Paga

Paga is a town in the north of Ghana.

Paga is a town in the border of Ghana and Burkina Faso which is known for their sacred crocodile ponds, where most visitors can touch live crocodiles, the population of Paga is 108 (in 2013), and is multilingual, speaking their native language Kasem and English among other languages

According to legend Paga was founded c.1400 by a young man called Naveh, who was saved by a crocodile while on a hunting expedition. He then left his village and settled in the place which is now Paga. The founder of the town, Naveh, when searching for a desirable place to settle, exclaimed "Ayipaga" which means "My eye is fixed on this land". The place came to be called by that name, which in due course was shortened to "Paga".

You can enter Paga via N5 Highway.

• Walking – town is small.
• Motorbike taxi 5-10 GHS.

• 10.985572-1.1095671 Paga Crocodile Ponds (Sacred Crocodile Ponds). 6AM - 6PM. These are purportedly the "friendliest" crocodiles in Ghana, and it is said that the souls of the royal family reside in them. The crocodiles roam freely throughout the ponds. GH₵20 - 100.  (updated Feb 2023)
• 10.9637-1.11742 Pikworo Slave Camp, Kayila Kajela Road (about 3 km west of Paga), ☏ +233 24 827 7099. Daily 07:00-18:00. Operational from 1704 until 1845, it served as an inland collection outpost where Ghanaian traders gathered captives to sell to European powers, including the French, English, and Dutch. GH₵60.  (updated Aug 2026)

• Touch a crocodile with guide (safe, guided).
• Visit Pikworo Slave Camp.
• Visit Navrongo – nearby town with famous mud cathedral.

10.992-1.1131 Paga Market. Local baskets, shea butter, millet, cross-border goods. No ATMs – bring cash.  

• Paga Motel.  

• Bolgatanga – regional capital, craft market, 1 hr south
• Navrongo – historic cathedral and airport ruins, 30 min south
• Tamale – 4 hrs south, big city and transport hub
• Burkina Faso – Ouagadougou 3-4 hrs north (visa needed)