News
Unearthing Ghana’s hidden gem: The Mushroom Rock of Wuling
Deep in the heart of Jirapa in the Upper West Region lies a natural wonder that defies imagination.
The Mushroom Rock of Wuling, towering 2.2 metres into the sky, is a geological marvel; a rock pedestal sculpted over centuries by the forces of nature stands as a testament to the enduring power of time and the unyielding spirit of the land.
Yet, beneath its awe-inspiring silhouette lies a poignant tale of survival, spirituality, and a community grappling with stark realities.
The Mushroom Rock’s distinctive shape – a large capstone balanced delicately on a slender stem, is a silent narrative of times of erosion and weathering.
But its story does not end with its geology surrounded by sacred caves. This natural monument carries the weight of history.
Aziz, a tour guide with the Royal Cosy Hotel and Safari Resort, recounts the role of the caves during the tumultuous 16th and 17th centuries.
“The caves served as sanctuaries for the people of Wuling during the slave raids of Samouri Touri and Babatu,” he explains. “They became places of resilience, offering refuge to those fleeing violence.”
Aziz added that, the caves remain steeped in mysticism. “The locals believe these caves are inhabited by spiritual entities, including dwarfs, and they’re considered sacred spaces for rituals and prayers.”
Visitors navigating the narrow, winding passageways feel an almost tangible connection to the past, adding an air of mystery to an already captivating experience.
Despite its undeniable allure, life in Wuling is fraught with challenges.
Stephen, a young boy who visited the site, shares a sobering reality: some of the community relies on unsafe and contaminated water sources shared with animals. “It’s not just about tourism,” he says.
“We need clean water to live,” he lamented.
The Regent of Jirapa, Justice Donglabong Dinaa, said in an interview that the sentiment was a heartfelt appeal. “The Mushroom Rock is a treasure, but we are struggling,” he says. “Our people need clean water as much as we need tourism development.”
According to the regent, the lack of infrastructure further compounds the problem.
“The site has so much potential, but it lacks the basics to attract significant tourism. There are no guides to narrate its rich stories, no proper roads, and no facilities for visitors,” he laments.
Regent Donglabong Dinaa believes that with the right investments, the Mushroom Rock could become both a major tourist attraction and a vital source of income for the community.
“Tourism could be a lifeline for us,” he says. “With storytelling, infrastructure, and development, the Mushroom Rock can bring in visitors from around the world, creating jobs and transforming lives.”
While the Mushroom Rock stands as a testament to the beauty of Ghana’s natural heritage, it also symbolises the urgent need for action. Bridging the gap between its untapped potential and the community’s dire needs will require collaboration among government agencies, private stakeholders, and advocates for sustainable tourism.
By Geoffrey Buta, Jirapa
News
KNUST mourns death of 3 students
The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) is grappling with the devastating loss of two students, Akosuah Owusuaa and Bertha Kookale Hammond, who passed away in separate incidents on March 9, 2025.
The university community is still reeling in shock as details of the incidents are scarce, leaving many to read meanings into the loss of these young lives.
Akosuah, a third-year Forest Resource Technology student, was said to have fallen ill before her passing.
Bertha, a final-year English student, also passed away on the same day, with the cause of her death still unknown.
The Association of Students of English, KNUST, released a statement announcing Bertha’s passing, describing her as a “dedicated and talented student” who will be deeply missed.
“It is with great sorrow that we write to you regarding the devastating loss of one of our very own, Bertha Kookale Hammond, a final-year student of English who has passed away, leaving behind a gaping void that cannot be filled.”
“We extend our deepest condolences to Bertha’s family, her friends, and loved ones during this agonising moment. May we find comfort in the memories of her bright smile and sheer enthusiasm.”
These recent deaths come on the heels of a similar incident involving a final-year Biological Sciences student, Joana Deladem Yabani, whose lifeless body was found near the KNUST Disability and Rehabilitation Centre on February 27, 2025.
The cause of death is still under investigation, with initial police examination revealing marks of violence on her body.
CCTV footage analysis led to the arrest of a suspect, Daniel Tuffuor, a 21-year-old fellow student, and reportedly Joana’s boyfriend, the same day.
Tuffuor was remanded and is set to appear in court again on March 17, 2025.
The KNUST community is mourning the loss of these young lives, and the university is working closely with the authorities to ensure that justice was served.
From Kingsley E.Hope,
Kumasi
News
Centre for Nat’l Culture, Antoa SHS launch Ashanti Region Ghana Month celebration
In a vibrant display of cultural pride, students of Antoa Senior High School (SHS) joined forces with the Centre for National Culture, Ashanti Region, to launch the 2025 Ghana Month celebration.
The event was a mixture of traditional cloth demonstrations, dance lessons, poetry recitals, and proverbs competitions.
Students and staff donned colourful traditional attires, showcasing their cultural heritage with infectious enthusiasm.
For most of the students, the event was an emotional reminder of their roots. “I never knew how rich our Ghanaian culture was until today. I’m proud to be Ghanaian!” One of them exclaimed.
The programme’s interactive presentation, partnered with the Ghana Education Service (GES), aimed to educate students on Ghanaian cultural values and norms, promoting national pride and identity.
According to Mr Peter Kofi Marfo, Ag. Regional Director of the Centre for National Culture, “We want to revive the cultural spirit among our youth. By sharing Ghana’s rich heritage, we’re empowering them to become ambassadors of our culture.”
The Ghana Month celebration would continue in 18 schools across the Ashanti Region, ending on March 27, 2025.
According to Mr Marfo, the grand finale would feature a traditional cuisine festival among sister organisations and associations at the Kumasi Centre for National Culture.
“Let’s Wear Ghana, Eat Ghana, See Ghana, Speak Ghana, Hear and Dance Ghana – together, we’ll keep our cultural flame burning bright!”Mr Marfo intoned.
The Centre, he said, remained committed to promoting Ghanaian culture and heritage, preserving the country’s rich cultural traditions for future generations.
‘‘It’s also an opportunity to strengthen cultural ties and ensure that younger generations appreciate and continue,’’ he said.
“We believe that this programme will be an enriching experience for the students and staff, and we are excited about the opportunity to share Ghana’s rich cultural heritage with them,” said the Ag. Regional Director.
The Ghana Month celebration is an annual event held in March to commemorate Ghana’s independence and rich cultural heritage.
The event is celebrated across the country, with various activities and programmes aimed at promoting Ghanaian culture and national pride.
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
