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
Explore Ghana
Things to do in Gwollu
Gwollu is a small town in the Sissala West District of the Upper West Region, and its story is unusually rich for a place of its size. Almost everything worth seeing here circles around memory and protection: the Gwollu Slave Defence Wall, built in the 19th century by Gwollu Koro Limann against slave traders and cared for today by the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board, stands beside the working palace compound of the Gwollu Kuoro. Within that compound lies the Dr Hilla Limann Mausoleum, the burial place and memorial of Ghana's 8th President and the only president of the Third Republic. Nearby is the grave of King Tanjia, also known as Tanjia Musa, remembered for his part in building the defence wall.
The places differ in mood and in kind. Some are monuments and heritage sites; others are living traditions. Kalgwe, the sacred crocodile pond in central Gwollu, is where crocodiles are revered as clan totems and protected by the community, while the Gwollu Traditional Bone Setting Centre keeps an indigenous practice alive through the Najiriwia Clan. Together they make a day of history, culture and community tourism.
Good to know
Before you go
Plan Gwollu as a slow half-day or full day rather than a quick stop, since the wall, the palace, the mausoleum and the grave of King Tanjia sit close together and are best understood together. The crocodile pond and the bone setting centre are living community places, so ask locally before photographing anyone or anything, and dress respectfully. Travel in the Upper West Region is easiest in the dry season, and roads can be rough after rain. Check opening arrangements and whether a guide is needed with the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board or the Sissala West District Assembly before you set out, as these are working sites rather than ticketed attractions.
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Places to explore
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
Grave of King Tanjia
Grave of King Tanjia (Tanjia Musa) in Gwollu, Sissala West District, listed by the district assembly among its tourist sites for his role in building the Gwollu defence wall.
Attraction
Attraction · Gwollu
Gwollu Crocodile Pond
Kalgwe, the sacred crocodile pond in central Gwollu, Sissala West District, where crocodiles are revered as clan totems and protected by the community.
Attraction
Attraction · Gwollu
Gwollu Kuoro's Palace
The working palace compound of the Gwollu Kuoro in Sissala West District, beside the Gwollu Slave Defence Wall and holding the tomb of former President Dr Hilla Limann.
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.