Located on the western coast, Elmina is rich in gold and ivory resources and was home to thirty or so slave forts concentrated along the coast, becoming the first European slave-trading post in sub-Saharan Africa.

The captivating town of Elmina stretches out on a narrow finger of land between the Atlantic Ocean and Benya Lagoon. Here, the salty air and the charming architecture is a mix of colonial remnants, posubans or shrines and an impressive historical legacy in the shape of St George’s Castle.

Built by the Portuguese in 1482, it has since been listed on UNESCOā€™s World Heritage Site, telling us the story of West Africaā€™s role in the slave trade.

One of the main purposes of Elmina Castle was to give support to ship captains by providing their vessels with a secure harbour. In those days, the outposts were heavily armed against assault from the sea.

You can take a tour of the castle, either by yourself or with a knowledgeable guide who will explain where the slaves originally came from and as to their final destinations.

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