Ho City Guide
Image by Israel Mac via unsplash

Ghana

Ho City Guide

Volta Region

Ho, the capital of the Volta Region in Ghana, is nestled in a valley between Mount Adaklu and the Togo Mountains. It offers a more relaxed and less bustling atmosphere compared to Ghana's larger cities, making it appealing for travelers seeking a quieter experience and remote workers looking for a peaceful environment. The city serves as a gateway to the region's natural beauty, including waterfalls, mountains, and Volta Lake.

Lifestyle🍽️

🍽️
Food Scene
Good
6

Must-try local dishes include Banku with Okro Stew, Fufu with Light Soup, and Waakye. International variety is limited. Late-night food culture is not extensive, with most eateries closing by late evening.

Local Dishes:
Banku with Okro Stew, Fufu with Light Soup, Waakye
International Cuisine:
Hotels, Specialized Restaurants
Vegan FriendlyVegetarian Friendly
🌙
Nightlife
Limited
4

Ho has a modest nightlife scene, primarily consisting of local bars and pubs, lacking a vibrant clubbing scene.

Coffee Culture
Poor
3

Ho does not have a developed specialty coffee culture, with limited availability of third-wave shops or specialty roasters.

💰
Tipping
Not Required

Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for good service. Common in restaurants and for certain services.

Top Attractions
Ho Central Market
In-city sights
A bustling market offering a wide range of local produce and goods. Great for experiencing local commerce and culture.
Volta Regional Museum
In-city sights
Explore the history and culture of the Volta Region.
Mount Adaklu
Nearby highlights under 1h away
Ideal for hiking, offering panoramic views of the surrounding region.
Wli Waterfalls
Nearby highlights under 1h away
A major attraction, requiring a slightly longer drive but worth the visit.
Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary
Nearby highlights under 1h away
A renowned sanctuary known for its population of Mona monkeys.
SIM Cards

SIM cards can be purchased on arrival at authorized vendor shops or mobile network offices. Best providers include MTN, Vodafone, and AirtelTigo, with MTN generally having the widest coverage.

Available at:
MTN office
Vodafone store
AirtelTigo shop
Recommended Apps
MoMo (Mobile Money)(Payments)
Bolt/Uber(Transportation)
Google Maps(Navigation)
WhatsApp(Communication)
Jumia Food(Food Delivery)
GhanaPostGPS(Utilities)

Services & Infrastructure

Street Cleanliness
Limited
5

Street cleanliness varies; main roads are generally cleaner, but side streets and market areas can be less so.

24/7 Services
Poor
3

Ho has a limited 24/7 ecosystem. 24-hour services are rare, with small minimarts might operate late.

Groceries
Melcom
Local Stores

International products can be found in some larger supermarkets, but the variety might be limited. Fresh markets like the Ho Central Market offer a wide range of local produce, meats, and other goods. Bargaining is common in local markets.

Cashless Payments
Cash preferred

While mobile money is widely accepted, cash is still essential for many transactions, especially with smaller vendors and in local markets. Card acceptance is limited to larger hotels and some supermarkets.

ATMs

ATMs are available from major banks like GCB Bank and Ecobank. Fees for withdrawals from foreign cards can vary, so it's advisable to check with your bank.

Schools
Local only

Ho has several local schools. For international schooling options, it might be necessary to look towards larger cities like Accra.

Available Schools:
Ho Nursing Training College
Ho Technical University

Work & Digital💻

Coworking Spaces
Not Available
Work-Friendly Cafés
Poor
Hotel Lobbies
Some larger hotel lobbies could serve as a workspot.
Alternatives:
University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) Library
May require permission or student ID to access.
Your Accommodation
If it has reliable power and internet.
Digital Nomad Community
Poor
1

The digital nomad community in Ho is very small to non-existent. No specific nomad meetups or co-living spaces are available.

Nature & Activities🌿

Green Spaces
Good
6

Ho has some open areas, but major parks within the city are limited. Surrounding natural landscapes provide green spaces.

Running
Good
6

Popular running routes include local roads and paths. Safety is generally good during the day.

Gyms
Available

Gyms and fitness options are limited primarily to local sports facilities and some hotels.

Available Gyms:
Ho Sports Stadium
Tennis
Poor
3

Court availability is limited, possibly at some private clubs or hotels.

Padel
Poor
0

Padel is not commonly available in Ho.

Yoga
Poor
2

Dedicated yoga studios are not common in Ho. Some hotels might offer basic classes.

Martial Arts
Poor
2

Some local gyms or community centers might offer basic martial arts training, but dedicated dojos are not common.

Skiing
Poor
0

Ghana is a tropical country and does not have conditions for skiing.

Water Sports
Poor
2

Limited opportunities directly in Ho. Some access might exist around Volta Lake.

Surfing
Poor
0

Ho is inland. Surfing spots are available along Ghana's coast, far from Ho.

Diving
Poor
0

Ho is inland. Diving opportunities are primarily along Ghana's coast.

Health & Safety🏥

Healthcare
Limited
5

The Ho Teaching Hospital is a major public hospital in the city. Some staff may speak English, but communication can be a challenge. Private clinics may offer better facilities and more English-speaking staff.

Hospitals:
Ho Teaching Hospital
Pharmacies:
City Pharmacy
Ecobank Pharmacy
Tap Water Safety
Not recommended

Tap water in Ho is generally not considered safe for direct consumption by travelers. It is recommended to drink bottled water or use a reliable water filter.

Common Scams
'Tro-tro' overcharging: Confirm fares before boarding., Fake gold/gemstone scams: Avoid unsolicited offers for gems., 'Friendship' scams: Beware of befriending individuals with ulterior motives., Bargaining: Always bargain respectfully in markets.

Community & Family

Family Friendly
Limited
5

Ho has some local playgrounds, but dedicated kid-friendly cafes or extensive baby supply stores are not as prevalent as in larger cities.

LGBTQ+ Friendly
Poor
1

Ghana has conservative social views regarding LGBTQ+ rights, and same-sex sexual activity is illegal. Acceptance levels are low, and safe spaces are limited.

Pet Friendly
Limited
4

Pet policies are generally relaxed in private settings, but there are limited formal pet-friendly accommodations or services.

Communities
'Ho, Volta Region' Facebook Group (General)
'Expats in Ghana' Facebook Group (General)

Quick Facts

Population
83,715
Power Reliability
Good
6/10

Power reliability in Ho is generally moderate, but outages can occur, especially during peak demand or adverse weather conditions. It's advisable to have backup power solutions for critical work.

Mountains
Available

Ho is situated in a valley surrounded by mountains, including Mount Adaklu. Ideal for hiking and exploring nearby trails.

Languages
Ewe(85%)
English(65%)
Emergency
112
Police
112
Fire
112
Ambulance

⚠️Natural Disasters Risk

🌊
Tsunami
Very Low Risk
0
🏔️
Earthquake
Low Risk
4

🌦️Seasonal Issues

Harmattan
November, December, January, February, March
Characterized by dry, dusty winds, affecting air quality.
Rainy season
April, May, June, July, August, September, October
Heavy rainfall that can lead to localized flooding.
Extreme heat
February, March, April
Can occur during the dry season.

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