Volta Region

The most easterly region of Ghana, bordering on Togo, the Volta Region is an area of extraordinary scenic beauty. The rolling hills and valleys, rocky outcrops overlooking Lake Volta, and lagoons, rivers and waterfalls make for one of nature’s most attractive gifts to Ghana.

The region stretches from the coastal plains on the atlantic coast right up to the arid lands of the north, and climatic conditions can vary tremendously.

From the coastal plain, fringed by sun-dappled beaches and mangrove swamps, through moist deciduous rain forests in the central belt, where Mt Afadjato at 885m is the highest point in Ghana, to the arid savannah of northern Ghana, you can experience almost every tropical climate in West Africa.

This region is also dominated by the river Volta and Lake Volta, on its western flank. The lake is a source of power, and much of the water for the region; it is the water highway to the north, a great fishing lake as well as a popular recreational area.

The festivals and ceremonies reflect the rich diversity of history and culture of tribal life in the region. The relics of European coastal forts and other structures still remain, while further north vestiges of the German colonial era are unmistakable. The regional museum at Ho is an ideal place to understand the background to our heritage.

Hohoe is an important centre of herbal medicine, which is of significance and growing importance both in Ghana and the western world today.

Discover the Wli Waterfalls in the tropical forest near Hohoe, the highest in Ghana, or the nearby Tsatsadu Falls at Alavanyo, or the Tagbo Falls at Liate Wote which are almost as spectacular. Afadjato Mountain attracts climbers of all ages, while the Kalakpa Game Production Reserve is a special place for environmentalists.

Volta is famous for its festivals and ceremonies, of which the Hogbetsotso of the Anlos people in November is probably the most famous. The people of Wli have a unique festival to give thanks for the gift of water.

The main gateway from Togo is at Aflao, and hotels, guest houses and restaurants can he found in all the main centres, including Ho, Keta, Kpando and Hohoe.

The beaches of the Volta estuary are amongst the best in Ghana. Swimming is popular in some areas, although the sea is generally rough along the Atlantic coast. New hotels are providing facilities for watersports and deep sea fishing. Tuna, tarpon and barracuda may be caught, and arrangements can be made in advance through the local hotels.

ATTRACTIONS & EXCURSIONS IN THE VOLTA REGION

River Volta Estuary
The estuary is an area of great scenic beauty, with river and ocean beaches, and picnic spots shaded by palm trees. The sand bars are the nesting grounds for sea birds, and endangered species of turtle are still found here.

The Keta-Angaw Lagoon Basin
Important wetlands and breeding grounds for migratory birds.

Tafi Monkey Village
The sacred monkey sanctuaries around Tafi Atome, some 5km away from the Avatime Hills.

The Waterfalls of the Volta Region
Although some may be seasonal, all are set in attractive wooded or mountain settings.
Wli Falls – 20km from Hohoe, in the Wli Nature Reserve
Tagbo Falls – Liate Wote
Tsatsadu Falls – 10km from Hohoe
Aflambo Falls – Leklebi
Amedzofe-Abadzeme Falls

Kalakpe Game Production Reserve
At Abutia Kloe, 15km from Ho, the reserve has increasing species of migratory and indigenous birdlife, buck, buffalo and monkeys.

Kyabobo National Park
A newly designated national park in the foothills of Mt Djebobo, on the border with Togo.

Grottos and Caves
In the limestone hills, the grottos and caves are dramatic.
The ancestral caves of Likpe – 14km from Hohoe
The grottos of Kpando – Agbehoe and Aziavi
The caves of Nyagbo and Logba
Caves and ironmine workings – Alepafu

Historical Sites
Fort Prinzenstein, Keta
Cape St Paul Lighthouse, Woe
German historical sites at Kpando, Ho, Amedzofe, Kpedze