Dutch Gold Coast - Society

Society

Up until the destruction of Elmina in 1873, the town was the largest settlement on the Gold Coast, eclipsing Accra and Kumasi. In the 18th century, its population numbered 12,000 to 16,000 inhabitants, and in the 19th century, this figure rose to between 18,000 and 20,000. Most of these inhabitants were not European, however; their number peaked at 377 Dutch West India Company Employees for the entire Dutch Gold Coast in the 18th century, before sinking back to a mere 20 officers in the 19th century.

Much more important were the African inhabitants of Elmina, who came from every region of the Gold Coast to Elmina to try their luck. Apart from Ashanti and various Akan people, Elmina also had a considerable Ewe and Ga population, who arrived from the east of contemporary Ghana. Slaves also formed a considerable portion of the population of Elmina, often in the possession of the Akan inhabitants themselves.

The third group in Elmina was of mixed race, and the result of interracial relations between Dutch West India Company employees and African women in Elmina. The illegitimate children of the employees were called "Tapoeijers" by the Dutch, for, according to them, the colour of their skin resembled those of native Americans. A decree from 1700 by the Governor-General at Elmina stipulated that employees of the Dutch West India Company who were to return to the Netherlands either had to take their (illegitimate) children with them, or had to pay a sum of money to provide for their "Christian upbringing". For the latter purpose, a school was established in Elmina.

Many people of mixed descent, also referred to as Euro-Africans, became wealthy merchants. The most prominent of these was Jan Niezer, who visited Europe on several occasions, and who traded directly with European and American companies.

The fourth group in Elmina was also of mixed descent, but had a different status as "Vrijburghers" (free citizens). They had the same rights as Europeans, and organized themselves in so-called Asafo societies or "Akrampa". Their burgemeester had the power to conclude treaties with the Dutch, and all Vrijburghers had the right to wear a sword. Well known Vrijburghers include Carel Hendrik Bartels, Jacob Huidecoper and Jacob Simon. Many Vrijburghers worked in the lower ranks of the Dutch administration of Elmina, and in the 19th century, various Vrijburgher families sent their children (girls included) to Europe for education. In the 19th century, the Vrijburghers settled north of the Benya lagune, near Fort Coenraadsburg. This part of Elmina, also known as "the Garden" was spared from British bombardment in 1873.