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
National Democratic Congress (NDC) National Executive Committee member and Volta River Authority (VRA) Board Member, Wonder Victor Kutor, has described calls for the resignation of Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa as premature and unjustified.
He argued that there was no evidence to establish that the minister had committed any wrongdoing to warrant such demands.
Speaking on Joy News in Accra on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, Mr Kutor questioned what had changed to justify the growing calls for the minister to step down.
He recalled that the Ranking Member on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Samuel Abu Jinapor, had earlier indicated that the opposition was not accusing Mr Ablakwa of any wrongdoing.
Mr Kutor, therefore, challenged those demanding the minister’s resignation to provide fresh evidence to support their position.
“The call for the Minister to resign is premature, it is untenable. There is no evidence. I mean, what has he done wrong?” he questioned.
He added that documents, including boarding passes, airline receipts and flight manifests relating to the minister’s return journey, had been provided.
Mr Kutor expressed concern that the calls for Mr Ablakwa’s resignation could discourage young politicians from speaking out against corruption and advocating transparency.
According to him, politicians should not be targeted or maligned for demanding accountability, warning that such treatment could create the impression that speaking against corruption could later become a liability when one is appointed to public office.
He maintained that calling for accountability and transparency should not be used as grounds to target public officials without evidence of wrongdoing.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Ghana will host the Africa Festival of Arts, Culture and Creatives (AFESTAC) 2026 alongside Industrial Skills Week Africa (ISWA) 2026 in Accra from December 9 to 12, 2026.
On the back of these programmes, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has called on corporate Ghana, the media and the general public to support the initiative through partnerships, sponsorships and active participation.
The events, supported by the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), will bring together stakeholders to celebrate Africa’s rich cultural heritage, strengthen the creative economy, promote industrial skills development and create employment opportunities for young people.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
