Volta Region of Ghana

Summary
Live and volunteer in a remote African town in the Volta Region, away from the major tourist trails and the bustle of Accra.

Programs

   • Teaching
   • Orphanages
   • Veterinary
   • Health Care
   • Football Coaching / Training
   • HIV/AIDS

Location
The Volta Region is located in eastern Ghana, bordering Togo. Our programs are based in Kpando, Ho, and Hohoe. The three-hour bus ride from Accra to these towns is hot, bumpy, and long. But once you get there, you'll be amazed at the Volta Region's scenic beauty, with its beautiful rivers, water falls, lagoons, and rolling hills.

Many people make their living from agriculture in the area, so you will see a lot of farms that produce cocoa, tobacco and teak.

In Hohoe itself, you can stroll along the main road and eat in local resturants, buy the latest Ghanaian hip-hop cd's, and chat with the friendly locals.

The largest tribe in Hohoe is the Ewe. Local village governments are organized around a traditional chief system, with an overall chief who resides in one of the larger towns. Annual festivals are celebrated with pomp and pageantry and conducted in the local language of Ewe.

Sightseeing & Activities
This region is dominated by the Volta River and Lake Volta, the latter one of the largest artificial lakes in the world. You can take a passenger boat across the lake (although there was a sinking in early 2006). The rest of the Volta Region offers many lagoons, rivers and waterfalls. The Wli Waterfalls (photos below), which is a 20-minute drive from Hohoe, is the highest waterfalls in West AFrica and a must-see for visitors.

If you've never experienced a border-crossing on foot, you can cross into Togo near the Wli Waterfalls (you'll need a visa from the Togo embassy in Accra). You wouldn't know there was a border except for the signs, but it is worth the effort.

You can also visit Mount Afadjato (880 meters) which attracts climbers of all ages. Ghana near Hohoe are the highest in Ghana. Also nearby are the Tagbo Falls. The Kalakpa Game Production Reserve is a must-see for environmentalists.

The Volta Region is also 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.