Gaoua

Infobox Settlement
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pushpin_map_caption =Location within Burkina Faso, French West Africa
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subdivision_type = Country
subdivision_name = BUR
subdivision_type1 = Region
subdivision_name1 = Sud-Ouest Region
subdivision_type2 = Province
subdivision_name2 = Poni Province
subdivision_type3 = Department
subdivision_name3 = Gaoua Department
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population_as_of =2008
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population_total =28,023
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Gaoua is a market town in southern Burkina Faso known for its superstitious values and customs. Population 26,023 (2008 est.) [ [http://world-gazetteer.com/wg.php?x=&men=gcis&lng=en&des=wg&srt=npan&col=abcdefghinoq&msz=1500&geo=-31 World Gazetteer] , Retrieved on June 17 2008] Located in the red earth, green hills, and fast flowing streams of southwestern Burkina Faso, Gaoua is the capital of Poni Province and forms a sort of capital for the sacred rites and bush lore of the Lobi peoples. According to local myth, Gaoua was founded when the Lobi migrated across from northern Ghana where they found the Gan peoples occupying the territory. As a result they named the trek across to Gaoua "Gan-houo" meaning "route of the Gan people". [Manson, K., Knight, J. (2006), "Burkina Faso", p.226, Bradt Travel Guides, The Globe Pequot Press Inc., Retrieved on June 17 2008]

Attractions in the town include a sacred grove of trees, a museum and caves. There is also a mosque on elevated ground near the centre.

References