Top Reasons to Visit Ho, Volta Region This Weekend – And the Best Church to Attend While You're There

Did you know that the Volta Region of Ghana is home to over 1,000 mountains, yet most tourists only ever visit two? That’s right — while everyone flocks to Mount Afadjato and Tagbo Falls, they’re missing an entire universe of untouched peaks, hidden waterfalls, and a cultural heartbeat that beats louder than any weekend getaway I’ve ever experienced. Let’s be honest: when most people think of a weekend trip in Ghana, they default to the beach or Accra’s nightlife. But here’s the truth: Ho, the capital of the Volta Region, is the hidden gem you’ve been sleeping on. And I’m not just talking about the scenery. I’m talking about the kind of weekend that resets your soul — where nature, community, and spirituality collide in a way that feels almost scripted.

Why Ho Deserves Your Weekend – And Why You’re Missing Out

I’ve been to Ho half a dozen times, and every visit leaves me wondering why I don’t live there. The air is different — fresher, thinner, like it’s been filtered through the leaves of the nearby forests. The pace of life is slower, but not in a boring way. It’s the kind of slow that forces you to actually notice things: the color of the sky at 5:30 PM, the sound of kids laughing in the distance, the smell of banku and tilapia wafting from a roadside chop bar.

Here’s what most people miss: Ho is not just a pit stop to the Volta River or the Wli Waterfalls. It’s a destination in its own right. The town has evolved over the last decade, with modern amenities blending seamlessly into traditional Ewe culture. You can have a proper espresso in the morning and then hike to a sacred grove by noon. That’s the kind of duality that makes Ho so magnetic.

Let’s break down the top reasons you should pack your bag this weekend:

1. The Mountains Are Calling – And You Must Go – The Volta Region has the highest concentration of mountains in Ghana. Ho sits right in the middle of this topography. You don’t need to be an athlete to enjoy them. Short hikes like the one to Torgbui Tsali Shrine offer panoramic views without the sweat dripping into your eyes.

1. The Food Scene is Underrated – I’m not saying Ho has Michelin stars. But what it lacks in plating, it makes up for in flavor. The fufu and palm nut soup here is different — the palm nuts are fresher, the okro stew has a depth that Accra’s version can’t touch.

1. The People Are Genuinely Warm – I’ve traveled to over 15 regions in Ghana, and I’ve found that Volta folks have a particular kind of hospitality. They’re not aggressive salespeople. They’ll let you sit, ask where you’re from, and then offer you a bowl of groundnuts without expecting anything in return.

1. The Night Market at Ho Central – It’s chaotic, colorful, and full of life. You’ll find everything from second-hand designer shirts to fresh mangoes. But the real magic is the street food — kelewele that’s caramelized to perfection, and sobolo that tastes like it’s been brewed by someone’s grandmother.

1. Spiritual Renewal is Part of the Package – And this brings me to the best reason of all: attending church in Ho is an experience that changes your perspective on worship. I’ll get to that in a moment.

The One Thing You Must Do on Sunday Morning

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Yu Feng, I’m coming for adventure, not for a sermon.” Fair point. But hear me out. I’ve attended churches in Accra, Kumasi, and even abroad. But the worship experience in the Volta Region is different. It’s raw, it’s loud, and it’s deeply connected to the land.

The best church to attend while you’re in Ho is the Global Evangelical Church (formerly known as the Evangelical Presbyterian Church). Don’t let the name fool you — this isn’t some imported Western service. The congregation is predominantly Ewe, and the service is conducted in a mix of Ewe and English. But the real star is the choir. I’m not exaggerating when I say the harmonies will give you chills. The Volta Region has a rich tradition of choral music, and this church is where it shines brightest.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Start time: 8:30 AM sharp. Don’t be late — the service opens with 30 minutes of uninterrupted singing.
• The music: Traditional hymns sung in four-part harmony, accompanied by a keyboard and sometimes a local drum. It’s not the “praise and worship” you hear on radio. It’s slower, more meditative, and then suddenly explosive.
• The sermon: Usually practical, focused on community and personal growth. The pastor doesn’t shout. He speaks with a calm authority that makes you lean in.
• The offering: They don’t pressure you. You give what you feel. And they don’t pass a plate — there’s a box at the door.

Three Hidden Gems Most Travel Guides Miss

Let’s be real: the standard travel blogs will tell you to visit the Volta River, the Wli Waterfalls, and maybe the Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary. Those are great. But here are three things that most tourists completely overlook:

1. The Ho Municipal Museum – It’s small, dusty, and feels like someone’s attic. But inside are artifacts that tell the story of the Ewe people — from the slave trade to the fight for independence. There’s a room dedicated to the legendary Agbogbo festival, and the museum curator is a retired teacher who will talk your ear off for hours. Ask about the “door of no return” replica they have. It’s haunting.

1. The Torgbui Tsali Shrine – This is a sacred site hidden in the hills just outside Ho. You’ll need a guide (ask at your hotel). The shrine is dedicated to a legendary warrior, and the energy there is palpable. Locals believe the trees around it are inhabited by spirits. Whether you believe that or not, the hike up is worth it for the view alone.

1. The Kente Weaving Village at Agotime – About 30 minutes from Ho, this village is where some of the finest kente cloth in Ghana is made. But here’s the secret: the weavers will teach you the basics for a small fee. You can try your hand at the loom. I did it, and I’ve never felt more respect for the craft. The patterns tell stories — each one has a name and meaning.

How to Plan Your Weekend Without Losing Your Mind

I’m a planner by nature, but Ho is the kind of place where you can be spontaneous. Still, here’s a rough itinerary that’s worked for me:

Friday Evening:

• Arrive in Ho (3-4 hours from Accra by bus, or 1 hour by flight to the Ho Airport — yes, it exists now).
• Check into a guesthouse like The Volta Hotel or a cozy Airbnb near the center.
• Dinner at Enya Restaurant — try their grilled tilapia with banku and pepper sauce. Get the sobolo drink. Trust me.

• Morning hike to Mount Gemi (shorter than Afadjato, better views).
• Lunch at Chop Bar 99 — ask for the fufu with goat light soup.
• Afternoon visit to the Ho Municipal Museum and then the Torgbui Tsali Shrine.
• Evening at the Ho Night Market — buy a wooden stool or a handwoven basket as a souvenir.

• 8:30 AM: Global Evangelical Church (first service). Dress modestly — no shorts for men, cover shoulders for women.
• 10:30 AM: Post-service brunch at The Spot — they do a mean omlette with kenkey.
• 12 PM: Visit Agotime Kente Village before heading back.

The Spiritual Takeaway You Didn’t Expect

I’ve traveled to many places, but Ho taught me that travel doesn’t have to be about ticking boxes. You don’t need to see every waterfall or climb every mountain to have a meaningful weekend. Sometimes, the most profound experience is sitting in a church pew, surrounded by strangers who sing in a language you barely understand, and feeling the vibration of their faith.

That’s the thing about the Volta Region: it doesn’t try to impress you. It just is. And if you let it, it will leave a mark on you that no Instagram photo can capture.

So here’s my challenge to you: book the bus this weekend. Leave your phone in the hotel. Eat with your hands. Sing along even if you don’t know the words. And when you come back, tell me I was wrong. I dare you.