Inspired by the familiar refrain “Home Sweet Home”, the phrase “Ho Sweet Ho” offers a poetic tribute to the Oxygen City of the Volta Region and Ghana at large.
Home remains the sweetest of places, no matter how far we travel in pursuit of work, study, or adventure. For the Asogli people and their neighbours, that home is Ho. Nestled at the bosom of the Galenkui rainforest mountain, Ho, with over 180,000 residents (2021 census), has earned the proud title Oxygen City for its clean air, lush greenery, and calm lifestyle.
By night, its lights twinkle like a miniature New York, while by day, tree-lined streets and neat roads showcase the city’s beauty, thanks to deliberate efforts of the Ho Metropolitan authorities. Driving through Ho is smooth, free of potholes and heavy traffic, making every journey refreshing.
Food is central to Ho’s charm. From cassava or yam fufu with rich soups to eworkple with “Keta School Boys” stew, and akpeteshie distilled from palm wine, the flavours are endless. Popular joints stretch across Bankoe, Dome, Fiave, Zongo, Ben Tota, and beyond. For tilapia lovers, Mama G at Green Palace offers grilled perfection with akple, while Zongo enclave satisfies every kebab craving. Luxury seekers can retreat to hotels on Galenkui’s slopes, while adventurers enjoy nights under the stars at Bongo Farms.
The city also breathes youthful energy. The slogan “Ho We Dey” has become a brand of pride, echoed in music, nightlife, and cultural expressions. Events like Visit Volta and the Trade Expo, championed by Volta Regional Minister James Gunu, continue to fuel this vibrancy.
Above all, Ho’s cultural heartbeat is Te Za, the Yam Festival of the Asogli people, led by Togbe Afede XIV. From late August to October, the city bursts with hikes, music, and colourful pageantry. The grand durbar on October 2 crowns the festival with chiefs, queens, elders, and warriors in full splendour.
For visitors, Ho remains safe, affordable, and welcoming. Whether by “Mahama cando” or taxi, getting around is cheap, while yams and plantains from nearby farms ensure you never leave empty-handed. Truly, “Ho Sweet Ho” is more than a phrase—it is homecoming, culture, and belonging.