Stories and facts
This sacred grove is believed to house powerful Ashanti gods and has played a crucial role in Ghana's history, serving as a hideout during the slave trade and inter-tribal wars. Over the years, it has evolved into a vital religious and cultural site, contributing to the preservation of biodiversity and indigenous knowledge.
History and Significance
The term "Tano" finds its roots in the Tano River and refers to several gods in Ghana. Among the many sacred groves in West Africa, the Tano sacred grove and shrine stand out with its rock shrine, consisting of five compartments: the main entrance, durbar ground, hideout, watchtower, and stairs. Historically, this sacred site has witnessed Ashanti Wars and served as a shelter during turbulent times, like the slave trade and inter-tribal conflicts.
In response to the growing recognition of the grove's cultural and environmental value, the Tanoboase community embarked on a Community-Based Ecotourism Project (CBEP) in 1996. With financial assistance from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and collaboration with various organizations like the Nature Conservation Research Centre, Ghana Tourist Board, US Peace Corps Ghana, and SNV Netherlands Development Organization, the project aimed to develop community-owned and operated eco-tourism activities while conserving the local ecosystem.With support from the Ghana Association for the Conservation of Nature (GACON), the sacred grove was selected in 2001 as an eco-tourism site, attracting visitors seeking to immerse themselves in history and tradition.
Beliefs and Practices
At the heart of the Tanoboase sacred grove lies a traditional conservation practice intertwined with the indigenous religion of the Bono people. Locals believe the grove serves as the abode of local gods, ancestral spirits, and supernatural beings, making it a significant site of worship and sanctity. Oral traditions passed down through generations narrate the founding of the grove, attributing its establishment to the deity Taakora, who revealed instructions to Afya Ankomah. These instructions guided the Bono people to live in the rock caves within the grove, emphasizing the importance of preserving its natural environment.
Ecotourism and Conservation Efforts
The Tanoboase Sacred Grove and Shrine stand as an exemplary model for sustainable tourism and environmental conservation. The grove, nestled amidst a semi-deciduous forest, offers a picturesque landscape adorned with striking sandstone rock formations. Visitors can explore natural trails, observe diverse flora and fauna, and even catch glimpses of antelopes, baboons, and monkeys. The grove's bat colony adds to its mystique, and a climb to the sandstone rocks provides a panoramic view of the historical battlegrounds during the Ashanti-Bono wars.
The Tanoboase Sacred Grove and Shrine serve as an essential hub of cultural heritage, spiritual significance, and ecological conservation in Ghana. With its rich history, traditional beliefs, and stunning natural beauty, the grove attracts both local communities and tourists seeking to connect with Ghana's past and present. As a Community-Based Ecotourism Project, it stands as a testament to the power of sustainable practices in preserving sacred sites and their unique ecosystems. Embracing the past while nurturing the future, the Tanoboase Sacred Grove and Shrine remain a symbol of Ghana's cultural diversity and environmental consciousness.
