The usually quiet Bongo Hills came alive over the weekend as the Atogfai Group hosted a camping and hiking experience that blended adventure, entertainment, culture and wellness, drawing participants from across northern Ghana.
The event featured an overnight camping session followed by an early-morning hike, attracting adventure enthusiasts from Tamale, Navrongo, Zebilla, Sandema, Bongo and Bolgatanga. For many participants, the experience offered more than physical activity—it was an opportunity to unwind, connect with nature and build new friendships.
Activities began on Friday evening as participants arrived at a campsite nestled near the rocky hills and surrounded by trees. As tents were pitched and campfires lit, the area quickly transformed into a lively outdoor gathering. Karaoke sessions, music, games and storytelling filled the night, while shared meals, including kebabs, fostered a strong sense of community among campers.
At dawn on Saturday, participants set out for the hike through the Bongo Hills. The climb proved physically demanding but rewarding, offering sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. Laughter, encouragement and shared excitement marked the journey, particularly among first-time hikers eager to test their limits.
Azumah Mantigiba Raphael, a member of the Atogfai Group’s organizing team, said the hiking initiative began in 2016 as a conscious effort by a group of young men to engage in meaningful and productive activities.
“We didn’t want to just talk; we wanted action,” he said. “That is how hiking started for us in 2016.”
Since then, the group has made hiking an annual activity, exploring sites such as the Tongo Hills and the Bongo Hills. Raphael noted that the Atogfai Group will mark its 10th anniversary next year, reflecting the growth and consistency of the initiative.
He said this year’s turnout—between 30 and 40 participants—was consistent with previous editions in Bongo and described the participation as encouraging.
“In terms of numbers, it wasn’t bad at all. We usually record about 30 to 40 participants for the Bongo hiking experience,” he said.
Raphael explained that while earlier editions focused solely on hiking, organizers introduced camping this year to enhance interaction and excitement.
“We came on Friday evening, camped close to the rocks in a small forest area, and the following morning we went hiking,” he said.
Beyond adventure and entertainment, Raphael emphasized the event’s role in promoting culture, tourism and healthy living.
“Many people don’t even know there are hills in places like Tongo and Bongo,” he said. “Through hiking, we are selling our culture and promoting tourism, while encouraging people to appreciate what we have in our communities.”
He also highlighted the health benefits of hiking, describing it as a full-body exercise that supports physical and mental well-being.
“Hiking engages the whole body and helps prepare you for daily activities. Without good health, you cannot do anything,” he said.
The diversity of participants was another highlight of the event, creating opportunities for social interaction, networking and friendship-building.
“When people come from different places, you meet new people and form connections. Those connections can help improve your business, career or personal life,” Raphael added.
Finnian, a participant who traveled from Tamale, described the experience as his first-ever hike and said he decided to join after seeing an advertisement on Facebook.
“I had never hiked before, so I decided to try it,” he said. “I travelled from Tamale, and it was nothing short of interesting. I had fun, met new people and made new friends.”
Organizers said the event was designed not only to promote physical activity but also to create lasting memories, foster unity and encourage safe exploration of nature.
Raphael encouraged more people to participate in future Atogfai Group activities, noting that the group regularly shares updates on platforms including WhatsApp, Facebook, TikTok and X.
“You will never regret it,” he said. “You learn, you connect, and you improve your health.”
As the group prepares for future editions and its upcoming 10-year milestone, Atogfai Group hopes to continue blending adventure with culture, entertainment and wellness—while putting local tourism destinations such as the Bongo Hills and Tongo Hills firmly on the map.
Source: A1 Radio | 101.1Mhz | Keziah Porepeya Nsoh | Bongo
