The 1874 British Bombardment of Elmina and Its Aftermath

In 1874, Britain bombarded the ancient coastal fortress of Elmina, a symbol of centuries of European-African trade and conflict. This episode explores the immediate causes—the Asante invasion of the Fante coast and British fears of French influence—and the devastating impact of the attack on the town and its people. We discuss the Treaty of Fomena that ended the war, the exile of Asantehene Kofi Karikari, and the long-term shift in power from the Asante Empire to British colonial control. Through the eyes of Fante merchants, Asante diplomats, and British officials like Sir Garnet Wolseley, we uncover a pivotal moment that set the stage for colonial rule. We also touch on the controversial role of John Pope Hennessy, who tried to return Elmina to the Dutch. This is a story of diplomacy, betrayal, and the reshaping of West Africa's political landscape. #Elmina #SirGarnetWolseley #KofiKarikari #TreatyOfFomena #Asante #Fante #GoldCoast #CapeCoastCastle #FortElmina #JohnPopeHennessy #Sagrenti #1874 #ColonialHistory #WestAfrica #History #FexingoHistory #Bombardment #GhanaHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo