Modern Times

By: Michael Awala November 30,2021

Built in the mid-1700s by a legendary Mamprusi king to defend the capital of Nalerigu, the ruins of this wall still stand today.

Often called Nalerigu’s “Slave Defense Wall,” there is a lot of mystery and myth surrounding why and how it was built.

History of the Nalerigu Defense Wall

NaJeringa (Naa Gyɛriŋŋa) was a Mamprusi king who reigned around 1740-1752. He was the son of NaAtabia (Naa Atabiya) who is known for moving the chieftaincy from Gambaga to Nalerigu.

At some point after his enskinment in the mid-18th century, NaJeringa commenced this massive project to build a wall around the western side of Nalerigu. It is said to have been originally 11 feet high, though now what remains is about 6 feet at its highest point.

We don’t know for sure why NaJeringa built the Nalerigu wall, but there are a few theories:

• It was a defensive wall to fortify the capital of Nalerigu due to civil wars. NaJeringa’s father Atabia had reigned for 50 years and fought many wars. 
• It was built to keep out hyenas. 
• NaJeringa built it so that his name would be remembered because his only son had only one eye and was therefore disqualified from becoming a king. 
• It was a defensive wall against slave raiders. The mid-18th century was the peak of the slave trade on West Africa’s coast.
• Raiders would come up from the south to raid communities in the north and kidnap innocent civilians. Then would then march them south and sell them to European and American buyers. 

The Legend of the Wall

In addition to the legend of the king’s lineage being unable to continue due to his only son’s missing eye, there are some other mythical stories about the wall.

While it is made of mud and gravel, some people claim that shea butter, honey, milk, or even pito (local beer)were added to the mixture as binding agents.

It is also said that wall was built by forced labor. Anyone who refused to work or because tired or ill during its construction was executed and their body was added to the wall. 

Visiting the Wall

The NaJeringa Wall is easy and free to visit. It is located just off to the right of the main road into Nalerigu on the west side of the town’s reservoir. There is no physical sign marking it but it can be found on Google Maps. It is located among an orchard of mango trees which were planted around it in recent decades to prevent erosion.