema East Municipal District in the Western Region. Situated about 64 kilometres west of Takoradi, the regional capital, Axim boasts a rich history, stunning natural beauty, and a resilient spirit.
With a population of 24,500 people, according to the World Population Review 2025, Axim is a treasure trove of cultural heritage and breathtaking scenery.
Axim's story dates to the early 16th century when the Portuguese arrived as traders and built Fort Santo Antonio (Fort Saint Anthony) in 1515, one of the earliest European structures on the Gold Coast.
The fort served as a commercial and military hub for over a century, with the Dutch and British later taking control.
Through these shifts, Axim remained a vital part of the colonial narrative, with the Nzema people, the original inhabitants, playing a significant role in shaping the town's identity.
The historic fort, perched on a rocky coast overlooking the ocean, is a testament to Axim's turbulent past.
Once a warehouse for gold, ivory and slaves, the fort now stands as a quiet museum space.
The town is divided into two parts: Upper Axim and Lower Axim, with the fort lying roughly on the division between the two.
Upper Axim, the original European settlement, features several large mansions of lumber-trading magnates and other businessmen from the late 19th century.
Axim's economy relies heavily on fishing, coconut farming, petty trade, and an emerging tourism sector.
The town is also home to several traditional festivals, including the vibrant Kundum Festival, which celebrates the end of the harvest and seeks ancestral blessings.
Just off the coast of Axim lies the picturesque Bobwasi Island, home to the Axim Lighthouse, a notable landmark that serves as a guide to mariners.
Axim is proud to be the hometown of a trailblazing figure, Anton Wilhelm Amo, who became the first black African to receive a philosophical education in Europe and publish philosophical works in Germany.
It also holds the resting place of George Alfred Grant, popularly known as Paa Grant, a merchant and politician who was also called "the father of Gold Coast politics".
Historically, the town thrived as a major commercial hub, driven by a diverse economy that included gold trading, fishing, canoe building, palm oil and coconut oil production.
The town's strategic location and natural harbour made it an important centre for trade and commerce.
While the construction of modern ports in Takoradi and Tema diminished Axim's commercial significance, the town remains a destination for its lush forests, wildlife and stunning beaches.
Additionally, its proximity to Ghana's offshore oil industry adds to its economic potential, making it a location of interest for both natural beauty and economic opportunities.
