The Volta is a river in western Africa that drains into the Gulf of Guinea. It has three main tributaries—the Black Volta, White Volta and Red Volta. The river gave its name to French Upper Volta and then the Republic of Upper Volta before that country was renamed Burkina Faso in 1984.

Lake Volta in Ghana is the largest reservoir in the world, extending from the Akosombo Dam in southeastern Ghana to the town of Yapei, some 400 kilometres (250 mi) to the north. The lake generates electricity, provides inland transport, and is a potentially valuable resource for irrigation and fish farming.

The Portuguese purchased much of their gold from inhabitants of this region during the Renaissance.

The depth of the river is 45 feet (14 m), in location of Lake Volta.

The river was named by Portuguese gold traders; it was their farthest extent of exploration before returning (volta is Portuguese for "twist" or "turn").

It is crossed by the Adome Bridge.

"River of return" (perhaps because it was where ships turned around and headed for home) or “river of bend,” in reference to its course.