Yapei

Yapei is a small town in Central Gonja District of the Savannah Region located in Volta Basin region of Ghana. It sits at the confluence of the Black Volta and White Volta Rivers which form the Volta River. Known for its historic ferry, fishing port, and strategic location on the Tamale-Kumasi highway.

Yapei was traditionally an important river crossing for Gonja. Before bridges were built at Buipe, the Yapei ferry carried vehicles across the White Volta. It remains a historic river town and local fishing center.

In terms of ethnicity, Yapei is predominantly Gonja, with Hausa and Dagomba minorities. Gonja, Hausa, and English are the main languages spoken in the town. Islam is the dominant religion.

Hot savanna, riverine humidity.

• Dry season (Nov-Mar): Hot, 30-40 °C, river low.
• Rainy season (Apr-Oct): Floods can affect low areas.
• Best time: Nov-Feb.

Yapei is at the confluence of two Voltas — wide rivers, floodplains, savanna.

It is a tiny town just off the Tamale-Buipe highway. Turn-off near the Yapei bridge area. Market near lorry station.

From Tamale: 1.5-2 hr south. GH₵40-70 (Aug 2026). From Buipe: 15-20 min north. From Kumasi: 6-7 hr, via Buipe.

Tro-tros between Tamale and Buipe stop at Yapei junction — then motorbike 5 min into town.

Nearest airport: Tamale Airport TML  ^IATA.

• Walking: the town is very small.
• Motorbike: to the river confluence.

• Confluence of Black & White Volta. Where the two rivers meet to form the Volta River. Best seen by canoe — hire fisherman with guide, negotiate GH₵50-100 (Aug 2026).

• Yapei Ferry / Landing. Old ferry station, now fishing port.

• White Volta & Black Volta Views. Sunset over water.

• Canoe trip to confluence — Early morning or late afternoon.
• Fishing village walk — See nets, fish smoking.

Yapei Market, Centre. Daily mornings. Small market, fresh and smoked fish, yams, provisions. (updated Aug 2026)

• Smoked fish: Speciality.

Chop Bars & Fish Spots, Near landing and junction. 11:00-20:00. Simple TZ, rice, and grilled river fish. GH₵10-40. (updated Aug 2026)

Tea Spots, Market. Evenings. Ataya tea, water, soft drinks. GH₵5-15. (updated Aug 2026)

Yapei Guesthouse, Near junction. Very basic. Most travellers stay in Buipe (15 min) or Tamale. GH₵80-150. (updated Aug 2026)

• Mobile: MTN strongest, 3G/4G at junction.
• Electricity: National grid, frequent outages.

• Do not swim — strong currents at confluence.
• Malaria risk.
• Travel by day.

• Buipe — 15-20 min south
• Tamale — 1.5-2 hr north
• Damongo — 1 hr west
• Salaga — 1.5 hr south-east