Stories and facts
Located ten kilometres from town and situated along a dirt road adjacent to Mole National Park, lies the Mognori "Eco-village," meaning "river bank" in the local language. Mognori is a farming village close to the southeastern border of Mole National Park in Ghana's Northern Region. It boasts a rich heritage from the Hanga clan, with its current residents being descendants of a Moshi hunter who settled on the Murugu land before the 18th-century slave raids.
At Mognori Eco-village, visitors have the unique opportunity to explore the village, interact with local families, and gain insights into the process of making shea butter, as well as observe the daily activities of this community. However, some years back, the agricultural areas surrounding the village were devastated by foraging elephants as the elephant population grew and expanded its territory due to the establishment of Mole National Park. Rather than relocating, the villagers decided to transform Mognori into an ecotourism destination as an alternative economic activity. This transformation allows visitors to experience homestay accommodations, stay in typical bungalows, savour local cuisine, and immerse themselves in the authentic life of a village resident.
Since 2007, the Mognori community, comprising 300 members residing in 75 small houses constructed from local materials, has been warmly welcoming visitors to experience the heart of their genuine village. The establishment of Mognori Eco-village was driven by the desire to provide community members with opportunities to benefit from the typical experiences offered to travellers. A portion of the profits generated from these activities is reinvested in responsible development initiatives, such as building community houses and supporting health and emergency transportation. Furthermore, the village places high importance on the protection and advancement of Mole National Park.
Apart from the village tours, another highlight of Mognori is the canoe trips on the Mole River. This leisurely and nature-oriented tour allows visitors to witness fish swimming in the water, observe exotic birds gliding amidst the thick vegetation, and even encounter intriguing 6-inch millipedes along the canoe path. The village also offers guided tours where visitors can learn about the people's history and traditional medicines. Additionally, guests are entertained with captivating dances and drumming performances.
Mognori has taken steps towards sustainability by installing solar panels to provide public outdoor lighting and a limited power supply, reducing dependence on the Volta River Authority.
The Mognori Eco-village presents an enriching opportunity to experience authentic village life, support responsible community development, and explore the natural beauty of the region through its ecotourism initiatives.
