Buoyem Caves and Bat Colony

Buoyem Caves and Bat Colony, also called the Buoyem Sacred Grove or Mprisi Sacred Grove, is a cave and sacred-grove site in the Buoyem community, roughly 10 km north of Techiman in the Bono East Region. The site sits within a sacred grove of about 350 hectares on an inselberg of sandstone rock formations and cliffs, in dry semi-deciduous forest. It is classified as a cave, nature, cultural and heritage site, a hiking trail, and a community tourism site.

Three large caves shelter a colony of Egyptian fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus), reported at around 20,000 roosts. Local tradition holds that the bats allowed people from Techiman to take refuge from an invading Asante army in the caves; in recognition, harming the bats is forbidden, which is credited with allowing the colony to thrive. Because the caves are tied to important historic events they are considered sacred, and part of the visitor experience involves pouring a libation to the ancestors before entering. The grove is also described as containing waterfalls (Bibiri falls) and offering habitat tours.

The terrain is very hilly, and hikes involve rock scrambling and squeezing through small passages. A vehicle is required to reach the caves; the site is about 12 miles from Techiman, turning right at the Buoyem signpost on the Techiman–Wenchi road, via Mesidan. Taxis or trotros run from the Techiman lorry station. The site is open daily from dawn to dusk and year-round, with two rainy seasons, March to July and September to November. Wheelchair access is unknown.

Facilities include a visitor centre, where homestays can be arranged, and a guesthouse with five single-bed units providing mosquito netting, electricity, showers, flush toilets and sheets, but no towels. Meals can be arranged at the guesthouse, and liquid refreshments are available in the village. Camping is possible, with a tent available from the guesthouse. Guided tours are available, and guides relate village history.

Ghana Tourism Authority's Bono East regional office lists the Buoyem Bat Colony among the region's untapped or underdeveloped tourism sites, and a 2025 Graphic Online report notes the grove is said to have been established in the 14th century to protect the bats. The district is disputed in sources, given as Techiman Municipal by some and Techiman North District by others, and the approximate coordinates remain unverified.