Ah, the Volta Region! home of the Ewe-speaking people of Ghana. One of the most beautiful regions in the country and, if I may be bold, in the whole of West Africa. I observed it with my own eyes, oh!
In this article, I’ll walk you through who the people of Volta are, what the region has to offer, and why you may just find what you’ve been searching for right there, between the mountains and the mighty Volta Lake.
Who are the Voltarians?
To cut the long story short, the Ewe people migrated from Notsé in present-day Togo. Today, you’ll find them not only in Ghana but also across Togo, Benin, and even parts of Nigeria.
In Ghana, the Ewes boast several proud chiefdoms: the Anlo State, Asogli State, Gbi State, Awudome Traditional Area, Akpini State, and the Tongu enclaves.
Let’s start from Anlo. The coastal community of Keta lies beautifully along the Gulf of Guinea. It is home to the Awomefia of Anlo, Togbi Sri III, the grand custodian of Anlo traditions.
In the middle belt sits Ho, the region’s heartbeat. Here reigns Togbe Afede XIV, a renowned Ghanaian businessman and the Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State.
His traditional jurisdiction includes Akoefe, Takla, and Kpenoe, all nestled within Ho.
Then comes Kpando, yes, the town that gave us Kpando Technical Institute (famously known as Kpantech) and Bishop Herman College.
Their overlord, Okpekpewuokpe Torgbuiga Dagadu IX, rules the Akpini State with quiet dignity.
Up north lies Hohoe, affectionately nicknamed “2H City.” It’s home to Peter Amewu, yes, that same man who made political history by turning an NDC stronghold into an NPP seat. But let’s not do politics today, shall we? History has already taken note.
Hohoe is also home to several colleges and a campus of the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS).
Their annual Gbidukor Festival? Pure magic. If you haven’t experienced it, my friend, make it a priority.
As for the Awudome Traditional Area, they celebrate the Yam Festival each year and pay homage to our ancestral home, Kpale in Togo, just as the Asogli people journey to Notsé during theirs.
I did promise to be brief, didn’t I? But Volta stories have a way of stretching themselves beautifully.
Volta Music
The Creator, Mawu, as the Ewes call Him, blessed the region with an abundance of musical talent.
Let’s start with Efo Etse, you know him as Stonebwoy. Say no more. His music speaks for itself, echoing across Ghana and beyond.
Then comes a new sensation, Enam, a young, soulful voice from the Volta hills. Her songs blend modern rhythms with traditional storytelling, echoing the voice of her ancestors in every beat.
She sings of faith, struggle, and triumph, weaving poetry that could cast out demons and summon hope. Enam, akpe na wo, I salute you.
Before them came Ayigbe Edem, now known simply as Edem, the lyrical firebrand who gave us Bra Fre Me, You Dey Craze, and Nyornuviade. That last one, if you’ve ever been duped by love, you’ll feel every word!
There were many, who else remember Agbeko’s “Wototome”? Abi you know EL too. We have them, and in the gospel industry are Celestine Donkor, Israel Maweta, just to mention a few.
Volta’s music doesn’t stop there. From the ancient beats of Borborbor and Agbadza to the modern fusions of reggae and afrobeat, rhythm runs through our veins like the Volta River itself.
Tourism in the Volta Region
I won’t bore you with the economic figures, let’s go straight to the adventure.
Every road these days seems to lead to Amedzofe, Ghana’s highest human settlement.
Here, the clouds kiss the mountains, and the canopy walk swings you gently through the rainforest. Mount Gemi stands tall, inviting hikers to conquer her.
Further down is the Fli Waterfalls in Hohoe, a beauty to behold. Don’t forget the monkey sanctuary at Tafi, the snake village at Afadzato, and Adaklu Mountain where the air feels like prayer.
And of course, the grand Volta Lake stretching majestically from K to K (Keta to Krachi), as the locals fondly say.
In Anlo land, you’ll find remnants of slave markets and colonial monuments that whisper the history of our past. For islands and lagoons, Keta and Anloga await you with open arms.
Each traditional area boasts at least one site worth your visit. Some may lack development, yes, but therein lies opportunity. Investors, take note, the Volta Region awaits your vision.
Education in the Volta Region
Now, if there’s one thing we don’t joke with, it’s education. Growing up, our parents used to remind us that since Volta has no gold or diamond mines, our “gold” must be in the books.
In Shia, where I had part of my basic education, there lived an elderly pensioner of blessed memory. Each month, after receiving his pension, he would be seen celebrating joyfully, sometimes even tipsy.
As children, we’d tease him, and he’d respond, “Agbalia koe, Agbalia ko do mele” , “It is only the book, it is the book that I am eating.” Meaning his education had sustained him through life.
This man’s reactions really motivated some of us to take studies serious, no wonder I became School Prefect. My friends, James Kofi Aragah, Golo Jennifer, Amegadzi Vicent and Aligidi Collins can relate.
Across Ghana’s universities, you’ll find professors, lawyers, and statesmen from Volta. I won’t mention names, legal reasons, you know, but trust me, we take education seriously.
Though times are changing, our passion for learning remains unshaken. It’s in our DNA.
Debunking the myths
Before I end this “Volta Region You Didn’t Know” tour, let’s address the elephant in the room, or should I say, the juju in the shrine?
There’s a long-standing stereotype that Ewes are “wicked” or “juju people.” I first encountered this in university when some classmates avoided me simply because I was an “Ayigbe.” Even some lecturers made snide remarks, imagine! an educated people oh.
But let’s be honest: every tribe has its saints and its sinners. Nogokpo isn’t the headquarters of Lucifer; it’s simply a sacred place of justice, where children, mothers, and the aged live, like many others in Ghana.
We, too, are God’s children, creative, kind, and peace-loving. Let’s end the stereotyping once and for all.
And to my fellow Ewes, let’s prove them wrong through our conduct. If previous generations were feared, let ours be admired. Let us tell a new story, one of grace, brilliance, and unity.
As for the single men out there, pray well, for Volta women are beautiful, hardworking, and heaven-sent.
Lastly, to those Ewes who hide their identity and pretend to be from elsewhere, ah! Shame on you wai. Remember, even the chicken takes pride in its coop. You cannot point at your home with your left hand.
Final word
The Volta Region isn’t just a place on the map, it’s a living poem written in mountain mist, lake reflections, and ancestral drums. Visit once, and you’ll understand why every Ewe heart beats with pride.
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