Ghana - Volta Region Sites and Visits
The Volta Region is a mountainous terrain, a land of cascading waterfalls and tropical rain forests, punctuated by small villages that extend from the highest points in the country all the way down to the Atlantic seaboard. It is a majestic land of pastoral peoples: fishermen and farmers who live in harmony with nature: in the mountains, on the lake, and by the sea. These are the Ewe people who share a common heritage with the cultures of Togo and Benin to the east.
Most Visitors arrive from the west, crossing the Volta River on the Senchi Bridge , a cable span known as the "Gateway to the Volta ". This is one of Ghana 's greenest zones, home to numerous species of birds, iridescent butterflies, and the shy creatures of the rain forest. Mount Afadjato at Gbledi Gborgame is Ghana 's highest peak at 2905 feet. Nearby at Amedzofe is Mount Gemi at over 2000 feet. An easy day climb, this is a major attraction for people interested in mountaineering. Adaklu Mountain lies south of Ho and is excellent for hiking. Many of the smaller peaks along the shores of Volta Lake provide majestic views of the lake. |
Other Features of the Volta 's breathtaking scenery are the region's many waterfalls. Part of the Agumatsa Wildlife Sanctuary, Wli Falls are the highest in Ghana at about 250 feet. The journey to the falls takes 45 minutes from the town through woods and streams, with sturdy wooden footbridges crossing a meandering creek at nine different points en route to the waterfall. The mountain from which the water flows is part of the Akwapim-Togo range. Butterflies, flowers and a colony of bats are found at the falls and along the paths leading to them. Other falls in the Volta include Tagbo Falls at Liate Wote, Tsatsadu Falls (10km from Hohoe), Aflambo Falls at Leklebi, and the Amedzofe-Gbadzeme Falls . There are also a number of small caves near some of the falls. In the limestone hills and grottos of these areas are the ancestral caves of Likpe (14km from Hohoe), the grottos of Kpando at Agbehoe and Aziavi, the caves of Nyagbo and Logba, and some caves and ancient iron mines at Akpafu. Some of these caves were used as hideouts during times of war. There are two other national parks in the Volta . The Kalakpa Reserve is just south of Ho, the regional capital, and Kyabobo Park is in the northeast. |
The Volta has a wealth of animal and bird species. The Tafi Monkey Village near Hohoe is a most unusual place that has become very popular with visitors. The Mona monkey can be seen here, where they are treated as sacred animals and looked upon as gods. Approximately 150 true Mona monkeys, Cercopithecus mona mona , live in a culturally-protected grove. It is the only completely intact population of the sub-species remaining in Ghana today. Since they have no fear of humans, the monkeys visit the village each morning and evening for food handouts. In 1997 the village won the award of " Tourism Village of the Year".
Following the Volta River south brings us to the Atlantic shore and the 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. East of the estuary lies the vast Anlo- Keta Lagoon Basin which has been designated a Ramsar site to protect wetlands habitat that is a breeding ground for migratory birds and three species of marine turtles. The Volta 's only standing fort is also found on this coast. The Danish Fort ‘Prinzenstein' was built in 1784. Due to erosion of the beach, the fort is slowly crumbling and falling into the sea. Just east of here is Aflao - The "Gateway to Ghana " from Togo . |
Many Historical Sites are found throughout the Volta Region, many of which recall the days when this part of Africa was under German influence. German buildings can be seen in most towns of this region as evidence of its German colonial past (Abutia, Kpandu, Kpedze, Wli, Peki, Nkonya, Bumbula, Kete-Krachi, Nkwanta). The town of Kete-Krachi , located on the bank of the Volta River , was a strategic point for the shipment of slaves.
The Real Wealth of the Volta however, lies in its people. The Ewe are a proud and deeply spiritual folk, as evidenced by the many shrines found throughout the region. The animist beliefs are rooted in the ancient African religion of the voudouin from Togo and Benin . While most people of the Volta are Christian, they have managed to integrate their beliefs in a harmonious blend of reverence for both man and nature. Some of the better known shrines include: Togbe Adzima Shrine at Klikor, Nyigbla Shrine at Afife, the Yewe cults of Nogokpo, Dzodze & Agave, Krachi Dente Shrine at Kete/Krachi, and the old Trokosi shrines at Mafi, Agave and Tefle. At Kpando, there is a Catholic Church Grotto of the Virgin Mary, where she appeared in an apparition.
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Ewe Traditions are also reflected in the beautiful crafts of the region. The villages of Agbozume and Kpetoe are famous for their weavers. The ceramics of Vume, Lolito, Kpando and Fesi constitute one of Ghana 's most distinctive styles of pottery. Woodcarving is done in the villages of Ve Golokwati and Have. The blacksmiths of Aveme, Alavanyo and Akpafu are known for ironworking. |
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The Cultural Mosaic of the Ewe is also manifested in the numerous festivals that occur throughout the year in towns and villages all across the region. The Hogbetsotso War Festival of the Anlos people is celebrated in November and is probably the most famous. It commemorates the migration of the Anlos - who escaped from the tyranny of King Ago Koli of Ille Ife in Nigeria - to their present homeland. Drumming and dancing are central to this festive occasion. Elsewhere there are many festivals that celebrate the yam harvest.
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