Navrongo

Navrongo is the capital of Kassena-Nankana Municipal in the Upper East Region of Ghana, 30 km from the Burkina Faso border. It is known for its historic mud-built cathedral and is a main town in the Ghanaian Northern Plains.

Navrongo became the first Catholic mission in northern Ghana in 1906. The mud cathedral built 1906-1920 remains the landmark. Town grew as an administrative and farming center.

Kassena and Nankana mainly. Kasem, Nankani and English spoken. Friendly.

Hot semi-arid. Dry October-April hot, rainy May-September. Best November-February.

One main road Bolgatanga to Paga. Cathedral south of town centre, market centre.

• From Bolgatanga 45 min-1 hr north. Tro-tro GH₵20-30 (Aug 2026).
• From Tamale 3.5-4.5 hr.
• From Paga border 15 min south.

Nearest airport is Tamale TML  ^IATA.

• By walking
• Yellow-yellow (Mahama can do) GH₵5-15 (Aug 2026)
• Motorbike

• Navrongo Cathedral (Our Lady of Seven Sorrows). Built in mud 1906-1920, decorated inside by local women. Oldest Catholic church in northern Ghana. Free, donation appreciated.

• Tono Dam and Irrigation Project. South of town, large dam with birdlife.

• Visit cathedral and compound.
• Day trip to Paga Crocodile Ponds or Sirigu for pottery and murals.

• Navrongo Market, Center. Daily morning. Millet, shea, smocks, Burkina goods. (updated Aug 2026)

• Chop Bars, Market area. 10:00-21:00. TZ, tuo zaafi, rice and beans. GH₵10-40. (updated Aug 2026)

• Spots, Main road. Pito, beer, soft drinks. GH₵5-15. (updated Aug 2026)

" Catholic Guesthouse / St. Francis, Near cathedral. Clean basic fan room, net, best in town. GH₵100-200. (updated Aug 2026)

Other basic guesthouses GH₵80-150 (Aug 2026) on main road.

• MTN, Telecel, AT. 3G/4G in centre.

• Bolgatanga — 45 min south — gateway to Burkina Faso
• Paga — 15 min north — border and sacred crocodiles
• Sirigu — 30 min — pottery and wall art
• Bawku — 2.5-3 hr east
• Wa — via Bolga and Tamale