Nearly every town name has a special history and meaning in Ghana; so are the 5 Top Coastal Towns in Ghana. These coastal town names have their own fascinating original names as well. Let us jump into the historically entertaining facts.
The arrival of the European traders on the shores of Ghana brought numerous changes in the social and economic lives of indigenous societies.
One of the effects of the partition of European traders, especially on the coastal states, was changing the names of some towns to the language of their understanding.
Upon their arrival, because of what they came and found in the land, they named it Gold Coast due to the abundance of gold deposits in the country.
What are the 5 Top Coastal Towns in Ghana and Their Fascinating Original Names?
Here are some of the notable coastal communities with their original names that were changed by the Europeans.
No. 1: Oguaa (Cape Coast)
The first of the 5 top coastal towns in Ghana and Their Fascinating Original Names we are interested in is
Oguaa (Cape Coast)
The first administration town of Gold Coast and the cradle of Gold Coast civilization.
Cape Coast Castle was the residence of the governor and a major trading center for both European and African business merchants.
Numerous educational facilities were setup to train mollatoes and kids of prominent businessmen and chiefs. The first senior high school was built in Cape Coast.
People of Cape Coast (Oguaa) celebrate Fetu festival
No. 2: Simpa (Winneba)
The celebrant of the Aboakyer Festival is located in the Central Region of Ghana. The original name of Winneba was Simpa the name was given by the early inhabitants led by Owura Simpa.
READ: Missionary Education In The Gold Coast
Through the intervention of the Europeans, the name was changed to Winneba.
People of Winneba are mostly fishermen due to the existence of a sea. One factor that put Winneba on the Map is University of Education, the prestigious university that trained teachers for nation-building
No. 3. Akatakyi (Komenda)
Komenda was used to replace “Akatakyi, which means ‘brave or warrior’ in the Fante dialect. Komenda is now the capital for Komenda Edina Eguafo. Komenda is known for producing the highest amount of sugar in the country.
READ: Missionary Education In The Gold Coast
During the Nkrumah government, the president established Komenda Sugar Factory, which employs more youth in the area.
No. 4. Akyenfo (Saltpond)
This is a town tagged as the home of Ghana politics because the first and second political movements in Ghana, UGCC and CPP, were formed in Saltpond, respectively.
The name was changed from ‘Akyenfo’ meaning people with salt to Saltpond.
Saltpond is among the oldest towns we can mention in the history of Ghana.
Some of the prominent personalities who hail from Saltpond include Professor Francis Allotey, a mathematician and scientist, and Africa’s Outstanding Poet Ama Atta Aidoo.
No. 5 Edina (Elimina)
The place that was first settled by the early Portuguese, who arrived in Gold Coast led by Don Diego Dr. Azambuja in 1471. The original name was changed due to differences in language; the Portuguese found it difficult to pronounce the local Edina and twisted it to Elimina. It was also known as Costa da Mina. Elimina became a famous business center for Portuguese merchants and the local people who needed some of the European goods for their daily activities.
Another version of the story behind Elmina is this: The Portuguese word Elmina means “the Mine”. The town of Elmina in Ghana was named after the Elmina Castle, which was originally called São Jorge da Mina, or “St. George of the Mine Castle.” The Portuguese built the castle in 1482 after discovering gold and ivory in the region. The gold found in the area also led to the region being called the Gold Coast by the Portuguese.
READ: Today in History: Kobena Gyan protested against the British
The oldest castle in Ghana is located in Elimina