Attraction · Wa
Cathedral of Saint Andrew
St. Andrew's Cathedral is the Roman-Rite cathedral of the Diocese of Wa, an active place of worship in Wa, Upper West Region, Ghana.
Photo: KUUBO EMMANUEL · Source
Explore Ghana
Heritage sites in Upper West Region
The Upper West Region rewards travellers who look beyond the obvious. Its heritage places share a strong thread: earth-built architecture, living tradition and memory. Wa Naa's Palace, the gazetted mud-brick seat of the Wa Naa, and the Cathedral of Saint Andrew in Wa show two faces of the regional capital, one traditional and one Roman-Rite. In Dondoli, the 19th-century Sudano-Sahelian Dondoli Mosque stands in partial ruins and is reported abandoned, while Wechiau's historic earthen mosque, built in Sudano-Sahelian and Djenne styles, has been undergoing restoration since 2024.
Gwollu holds several of the region's most affecting sites. The Gwollu Slave Defence Wall, a 19th-century mud-and-brick structure raised by Gwollu Koro Limann against slave traders, is managed by the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board. Nearby lie the Dr Hilla Limann Mausoleum, burial place of Ghana's 8th President and the only president of the Third Republic, and the Gwollu Traditional Bone Setting Centre, an indigenous practice run by the Najiriwia Clan.
They differ in mood and access: some are active places of worship, some monuments, some community-run. Together they tell the story of a region shaped by defence, faith and local knowledge.
Good to know
Before you go
Plan around Wa as your base, since several sites sit in and around the town, while Gwollu, Dondoli and Wechiau lie in surrounding districts. Distances are not short, so allow generous travel time and consider a local driver who knows the routes. Some places are active places of worship or working community sites, so dress modestly, ask before photographing, and follow guidance from caretakers or the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board where relevant. Dondoli Mosque is reported to be in partial ruins and abandoned, and Wechiau Ancient Mosque has been undergoing restoration since 2024, so check current access before you set out. Confirm opening arrangements locally, as these are not guaranteed.
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Places to explore
Attraction · Dondoli
Dondoli Mosque
Dondoli Mosque is a 19th-century Sudano-Sahelian earthen mosque in the Dondoli community of Wa, Upper West Region, now reported to be in partial ruins and abandoned.
Photo: Isaac Gyemfi · Source
Attraction · Gwollu
Gwollu Slave Defence Wall
A 19th-century mud-and-brick defence wall in Gwollu, Upper West Region, built by Gwollu Koro Limann against slave traders and managed by the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board.
Photo: Sir Amugi · Source
Attraction · Wa
Wa Naa's Palace
Wa Naa's Palace is the traditional palace and official residence of the Wa Naa in Wa town, Upper West Region, and a gazetted national monument in Sudano-Sahelian mud-brick style.
Photo: U.S. Embassy Ghana · Source
Attraction
Attraction · Gwollu
Dr Hilla Limann Mausoleum / Tomb
The burial place and memorial of Dr Hilla Limann, Ghana's 8th President and the only president of the Third Republic, inside the chief's compound in Gwollu, Upper West Region.
Attraction
Attraction · Gwollu
Gwollu Traditional Bone Setting Centre
An indigenous bone-setting practice run by the Najiriwia Clan in Gwollu, Sissala West District, listed among the district's tourist sites.
Attraction
Attraction · Wechiau
Wechiau Ancient Mosque
A historic earthen mosque in Wechiau, Wa West District, Upper West Region, built in Sudano-Sahelian and Djenne styles and undergoing restoration since 2024.