Volta Region
The most easterly region of Ghana and 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 is predominantly agricultural based and stretches from the coastal plains on the Atlantic coast right up to the arid lands of the north, with climatic conditions varying tremendously. From the coastal plain, fringed by sun-dappled beaches and mangrove swamps, through moist deciduous rain forest in the central belt, with the Afadjato Mountain which is the highest point in Ghana (885 metres), to the arid savanna of northern Ghana, you can experience almost every tropical climate in West Africa.

This region is partly covered by the Volta River and its lake created by the Akosombo Dam stretching from south to north on its western side. The Volta Region was one of the places the European trader and missionaries chose to settle and work. The relics of European coastal forts and other structures still remain, while further north vestiges of the German colonial era are evident. The regional museum at Ho is an ideal place to understand the background to this heritage.

The municipal city of Ho is the capital of the Volta Region and is a good base for excursions into the region. Ho is about 165 km (103 miles) from Accra and is reached by state transport in 2½ hours. In Ho the Woezor Hotel welcomes you with its affable hospitality. The Evangelical Presbyterian Church also runs a guesthouse with excellent service.

35 km (22 miles) north of Ho is Amedzofe, which is the highest town in Ghana. It is about 700 m (2275 feet) above sea level. It is a town very much liked by the European traders and missionaries (mostly Germans) for its temperate-like climate. Here they established schools and worked with the people. Their mission house is still standing and on the nearby Gemi Mountain is a cross that was placed there by the missionaries who worked in the town. From here you can see Kpandu, another missionary town (mainly catholic) with beautiful grottos. Kpandu also overlooks the Volta River and has a substantial fishing population. Other towns especially interesting on market days are Keta, Agbozume, Anloga and Anfoega.

The Volta Region is famous for its festivals and ceremonies, which reflect the rich diversity of history and culture and the life of the people in the region. The Hogbetsotso celebrated in November by the Anlo people in the south is probably the most famous. The people of Wli have a unique festival celebrated to give thanks for the gift of water.

The Volta Region has the most spectacular waterfalls and mountain ranges in the country. The Wli Waterfalls in the tropical forest near Hohoe is the highest in Ghana. Nearby are Tsatsadu Falls at Alavanyo and Tagbo Falls at Liate Wote, which are equally spectacular. The Afadjato Mountain attracts climbers of all ages. The Kalapa Game Production Reserve near Akatsi in the south and Kyabobo National Park in the north are two special places for environmentalists.

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 in the estuary area. Arrangements can be made in advance through the local hotels.