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Sirigu Traditional Arts Centre
An NCRC & Partners Community Based Ecotourism Project
Sirigu, a village in the Upper East Region, has been known throughout Ghanaian history for its pottery, basket weaving, and unique symbolic wall decorations, but its once wide-spread traditional arts are now threatened. This cultural loss concerns the Sirigu community, especially the elder women. As agricultural income declined, increased arts production did not provide enough income to prevent Sirigu’s young women from searching in southern cities for better employment.
In 1997, the Sirigu Women’s Organization for Pottery and Art (SWOPA) was founded to promote social and economic development of women and families through increased traditional arts income, and motivate all women to continue Sirigu’s famous artistic traditions. Your visit will help to preserve these traditions for generations to come.
Activities
- Browse the wide selection of pottery, baskets, and crafts in the SWOPA Visitors Center. Learn the history of the pottery, the symbolism of the patterns used in the art and wall decoration, and perhaps talk with the artists themselves.
- Go on a guided tour of traditional area homes, and interact with the women living there, who are keeping the house decoration traditions alive.
- Guided tours to village sites include the chief’s palace, sacred groves, and the local market.
- Arrange with Melanie Kasise (tel: 233-72-23432) in advance of your visit for a workshop with SWOPA artists. Learn pottery, basket, and even wall design making techniques.
A modest entrance fee frees you to spend as much time in the visitor center as you wish. Picture taking is encouraged.
Facilities
- Upon request, local meals can be arranged. Minerals and beer are also available in the village. In Bolgatanga, Western dishes are available at hotel restaurants.
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Accommodation in Sirigu:
Visitors are welcome at the newly opened Sirigu Guesthouse (basic facilities include bucket baths and no electricity).
- Camping is also permitted.
- Accomodation in Bolga:
Comme Ci Comme Ca Hotel (072-22355),
Sanat-Minat Lodge (072-23510/11),
Sand Gardens Hotel (072-23464),
Black Star Hotel (072-23650),
Catholic Social Centre (072-23216),
Hotel St. Joseph (072-23214),
Catering Rest House (072-22399),
- Accommodation in Navrongo:
Catholic Social Centre,
ICOUR Gust House – Tono (0742-22628/9),
Hotel Mayaga (0742-22327/8),
St. Lucian Guest House
Directions
- Public Transport:
Negotiate a taxi to Sirigu in Bolgatanga, or join a Sirigu market car at Bolgatanga’s main lorry park’s Sirigu Station.
- Private Transport from Navrongo:
Drive 12 km south of Navrongo on the Bolgatanga-Navrongo road to the signboard at Kandiga Junction. Turn left at Kandiga Junction, and drive 17 kilometers to the Sirigu visitor center.
- Private Transport from Bolga:
Drive 18 km north of Bolga on the Bolgatanga-Navrongo road to Kandiga Junction, where you will see a signboard. Turn right at Kandiga Junction, and drive another 17 kilometers to the visitor center in Sirigu.
For More Information
S.W.O.P.A
P.O. Box 550 Bolgatanga, UER, Ghana
Phone/Fax: 233-72-23432
Ghana Tourist Board at Bolga
P.O. Box 305 Bolgatanga
Phone: 233-72-23416 E-mail:[email protected]
Places of Interest Nearby
Upper East: Paga Crocodile Ponds and Slave Camp, Widnaba Slave Market and Natural Beauty, Tongo Hills and Tengzug Shrines, Bongo Rocks
Upper West: Wechiau Community Hippo Sanctuary, Wa Naa’s Palace, Gwollu Defence Wall
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