Lake Bosomtwe is the only natural lake in the Ashanti region. Lake Bosomtwe is located about 30 km south-east of Kumasi, the regional capital. Lake Bosomtwe measures about 10.5 km in diameter and has a surface area of about 49 km2. The only source of its water is rainfall.
Lake Bosomtwe was formed as a result of a meteorite impact on the earth surface. It is an impact crater filled with water. The lake, Bosomtwi is estimated to be 1.07 million years old (Pleistocene period).
Lake Bosomtwe is considered sacred by the Ashanti people. The Ashanti people believe the souls of the dead come to the Lake Bosomtwe, to bid farewell to the Asase Yaa (Mother earth). The name “bosom” means god, and “otwe” means antelope. So Lake Bosomtwe means antelope god.
The Lake Bosomtwe was given its name, by a hunter, by the name Akora Bompe from Asaman. He discovered the lake, whiles hunting for an antelope. The injured antelope disappeared into a small pond of water. Legend says the hunter never caught the antelope, he decided to settle close to the water and started fishing.
About thirty villages surrounds the coastline of the Lake Bosomtwe. Each village in the lake area has its own shrine or fetish groove. There is also the “Abrodwum” stone, which is believed to be the spiritual center of the lake.
It is actually a bad omen for one to go fishing in this area and get a low catch. When this happens the lake people sacrifice a cow, in the presence of his majesty, the Asantehene who takes part in the celebration.
Lake Bosomtwe is one of the cool and nice place to relax and hang around in the Ashanti region. It is a popular recreational place. Go there on a holiday, and you can be sure to find a large crowd there. One can also go for a boat ride, for a swim or go hiking into the hills around the lake and surrounding villages.
Another interesting fact, about the Lake Bosomtwe is that, it is a taboo to touch the surface of the lake with an iron or a metal, and modern boats are not allowed on the lake surface.
Fishermen who fish on the Bosomtwe lake use a large plank of wood, called “padua” to fish on the lake. They normally sit on top and use their hands or plates to propel themselves.
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