Volta Regional Museum: Showcasing centuries of tradition and art in Volta Region

Stories and facts

The Volta Regional Museum, located in Ho, Ghana, is a cultural treasure dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history and traditions of the Volta Region.

Administered by the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board, the museum has become an essential institution for the cultural and historical education of both locals and visitors.

Before its transformation into a museum, the building that now houses the Volta Regional Museum served as the Office of the Regional House of Chiefs. The building was sold to the government in 1967, and the museum officially opened its doors in 1973.

Over the years, the museum has hosted various significant events and collaborations. Notably, in April 2014, it partnered with the Evangelical Presbyterian University College to hold the first memorial lecture honoring several contributors dedicated to the study of the Ewe language.

This lecture paid tribute to Ghanaian doctors Godfried Kportufe Agamah and Emmanuel Ablo, as well as Professor Komla Amoaku and German Reverend Jakob Spieth.

In 2018, Christoph Retzlaff, Germany's ambassador to Ghana, visited the museum and discussed plans to rehabilitate several sites in the Volta region.

This visit marked the beginning of a significant renovation project for the museum. By 2021, the renovations were completed, partly financed by the German government, which contributed 25,000 euros, and the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board, which provided 200,000 Ghanaian cedis.

The extensive renovation project lasted three years and significantly enhanced the museum's facilities. On September 4, 2021, Tourism Aid Ghana organized an event at the museum focusing on tourism development in the region, further highlighting the museum's role as a cultural hub.

The museum's collections are diverse and rich, offering visitors a comprehensive look into the region's past and present. Exhibits include the Chair of State of the last German colonial governor, woodcraft, pottery, Kente textiles, masks, and Asante shrines.

The museum also features exhibits on the ethnography of the Volta Region, including handicrafts and contemporary art. Artifacts from the periods of German Togoland and British colonization are displayed alongside items representing local culture.

The museum's extensive collections include swords, stone relics, musical instruments such as drums, maps of the Ewe State, stools, and earthenware cooking vessels.

Additionally, visitors can admire paintings and sculptures by artists from the Volta region.

The Volta Regional Museum highlights the rich cultural heritage of the Volta Region, offering invaluable insights into its history and traditions.

Through its exhibits and educational programs, the museum continues to be a vital resource for preserving and promoting the unique cultural identity of the Volta Region.

Share