The Navrongo Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Seven Sorrows, is one of Ghana’s most unique and spiritually resonant landmarks. Built from mud and adorned with sacred art, it stands as a powerful symbol of faith, cultural fusion, and architectural ingenuity.
In the heart of Ghana’s Upper East Region, where the savannah stretches wide and the air carries the scent of tradition, stands a cathedral unlike any other in West Africa. The Navrongo Cathedral, officially known as the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Seven Sorrows, is not just a place of worship — it is a living monument to the convergence of African identity and Catholic devotion.
Constructed in 1906 by the White Fathers, a Catholic missionary society, the cathedral was built entirely from mud bricks, a material deeply rooted in local Kassena-Nankani building traditions. The structure was expanded in 1920, and despite its humble materials, it has stood the test of time — a testament to both spiritual resilience and architectural brilliance.
The cathedral’s dimensions are impressive: 60 meters long, 14 meters wide, and crowned with a 13-meter-high bell tower. The floor is made from a mixture of compacted gravel, cow dung, and dawa-dawa (African locust bean) — a traditional blend that keeps the interior cool and grounded in local craftsmanship.
What truly sets Navrongo Cathedral apart is its interior artwork. Beginning in the 1970s, local women from the Navrongo community began adorning the walls with a vibrant fusion of Catholic iconography and traditional Kassena-Nankani motifs. The result is a sacred space where biblical scenes coexist with ancestral symbols, painted in earthy reds, blacks, and whites.
These murals are not just decorative — they are visual sermons, telling stories of faith, suffering, and redemption in a language that bridges cultures. The cathedral has thus become a canvas of spiritual storytelling, where every wall speaks.
Today, the cathedral remains an active center of Catholic life. It is the seat of the Diocese of Navrongo–Bolgatanga, and in 2006, it was elevated to the status of a minor basilica by the Vatican — a rare honor that recognizes its historical and spiritual significance.
Masses, weddings, and community gatherings continue to fill its halls. Pilgrims and tourists alike are welcomed, often guided by local clergy who share the cathedral’s rich history and symbolism.
Navrongo Cathedral is more than a religious site — it is a cultural landmark, drawing visitors from across Ghana and beyond. Its unique blend of European missionary architecture and indigenous African artistry makes it a must-see for travelers interested in history, spirituality, and cultural fusion.
Located in the town of Navrongo, the cathedral is easily accessible by road and pairs well with visits to nearby attractions like the Paga Crocodile Pond, Tongo Hills, and the Pikworo Slave Camp.
Plan Your Visit
📍 Location: Navrongo, Upper East Region, Ghana
🕰️ Best Time: November to March (dry season)
Whether you come to pray, to learn, or to marvel, the Navrongo Cathedral offers a sacred encounter with Ghana’s spiritual and artistic soul.
For guided visits and cultural experiences of Northern Ghana, see also various tour offers, below:
In Paga's sun-cracked earth, the crocodiles aren't mere wildlife—they're the reincarnated souls of Kassena ancestors, totems woven into the fabric of survival and spirit. To harm, kill, or even taste their flesh is the gravest taboo, a rupture of the ancient blood-oath that binds man to myth, inviting misfortune on the offender and the land alike. No weapons near the ponds, no boasts of conquest—only offerings of milk or chickens, whispered in ritual harmony, honor the pact forged when a hunter's desperate plea spared a beast and sealed eternal guardianship. Visitors, heed this: Approach with bowed head, leave no trace of hubris—these elders demand respect, not spectacle, in the quiet pulse of Ghana's northern heart.
"They pose no danger to those who honor the bond—only to the fool who forgets." – Kassena ElderEmbrace the Code – Paga & Kulmasa - Kaleo Crocodile Ponds Guided Rite