Lake Volta -- or Volta Lake, as Ghanaians call it -- is the largest man-made lake in the world by surface area, covering over 8,500 square kilometres. It was created in 1965 when the Akosombo Dam was built on the Volta River to generate hydroelectric power for Ghana and its neighbours.
The lake dominates the eastern half of the country and is best experienced by boat. The weekly ferry from Akosombo to Yeji takes about 24 hours and passes through beautiful, remote scenery -- fishing villages, forested shores, and wide stretches of open water. It is one of Ghana's great off-the-beaten-track journeys, though comfort is basic: bring your own food and a mat to sleep on.
The lakeshore communities depend on fishing and small-scale farming. Dodi Island, near the southern end, is a popular day trip from Akosombo with a beach and picnic area.