Wa: The Heartbeat of Ghana's Upper West Region

• HelloEi
  [ay]
• GoodbyeAfehyia pa
  [ah-fay-ya pa]
• YesAane
  [ah-neh]
• NoDabi
  [dah-bee]
• Please/You're welcomeMesrɛ
  [may-sray]
• Thank youMedaase
  [may-dah-say]
• Excuse me/SorryƐte sɛn
  [eh-tay sen]
• How are you?Ete sɛn?
  [eh-tay sen]
• Fine. And you?Ewom. Na wo ho?
  [ay-wom. nah woh hoh]
• Do you speak English?Wo nkasa foforo bɛn saa?
  [woh in-kah-sah foh-foh-roh bane saa]
• I don't understandMenntumi nnidi
  [men-too-me nee-dee]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMete menu no a, mesrɛ
  [may-tay may-no no ah, may-sray]
• I don't eat meatMenntumi nnidi ntoro
  [men-too-me nee-dee in-taw-roh]
• Cheers!Afe nko
  [ah-fay in-koh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMete sika no a, mesrɛ
  [may-tay see-kah no ah, may-sray]

• Help!Boa me!
  [boh-ah meh]
• Go away!Kasa!
  [kah-sah]
• Call the Police!San atamfo!
  [sahn ah-tahm-foh]
• Call a doctor!San dɔkita!
  [sahn doh-kee-tah]
• I'm lostMenntumi nni me nsa
  [men-too-me nee-meh en-sah]
• I'm illMe nsu
  [meh in-soo]

• I'd like to buy...Mete... a, mesrɛ
  [may-tay... ah, may-sray]
• I'm just lookingMete asɛm
  [may-tay ah-sem]
• How much is it?Agya no bɛyɛ sɛn?
  [ah-jah noh bay-yay sen]
• That's too expensiveNso yɛ sɛn
  [in-so yay sen]
• Can you lower the price?Wopɛ nso yɛbɛ sɛn?
  [woh-pay in-so yay-beh sen]

• What time is it?Ɛnnora bɛyɛ sɛn?
  [eh-no-rah bay-yay sen]
• It's one o'clockBɔɔ nora
  [boh-oh no-rah]
• Half past (10)Nora mu
  [no-rah moo]
• MorningAnɔpa
  [ah-no-pah]
• AfternoonAwia
  [ah-wee-ah]
• EveningAnwummere
  [ah-woom-meh-reh]
• YesterdayNnɛ
  [neh]
• TodayƐda
  [eh-dah]
• TomorrowƐbɔ
  [eh-boh]
• 1Kɔtɔ
  [ko-toh]
• 2Afɔ
  [ah-foh]
• 3Anan
  [ah-nahn]
• 4Ananfɔ
  [ah-nahn-foh]
• 5Anantɔ
  [ah-nahn-toh]
• 6Anansia
  [ah-nahn-see-ah]
• 7Ananwɔtwe
  [ah-nahn-woh-tweh]
• 8Ananfɔfɔ
  [ah-nahn-foh-foh]
• 9Anantɔtɔ
  [ah-nahn-toh-toh]
• 10Tɛkɛtɛ
  [tay-ka-tay]

• Where's a/the...?Ɛhe na...?
  [eh-hay nah]
• What's the address?Wɔteasi bɛyɛ sɛn?
  [wo-tay-ah-see bay-yay sen]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Wopɛ mma nhwehwɛ mu?
  [woh-pay mmah n-way-way moo]
• When's the next (bus)?Ɛyɛ meka da mu?
  [eh-yay meh-kah dah moo]
• A ticket (to ....)Tikiti (si ....)
  [tee-kee-tee (see)]

Wa, the capital of the Upper West Region of Ghana, has a rich history that dates back to the early settlements of the indigenous Wala people. The Wala, known for their distinct culture and traditions, were among the first inhabitants of the area. They established organized communities and engaged in farming, hunting, and trading with neighboring groups.

Islam played a significant role in shaping the culture and society of Wa. The city became a center of Islamic learning and scholarship in the 17th century when Muslim traders and clerics from North Africa and the Sahel region settled in the area. The construction of mosques and the establishment of Quranic schools helped spread Islamic teachings and practices among the local population.

The traditional leadership structure of Wa is centered around the Wa Naa, the paramount chief of the Wala people. The Wa Naa holds significant cultural and political authority and is revered as a custodian of the land and its customs. The Wa Naa's palace, a symbol of the traditional governance system, is a notable landmark in the city.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Wa came under British colonial rule. The British established administrative structures and introduced Western education and Christianity to the region. Despite these changes, the people of Wa maintained their cultural heritage and continued to practice their traditional customs and Islamic faith.

Following Ghana's independence in 1957, Wa experienced significant socio-economic developments. The city became a hub for education and healthcare services in the Upper West Region. Institutions such as the University for Development Studies and the Wa Regional Hospital were established, contributing to the growth and modernization of Wa.

Wa is known for its vibrant cultural festivals, which showcase the rich heritage of the Wala people. The Dumba Festival, one of the most prominent celebrations, is held annually to mark the end of the Islamic year and to honor the Wa Naa. The festival features traditional music, dance, and rituals, attracting visitors from across the region.

Wa is located in the Upper West Region of Ghana. The nearest major airport is Wa Airport, which has limited flights primarily connecting from Accra, the capital city of Ghana. Alternatively, travelers can fly into Tamale Airport and then take a bus or taxi to Wa, a journey that typically takes around 6 to 8 hours by road. Long-distance buses and mini-buses (trotros) are also available from Accra and other major cities, though the journey can be quite long and bumpy.

Within Wa, transportation options include taxis, motorbikes (okadas), and shared mini-buses (trotros). Taxis can be hired for short trips around town or for longer excursions to nearby attractions. Okadas are a popular and inexpensive way to get around, but they may not be the safest option. Trotros are a cost-effective way to travel but can be crowded and less comfortable. Walking is also a viable option for exploring the town center and nearby attractions.

The official currency in Ghana is the Ghanaian Cedi (GHS). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially in local markets and smaller establishments. ATMs are available in Wa, but it is wise to notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with withdrawing money.

Wa is generally a safe destination for tourists, but it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in unfamiliar areas. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places such as markets. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 191 for police assistance or 193 for medical emergencies. The Wa Regional Hospital is the main medical facility in the area. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are several pharmacies in Wa where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites and rural areas. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes and cover your head when entering mosques. Public Transport: Do be patient and polite when using public transport. Don't be surprised if schedules are not strictly followed. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. It is customary to ask about someone's well-being before getting down to business. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes such as 'Tuo Zaafi' and 'Waakye'. Don't use your left hand to eat or hand over items, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Wa like a local, visit the Wa Market where you can buy fresh produce and local crafts. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Wa Naa's Palace, which is a significant cultural and historical site. For a unique experience, attend a local festival such as the Dumba Festival, celebrated by the Wala people, which offers a glimpse into traditional music, dance, and customs.