Exploring the Geoheritage Potential of the Shai hills Resource Reserve, Ghana

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of geological, archaeological and historical data from the Shai Hills Resource Reserve to explore its potential as a Geoheritage site. Located at the transition zone between the coastal plains and savanna landscapes of Ghana, the Shai Hills Resource Reserve spans an area of approximately 51 square kilometres, encompassing inselbergs, hills, caves, and a thriving biodiversity. Geologically, the Shai Hills Resource Reserve is underlain by high-grade metamorphic rocks associated with the Pan-African Dahomeyide orogeny and represents the remnant of the Pharusian Oceanic lithosphere. Field investigations reveal dominant lithologies such as pyroxene-garnet and garnet-hornblende gneisses, accompanied by pegmatoid intrusive veins. A strong interplay between these geological features and the cultural practices of the indigenous Shai (Sɛ) people of the area is presented. The reserve encompasses significant heritage linked to the people, with caves, rock shelters, and sacred hills serving as ceremonial, residential, and memorial sites. The Geoscience education potential of the reserve is demonstrated through the unique opportunities it offers to study the dynamic interactions between geological processes, ecological systems, and human cultural heritage, towards better Earth stewardship and sustainability. Considering all these attributes of the Shai Hills Resource Reserve, it is concluded that it offers substantial opportunities for geoheritage, geoconservation, geotourism, and geoeducation as well as sustainable community development, and so, stands as a potential candidate for National Geoheritage designation.