Axim

Quick Facts: Who was Axim?

Subject:

Axim

Known for:

Coastal town and capital of Nzema East Municipal district in Ghana's Western Region.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Axim is a coastal town and the capital of Nzema East Municipal district, a district in Western Region of South Ghana. Axim lies 64 kilometers west of the port city of Sekondi-Takoradi in the Western Region, west of Cape Three Points. Axim has a 2013 settlement population of 27,719 people. This area was occupied by the Nzema people. The Portuguese arrived by the early 16th century as traders.

Career & Major Achievements

They built a prominent seaside fort, Fort Santo Antonio, in 1515. They exported some Africans as slaves to Europe and the Americas. Between 1642 and 1872, the fort was expanded and altered by the Dutch, who "ruled" during that period. The fort, now property of Ghana, is open to the public. Off-shore are some picturesque islands, including one with a lighthouse.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The town of Axim is divided into two parts: Upper Axim and Lower Axim. Fort Santo Antonio lies roughly on the division between the two parts, but closest to the centre of Upper Axim, the original European settlement. Here, several large mansions of lumber-trading magnates and other businessmen remain from the late 19th century and period of the British empire. Axim is governed by a political District Executive of the Nzema East Municipality. The economy is based mainly on Axim's fishing fleet, but the area also has three tourist beach resorts as well as coconut and rubber plantations.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1515: 1515 Milestone — They built a prominent seaside fort, Fort Santo Antonio, in 1515.
2. 1642: 1642 Milestone — Between 1642 and 1872, the fort was expanded and altered by the Dutch, who "ruled" during that period.
3. 2013: 2013 Milestone — Axim has a 2013 settlement population of 27,719 people.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Axim

True or False: “The Portuguese established Fort Santo Antonio in Axim immediately after the Dutch period of influence.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The Portuguese arrived by the early 16th century and built the fort in 1515; the Dutch expanded it later between 1642 and 1872.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Axim