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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
Muslims across the country celebrated this year’s Eid-ul-Adha in a colourful and spiritually uplifting atmosphere under the theme, “A Season of Sacrifice, Solidarity and Spiritual Renewal.”
The celebration brought together Muslims from diverse backgrounds in a remarkable display of faith, unity and cultural heritage.
The occasion was marked by special Eid prayers at various designated grounds, the slaughtering of rams in homes for sharing among family members, friends and the less privileged, as well as musical concerts and recreational activities including horse riding.
Leading the celebration was the Chief Imam, Dr Sheikh Osman Sharubutu.
While the national celebration was held at the Black Star Square where President John Dramani Mahama was the Special Guest of Honour, similar gatherings took place at different centres across the capital and other regions of the country.
A visit by The Spectator to some celebration grounds revealed Muslims, both young and old, elegantly dressed in colourful jalabiya and other Islamic attire, reflecting the rich culture and traditions of the Muslim community.
The celebration also portrayed the spirit of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in the country, as a number of Christians joined their Muslim counterparts to mark the occasion.
Muslim leaders and government officials used the opportunity to call on the faithful to uphold the teachings of the Holy Quran, renew their spiritual commitment and refrain from acts capable of undermining the peace, unity and security of the nation.
They further urged Ghanaians to continue to live in harmony and support one another for national development.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
Dear Obaa Yaa,
During Eid-ul- Adha celebration, I decided to spend the weekend at my boyfriend’s place since we were planning towards our marriage.
To my surprise, what keeps me wide awake, restless and frustrated every single time is that he snores loudly like a generator running on full power, and I genuinely cannot get any rest
At a point, I thought it was just a normal thing, but I have realised it is something he does with ease and doesn’t see anything wrong with it.
When he steps out in the morning, I try to get enough sleep because I may not sleep in the evening.
The most annoying thing is that, he always wants to cuddle me. These two things are a no for me and a red flag.
We are about to get married, what should I do?
Enam, Keta.
Dear Enam,
The snoring and constant cuddling are frustrating, but you don’t have to choose between sleep and closeness.
Start with the snoring: check if it’s worse when he sleeps on his back, cut out alcohol before bed, try nasal strips or a humidifier, and see a doctor if he pauses while breathing.
For quick relief, foam earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones help a lot.
Separate blankets, a bigger bed, or sleeping apart on some nights often makes couples rest well and feel closer overall.
Bring this up before the wedding .Tell him you want to wake up next to him for years to come, but sleep deprivation makes you both miserable.
Test earplugs and side-sleeping this weekend, and if it’s still unbearable, bring in a doctor. Good sleep matters more for your marriage than staying glued together all night.
