In the 15th century AD, Elmina (also known as Mina, Amina, Aminra, or Aminer) was one of several port communities on the Ghana coast (a.k.a. Gold Coast) of western Africa, associated with the West African ethnic group called Akan (Asante or Atweafo). Between the late 16th and early 19th centuries, Elmina served as a collection point in the international trade of slavery.

Located on a narrow rocky sandstone peninsula extending out between the Benya Lagoon and the Gulf of Guinea, the early community had few streets, many narrow alleys and numerous cul-de-sacs.

While the earliest houses were built of timber and clay (wattle and daub), the town eventually had a large number of stone houses, compared to other port cities

Eventually over 60 ports were established along the 500 kilometer (310 mile) long coastline, owned variously--and owned variously--by the Portuguese, Dutch, French, British and Scandinavians, although there was never more than a few hundred Europeans of any flavor on the entire coast at any one time. These individuals were government officials, traders and soldiers, who had no intention of permanently settling in the area. Christopher DeCorses excavations at Elmina (1992) found that unlike other colonial ports, the local African population maintained their ritual practices, use of space and foodways, including a preference for locally made pots over low-fired lead and tin-glazed European ceramics. Evidence also shows that the Europeans adapted to the local diet as a result of their dependence on local food resources and cooks.

Most of the ports on the coast were small, dispersed settlements that supported larger communities in the interior. That pattern of settlement probably began at least as long ago as 400 AD. Oral histories say that Elmina was founded by Kwa Amankwaa, either a member of the Eguafo or Asante royal family.

At the time of the first colonization, the town of Elmina (known then variously as Dondou, Oddena, Dana, Anomee, or Anomeekwakurom) had a fairly sizable population, as it