MOUNT GEMI

About Mount Gemi
Mount Gemi is the third-highest mountain in Ghana, standing at 2,700 feet (823 meters) above sea level. Located within the Avatime Traditional Area in the Volta Region, it's a prominent landmark of Amedzofe, a community whose name means "origin of humans" and is considered the highest human settlement in all of West Africa. This mountain has been a popular tourist destination for years, drawing visitors to its impressive peak.

The Avatime Traditional Area, where Amedzofe is located, consists of seven communities. Amedzofe is the only one situated on the mountain itself, with the other six nestled in the valley below. The people in these communities all speak the Sia or Sideme dialect, which is part of the Guan language group and has influences from Ga, Ewe, and Twi. The Avatime people celebrate their culture with an annual Rice Festival. From the summit of Mount Gemi, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding area, including the vast Volta Lake and even Mount Agou, the tallest mountain in neighboring Togo.

Local tradition says the mountain was discovered and named by German missionaries. Story has it that the mountain has lot of elephant grasses on top of it, and when the German missionaries arrived, they called the grasses Gemi, instead of "Egemina", as it is called in the local dialect of the Amedzofe community. This name stuck, and the mountain has been known as Mount Gemi ever since.

What makes this mountain stand out is the large cross on its peak. The cross was erected by German missionaries in 1939 to commemorate the first Jubilee of their local church. It is a key part of the mountain's history and a significant draw for visitors. It was not just a cross. An antenna was once attached to the cross for radio communication between the German missionaries and their home, Germany. However, the antenna was later removed because it interfered with local television and radio signals.

Today, many people visit Mount Gemi to pray at the foot of the cross, believing it can bring positive change to their lives. The mountain is an important site for spiritual reflection, especially during Easter, when residents of Amedzofe and tourists gather for a special prayer service.

What You Will See At Mount Gemi
✦Cross
✦Rich green vegetation

What To Do At Mount Gemi
✦Hiking
✦Prayers/Spiritual activities under the cross

Location: Amedzokofe, Avatime Traditional Area - Volta Region