The wood of the Wawa is resistant to saltwater which makes it ideal for seagoing vessels (Photo courtesy of R. G. Brown).

Wawa Tree

In constructing the ahima, builders used traditional Ghananian methods that are at least 150 years old. The process began in the Kumasi Forest, approximately 180 miles from the city of Prampram. The boat builders harvested a wawa tree which can grow to be twelve feet across at the base.

Community and Connections Cutting down the wawa tree.
The builder, Mr. R. G. Brown, describes cutting the tree, Ghana's dwindling resources, and what this might mean for future boat building.



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