Africa-Press – Ghana. The historic Bole mosque, located in the center of Bole in the Savannah Region, is assumed to be the oldest mosque in Ghana.
The presence of the mosque in Bole has not only provided a place of worship for the residents but also attracted thousands of visitors from far and near.
It boasts of a distinctive architectural design, akin to the renowned Larabanga Mosque.
Built with mud and supported with wooden poles some 400 years ago, the mosque has not seen any major renovation.
A look inside the mosque reveal termites infestation of the wooden rafters used to support the roof, forcing it to leak from the top each time it rains.
The weak nature of the mosque was further exposed following a downpour on Sunday, September 17, which flooded the Bole community .
The news of its near collapse following a flooding incident attracted international attention with calls intensified for its reconstruction.
Though locals have begun reconstructing the mosque, they believe their efforts would not be enough to keep the over 400 years old structure alive.
Deen Jabagtey is secretary to the mosque.
“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.”
He believes the redevelopment of the mosque will preserve the history.
“A lot of people come here to have a look at the mosque and also pray for success as this mosque is a spiritual ground. But little attention is given to it as it faces collapse.”
For the Azan of the mosque, not much attention has been given to the historic mosque by government and the Ghana Tourism Authority by way of developing the place.
There are four of such mosques at Bole, Larabanga, Maluwe and Banda Nkwanta all located in the Savannah Region.
They have a unique architecture of ancient Sudanese influence which led to the formation of predominately Islamic communities in northern Ghana, especially in the Gonja and Wala states.
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