- Akpafu Todzi

- Alavanyo Abeheanse

- Dr. Noamesi

- Gbi-Wegbe

- Gbledi (Afadjato)

- Have

- Kpeve

- Kpledzo

- Leklebi Agbesia

- Liati Wote

- Likpe Todome

- Logba Tota

- Tafi Abuipe

- Tafi Atome

- Wli

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Attractions in Hohoe District > Likpe Todome

Likpe Todome

Location

Likpe Todome is located at the western foot of the Todometo, 22 km east of Hohoe and 5 km north of Wli. It is built on a slope that rises steeply from the south-western and western sides.The hill is part of the Akwapin-Togo ranges. The village lies in a typical tropical forest zone. Frequent bushfires, years of farming, grass cutting for roofing purposes, as well as the plantation of cash crops and trees have altered the original vegetation. Forested areas remain in various valleys, and the upper slopes of the Todometo and its neighbours feature mountainous grassland vegetation.

History

The ancestors of the villagers were Guams who migrated from the ancient Ghana Empire in the north in the early 12th century. In the area which presently accommodates the villages of Likpe Todome and Likpe Bakwa, two groups have settled. The Bakwa lived in the caves on top of the Todometo, while the Bakpele settled on the plateau of Likpeto. Bakwa means “original” – they considered themselves to be the indigenous inhabitants of the land. Bakpele means “the greater ones”, which is an apparent reference to their large numbers.

During the early days of their presence in the region, the Bakwa and Bakpele had a conflict with the Gbi during which they started to chip stones in order to produce ammunition. This practice was mainly due to their lack of metals. In reference to this rather unusual behaviour, the Gbi nicknamed the two groups Likpeawo, meaning “stone chippers”. Consequently, the Bakpele and Bakwa became known as the “Likpes”.

After peace had returned to the area, a legendary reunion took place between the Bakwa and the Bakpele. Ote Katsankla, the head chief of the Bakwa offered a stool as a sign of reunion to Allo, the head of the six Bakpele leaders, who in turn offered Lekpeleborke, their fetish, as the protector of the united stool. This reunion became known as Lerkoryi and is today celebrated as an annual festival by the people of Likpe.

The Village

Likpe Todome has an estimated population of 1,800. The villagers are mainly farmers, producing cash crops such as cocoa and coffee, and crops for home consumption such as maize, cassava, cocoyams, yams, plantains, and bananas. There is a primary school in the village, and children can attend middle school in nearby towns. The Uwoe Wadjakli streams supply water to a man-made reservoir from where it is piped to the village. The villagers have their own local language called Sekua, but they also speak Ewe which is taught in the schools.

Main Attractions

The area’s unique selling points are a network of six ancestral caves and the nearby Wadjakli Fall. Hikers can reach the caves from the village in about 45 minutes, and the round trip including a side visit to the waterfall takes a total of three to four hours.

Cave 1 is a small elongated cave where the Bakwa elders took strategic decisions in times of war. Cave 2 functioned as a watch tower for spying enemies. Cave 3 was a hideout. Cave 4 contained the chief’s palace where he held secret consultations with elders on matters affecting the state. The palace has a channel through which the chief received fresh air and which also served as a means of escape. Cave 5 was a punishment ground for criminals. Cave 6 is not really a cave but rather a long vertical tunnel which functioned as a watch tower for spying enemies as well as a public resting place.

From the sixth cave, there is another climb to the apex of the Todometo. The peak offers spectacular views of the countryside and of villages on both sides of the Ghana-Togo border which is about 3 km away.

The Wadjakli Fall is located in a cool forested valley. The water does not actually fall but runs down the rocks for several dozens of meters, thereby giving the site an additional appeal.

Regular Tourist Activities

The area is ideal for active nature and adventure tourism. The caves with their narrow entrances, scarped faces and steep slopes invite for some basic mountaineering. The top of the Todometo with its pure and cool air provides a great place for picnics. On the descent, a visit to the beautiful Wadjakli Falls makes for a refreshing experience.

It is possible to visit the neighbouring villages in Togo. During colonial times, the Germans tried to construct a road from Likpe Todome eastward to Danyi Kudzragah in Togo. Today, there are regular trade contacts between the two villages, and a footpath in reasonable condition is available. A visit could be particularly rewarding on Mondays, the market day in Danyi Kudzragah.

The villagers of Likpe Todome celebrate two major festivals: Lerkoryi Festival and the Festival for Bakwas. For both events, there are no fixed dates, but the chief will gladly provide more information. Furthermore, the top of the Todometo is the regular venue of the Easter Monday celebrations. The villagers of Likpe Todome and a Togolese village from the other side of the Todometo (Danyi Kudzragah) regularly meet on Easter Monday to host a huge picnic and some sports competitions. Visitors are highly welcome.

Information for the Visitor

The visit to the caves is a real adventure and is certainly not suitable for visitors who are not particularly keen on basic mountaineering activities and sometimes even dangerous climbs. Visitors should be in good physical shape, have no fear of heights, share a sense of adventure, wear appropriate sporting/climbing footwear, and possibly carry a flashlight. Safety ropes are attached at particularly dangerous spots. Nevertheless, safety cannot be guaranteed, and missteps could be potentially fatal.

Visitors should report to the village chief or the caretaker of the resthouse. They have to pay the entrance fee and the guiding fee, and will then be assigned one of four guides.

Entrance Fees

Ghanaians:

Adults....................................................................30,000.00 cedis
Tertiary..................................................................18,000.00 cedis
Pre-Tertiary.............................................................5,000.00 cedis
Organised Groups (20 and above)
a)Adults.................................................................20,000.00 cedis/head
b)Tertiary...............................................................15,000.00 cedis/head
c)Pre-Tertiary..........................................................2,000.00 cedis/head

Non-Ghanaians:....................................................$5 per head
Organised Groups...................................................$4 per head.

Please note that the following activities are prohibited according to bye-laws: setting bushfires, farming and unauthorised felling of trees in/around the caves and the waterfall, as well as hunting in/around the caves and the waterfall.