People and Places: Cape St Paul Lighthouse

Perched on the picturesque coastline of Woe, near Keta, in the Volta Region of Ghana stands the historic Cape St Paul Lighthouse. For over a century, this iconic structure has guided mariners safely along the Ghanaian coast, playing a vital role in the country's maritime history.

Built by the Dutch in 1901, the St Paul's Lighthouse is believed to be one of the oldest lighthouses in the country. Its distinctive design sets it apart from the six other lighthouses along the coast from Keta to Axim in the Western Region. 

The 34-metre (112 ft) structure features an octagonal iron skeletal tower, with the upper quarter encased in a metal plate and topped with a gallery and lantern. 

Remarkably, the St Paul's Lighthouse is one of only two lighthouses in the world with this unique design, the other (a much smaller one), is located in Alpena, United States.

The lighthouse got its name from its location, Cape Saint Paul, a headland located near Keta. It is believed that the place was named by 15th-century explorers who arrived at the cape on January 25, 1482, which is St Paul's Day.

The cape was an important landmark for mariners and the lighthouse was built to guide ships safely around it.

The Cape St Paul Lighthouse has been a crucial aid to navigation, guiding countless ships and boats safely into the Keta harbour. Despite undergoing renovations and restorations over the years, the lighthouse remains functional, continuing to serve as a vital beacon for mariners.

Today, the St Paul's Lighthouse is a popular tourist attraction in the region, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse for a panoramic view of the sea and the surrounding landscape.