Elmina- Travel Tips

What to See, How to Plan & Tours

Elmina is a historic town located on the south coast of Ghana in the Central Region, serving as the capital of the Komenda/Edina/Eguafo/Abirem District. Situated 12.2 km west of Cape Coast, Elmina has a population of 33,576 as of 2013. It was the first European settlement in West Africa, gaining significance after the Portuguese established the São Jorge da Mina Castle in the 1470s, turning the town into a major commercial hub. Today, Elmina retains strong European cultural influences. The town has seen development initiatives such as the Elmina Strategy 2015, which focuses on improving infrastructure, healthcare, the fishing industry, and tourism. Elmina Castle, along with Fort Coenraadsburg, is the primary tourist attraction, drawing around 100,000 visitors annually.