The history of Oguaa is invariably tied to the town of Efutu, where the paramount stool of the Efutu people was lodged; which is believed to have attracted many Fante or Fantoid people.
A.L. Casely Hayford leads us to believe, that via the clan system, the migrating Fante families most likely settled and become assimilated into Efutu equivalents of their own clan groups and new settlements, would have fallen under the paramountcy of the Efutu Omanhin. It is clear, thus, that prior to the arrival of the Europeans, the Fante and other settlers in the region, were either the subjects or settlers of the Efutu. Therefore, it has been concluded by peer historians that during the mid-to-latefifteenth century, the inhabitants of Oguaa were an amalgam of different groups – including the Abora. The area was probably dominated by the “so-called aboriginal Afutu (Fetu or Etsifu) and Asebu (Saboe) people.
The arrival of the Europeans in Oguaa and Elmina at the end of the fifteenth century, was quite a significant and in alienable part of our history. The introduction of European trade realigned the relative importance of the coastal towns for the Efutu people.
The traditional indigenous trade between Efutu and the interior became increasingly supplanted by the new coastal trade. The Efutu and Fante naturally assumed the role of middlemen between the Europeans and the hinterlands. For the town (and nation) the initial accumulation of this commerce was steady and systemised over a period of time. By 1556, our city; “consisted of only some twenty houses, which were enclosed.
Osabarimba
Kwesi Atta II, Oguaa
Omanhen
In synchronicity to our theme “The City of Firsts” and deference to normalcy and prevalence; we the people of Oguaa have envisaged this as brief chronicle of our entailments. After all, being “The First” requires unconventionality.
It would therefore be inimical to the concept, if the reader considers it a “brochure”.
We shall first meander through the premier course, by elucidating on our identity; for that is undoubtedly the foundation upon which this “edifice” has been built. Then, as a beacon guides a lost traveller through the darkest of caves; we shall recount vital anecdotes of our history, which shall inevitably enlighten the oblivious reader. In veneration to their mere existence, our “gods” and “asafo” are honourably mentioned to tease the reader’s imagination. This shall concurrently be aided by an ephemeral unfolding of our beliefs, as a people.
What would “The City of Firsts” be, without its Monuments and People; which set this perpetual course? It would thus be hackneyed on our part, if they were not cited, venerated and illuminated upon.
THE CITY OF FIRSTS.
BIBLE HOUSE
The First Place the Gospel
Of Jesus was Preached.
LONDON BRIDGE
The First Culvert built
in Ghana.
MFANTSIPIM HIGH SCHOOL
The First High School built
in Ghana.
Cape Coast Castle
The First Slave Castle in Ghana.
Fort Victoria
Light House Cape Coast
Built in 1702, this fort served as a lookout point and defense post.