ELMINA

• Latitude: 5.0835
• Longitude: -1.3505
• West Africa
• Port in Ghana

Address: Elmina Central Region Ghana

Elmina, located in the Central Region of Ghana, is a historically significant town noted for its role during the transatlantic slave trade era. While Elmina itself does not host a major commercial marine port like those found in Takoradi or Tema, it is a notable area with harbor facilities primarily focused on fishing and tourism. Here’s a comprehensive description and specification of the harbor and its facilities:

Elmina Harbor Overview

Elmina Harbor is primarily a fishing port and a historical site rather than a commercial shipping hub. It serves the local fishing community and is renowned for its cultural significance and historic landmarks, such as Elmina Castle. The harbor facilitates the activities of numerous artisanal fishermen who rely on traditional wooden boats known as "canoes."

Harbor Specifications

1. Type of Harbor:

   • Primarily a fishing harbor.
   • Not a commercial deep-water port.

2. Location:

   • Latitude: 5.0847° N
   • Longitude: 1.3505° W

3. Facilities:

   • Fishing Facilities: Berthing space for numerous traditional fishing boats.
   • Fish Market: Onshore facilities for processing and selling fish.
   • Boat Repair Yards: Small-scale repair services for fishing boats.
   • Local Infrastructure: Limited compared to larger ports, focusing mainly on supporting the fishing community.

4. Draft and Depth:

   • The harbor has shallow draft conditions, suitable for small fishing boats.
   • Limited or no accommodation for large commercial vessels.

5. Navigational Aids:

   • Basic navigational aids might be present, primarily to support local fishermen.
   • Lack of advanced navigational infrastructure typically found in larger commercial ports.

Port Services

1. Fishing Operations:

   • Central to Elmina’s harbor activities.
   • Facilities for offloading and processing fish, directed towards the local market.

2. Boat Maintenance:

   • Local workshops for minor repairs and maintenance of fishing boats.

3. Tourism:

   • Tours of Elmina Castle and other historical landmarks are significant, with some small-scale tourism services linked to marine activities.

4. Cargo Handling:

   • Minimal and not comparable to commercial cargo ports.
   • Activities are centered around fishing products rather than industrial or bulk cargo.

Connectivity

1. Ground Transport:

   • Road connections to nearby cities such as Cape Coast and Accra.
   • Limited public transport options; private and local transport services available.

2. Local Economy:

   • Largely dependent on fishing.
   • Some involvement in tourism and historical site visits.

Historical Significance

Elmina is famous for Elmina Castle, one of the oldest European buildings in sub-Saharan Africa, constructed by the Portuguese in the 15th century. The town played a crucial role during the transatlantic slave trade, and the Castle now stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, drawing visitors globally.

Conclusion

Elmina Harbor is a key fishing hub with profound historical significance. However, it does not function as a major commercial port due to its shallow draft, limited facilities, and focus on artisanal fishing and tourism. The import and export of goods on a large scale are handled by major Ghanaian ports like Takoradi and Tema.