As Ghana commemorates Heritage Month, the significance of the Gwollu defence wall in the Sissala West District has garnered attention from community leaders and heritage advocates. Kuoro Bamula Basinjia Chiemina, the Divisional Chief of Kandia, emphasizes the importance of celebrating and promoting the remains of the Gwollu defence wall as a symbol of hope, courage, and resistance against the injustices of the slave trade.
According to Kuoro Chiemina, the Gwollu wall transcends being just a physical structure; it embodies the bravery and ingenuity of their forebearers who stood against unimaginable adversity. He calls for its celebration as part of Ghana's heritage, urging the preservation of this legacy for future generations.
The Executive Director of the Sissala Heritage Foundation echoes this sentiment, stating that the Gwollu wall serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of the Sissala people in resisting the dehumanizing slave trade. He emphasizes that the wall symbolizes the unwavering commitment to human freedom and dignity.
Mr. Hara Dauda, a native of Gwollu, highlights the unity displayed by various communities in building the wall, emphasizing that its significance extends beyond Gwollu alone. He stresses the importance of embracing the mindset of their ancestors to protect and develop the region.
Paramount Chief Kuoro Kuri Buktie Limann IV emphasizes the defensive strategies employed by their ancestors against slave raiders, underscoring the need for government support in preserving and promoting these historical sites. He appeals for the construction of roads linking to these tourist sites to boost tourism and attract investors to the region.
In addition to its historical significance, Gwollu boasts other attractions such as being the hometown of Dr. Hilla Liman, the first president from Northern Ghana, and housing traditional bone-setting centres and local remedies for various ailments.
As efforts are made to preserve the legacy of the Gwollu defence wall and its surrounding heritage, stakeholders stress the importance of government and tourism authorities' involvement in promoting these historical sites for posterity.
