A Visit to Elmina Castle

Elmina Castle was built in 1482 by the Portuguese. The main occupation of the local people, especially the men, is fishing. In addition to fishing, some residents are also involved in salt mining.

My company, Elysium Tours, assigned me to take a couple to the castle for a tour. Upon arriving at the entrance of the castle, one of the first things you’ll notice is a navigational compass. In the center of the compass, a stick is placed to cast a shadow used for telling time, a simple yet ingenious method.

There is also a bridge at the castle’s entrance, over which water is released as a security measure to restrict access. This feature was designed to protect the castle from intruders.

Behind the castle is a section where large ships used to anchor, as the sea was once very close. However, the shoreline has since receded. There, you’ll also find the infamous Door of No Return. It was through this door that enslaved Africans were taken in small canoes to waiting ships, bound for the Americas, Canada, or the Caribbean to work on plantations.

According to history, the Portuguese were the first Europeans to arrive in Elmina. They came in 1471 to trade and spread Christianity. When they arrived, they brought goods such as guns, gunpowder, tobacco, alcoholic beverages, and mirrors, which they exchanged for gold with the local people. The abundance of gold they found led them to name the area Elmina, which means “The Mine.”

Before the arrival of the Portuguese, the original name of the area was Anomansa, which translates to “Inexhaustible Water” in English.

The Portuguese controlled Elmina for 155 years before the Dutch took over, ruling for another 235 years. As time passed, many people began to oppose the slave trade, condemning it as evil. In response, a group known as the Society for the Abolition of the Slave Trade was formed in 1787. They established branches and actively campaigned against the trade.

By 1807, the British Parliament officially declared the slave trade illegal. The Dutch followed in 1814, influenced by both the Industrial Revolution and humanitarian concerns.

Today, Elmina Castle is recognized as the oldest and largest castle in the world associated with the trans-Atlantic slave trade. As of now, the castle is 543 years old.

During our visit, the site guide, Nickolas Sam, gave an excellent and informative narrative. If you ever visit Elmina Castle, be sure to look out for him, he’s truly knowledgeable and engaging.

Writer: Frederick Nortey 

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