An Experience at the Tongo Whistling Rocks and Shrines, Ghana

A headset was firmly attached to my ear as I was listening to a documentary about a historical destination on BBC radio. During this time, we were almost on our way to the Whistling Rocks and Shrines. Shortly before the start of a turn, we found some excellent huge stones at close range. I was immediately fascinated by this scene. This is the Upper East region of Ghana. It is located in the north of the country, and is the second smallest administrative district in 10 districts of Ghana. The rocks sound like the blast of a whistle of a soccer referee. Tongo Whistling Rocks and Shrines is the claim to fame. The amazing part in the center of this attraction is that the Holy Land and the Heavy Stone are combined where you can go through the ritual process, and experience a feeling of luck, protection, and prosperity. Interestingly, religious customs are carried out carefully in different dimensions. People have to go semi-naked, and be blessed as they want.

Locals called the Talensis have great respect for this small town of Talensi-Nabdam in the south-east of Bolgatanga. The Tongo area is only 20 square kilometers, but it has an interesting history, religious significance, and tourism. Upon arrival, you will be met for the first time in this sacred place by volcanoes and mature stones formed on large rocks. As if by design, they are stylishly and creatively placed. I can not be happier than to see women taking advantage of the heat from the sun to put together nice visual artworks on the old huts here. These works, which are part of cultural practice, complement many of the attractions here. Take courage and stand on one of the stones, and carefully watch the carefully painted thatched huts of the village by the women, and you will be carried away.

The houses protect against intrusions. Several people selected from Talensi have taken shelter in these chalets along with many houses in Talensi. Your amazement cannot be hidden, because the cylinder-shaped houses are divided into four well-arranged neighborhoods. These houses have small doors with a short wall. Most of the houses have several holes for smoke exits, but for various reasons they are now completely closed to tourists. I was humbled when I realized that the big rocks make unusual whistling sound during the Harmattan season in November and December, hence the name Whistling rock. After the sun warms up, you can take a cool break big enough to put the shadow of many people on a large baobab tree. Generally, every shrine has its own rules and traditional norms of politeness. Tengzug is no different, since it is one of the most famous in Northern region.

Whether you are a visitor for the first time, or a regular one, you're obliged to go semi-nude as one of the weird, but engrossing ritual requirements. Becoming topless and barefooted is one of the sacred ceremonies of the temple of Tengzug. Speaking to the tour assistant, Ernesto as he is affectionately called, he revealed more information about the shrine. The shrine was once a hideaway for the people of the north, who were captured as slaves by the British, but fled for their freedom and safety in 1911. They had to secretly hide in the hilly terrain for days without food. It was a dangerous and sad situation. Animals, such as birds and chickens are now used for traditional and religious sacrifices, for good luck and gratitude to the ancestors of Talensi.

So How Do You Get Here?

Visitors can board a public bus, taxi cab, or preferably rent the service of an airline from Accra through Kumasi and finally to Tamale in the northern region. Arrival time depends on the type of public transport. The airline takes at least 45 minutes. The public transport takes three (3) hours or more. From the city of Tamale to Bolgatanga—the whistling rocks and the Tengzug shrine is few minutes away.

At The Chief's Palace

The Chief of the village of Tongo is the first person to visit before anything else. When he saw us, he smiled broadly, and met us in a modest apartment, arguably the largest palace in northern Ghana. We spent less than 10 minutes with him, and went straight to the rocky cliffs. The chief's palace has more than 360 people, including his many wives. And all the houses outside are sanctuaries. There are number of stones with blood and chicken feathers. They are dirty, but attractive to the senses. When you walk around the cliff, you hear a whistling sound. In fact, during a collision the wind blows through the rocks of the cave, and makes that sound. There is no spiritual connection with this.

In The Tengzug Shrine

Traditionally, women cannot enter the temple for certain reasons. If you want to climb the mountain or even the enter the shrine, you do not need to wear red clothes since it is a taboo. Seated in the sacred shrine is a man in only shorts. His mission is to reveal the visitor’s dream of prosperity as tradition demands. It is not a sacrifice of force, but a desire. If you agree with the traditional position, you can do it.

Occupation of The People

The people of Talensi have lived in the area for centuries, and are mainly farmers. In late October of every year, they perform the Boar Dam festival to celebrate the harvest. The festival is also centred on the Ba’ar Tonna’ab Ya’nee shrine, and other Talensi ancestral shrines. Also of interest is the sacred Bat Tree at Baare, 3 km from Tengzug.

Preparation, Time & Cost

Bolgatanga has blistering hot weather, so it is best to prepare for the trip. Consider sunglasses, hats, water, drinks, long and thick boots, and other items. The suffocating, windless air seems to be slowly burning. Heat from the floor warms your feet through lightweight shoes. There is no doubt that the amazing nature of the rocky mountains of Tongo is open to the world, but you need to know a little information before you begin this trip. There are several additional attractions including festivals. You equally need to be there to experience the Bo'araam Festival, which corresponds to the whistling rocks and shrine in October and November. If you are a beer lover, get ready to enjoy the local ones, and experience how donkeys, goats, and fowls are used for sacrifices at this festival.

To explore the cultural landscape of Tongo-Tengzug, foreign groups are given a discount of Gh 10.00 ($1.86), while Ghanaians also enjoy a discount on this fee. This tour includes a visit to the model house, hills, caves, Chief's house, and the shrine. As tradition demands, both men and women have the right to enter the sanctuary, but without clothes on the upper body. Most female visitors find it difficult abiding by this tradition, therefore do not enter at all. In fact, the entry of women is prohibited, but not entirely.

In addition to being listed as a world cultural heritage by UNESCO, the friendliness of the people is simply outstanding. Tongo Whistling Rocks is one of the best places to witness the traditional and religious lifestyle of Northern Ghana.

About the Author

Osei Agyemang is a passionate, creative writer and editor with a passion for creating exciting and innovative content. Osei is also a junkie fan who loves to visit and tell about interesting sites around the world. He is a useful National artist who has studied Psychology and Journalism. Osei is a Fashion enthusiast.

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