Solid Rock Executive Travel & Tours

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS OF THE VOLTA REGION

The geography

It is the most easterly region of Ghana bordering on Togo. It is an area of extraordinary scenic beauty. The rolling hills and valleys, the outcrops overlooking the lake Volta and the lagoons the rivers and waterfalls make for one of natures most attractive gifts to Ghana.

The most unique of features about the Volta Region in the climate. There is a wide variation in the climatic conditions. The region stretches from the coastal plains in the south, with beaches and mangrove swamps and lagoons, through deciduous forests in the central belt where the mount Afajato, at 885m, is the highest point in Ghana. There is dominance of the lake Volta on the western flank which in the source of hydroelectric power and much of water to the region a water highway to the north and great for fishing and recreation

The festivals and ceremonies reflect the rich diversity of history culture of tribal life in the region. The relics of European coastal forts and other structures remain. While further north, the vestiges of the German colonial era remain. The regional museum at Ho is a ‘must go’. The Volta region is famous for its festivals such as the Hogbetsotso of the Anlo people. Some of the highlights are:

Lake Volta estuary

It is an area of great scenic beauty with river and ocean beaches among the best in Ghana, and picnic spots shaded by palm trees. Swimming is poplar but the sea is rough along the Atlantic coast. The sand bars are the nesting grounds for seabirds and endangered species of turtles are still found there.

Mount Gemi and Adjacent Mountain Ranges

Mount Gemi actually sits on top of mountain ranges spread along the border with Togo. These mountain ranges are covered with virgin rain forests with a wide range of flora and fauna. The serenity of the mountains along with the scenic beauty is phenomenal. The climate is similar to a temperate zone. the mountains have a number of 'rest houses' with trained caretakers scattered all over the villages in the mountain ranges including Biakpa a beautiful village sandwiched between the mountain ranges. You are almost certain to come across stressed senior government officials going for quiet breaks in these mountain 'hide-outs'. Early German missionaries made these mountains their home in a town known as Amedzofe. The relics from the missionary activities form an added attraction. Amedzofe, because of its height, is almost at the level of low clouds. Surely Mountaineers cannot miss this area!

The Keta-Angaw Lagoon Basin

Important wetlands and breeding grounds for migratory birds

Tafi Monkey Village

This is where you will experience that thin line that separates this rather large community of monkeys and that of humans. The monkeys are held to be sacred.The villagers ascribe their good fortune to them. The monkeys freely visit people' houses to forage for food and make new friends.

The waterfalls of the Volta region.

Although some are seasonal, they are all set in attractive wooded or mountain settings.

Wli Waterfalls – about 20km from Hohoe in the Wli natural reserve
Tagbo falls Liate Wote
Tsatsadu Falls- 10km from Hohoe
Aflambo Falls – Leklebi
Amedzofe-Gbadzeme Falls- in the beautiful mountain ranges of Avatime

Kalakpe Game Production Reserve

At Abutia Kloe, 15km from Ho, the reserve has increasing species of migratory and indigenous bird life, buck, buffalo and monkeys

Kyabobo National Park

A newly designated national park on the foothills of Mount Djebobo on the border with Togo.

Grottos and Caves

In the limestone hills the grottoes and caves are dramatic. Not to be missed are:

The ancestral caves of Likpe – 14km from Hohoe
The grottos of Kpando – Agbenohoe and Aziavi
The caves of Nyagbo and Logba
Caves and iron mine workings – Akpafu

Historical sites:

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

FESTIVALS OF THE VOLTA REGION

Anlo-Hogbetsotso Festival

This is celebrated on the first Saturday of every November. It commemorates the exodus (migration) of the Anlo-Ewes from the ancient walled city of Notsie in the present-day Northern Togo, to their present abode in the south-eastern coastal wetlands of present day Ghana.Oral tradition has it that they escaped the wickedness of the king Agorkorli by walking backwards to elude their enemies. A grand durbar of chiefs and people is held at Anloga, the traditional home of the Anlo-speaking Ewes.

Keta-Sometutuza

Two weeks after the Anlo-Ewes celebrate the Hogbetsotso festival, their cousins the Some-Ewes celebrate their Keta-Sometutuza at Agbozume, their traditional home . This festival of pomp and pageantry is rounded with a grand durbar of chiefs and their subjects on a Saturday. Chiefs pay homage to their paramount chief and renew their allegiance.

Amu (Rice) Festival of the people of Avatime in Ho District.

As the name implies the festival centres around the harvesting of rice. It is celebrated by the people of Avatime traditional area in the last week of November to December at Vane which is their traditional capital. It is a colourful festival climaxed by a grand durbar of chiefs and people.Women are adorned with traditional kente cloth and beads. The people of Avatime who migrated from the Ahanta areas of the western region fought the original occupiers of the land they now occupy and it is reflected in their drumming dancing and singing

Agbamevoza (Kente Festival) of the people of Agotime

The chiefs and people of Agotime traditional area a few kilometers from who are actually Ga-Adangbes celebrate their annual Kente festival in August every year. This is a unique festival. The Agotime people claim they did introduce kente-weaving into prosent-day Ghana and hence have been marking this event with a colourful festival. It culminates in a colourful durbar of chiefs and various types of kente cloth are put on display. A unique aspect of this festival in kente waving competition and one that brings about the best cloth is crowned. In the evening of Saturday, 'Miss Agbamevor' (Miss Kente) is crowned. This unique festival attracts lots of tourists.

Zendo Glimetotoza of the Klefe People

The chiefs and people of Klefe traditional area along with their cousins in Kilokor Kpeve,Tsibu and Tsoxor celebrate their exodus from Notsie in the present-day northern Togo to their present abode. During the celebrations the bravery of their ancestors is put on display in the form of war dances songs and drums. A grand durbar of chiefs is held encompassing all of the afore-mentioned traditional areas.

Akwantutenten festival of the people of Worawora (Akans)

Typically celebrated in Akan style it commemorates their exodus from the Ashanti region to the their present day location at Worawora

Other festivals in the region include:

Yam Festival of the the people of Ho and its immediate environs
Dzawuwu festival of the Agave-Ewes
Gbidukor festival of the Gbi-Ewes

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