Larabanga Mosque

The Larabanga Mosque, located in the village of Larabanga in Ghana's Savannah Region, is the oldest mosque in the country and one of the oldest in West Africa, often referred to as the 'Mecca of West Africa.' Built in 1421 CE in the Sudanese architectural style, it features two pyramidal minarets and is constructed from local adobe materials. The mosque is renowned for its historical significance and has undergone several restorations, including a major one in 2023 supported by the World Monuments Fund. A local legend tells of its founding by an Islamic trader who was guided by a dream. The mosque houses an ancient Quran believed to have been gifted from heaven in 1650. Visitors can explore its unique architecture, learn about its cultural importance, and engage with the local community, which benefits from tourism and handicraft projects aimed at preserving this historic site.