Wli Waterfalls, locally called Agumatsa Falls, which means “Allow Me to Flow” in the Ewe language, is the tallest waterfall in Ghana and in all of West Africa, standing at about 80 meters high. It is found in the Volta Region, near the town of Hohoe and close to the border with Togo. 

The falls are fed by the Agumatsa River, which flows from the Akwapim-Togo mountain ranges, and they have long been regarded as a place of wonder and reverence.

For generations, the local Ewe people who lived around Wli believed the waterfall was sacred. They saw it as a spiritual place inhabited by river spirits and often performed rituals at its base to seek blessings for fertility, rain, and prosperity. The name itself reflects the way the people understood it—as a life-giving force that was allowed to flow without interruption.

Although the falls had been known to the local communities for centuries, they were only brought to wider attention during the colonial period. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, German missionaries and later British colonial officials documented Wli Falls during their explorations of the Volta Region. 

They were amazed by its size, the lush green surroundings, and the rich wildlife that thrived around it. Over time, it began to appear in maps and travel records, and the interest of outsiders in the area slowly grew.

For most of the 20th century, Wli remained relatively untouched, with visitors mainly being local people and a few curious foreigners. It was in the 1980s and 1990s that the Ghana Tourism Authority, together with local leaders and non-governmental partners, developed the falls into a structured eco-tourism site. 

Hiking trails were cleared, visitor facilities were added, and guided tours were introduced. The falls were divided into two main attractions, the lower falls, which take about a 45-minute hike to reach, and the more challenging upper falls, which require several hours of trekking through steep forest paths.

Beyond its beauty, Wli is also a sanctuary of biodiversity. It lies within the Agumatsa Wildlife Sanctuary, home to monkeys, antelopes, butterflies, and many species of tropical birds. One of its most remarkable sights is the huge colony of fruit bats that cling to the cliffs around the waterfall. Every evening, thousands of them take flight, filling the sky in an unforgettable display. 

During the rainy season, the falls become powerful and thunderous, sending mist high into the air, while in the dry season the flow becomes gentler but still enchanting, offering hikers the chance to explore the upper levels.

Today, Wli Waterfalls is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ghana. It is a symbol of eco-tourism in the country, bringing together natural beauty, cultural heritage, and community development. Visitors come from around the world to experience its grandeur, often combining their trip with nearby attractions like Mount Afadjato, Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary, and the Volta Lake. 

The local community also benefits directly, as entrance fees, guided tours, and hospitality services provide income and jobs.

From being a sacred place of worship for the Ewe people to becoming one of the most celebrated natural wonders of Ghana, Wli Waterfalls has grown in meaning and importance. It remains a place where history, culture, nature, and tourism flow together, much like the waters of Agumatsa itself.