By Jones Anlimah
Amedzofe in the Ho West District of the Volta Region has officially opened its revered Dark Forest to tourists, offering visitors a rare opportunity to explore a site steeped in culture, history, and spiritual significance.
The Dark Forest is located near the foot of the majestic Gemi Mountain, and a round trip to and from the forest takes about one hour and fifteen minutes, depending on one’s energy level. The journey itself is part of the adventure — with barely ten minutes into the walk, visitors are encouraged to undergo a simple purification ritual at the foot of Mount Gemi. Using water infused with herbs, salt, and leaves, the ritual is believed to cleanse both physically and spiritually, preparing tourists for entry into the sacred grove.
Enroute to the forest one is blessed with beautiful and breathtaking landscapes and scenery.
Within the forest lie massive rocks and stones that oral tradition holds were used by the people of Amedzofe to resist Ashanti incursions during times of war. For the community, these natural formations are not merely part of the landscape but powerful symbols of bravery and resilience.
Assembly man for Amedzofe, Mr. Robert Elikem Ameh, explained that the community decided to open the forest to the public because of its historical importance. “Where the Asantes were conquered cannot remain secret forever,” he noted, urging tourists to visit and witness this heritage for themselves.
Visitors begin their journey at the local tourism office, where guides are available to lead groups into the forest for a modest fee. Along the way, tourists can learn about the cultural practices tied to the site, once reserved for rituals and the gathering of sacred plants, ropes, and herbs used in traditional ceremonies.
Mr. Ameh emphasized that while the community is embracing tourism, preserving the cultural and ecological integrity of the forest remains non-negotiable. “This is a virgin forest. Practices that could destroy its cultural heritage will not be accepted,” he stressed.
The opening of the Dark Forest adds to Amedzofe’s growing list of attractions, including the Gemi Mountain, the Missionary Cross and the community’s panoramic landscapes, positioning the town as a rising hub for eco-cultural tourism in the Volta Region.
