Hunting in Volta: Learning About Hunting Seasons, Specifics, and Discovering Interesting Facts

The Volta Region, located in eastern Ghana along the border with Togo, is known for its beautiful landscapes, cultural diversity, and historic traditions. In many rural areas, hunting remains an essential part of life—providing food, supporting household economies, and maintaining ancestral customs. Although modern conservation laws and environmental changes are reshaping hunting practices, the activity continues to have significant social and cultural importance across the Volta Region. Geography and Natural Features of Volta for Hunting Volta’s geography is remarkably varied, ranging from lush forests and rolling hills to dry plains and wetlands. Notable features include the Akwapim-Togo Ranges, Lake Volta, and forested areas like the Kalakpa Resource Reserve and parts of the Amedzofe Hills. These diverse habitats provide a home for a wide range of wildlife, although expanding agriculture, settlements, and deforestation are impacting animal populations and hunting grounds. Specificities of Hunting in Volta Hunting in the Volta Region is mainly subsistence-oriented, but it also supports local bushmeat markets in some areas. Traditional hunting methods—including traps, snares, slingshots, bows and arrows, and the use of trained hunting dogs—are widespread. In some areas, locally made firearms are used. Hunting often occurs during the dry season, when the vegetation is less dense and tracking game is easier. Community hunting expeditions are still occasionally practiced during festive or post-harvest periods. Hunters and Demographics in Volta Hunters are typically adult men from rural communities, though boys often begin learning the craft by accompanying family members. Women, while rarely participating directly in the hunt, are crucial to processing, preserving, and selling bushmeat at local markets like Ho, Kpando, and Hohoe. In several communities, hunting skills are respected and linked to family prestige and social standing, and successful hunters often enjoy elevated status. Types of Game and Hunting in Volta Medium to large game: Bushbuck, duiker species, kob, and grasscutters (cane rats). Small game: Porcupines, monitor lizards, squirrels, hares, and mongooses. Birds: Guinea fowl, pigeons, doves, and partridges are commonly hunted, especially around farmlands. Aquatic species: Frogs, catfish, and turtles are harvested from rivers and swamps. Protected species: Pangolins, primates, and elephants (near forest areas) are protected by Ghanaian law and cannot be legally hunted. Hunting Seasons in Volta The Volta Region follows Ghana’s national hunting regulations: Open season: 1st August to 31st December, when hunting of non-protected species is legally permitted. Closed season: 1st January to 31st July, aimed at allowing wildlife populations to breed and recover. Most hunting activity is concentrated in the dry months, from November to March, when animals are more visible and access to forests and plains is easier. Local traditions sometimes impose additional seasonal or festival-related hunting bans. Hunting Structures and Local Organization in Volta In Volta, hunting is often governed by traditional authority structures—chiefs, elders, and spiritual leaders oversee forest and land use. Sacred groves and community forests are often off-limits to hunting because of their spiritual significance. Wildlife rangers and conservation NGOs operate mainly in and around protected areas like Kalakpa Reserve, working alongside local communities to manage hunting pressure and promote sustainable practices. Hunting Legislation in Volta Ghana’s Wildlife Conservation Regulations (LI 685) govern all hunting activities, prohibiting the hunting of protected species and regulating the use of firearms, traps, and other hunting methods. Enforcement is strongest near formal reserves and urban centers, but it can be weak in more remote rural areas. Ongoing conservation programs aim to educate hunters on sustainable alternatives and the importance of protecting endangered species. Hunting Traditions in Volta Among the Ewe, Guan, and Akan subgroups living in Volta, hunting carries strong cultural meaning. Hunting is celebrated through proverbs, songs, and festivals, with successful hunters receiving recognition at communal events. Some animals, considered sacred or totemic, are protected by traditional taboos, helping preserve biodiversity in certain areas. Events like the Asogli Yam Festival in Ho may feature stories and displays linked to hunting traditions, reflecting the deep ties between culture and the environment. Interesting Facts about Hunting in Volta Grasscutter meat is a local delicacy, and grasscutter farming is growing as a sustainable alternative to wild hunting. Sacred groves near Ho, Kpando, and Likpe help protect wildlife through cultural taboos against hunting. Hunters sometimes use herbal mixtures to mask their scent or bird calls to lure game. Bushmeat remains important in rural diets, though urban demand is gradually shifting toward farmed livestock. The Kalakpa Resource Reserve is a key conservation site where efforts are being made to balance hunting traditions with wildlife protection. In the Volta Region, hunting is more than a livelihood—it is a living tradition, deeply tied to the land, community identity, and survival. As environmental pressures mount and conservation efforts expand, partnering with local communities to integrate traditional ecological knowledge with sustainable practices will be crucial. This approach can ensure that Volta’s rich cultural heritage and its natural ecosystems continue to thrive together.