One of Ghana’s notable cultural and historical sites has succumbed to the severe weather conditions after enduring years of abandonment.
The ancient mud mosque in the Savannah Region, Bole Mosque, which had withstood centuries of history, has ultimately been brought down following heavy rains.
Primarily constructed from mud, the religious site dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Authorities have suggested that the damaged mosque could potentially be restored with the help of local individuals familiar with its architectural style and construction techniques.
Meanwhile, residents have been advised against demolishing the remaining portions of the mosque to construct a new one.
In addition to neglect and termite damage, the use of modern materials like cement during repairs and maintenance has been identified as a contributing factor to the mosque’s collapse.
The mud Mosque had served as a living testament to the intricate tapestry of Ghana’s cultural and historical heritage.
Similar to the renowned Larabanga Mosque in Tamale, the Bole Mud Mosque possessed a distinctive architectural design.
However, despite its undeniable significance, the mosque had steadily deteriorated over time, besieged by neglect and the unrelenting forces of nature.
The presence of wooden poles around the mosque not only served as protection but also played a crucial role in providing structural support to the building.
The Bole Mosque is renowned for its distinctive architectural design, reminiscent of the famous Larabanga Mosque in Tamale.
It incorporates mud construction supported by frameworks of wooden poles, with short protruding poles buried into buttresses, lending the mosque its unique appearance.
This architectural style reflects neo-Sudanese influences that contributed to the establishment of predominantly Islamic communities in northern Ghana, particularly in the Wala and Gonja states.
Similar mud mosques with neo-Sudanese architectural elements can be found in neighboring West African countries, notably Mali.