Wa Naa's Palace

The palace of the Wa Naa, the paramount chief of the Wala, stands in the centre of Wa, built in the West African Sudanese style of mud over a timber frame with a facade of buttressed pilasters rising into pinnacles and projecting support beams, the same architectural family as the mosques at Larabanga and further north in Mali. It dates in its present form to the nineteenth century and is one of the largest surviving examples of the style in Ghana. It remains the seat of the chieftaincy and is in use, so visits depend on permission from the palace and on what is happening there; a guide from the palace shows the exterior and, when allowed, parts of the courtyards.

What you actually see

• The buttressed facade - the pilasters and pinnacles of the Sudanese style.
• Mud construction - the earth walls over a timber frame.
• The courtyards - the interior spaces when access is granted.
• The working chieftaincy - the palace in its continuing use.

When to go

November to March in the dry season, when the mud fabric is in best condition after re-plastering. Weekday mornings are best for finding someone to arrange a visit. Ceremonial days may close it entirely.

Honest expectations

Access is entirely at the palace's discretion and may be refused; this is a residence and seat of authority, not a museum. Photography needs permission. The building has suffered from deterioration and repairs are not always sympathetic. Fees are informal.

Nearby

Wechiau hippo sanctuary lies southwest; Wa is the regional capital.