Hiking is one of the best traveling experience and one of the fun adventure one can get. There are many hiking destination in Ghana and hiking at one of the highest mountain in Ghana can be a whole great new adventure. Visit mount Gemi and enjoy the best out of hiking.
Now Mount Gemi is paving it way through the peoples hearts. The mount Gemi is now one of the most visited mountains in Ghana and it’s hosting millions of tourist every year. It’s almost unfair that Mount Gemi doesn’t get the same notoriety and attention as Mount Afadjato, despite the fact that Mountain is only 85 meters short of being Ghana’s highest mountain, standing at 800 meters compared to Mount Afadja’s 885 meters.
Mount Gemi, in the Volta region of Ghana, is possibly the most visited peak in the country, second only to the famed Mount Afadja but with a more chequered and storied past than its buddy.
Origin of the name
While the rest of Ghana calls the mountain Mount Gemi, the mountain’s original and traditional name is Mount Gayito, which means “God of Defense” in the local tongue. Mount Gemi, on the other hand, was named after the German Evangelical Missions Institute, which was abbreviated as GEMI.
German Evangelical Missions Institute (GEMI) History
In 1939, the Germans decided to build a cross on Mount Gayito to commemorate their 50 years in Amedzofe, and they inscribed the name German Evangelical Missions Institute on it (GEMI). As additional tourists visited the mountain and found GAYITO difficult to pronounce, they began to refer to it by the abbreviation (GEMI) of the name engraved on the cross they had seen at the summit.
Gradually, the term Gayito faded away, and people, particularly those living outside of Amedzefo, adopted the acronym GEMI as the mountain’s name; as a result, it is now known to all as Mount Gemi rather than Mount Gayito.
Origin of the Original Name, Gayito
The Ashantis, who were the most powerful group at the time, are said to have attacked them several times during the early 1800s, but each time they were defeated by the Amedzofe people, who believed that the mountain was behind their victory because it protected them and made an attack on the town difficult, giving them an advantage over their enemies. They opted to name it Gayito, which means “God of Defense,” since they believed the mountain was a god who would defend them.
Where is Mount Gemi located?
Mountian Gemi can be found in the volta Region of Ghana. It is located in a Town called Amedzofe in the Volta Region with the highest human settlement of (2400ft )above sea level in Ghana. Mount Gemi has it hight at “777m” about sea level.
Amedzofe History
Amedzofe is a mountain settlement with four natural wonders: the Ote [otay] Falls, Mount Gemi, the weather, and the scenery. It was involved in the Anglo-Ashanti Wars in the nineteenth century. German missionaries built the Amedzofe Training School in 1880.
READ MORE: Amedzofe Township – All You Need To Know
Ghana Travel Restrictions
Ghana is open to most travelers again. I mean travelers from all over the world. However, you do need proof of your COVID-19 vaccination(s) or a negative test result before being allowed entry.
Many hotels, attractions, and private tours are open with new health & safety protocols in place, and you still have to follow certain guidelines. They are all good for our safety.
Read the ultimate travel guide to Ghana to help you plan your trip.