For those looking to explore the history of West Africa, few regions are as compelling as Ghana, Togo, and Benin, once known as the Gold Coast and the Slave Coast. These names reflect the economic drivers that shaped the region during European colonial expansion. Today, traveling through these countries is an opportunity to understand this haunting past.
Table of Contents
The Gold Coast: Ghana’s resources for the colonial powers
The Gold Coast, corresponding to modern-day Ghana, was so named because of its vast reserves of gold, which attracted Portuguese traders as early as the 15th century. By the time the Dutch, British, and other European powers arrived, the region had become a center for both gold mining and trade. European forts and castles – such as Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle – were built to secure the trade routes and store gold before it was shipped to Europe.
The name “Gold Coast” eventually became the official designation for the British colony established in 1821, lasting until Ghana’s independence in 1957. However, gold was not the only valuable commodity. Over time, the region also became deeply involved in the transatlantic slave trade, with enslaved Africans being held in dungeons before being sent across the Atlantic. Today, these forts serve as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, preserving the memory of those who passed through their doors under horrific conditions. Local guides, often descendants of those affected, provide moving explanations, making these visits even more impactful.
The Slave Coast: The tragedy of Togo and Benin
Stretching from modern-day Togo into Benin and western Nigeria, the Slave Coast was one of the biggest hubs of the transatlantic slave trade. Unlike the Gold Coast, which became an official British colony, the term “Slave Coast” was not an official designation but rather a label used by European traders and cartographers to describe the region’s role in supplying enslaved Africans to the Americas.
The Kingdom of Dahomey, in present-day Benin, was a dominant power that actively participated in the trade, capturing prisoners from rival communities and selling them to European merchants in exchange for weapons, textiles, and other goods. The coastal city of Ouidah in Benin was a major departure point for enslaved Africans. Sites like the “Door of No Return” serve as reminders of this dark history. Meanwhile, Togo’s coastal region also played a role, with the influence of European traders altering the region’s economic and social fabric for centuries.
While the transatlantic slave trade left deep scars, it also sparked resistance among West African communities. The Ashanti Empire in Ghana fiercely resisted European control, engaging in wars against British colonial forces well into the late 19th century. In Benin, the Vodun (Voodoo) religion played a crucial role in maintaining cultural identity, with spiritual leaders providing strength to those resisting enslavement or seeking to preserve their heritage. Today, the annual Vodun Festival in Ouidah celebrates these traditions, highlighting how West African spirituality endured despite colonial suppression.
Visiting Benin, Togo and Ghana today
Today, traveling through Ghana, Togo, and Benin provides an opportunity to engage with this history while experiencing the region’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors can tour the slave forts along Ghana’s coast, explore the Vodun (Voodoo) traditions of Benin, and witness the remnants of colonial architecture in Togo’s capital, Lomé.
Beyond the history, these countries offer stunning landscapes and welcoming locals eager to share their stories, from the stilt village of Ganvié to the Volta Region. Benin, Togo and Ghana are destinations of deep significance for travelers who seek to understand the past.
Join Young Pioneer Tours as we explore Ghana’s Gold Coast, as well as Benin and Togo in our Voodoo Trails Tour.
About Post Author
