People & Places: Kojope - A cultural gem in northern Ghana

The popular Fufulso-Sawla Road, also known as National Highway 7 (N7), stretches about 147 km, connecting Fufulso and Sawla and serving as a vital gateway to the Upper West Region from Tamale.

Along this scenic route lies Kojope, a charming rural village in the heart of the Central Gonja District that offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of northern Ghana.

As you approach Kojope, the rhythm of rural life unfolds before your eyes.

The village is a vibrant reflection of centuries-old traditions where architecture, lifestyle and community spirit blend in perfect harmony.

From above, the village reveals a breathtaking mosaic of round, thatch-roofed huts, locally known as "zoŋ", crafted from mud walls and crowned with grass.

These timeless structures showcase ecological intelligence, naturally cool and perfectly suited for the savannah climate.

Their thoughtful layout tells a story of community-first living and a deep connection to the land.

As you walk through Kojope, life moves at a gentle pace.

Villagers tend to their daily chores with colourful laundry fluttering on makeshift lines, children play in the dust and livestock lazily wander the footpaths.

Among the traditional huts, a few aluminium-roofed buildings signal a whisper of modernity amid an otherwise traditional landscape.

Surrounded by lush green fields and patches of farmland, Kojope thrives on subsistence agriculture, with the seasons guiding its people in age-old practices passed down through generations.

The village offers a retreat from urban bustle and a deeply rooted cultural experience – one where time seems to slow and tradition is not just preserved but lived.

In an era of rapid modernisation, such a settlement remains a beacon of indigenous knowledge and sustainable living.