Ho: The Heart of the Volta Region

• HelloMi kɔɔ
  [mee koh]
• GoodbyeDaa
  [dah]
• YesAane
  [ah-neh]
• NoNnɛ
  [nyeh]
• Please/You're welcomeMi ɖe
  [mee deh]
• Thank youMi ɖe ɖe
  [mee deh deh]
• Excuse me/SorryŊutɔ
  [nyoo-toh]
• How are you?Woo gɔmeɖe?
  [woh goh-meh-deh]
• Fine. And you?Eɖea. Ga gɔmeɖe?
  [eh-deh-ah. gah goh-meh-deh]
• Do you speak English?Woo ŋutɔ ƒe ŋlisiwo?
  [woh nyoo-toh feh en-glee-see-wuh]
• I don't understandMi nɔvi eyi
  [mee noh-vee ey-yee]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMi kɔ ɖe menu, mi ɖe
  [mee koh deh meh-noo, me deh]
• I don't eat meatMi nɔvi nuɖu
  [mee noh-vee noo-thoo]
• Cheers!Ayo!
  [ah-yoh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMi kɔ ɖe kɛkɛ, mi ɖe
  [mee koh deh keh-keh, me deh]

• Help!Ɖe aŋlɔ!
  [deh ah-nyoh-loh]
• Go away!Vaa!
  [vah]
• Call the Police!Ŋutɔ tsɔŋlɔ ɖe
  [nyoo-toh tsoh-nyoh-loh deh]
• Call a doctor!Ŋutɔ ŋutɔ ɖe
  [nyoo-toh nyoo-toh deh]
• I'm lostMi naŋlɔ
  [mee nah-nyoh-loh]
• I'm illMi naŋlɔ
  [mee nah-nyoh-loh]

• I'd like to buy...Mi kɔ fia...
  [mee koh fee-ah]
• I'm just lookingMi ɖe maŋlɔ
  [mee deh mah-nyoh]
• How much is it?Ɖe ɖe eye ɖe?
  [deh deh ey-yeh deh]
• That's too expensiveEyayi eyi
  [ey-yah-yee ey-yee]
• Can you lower the price?Woo ŋutɔ si hafianu?
  [woh nyoo-toh see hah-fee-ah-noo]

• What time is it?Ɖe aŋlɔ eyi?
  [deh ah-nyoh-loh ey-yee]
• It's one o'clockEyi kɔ aya
  [ey-yee koh ah-yah]
• Half past (10)Hafianu kɔ (10)
  [hah-fee-ah-noo koh (10)]
• MorningDɔɔ
  [doh]
• AfternoonƉeɖe
  [deh-deh]
• EveningDaa
  [dah]
• YesterdayƉeɖɔ
  [deh-doh]
• TodayDade
  [dah-day]
• TomorrowDaɖe
  [dah-deh]
• 1Ayata
  [ah-yah-tah]
• 2Yiyata
  [yee-yah-tah]
• 3Atata
  [ah-tah-tah]
• 4Anan
  [ah-nahn]
• 5Anam
  [ah-nahm]
• 6Afia
  [ah-fee-ah]
• 7Ason
  [ah-sohn]
• 8Asoɖi
  [ah-soh-dee]
• 9Asovla
  [ah-soh-vlah]
• 10Agbɛ
  [ah-gbeh]

• Where's a/the...?Ɖe... na...
  [deh nah]
• What's the address?Ɖe tsɔɔ na...
  [deh tsoh-oh nah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Woo ŋutɔ nɛ mi (le mapɔ) ?
  [woh nyoo-toh neh mee (leh mah-poh) ?]
• When's the next (bus)?Ayi ɖe ɖe (tro tro) ?
  [ah-yee deh deh (troh-troh) ?]
• A ticket (to ....)Tikiti (kɔ ....)
  [tee-kee-tee (koh ....)]

The area now known as Ho has been inhabited for centuries, with the Ewe people being the predominant ethnic group. The Ewe migrated from the Niger River area in present-day Nigeria and settled in the Volta Region. Oral histories suggest that the Ewe people settled in Ho around the 15th century, establishing it as a crucial center for their communities.

In the late 19th century, the Volta Region, including Ho, came under German colonial rule as part of German Togoland. The Germans established administrative and commercial centers in the region, influencing local architecture and infrastructure. Ho became an important administrative center, hosting German colonial officers and facilitating trade and communication between the coast and the hinterlands.

Following Germany's defeat in World War I, German Togoland was divided between Britain and France. Ho and the surrounding areas were administered by the British as part of the British Mandate of Togoland. This period saw increased missionary activity, with the introduction of Western education and Christianity by European missionaries, which had a lasting impact on the cultural and religious landscape of Ho.

After Ghana gained independence in 1957, Ho continued to develop as a regional capital. The town saw improvements in infrastructure, education, and healthcare. Ho became known for its educational institutions, including the Ho Technical University and numerous high schools, earning a reputation as a center for learning and intellectual growth in the Volta Region.

Ho is renowned for its vibrant cultural heritage, particularly the annual Yam Festival, known locally as 'Asogli Yam Festival.' This festival, held in September, celebrates the yam harvest and is a time for the Ewe people to express gratitude to the gods and ancestors. The festival features elaborate durbars, traditional music and dance, and a display of rich Ewe customs and traditions.

In recent decades, Ho has experienced significant economic growth and modernization. The expansion of road networks, improvement of public services, and establishment of new businesses have transformed Ho into a bustling urban center. The town's strategic location and its role as the administrative capital of the Volta Region continue to attract investment and development, making it a dynamic and evolving city.

Ho is located in the Volta Region of Ghana. The nearest international airport is Kotoka International Airport in Accra, approximately 160 kilometers away. From Accra, you can take a bus or hire a private car to Ho. The journey typically takes around 3 to 4 hours by road. VIP and STC buses offer services to Ho from Accra. Alternatively, you can take a domestic flight to Ho Airport, which has recently started operating limited flights.

Within Ho, you can get around using taxis, which are readily available and relatively inexpensive. Shared taxis, known as 'trotros,' are also a common and affordable means of transport for short distances. For a more comfortable experience, you can rent a car, but be prepared for varying road conditions. Bicycles and motorbikes are also popular for getting around town.

The official currency in Ghana is the Ghanaian Cedi (GHS). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially when visiting smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are available in Ho, but it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash before traveling to ensure you have enough funds for your needs.

Ho is generally considered a safe destination for tourists. However, it is always advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, always stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Petty theft can occur, so keep your valuables secure.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The local police station is available in Ho, and there are several medical facilities, including the Ho Teaching Hospital, which provides comprehensive medical services. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites and rural areas. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes before entering a home or place of worship. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers on trotros. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A warm smile and a nod of the head are also appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Ho like a local, visit the vibrant Ho Central Market where you can buy fresh produce and traditional goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the region's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Kente weaving villages nearby, where you can see traditional weaving techniques and purchase authentic Kente cloth. For a unique experience, take a hike up Mount Adaklu, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.