Tongo Hills

The Tongo Hills, also known as the Tongo-Tengzuk Cultural Landscape, are a granite hill range in the Upper East Region of Ghana, rising above the small town of Tengzuk, also called Tongo. The landscape combines striking balancing rock formations with a large concentration of sacred Talensi ancestral shrines at and near the base of a horseshoe-shaped chain of hills. The most recognised of these is the Ba'ar Tonna'ab Ya'nee shrine. The site is also a destination for Asante traditionalists, who know it as Nana Tongo.

The hills carry deep spiritual weight for the Talensi people, who are believed to have lived in this area for centuries and are mainly agriculturists. Shrines here draw visitors from across Ghana and neighbouring countries who believe they hold a sacred power to offer guidance and resolve problems. In late October each year, the Boar Dam festival celebrates the harvest, centred on the Ba'ar Tonna'ab Ya'nee shrine and other Talensi ancestral shrines. Tengzug's combination of natural and cultural significance has seen it short-listed for future consideration as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Several features stand out within the landscape. The Hiding Caves are associated with the local chief who took refuge there and commanded his forces against the British around 1911, while the Hyena Caves are where the chief and other leaders met during that conflict. Between December and February, the harmattan wind produces a whistling sound as it blows through the rocks. The sacred Bat Tree at Baare lies about 3 km from Tengzuk.

The site sits roughly 15 km southeast of Bolgatanga in the Talensi-Nabdam District. Reaching the shrines involves rocky paths, heat and climbing, and the Ghana Tourism Authority's Upper East Regional Director has noted the need for a clear-cut pathway through the rocks to make walking easier for tourists. It is not ideal for visitors with limited mobility unless arrangements are checked in advance. Formal visitor amenities are not confirmed; reporting indicates the site needs a receptive facility to keep its history and host visitors. Guided tours with local guides are available, covering a model home, the hills, the caves, the chief's house and the shrine.