# Wa

> Upper West regional capital city

**Wikidata**: [Q250733](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q250733)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wa,_Ghana)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/wa-q250733

## Summary
Wa is the capital city of the Upper West Region in Ghana, serving as both a large human settlement and the administrative centre for the region and Wa Municipal District. Established as a regional capital, it has a population of 107,214 (as of the 2010 census) and is located at coordinates 10.0667° N, 2.5° W, with an elevation of 305 meters above sea level. The city is home to key institutions such as Wa Senior High Technical School and the Nakore Mosque, reflecting its cultural and educational significance.

## Key Facts
- **Classification**: Wa is a city and administrative centre in Ghana.
- **Administrative Role**: It serves as the capital of the Upper West Region and the Wa Municipal District.
- **Population**: 107,214 (2010 census).
- **Geographical Location**: Latitude 10.0667° N, longitude 2.5° W; elevation 305 meters.
- **Country**: Ghana, part of West Africa.
- **Established**: As a regional capital, with no specific founding date provided.
- **Key Institutions**: Includes Wa Senior High Technical School (established in the 1950s) and the Nakore Mosque.
- **Identifiers**: GND ID 4786695-0, VIAF ID 156034796, UN/LOCODE GHWA2.
- **Website**: [wamunicipal.gov.gh](https://wamunicipal.gov.gh) (English).
- **Wikipedia**: Available in multiple languages, including Arabic, Catalan, and German.
- **Commons Category**: [Wa (Ghana)](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Wa_(Ghana)).
- **Twinned with**: Ypres, Belgium.

## FAQs
**What is the population of Wa?**
Wa has a population of 107,214, as recorded in the 2010 census.

**What is Wa’s administrative role?**
Wa serves as the capital of the Upper West Region and the Wa Municipal District in Ghana.

**What institutions are located in Wa?**
Key institutions include Wa Senior High Technical School (established in the 1950s) and the Nakore Mosque.

**Where is Wa located?**
Wa is situated at coordinates 10.0667° N, 2.5° W, with an elevation of 305 meters above sea level.

**What is the significance of Wa’s Nakore Mosque?**
The Nakore Mosque is a notable religious site in Wa, reflecting the city’s cultural and religious diversity.

## Why It Matters
Wa serves as a critical administrative and cultural hub in Ghana, functioning as the regional capital of the Upper West Region and the seat of Wa Municipal District. Its strategic location and population make it a key economic and social center, supporting local governance, education, and religious institutions. The city’s infrastructure, including Wa Senior High Technical School and the Nakore Mosque, underscores its role in providing educational and cultural services to the region. Additionally, Wa’s twinning with Ypres highlights its international connections and collaborative efforts in governance and development.

## Notable For
- **Administrative Capital**: Wa is the regional capital of the Upper West Region, a role that defines its governance and development priorities.
- **Educational Hub**: Home to Wa Senior High Technical School, one of the city’s key educational institutions.
- **Cultural Landmark**: The Nakore Mosque is a significant religious site, contributing to Wa’s cultural identity.
- **Geographical Coordinates**: Located at 10.0667° N, 2.5° W, with an elevation of 305 meters, Wa’s precise location aids in regional planning and development.
- **International Relations**: Twinning with Ypres, Belgium, demonstrates Wa’s engagement in international partnerships.

## Body
### Administrative and Political Role
Wa functions as the administrative centre for both the Upper West Region and the Wa Municipal District, a role that underscores its importance in Ghana’s regional governance. The city’s status as a regional capital is reflected in its population and infrastructure, which support local administration and development initiatives. The Wa Municipal District, with which Wa is associated, further emphasizes its role in local governance and service delivery.

### Population and Geography
With a population of 107,214 (2010 census), Wa is a significant urban center in Ghana. Its geographical coordinates—10.0667° N, 2.5° W—place it in the Upper West Region, while its elevation of 305 meters contributes to its local climate and environmental context. These factors influence urban planning, infrastructure development, and regional economic activities.

### Educational and Cultural Institutions
Wa is home to Wa Senior High Technical School, a public high school established in the 1950s, which provides educational opportunities for the local community. The Nakore Mosque, another key institution, serves as a cultural and religious landmark, reflecting the city’s diverse population and spiritual heritage. These institutions contribute to Wa’s role as a center of learning and cultural expression.

### Identifiers and Digital Presence
Wa’s digital presence is supported by identifiers such as the GND ID (4786695-0) and VIAF ID (156034796), which facilitate its inclusion in global databases and research. The UN/LOCODE GHWA2 further integrates Wa into international logistics and trade networks. The city’s official website, [wamunicipal.gov.gh](https://wamunicipal.gov.gh), provides English-language access to municipal services and information.

### International Connections
Wa’s twinning with Ypres, Belgium, highlights its international engagement and collaborative efforts in governance and development. This partnership underscores Wa’s role in fostering regional and global connections, which can support economic, cultural, and educational exchanges.

### Wikipedia and Media Presence
Wa’s Wikipedia page is available in multiple languages, including Arabic, Catalan, and German, reflecting its global media presence and accessibility. The page includes references to key institutions and landmarks, such as the Nakore Mosque, which enhance its cultural and historical significance. Additionally, the city’s commons category on Wikimedia provides visual resources that document its urban landscape and cultural heritage.

### Historical and Development Context
While specific founding dates are not provided, Wa’s establishment as a regional capital aligns with Ghana’s broader administrative structure. Its development as a municipal district capital has been supported by institutions like Wa Senior High Technical School, which has contributed to the city’s educational infrastructure. The Nakore Mosque, as a religious site, further illustrates Wa’s role in accommodating diverse cultural and spiritual needs.

### Elevation and Environmental Factors
Wa’s elevation of 305 meters above sea level influences its local climate and environmental conditions, which may impact urban planning, agriculture, and infrastructure development. These factors are important considerations for sustainable development and disaster preparedness in the region.

### Scholarly and Research References
Wa’s scholarly presence is supported by references in academic and research databases, including the Library of Congress Authority ID (n87862239) and the National Library of Israel J9U ID (987007560133805171). These references facilitate its inclusion in scholarly discussions and regional studies, highlighting its significance in academic and research contexts.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. [Ghana Statistical Service](https://www2.statsghana.gov.gh/docfiles/2010_District_Report/Upper%20West/WA%20MUNICIPAL.pdf)
4. GeoNames
5. BBC Things
6. [Source](https://service.unece.org/trade/locode/gh.htm)
7. FactGrid
8. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File