Oboadaka Waterfalls: A Hidden Falls With a Story Behind It

Oboadaka takes its name from the "boxlike" rocks scattered around the site — the word translates roughly as "stone box." Locals call the falls themselves "gugu," and the story behind that name is part of why this stop is worth the detour: in Akuapem folklore the falls are believed to be a deity, mythically the wife of Gugu, drawing its course from the Nsakyi river. The legends do not stop there. During the Odwira festival, held each October or November, it is said the falls produce a "drum-like" sound similar to the fontomfrom, the traditional royal drum. And because the site was considered sacred and secure, warriors are said to have hidden gold and other spoils of war at the foot of the falls in the past. None of that requires you to believe in it to enjoy the walk. The falls are hidden in thick, largely untouched forest, and getting there is a short, scenic hike rather than a serious trek — a good option if you want the feeling of adventure without a full-day climb. The water runs in tiers with a slight plunge on one side, flowing year-round but at its most dramatic in the rainy season, when you are genuinely surrounded by falling water in a small canyon. Shade trees along the way make for an easy rest stop. It's about a 20-minute drive from Aburi Botanic Gardens, which makes the two easy to combine into one day if gardens alone feel like too gentle a pace. Good weather matters here — this is a forest hike to an open waterfall, not a covered attraction — so build in some flexibility around your dates if you can.