Gwollu Defence Wall
Gwollu, Upper West
A nineteenth-century earthen wall built around Gwollu to protect the town from slave raiders.
Hauns in Africa
Visiting information
- Address
- Gwollu - Sisala West District
- Opening information
- Open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Sunday.
- Accessibility
- Accessibility information has not been verified for this place.
- Suggested time
- The best time to visit the Gwollu Slave Defence Wall is during the dry, cooler months from November to February, when travel roads are easier to navigate and outdoor exploration is most.
About this place
The Gwollu Defence Wall was built in the nineteenth century under Gwollu Koro Limann as protection against slave raiders active across the Sissala country. Sections of the earthen wall survive around the town, and the site is recorded by the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board. Local tradition holds that two walls were raised in defence of Gwollu.
District profile
Gwollu
Gwollu is the capital of the Sissala West District in the Upper West Region, north of Wa near the Burkina Faso border.
Why stay here: Gwollu holds one of northern Ghana's surviving defensive walls from the era of slave raiding.
Atmosphere: A savanna district capital known for the defensive wall built around the town in the nineteenth century.
Gwollu is reached by road from Wa via Tumu.
Nearby attractions
More to explore around Gwollu and the wider Upper West.
Wechiau Community Hippo Sanctuary WechiauA community-run sanctuary on the Black Volta protecting one of Ghana's two remaining hippopotamus populations. The best time to visit the Wechiau Community Hippopotamus Sanctuary is during the dry season, spanning from November to March. This window offers the highest probability of clear wildlife viewing and smooth travel conditions.
Wa Naa's Palace WaThe mud-brick palace of the Wa Naa, overlord of the Wala Traditional Area, in the centre of Wa. The Wa Naa's Palace is fully operational and open to visitors all year round.While weather patterns and festivals create peak travel windows, the palace doors do not close to the public. You can visit on any day of the year that suits your schedule.
Nakore Mosque NakoreAn ancient earthen mosque in the village of Nakore, south-west of Wa. The best time to visit the Nakore Mosque is during the dry season, from November to March.
Recommended district
Gwollu
Gwollu holds one of northern Ghana's surviving defensive walls from the era of slave raiding.
Plan the rest of your visit
Build an itinerary around this district, or check what Ghana requires for entry before you travel.
Sources and verification
Status: Verified. Last reviewed 2026-09-16.
Ghana Museums and Monuments BoardVisitAfrica publishes discovery and cultural information. We do not sell tickets, tours or accommodation, and we do not publish prices or ratings.