In response to incessant attacks on the slave trade, the double-ringed Gwollu slave defense wall was built to protect the town. The thick inner wall protected the homes in the community and a second outer wall encircled their farms and water sources.
Upper West Region
Ghana: Upper West Region
Population: 901,502
The Upper West Region, which includes Wa as its capital, was once a part of the Upper Region, which had been formed in July 1960 by the separation of the Northern Region. The Upper Region was split into Upper East and Upper West in 1983 as part of the government’s decentralization agenda.
It serves as Burkina Faso’s entry point into Ghana, which is a traditional intersection for the Trans-Saharan trade routes. A fascinating introduction to Ghana, the area is dominated by dramatic Sahel terrain or huge savannah grasslands scattered with odd-looking baobab trees. Community activities continue in the communities with their recognizable round houses as they have for centuries. The main border crossing points with Burkina Faso are in Hamale and Kapulima. Kulungugu and Paga.
The Upper West Region, which is a more traditional region, exudes a different vibe. Wa, the region’s capital, doubles as the residence of the Wa Naa, the Walas’ paramount chief. The majestic palace is still standing as majestic as it did in the 19th century when it was first constructed. The distinctively designed traditional village homes, which consist of spherical mud-walled buildings joined by walls to form expansive compounds, are ideally suited to the challenging environment of this area.
