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
The state has closed its case in the Republic v Akonta Mining and two others.
The case was heard earlier today at the Accra Criminal Court, where state prosecutors and CID investigators from the Ghana Police Service closed the Republic’s case.
In all, the prosecution called three witnesses to prove its case, two former employees of Akonta Mining Company Limited and a detective from the Ghana Police Service.
According to an update on the case, the two former employees testified to Mr Bernard Antwi-Boasiako’s deep involvement in Akonta Mining Company’s alleged illegal mining activities in the Tano-Nimiri Forest Reserve.
The police detective tendered in evidence drone footage and other audio-visual materials and official communications in support of the testimonies of the two former Akonta Mining employees.
The accused persons, through cross-examination of the witnesses, sought to dissociate themselves from every mining activity in the Tano-Nimiri Forest Reserve.
At the close of the prosecution’s case, counsel for the accused persons asked the court to allow him to call the first prosecution witness back into the witness box for further cross-examination.
The court gave him up to Friday, October 30, to file a formal motion to recall the witnesses.
The case has been adjourned to November 4 for the motion to be heard.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Dr Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, spokesperson to NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has called on the government and Parliament to undertake major reforms in Ghana’s prison system, including the construction of a dedicated prison hospital and the introduction of regulated conjugal visits.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, Dr Boakye-Danquah shared Chairman Wontumi’s observations and recommendations following his remand on July 20, 2026.
According to the statement, Chairman Wontumi’s experience in prison has given him the opportunity to interact with prison officers and inmates and observe the challenges facing the Ghana Prisons Service.
The statement noted that the NPP chairman believes the correctional system must move beyond punishment to focus on rehabilitation, welfare and productivity.
One of his major concerns is the lack of dedicated, well-equipped prison hospitals, ambulances and standby generators in several prison facilities.
Dr Boakye-Danquah said Chairman Wontumi had raised concerns about the difficulties in providing medical care to seriously ill inmates, including those suffering from tuberculosis.
He is therefore calling for the construction of a modern prison hospital to serve facilities across the country. In the interim, he has proposed emergency arrangements with the 37 Military Hospital and the Police Hospital.
On the welfare of prison officers, Chairman Wontumi has urged the government to review their salaries, accommodation and conditions of service.
He has also called for proper classification of inmates, arguing that minor offenders should not be housed alongside armed robbery convicts and that persons facing trial for serious offences, including treason and terrorism, should be appropriately separated from other inmates.
The statement further highlighted concerns about the need for counselling and behavioural support for young inmates, particularly those serving sentences for defilement-related offences.
Chairman Wontumi has also called for a clear policy on the classification and management of LGBTQI+ inmates within the prison system.
On family relationships, he has proposed the creation of designated private areas where prisoners can receive visits from their spouses and children.
He believes regulated conjugal visits could help preserve marriages, reduce tension among inmates and support rehabilitation.
“The prisoner is the one in prison, not the children or spouse,” the statement noted, explaining his position on the need to protect family relationships during incarceration.
Chairman Wontumi has appealed to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to support prison farms with the necessary equipment to improve food production.
According to the statement, the Ghana Prisons Service has access to vast lands and skilled labour but faces a shortage of agricultural equipment, with only one tractor reportedly available for farming and garbage-related activities.
He has further proposed greater collaboration between prison authorities and the justice sector, suggesting that regional prison commanders should be included in relevant discussions because of their knowledge of prison conditions and inmate rehabilitation.
On infrastructure, Chairman Wontumi has called on the government and private sector to invest in modern prison facilities and factories, arguing that the system has seen limited structural improvements over the years.
Appeal to Parliament
Dr Boakye-Danquah said Chairman Wontumi had made a special appeal to Parliament to lead efforts towards comprehensive prison reform.
He is urging the Speaker of Parliament to initiate discussions on prison conditions as a human rights and national development issue.
He has also called on the Majority and Minority caucuses to work together to pass a new Prison Reform Act and approve funding for a dedicated prison hospital, ambulance services, standby generators and agricultural equipment.
Additionally, he wants the Parliamentary Select Committees on Defence and Interior, Health, and Food and Agriculture to undertake working visits to prisons across the country to assess conditions firsthand.
According to the statement, Chairman Wontumi believes bipartisan cooperation between the Majority and Minority caucuses is necessary to secure the legal and financial reforms required to improve the prison system.
He has called for broader prison reforms across Africa, expressing hope that Ghana could lead the continent in improving correctional facilities.
Reflecting on his experience since July 20, Chairman Wontumi stated: “At this experience since July 20th till date, prison doesn’t reform as it should be. I pray that the entire Africa will learn from Ghana.”
The statement added that Chairman Wontumi remained in high spirits.
By: Jacob Aggrey
