Wa Naa's Palace
Wa, Upper West
The mud-brick palace of the Wa Naa, overlord of the Wala Traditional Area, in the centre of Wa.
Nubuke Foundation
Visiting information
- Address
- Wa Town, Upper West Region.
- Opening information
- Usually accessible during daylight hours (roughly 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM).
- Accessibility
- Accessibility information has not been verified for this place.
- Suggested time
- 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.
About this place
Built in 1889, the Wa Naa's Palace is a Sudano-Sahelian structure of sun-dried mud walls, with Y-shaped wooden columns carrying flat roofs framed in bush poles. It is gazetted as a national monument and remains the residence of the Wa Naa, his family and household. The palace stands at the heart of Wa, the Upper West regional capital.
District profile
Wa
Wa is the capital of the Upper West Region and the seat of the Wala Traditional Area.
Why stay here: Wa holds the palace of the Wa Naa and is the starting point for the region's heritage sites.
Atmosphere: A regional capital of earthen architecture, markets and Islamic heritage in Ghana's north-west.
Wa is the road hub of the Upper West Region and the base for trips to Wechiau, Nakore and Gwollu.
Nearby attractions
More to explore around Wa 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.
Gwollu Defence Wall GwolluA nineteenth-century earthen wall built around Gwollu to protect the town from slave raiders. 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.
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
Wa
Wa holds the palace of the Wa Naa and is the starting point for the region's heritage sites.
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.
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