The Three-Headed Palm Tree

By Jasmine Zahabi

Last weekend, our School of Communication class, level 300 Upper, from

Wisconsin International University College took a trip to Boti Falls, one of Ghana’s most famous waterfalls.

I had heard a lot about it, but seeing it in person was something else!

The sound of the water crashing down, the wet fresh air, and the forest all around made it feel like I had stepped into another world.

But while the falls were stunning, the most surprising thing I saw wasn’t the water—it was a 123 (one hundred and twenty three) years old three-headed palm tree!

The 123 year old 3 headed palm tree 

How Boti Falls Was Discovered

Boti Falls wasn’t always famous. 

It was hidden deep in the forest until a white Catholic priest discovered it. 

Locals say he loved the place so much that he used it as a private picnic spot for himself and his friends. 

But soon, people found out about it, and there was even a fight over who owned the land. 

In the end, the matter went to court, and the falls became public.

What really put Boti Falls on the map was when Ghana’s first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, visited in 1961. 

He was so impressed that he ordered a rest house to be built there, making it one of the most popular attractions in the Eastern Region.

Boti falls, the twin waterfall located at Boti in the Eastern Region of Ghana

The Magic of the Three-Headed Palm Tree

While the waterfalls are the main reason people visit, I was excited to see something even rarer, a palm tree with three heads! 

It’s not something you see every day, palm trees are known to grow straight with a single trunk, but this one splits into three big branches at the top. 

These branches never bear fruit at the same time, alternating annually between the other branches.

Some say it’s just a natural accident, but the locals believe it’s special and even sacred.

Standing in front of it, I couldn’t help but wonder how it grew that way. 

It was tall, strong, and unique—just like Boti Falls itself.

The 123 year old 3 headed palm tree located at Boti in the eastern Region 

More Than Just a Waterfall.

There’s more to see at Boti than just the falls and the three-headed palm tree. 

A short walk from the falls took me to Umbrella Rock, a giant rock shaped like an umbrella, perfect for photos. 

I also walked down just over 70 steps to the base of the falls, which was tiring but worth it. 

The water was cool and refreshing, and the view was incredible!

It was the perfect place to escape from the busy Accra and connect with nature.

The Umbrella Rock at Boti in the eastern Region 

A Trip Worth Taking

If you ever get the chance, visit Boti Falls. 

The waterfalls are beautiful, the forest is peaceful, and the three-headed palm tree is something you have to see for yourself. 

Whether you go for adventure, relaxation, or just to experience something new, Boti Falls is a place you won’t forget.