Lake Bosomtwe is Ghana’s only natural lake, formed in an ancient impact crater with a surface area of 49 square kilometres and maximum depth of 81 metres. The lake is located in the Ashanti region, about 30 kilometres south-east from Kumasi.
Lake Bosomtwe gets its name from old legends. In 1648, an Ashanti hunter named Akora Bompe was pursuing then subsequently injured an antelope (‘Otwe’ in Twi). The antelope continued running until it disappeared in a pond; it was as if this body of water wanted to save the animal. Akora Bompe settled by the pond, eventually naming it ‘Bosomtwe’, which means ‘antelope god’.
Lake Bosomtwe is surrounded by lush forest, wetland and mountain ecosystems, with about 30 villages in close proximity. The main village, Abono, is a popular resort for both tourists and locals, with hiking, swimming, fishing and boat trips as common activities. There is also a cocoa farm nearby and plenty of coconuts to try for a small fee.
GYP UK 