Context
The Naa Yiri of Wa, or Chief's Palace, is a paramount element in the town of Wa. It is not only regarded as an outstanding architectural landmark, it also represents the heart of the Wala community, reflects its social cohesion and traditional ruling system. This Palace, gazetted as a national monument is the official residence of the traditional King (Naa) of the Wala people, the dominant population group in the region. It normally houses the King himself, his wives and children as well as his relatives. The Wa Naa Yiri is the nerve centre for social, religious, political and spiritual activities and is located in the heart of town. In front of the palace are graves of previous Wa Naas. The Naa Yiri is made of massive mud walls and columns. It is an outstanding example of Sudanese architecture, a style which is fast disappearing in West Africa. The recent decline of the Naa Yiri and the poor image given by the crumbling elevation was deeply affecting the entire community, who could not accept the idea of loosing its Palace.

The decay of this monument is quite recent and dates back to the last quarter of the 20th Century. This is due to both technical and political reasons. As for most of the important mud structures in the region, the palace received a cement coating in the 70's which trapped humidity in the walls and slowly led to the disintegration of the structure. Neglect related to serious political disagreement concerning the nomination of the Naa then followed and accelerated the deterioration process. Neither the traditional custodians, nor the Ghana Museums and Museums Board inspectors were able to intervene on the building for nearly 10 years.


Objectives
This project aimed at revitalising the monument, by providing funding and expertise for its partial reconstruction. The available fund served to restore the front elevation and the most important rooms at the back, so that the performance of traditional activities could resume.
The project also aimed at restoring a better social atmosphere, and reunite the stakeholders around their heritage,
Contribute to the restoration of the traditional management system


Description
The role of CRAterre was to provide technical expertise for the preparation and implementation of the conservation campaign, to ensure that implemented works comply with normal conservation best practice. Technical specifications were prepared with the GMMB experts in charge of the site reconstruction.


Results

• Complete restoration of the front elevation
• Partial restoration of the Palace walls and roofs
• 17 missing doors and 22 missing windows replaced
  
• Roofs of the Chief and traditional custodians restored
• Palace surrounding wall restored
• Stakeholders meetings organised
• Great impact on the Wa population

Partners

Ghana Museums and Monuments Board, The Representatives of the traditional rulers, The Representatives of the regional administration who gave their support for the project, Regional minister, Regional Coordinating Council, Wa Municipality, Ghana Tourist Board, Centre for National Culture, Commander of Police The area assembly Man, World Monuments Watch, World Monuments Fund