Tenzugu Things to Do

Among the new developments in Tenzugu is the appearance of one single green bin in the fields near the Chiefs House, another brilliant idea of USAID! Closer investigation learned that the bin was filled half with peanut shells.

A better idea are the solar energy generating cells that provides the Chiefs House with enough electricity to keep the television and the “street” lantern going at night.

Also funded by USAID is a model Talensi (tribe) House, which was not finished yet when I visited, but which is regarded as a future tourist attraction and planned to be developed as a guesthouse for tourists and pelgrims. (NB: up to now, the rare visitor that wants to stay overnight can be sheltered in the house of a selected familiy)

It's quite funny to observe all these modern things in such natural and traditional environments!!

(note that also school and medical services have improved)

The Tongo Hills are not only nice for hiking and views, but have been of great historical importance too.

Long before the British came, the hills formed a natural frontier between ancient kingdoms and many battles have been fought here. After that they functioned as hideouts during slave raids and later as refuge during the period of resistance against the British Colonial Rule.

A guide will explain all this to you and take you on a hike to show several temporary shelters, mostly used during slave raids. Some of the hard to find caves still contain tools and the provisional kitchens. People sometimes lived here for months!

For a 2 hour excursion you will be expected to pay around EUR 1,50

Up in the hills is the famous shrine with the above mentioned name.

Interested tourists can take a tour too to the shrine. On the way there you'll pass several minor shrines, most notably the donkey cave, where skulls of donkeys are collected that have been ritually sacrificed for the oracle.

Tourists don't have to offer a donkey or whatever else if you don't take a consult, but you pay a fixed fee for the tour.

At the shrine you can interact with the fetish man, who will be very happy to receive a small tip.

the tour to the shrine will cost EUR 1,50

The importance of the ancestors shrine was already recognized by late 19th century. Later, the shrine survived mysteriously many assaults of the Brittish and even flourished once again.

Until today the remote Tonna'ab is visited by Ghanaians from all over the country, especially Ashanti people.

The sacred powers of the shrine are mostly used for healing purposes. A man in the cave acts as intermedair between common people and the oracle. If you seek help best bring an offer.

While some development came to Tenzugu in recent years, during a walk around the tiny village a guide will explain how life used to be and how some things are changing.

You may be showed such things as the old (under an overhanging rock) and the new primary school, the natural places for gatherings and several traditional homesteads. If you are interested in certain subjects, such as religious matters, farming, water supply, preparing local food, traditions etc., you can have the explanation first hand.

Cost of the village tour is about EUR 1,50.

When you visit the Chief House, request to have a look around the complex!

It's a fascinating ever growing collection of circular mud houses for all relatives of the Chief, seperated by tiny narrow passages.

Although it's not as extended as the one in nearby Paga for example, at least the people here are very welcoming.