Wide-eyed, we watch as a jogger runs past us. He sprints up the steep mountain while Justice, a member of the Banko Women Organization team, smiles at us. “We don’t just come here to pray; many people use the mountain for exercise too,” he explains. “I do it regularly myself.” The Abesua Mountain, also known as the Prayer Mountain, is a remarkable place that attracts pilgrims, tourists, and locals alike. The climb to the top is challenging, but the reward is breathtaking views and fresh mountain air!
A Mountain of Prayer and Communities
Prayer Mountain lives up to its name. As we climb, we pass various churches, each part of a ‘camp.’ The mountain has ten camps, each with its unique identity. Some camps are permanently inhabited, while others host markets. Everywhere you go, you’ll hear singing or murmured prayers. Scattered around the mountain are ‘covenant seed boxes,’ where visitors leave gifts in the hope their prayers will be answered.
The history of Prayer Mountain dates back centuries to a legendary visit by Abraham Osei-Assibey, a pastor from the Methodist Church in Atwea. He would come to the mountain regularly to pray, a ritual that transformed the village positively. This earned the mountain its name. Today, it draws pilgrims and visitors from Ghana, Nigeria, and even Côte d’Ivoire.
What to Expect
Climbing to the top requires a bit of fitness, but the steps make it much easier. Once at the summit, you can walk around the camps, join a church service, or simply enjoy the tropical surroundings. Along the way, you’ll be greeted with warm smiles and “akwaaba” (welcome), spot colorful tropical birds, and pass several small yam and plantain farms. The view from the top is truly stunning, stretching across villages as far as the eye can see.
Visit the Prayer Mountain with BWO
Do you want to experience this unique place? The Banko Women Organization is happy to arrange a guide for you. A visit to Prayer Mountain is also part of our Ashanti tour packages. Our guide knows the mountain well and will tell you everything about its rich history and significance.
Want to discover even more in the region?
Visit Odomankoma! There, you can take part in an authentic kente tour to see how this colorful fabric is woven or join a cocoa tour to learn about Ghana’s ‘golden crop.’ Read more about the Odomankoma tour here.
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