Volta Region

Thursday provided an amazing start to my weekend. I had the opportunity to visit the fire department that is on the University’s campus. It was very small and different from what I am used to. They had a lot less resources and the equipment was not as up-to-date, resulting is a decreased efficiency in response; however, much of the standard operating procedures were the same.

This weekend was filled with breathtaking scenery. Morgan, Jordan, Haley, Sally, Jackie, and I went to the Volta Region. It was so beautiful. We got to Wli Friday night and spent the night relaxing. We woke up bright and early on Saturday to hike the Wli Waterfalls. We first hiked to the Upper Falls. It was very exhausting, but we got to swim in the falls when we got there, so it was very worthwhile. When we got back down, we visited the lower falls – also spectacular. The whole hike took about 4 or 5 hours. Immediately after, we traveled to a neighboring town to tour come caves. This was intense. About 300 years ago, people used to live here. I cannot imagine how difficult their lives must have been. This hike took about 3 or 4 hours. Needless to say, we were all exhausted by the end of the night. The hostel we stayed at that night was superb. We got dinner, room, and breakfast for about $5 a piece. We gave the guy extra money though because he was so nice.

That morning, we took a trotro to Mount Afadzato, the highest mountain in Ghana, granted, it’s only 884 meters high. It was a one hour hike each way. The top of the mountain was spectacular and so peaceful. I just wanted to sit there for hours.

The six of us then proceeded to head home. We were very ready to be back at school. We also found out that on that past Friday, the professors’ strike finally ended, though there still seemed to be some uncertainty revolving around its completion. I hope the professors finally get paid (last I heard, the government did not have the funds to pay them), but I am glad that classes are once again in session.