The caption on the reverse reads: 'The Fort at Coomassie. This fort is the one which was held by a handful of Europeans and African troops for over 100 days during the Ashanti War of 1900; the Garrison being ultimately relieved by the forces under the command of Sir James Willcocks'.

Guggisberg stated: 'Leaving the Colony, we come to Ashanti where the oil painting of the old Fort at Coomassie nestling amongst its palms and brightly coloured shrubs and looking a very different place to what it was during the siege of 1900 - will arouse many recollections among the retired members of our Civil Service' (Guggisberg, Gold Coast News, no. 25).