18/05/2026
Elmina, located in the Central Region of Ghana, is historically rich and has gone by three major names. Anomansa (meaning inexhaustible Water") was the original indigenous name. The Portuguese later named it Elmina (from A Mina, meaning "The Mine"), while the local Fante people refer to it as Edina.
Before European arrival, the area was established by migrating Akan groups settling between the Atlantic Ocean and the Benya Lagoon. According to local oral tradition, the original name Anomansa was coined by a legendary hunter named Kwaa Amankwaa. While on an expedition, he found a stream that continuously flowed regardless of how much he drank, calling it "inexhaustible water". Upon following the stream downstream, he discovered a lagoon and exclaimed "Be enya!" (I have found it), which is the origin of the Benya Lagoon.
