Urgent Restoration Needed: Oldest Mosque in Ghana Almost Collapsing
Urgent Restoration Needed: Oldest Mosque in Ghana Almost Collapsing
The historic Bole mosque, situated at the heart of Bole in the Savannah Region, is believed to be the oldest mosque in Ghana. This mosque has not only served as a place of worship for local residents but has also drawn thousands of visitors from both near and far.
The mosque is renowned for its unique architectural design, reminiscent of the well-known Larabanga Mosque. Constructed around 400 years ago, it has not undergone significant renovations.
Upon closer inspection, the mosque reveals signs of termite infestation in its wooden rafters, which support the roof and have led to leaks during rainfall.
The vulnerability of the mosque was further exposed during a heavy downpour on Sunday, September 17, which resulted in flooding in the Bole community.
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This incident garnered international attention and spurred calls for the mosque’s reconstruction.
While local efforts to rebuild the mosque have begun, there is a shared belief that these efforts may not be sufficient to preserve the 400-year-old structure.
Deen Jabagtey, the mosque’s secretary, emphasized the need for modernizing the mosque while preserving its historical significance.
He stated, “We have tried as a community to preserve the history and structure of this mosque, but it’s time it is given a facelift with a modern touch.” Jabagtey is confident that redeveloping the mosque will help safeguard its historical value.
Despite the mosque’s significance, it has received limited attention from the government and the Ghana Tourism Authority, particularly in terms of development.
Similar mosques with unique ancient Sudanese architectural influences can be found in Bole, Larabanga, Maluwe, and Banda Nkwanta, all located in the Savannah Region. These mosques played a role in the formation of predominantly Islamic communities in northern Ghana, particularly in the Gonja and Wala states.
