It is presumed that in those times wester… Corrections? Each village has its own shrine with many visiting to look for spiritual help. Fossils of many animals including Lions, Elephants, Tigers, Black Cobras, Pythons, Alligators and many more were also found along the rivers banks indicating that these animals once inhabited the area around the lake. Is a lake formed by an ancient meteorite strike in TheAshanti Empire . Lake Bosumtwi, Ghana’s sole natural lake, was formed in a meteorite impact crater 17 miles (27 kilometers) southeast of Kumasi, and dozens of small villages now line the shores, all surrounded by lush greenery. With the shoreline changes of the lake, fishermen are the most affected group in the area and this has resulted in the fishermen been laid off. It is a rain forest and our lodgings were at Lake Bosomtwe, the place where the Ashantis are said to have risen out of the ground. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Lake Bosumtwe Lake Bosumtwe in Ghana’s Ashanti Region is one of the world’s six major meteoric lakes and believed to be around 1.3 million years old. Lake Bosomtwe was formed when a meteor impacted in West Africa Sarah Begum. The site is also home to a great diversity of wildlife and a human population of over 50,000 inhabitants whose main economic activities are farming, fishing and tourism, as the lake is a major national tourist destination. The Bosomtwe District is one of the twenty-seven (27) districts in the Ashanti Region of Ghana.Its capital is Kuntanase.The district was formed after the Atwima Kwanwoma District was taken out of the former Botsomtwe/Atwima/Kwanwoma District. There are various settlements around, mainly fishing and farming villages but also some places to stay. Periods of heavy rainfall filled the crater with water, causing the lake level to rise above the lowest points of the rim. Abstract–Lake Bosumtwi is a natural inland freshwater lake that originated from a meteorite impact. Thus Bosomtwe is thus translated antelope god. occupation of the respondents in the lake Bosomtwe catchment area (Table 3). The said hunter by name Akora Bompe in shock decided to stay beside the pond and never returned to his town of Asamang. Lake Bosomtwe is situated about 32 km southeast of Kumasi, the capital of the Ashanti Region, Ghana. Attraction Category: See Ghana, Cultural Sites, Eco Tourism, Historical Sites, and Nature. Lake Bosomtwe is the only natural lake in Ghana. Fossils of many animals including Lions, Elephants, Tigers, Black Cobras, Pythons, Alligators, and many more were found along the lake’s banks indicating that these animals once inhabited the area around the lake. In former times, it was a taboo to touch the water with iron things, so the people never used conventional boats. Updates? *Care must be taken as Padua could easily capsize. It is a spectacular sight to see the crowd rush into the water with cutlasses and axes to take their share of the meat. It is believed to be the result of meteoritic action about 1 million years ago, when a crater … Lake Bosomtwe and effects of human activities Lake Bosomtwe is a meteoritic impact lake believed to have been created in the Pleistocene period. It must be admitted that it is not clear whether the crater in which Lake Bosomtwi lies is volcanic in origin, was formed by a meteorite or a small pond. This crater was created by approximately 500 m wide chondrite (stone) meteorite, which entered the atmosphere with a speed of some 20 km per second. Lake Bosomtwe was formed by a falling Meteorite about 1.3 million years ago. It is an awesome place to relax and enjoy nature. The antelope however continued its run until it disappeared in a small pond ahead. As you can see from the photo from our porch at the Green Ranch, it is extremely beautiful. modern boats, even though there are a couple that traverse the lake), because of this a very different type of boat is used by the fisherman in the lake, it is a large plank of wood that they sit on top of and use their hands, or plates in their hands to propel themselves. Infobox lake lake_name = Lake Bosumtwi image_lake = Bosumtwi Worldwind SW.jpg caption_lake = image_bathymetry = caption_bathymetry = location = Ghana coords = However, there have been some unregulated human activities and However, piles of heavy rainfall over the years filled the crater with water causing the lake level to rise. It occupies a meteorite impact crater that was formed about one million years ago. Fossils of many animals including Lions, Elephants, Tigers, Black Cobras, Pythons, Alligators, and many more were found along the lake’s banks indicating that these animals once inhabited the area around the lake. It is possible to take boat rides on the lake, swim, and hike around. The only true inland lake in the country, it has no surface outlet and was formed in a meteorite impact crater. Currently, there are about 23,000 people living in the 27 communities around Lake Bosomtwe. Along the coast are numerous lagoons, most of them formed at the mouths of small streams.…. It is seen as taboo to use a regular dugout canoe or for metal or iron to touch the lake surface (i.e. Lake Bosomtwe is the only true inland lake in the country located in the Ashanti region. The sides rise steeply, covered with trees and bush. He then named the place “Bosomtwe” which in English translates “antelope god.” He believed that the water was a god and saved the life of the antelope. The Bosomtwe Land Restoration Project. In spite of academic theories surrounding its formation, getting on site will certainly let you wonder how the place was formed. Either way, the lake is a beautiful spot, encircled by mountainous, thickly vegetated crater walls rising several altitudes. It is believed to be the result of meteoritic action about 1 million years ago, when a crater formed by the impact of an asteroid gradually filled with rainwater. It was so beautiful and peaceful there. Considering the above belief, Lake Bosomtwe is held sacred by Ashanti traditionalists, though the finer details of its exalted status are rather elusive. Longitude: 1°19’22”W – 1°29’30”W If you are lucky someone will open a coconut or two for you for a few cedis. The name means Antelope God because it is said to be discovered by a hunter chasing an antelope that disappeared into the lake like it was trying to save the animal. There is a stone at the lake side called Abrodwum Stone and believed to be the spiritual centre of the lake. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/place/Lake-Bosumtwi, UNESCO - Ecological Sciences for Sustainable Development - Lake Bosomtwe. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. Lake Bosomtwe is an important national cultural and natural site of particular relevance for international conservation. Lake Bosumtwe also sometimes spelled Bosomtwi, is a lake formed by an ancient meteorite strike in the Ashanti Region. Omissions? The only true inland lake in the country, it has no surface outlet and was formed in a meteorite impact crater. Bosomtwe is a circular lake, caused by a meteor impact a million years ago. Lake Bosumtwi, Ghana’s sole natural lake, was formed in a meteorite impact crater 17 miles (27 kilometers) southeast of Kumasi, and dozens of small villages now line the shores, all surrounded by lush greenery. The sides rise steeply, covered with trees and bush. If there is one waterbody which is as mystical as it is beautiful then Lake Bosomtwe is your answer. Development of tourist facilities on the lakeshore in 1976 led to the resettlement of the residents of Abonu. Each village in the lake area has its own shrine or fetish grove. Why the need to work at Lake Bosomtwe? This was brought about by the reduction in fish catch and fish composition from Lake Bosomtwe. Oral tradition has it that the Lake Bosomtwe was formed in 1648 when a hunter pursuing and antelope shot and injured the antelope “Otwe” – in the Twi dialect. The sides rise steeply, covered with trees and bush. 2.2. Oral tradition taught as that the lake Bosomtwe was formed in 1648 when a hunter pursuing and antelope shot and injured the antelope , the antelope however continued to its run until it disappeared in a small pond ahead . This deed is undertaken in the presence of the Asantehene. There is an information centre, where you can find out about the lake and conservation efforts, and also arrange for a boat trip on the lake. This lake was made from a meteor that hit Earth over one million years ago and formed a creator surrounded by mountains that was then fed through a natural underground spring to form the lake. In the ceremony, the cow’s innards are offered to the stone and the rest thrown into the water. The next day, we headed 35km outside of Kumasi to spend the night at Lake Bosomtwe! It is one of three of such internationally recognized sites in the country – Bia in the Western, and Songhor in Greater Accra Region. It is also the sacred water body of the Bosomtwi; one of five divisions in the matrilineal Nton system which the Asante and other Akans believe passes a father’s attributes to his children. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. You will notice that the villages often times have a number after the name which indicates how many versions of the village there have been. The name Bosomtwe (also spelt “Bosomtwi”) is derived from two Akan names, “bosom” meaning god or deity and “ɔtwe” meaning antelope. Lake Bosomtwe is situated about 32 km south east of Kumasi, the capital of the Ashanti Region, Ghana and occupies a meteorite impact crater that was formed. We didn't want to leave: Lake Bosomtwe Paradise Resort - See 42 traveller reviews, 43 photos, and cheap deals for Lake Bosomtwe Paradise Resort at Tripadvisor. Tourism. Lake Bosomtwe has a very small catchment area to lake area ratio (1.1) and the sediment mercury profile is expected to reflect past and present atmospheric mercury deposition to the lake. With an area of 19 square miles (49 square km) and a depth of 230–240 feet (70–73 metres), the lake is fed by small streams that tumble down the crater’s steep sides (500–1,400 feet [150–425 metres] above water level). Ring in the new year with a Britannica Membership. There is a small fee to be paid at a community mounted entry point. Since the 1970s, the lake has become a popular recreational spot, with calm water where you can safely swim. There is supposed to be a 2 GHC fee for foreigners but no one is at the entrance booth. Usually, whenever there is poor yield, it is considered a bad omen, thus sacrifices would have to be made. The extreme kinetic energy of the meteorite caused an explosion which most certainly was felt on whole Earth. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... …Ghana’s only true natural lake—Bosumtwi—lying in a meteorite impact crater and without any outlet to the sea. Lake Bosumtwi also sometimes spelled Bosomtwe, is a lake formed by an ancient meteorite strike in the Ashanti Region. There is only one paved road going to the lake. Lake Bosomtwe situated near Kumasi, formed by meteoritic crater is also a surface water resource. It is believed that Lake Bosomtwe water level continues to rise, and because of this the villages have had to keep moving up the hillside. The Bosumtwi (Bosomtwe) is an undrained lake in the Southeast of the Ashanti Region of Ghana. This presents ample opportunities for walking, birding, fishing, hiking and canoeing. Lake Bosumtwi, lake, south-central Ghana, 17 miles (27 km) southeast of Kumasi. Till date they move on the lake using the “padua”, a wooden plank that needs a lot of skill to be handled in the right way. The area is rich in biodiversity including several species endemic to the lake. Midpoint: 6°30’16”N – 1°24’31”W. All rivers, pose a great opportunities from the construction of Hydroelectric and Water Supply dams to the construction of Irrigation Systems. There are also some great hikes up into the hills, and the sacred areas around villages. The southernmost section of the site overlaps the northern section of the Bosomtwe Range Forest Reserve creating a combination of forest, wetland and mountain ecosystems. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. It approached from the east and hit the 2 billion years old rocks (quartzite, phyllite, slate, and granite) with extraordinary force. Some claim that Bosomtwi is where a deity called “Twi” resides. This was discovered by Rock analysis in 1965 in the USA. Lake Bosomtwe was formed by a falling Meteorite about 1.3 million years ago. It is situated within an ancient impact crater that is about 10.5 kilometers in diameter. Before the asteroid impact, the area was a rainforest filled with animals. The name means Antelope God because it is said to be discovered by a hunter chasing an antelope that disappeared into the lake like it was trying to save the animal. Since the 1970s, the lake has become a popular recreational spot, with calm water where you can safely swim. You will see tree trunks coming out of the water because of this also. With the arrival of Christianity, some of the people lost their belief in those traditions, but nonetheless, many still worship these gods for help in bad times or against diseases. Following the impact, the resulting crater filled with water which later formed lake Bosomtwe. The biosphere reserve sustains 35 tree species, including some used for timber. The area is widely used for research, especially on climate change, as well as environmental education for schools and universities. Others believe that it is visited by the souls of the departed on their passage to eternity. With an area of 19 square miles (49 square km) and a depth of 230–240 feet (70–73 metres), the lake is fed by small streams that tumble down the crater’s steep sides (500–1,400 feet [150–425 metres] above water level). This was discovered by Rock analysis in 1965 in the USA. This was discovered by Rock analysis in 1965 in the USA. Lake Bosomtwe is an important national cultural and natural site of particular relevance for international conservation. Oral tradition has it that the Lake Bosomtwe was formed in 1648 when a hunter pursuing and antelope shot and injured the antelope “Otwe” – in the Twi dialect. There are various settlements around, mainly fishing and farming villages but also some places to stay. Is a lake formed by an ancient meteorite strike in TheAshanti Empire . The lake was probably formed by … Location This was itself carved from the former Ejisu/Juaben/Bosomtwe District. Latitude: 6°24’35”N – 6°35’33”N The various communities around Lake Bosomtwe are very welcoming. The lake has formed before 1.07 million years in the crater of a meteor strike. The lake has no surface outlet and was formed in a meteorite impact crater with an area of 19 square miles (49 square km) and a depth of 230–240 feet (70–73 metres), The lake is surrounded by lush mountains and fed by small streams that tumble down the crater’s steep sides (500–1,400 feet [150–425 metres] above water level). Many theories have been proposed for its existence, the more theories there are the more enjoyable the lake is! Bosomtwe is a circular lake, caused by a meteor impact a million years ago. Lake Bosomtwe was formed by a falling meteriite about 1.6 million years ago. Some people believe that the lake was created by a volcanic activity while others say it was created by a falling meteorite that hit the area, causing a crater to be formed. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. During her time in Ghana, Sarah Begum experienced the lives of a community that surrounds one of the world’s few lakes situated in an ancient meteor impact crater It is about 30 kilometers south-east of Kumasi the capital of Ashanti and is a popular recreational area. Because the lake Bosomtwe (Bosumtwi) is actually filling a meteorite crater formed 1 million years ago, it is almost perfectly circular (diameter 8 km) and surrounded by a small mountain barrier. Lake Bosomtwe was formed by a falling Meteorite about 1.3 million years ago. Situated in the Ashanti region of Ghana, Lake Bosomtwe is one of six UNESCO designated biosphere reserve sites. Oral tradition taught as that the lake Bosomtwe was formed in 1648 when a hunter pursuing and antelope shot and injured the antelope , the antelope however continued to its run until it disappeared in a small pond ahead . Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Lake Bosumtwe also sometimes spelled Bosomtwi, is a lake formed by an ancient meteorite strike in the Ashanti Region. Lake Bosomtwe (Latitude 6.504; Longit ude −1.4145) is a crater lake situated in the Ashanti Region of Ghana, West Africa, and is one of few meteoritic lakes in the world. 13 Aug 2018 . Lake Bosumtwi, lake, south-central Ghana, 17 miles (27 km) southeast of Kumasi. The lake is becoming a popular tourist attraction in Ghana and has the potential to be developed as an ecotourism site in the future. 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