The Eʋe people, who today primarily reside in the Volta Region of eastern Ghana, have a history marked by migrations and the establishment of distinct communities. Oral traditions and some archaeological evidence suggest that the Eʋe migrated westward from northern areas in present-day Benin. Some accounts trace their origins further back to Oyo in present-day Nigeria, possibly around the 13th century.  Further studies suggest earlier migration from regions around the Nile River. A series of migrations, potentially starting in the 11th century, eventually led to their settlement in what is now Togo and eastern Ghana, with significant establishment in Ghana occurring around the early 17th century. This movement may have been spurred by the expansion of other groups, possibly the Yoruba of Nigeria.   
 

A significant narrative in Eʋe history is their experience in Ŋɔtsie, a formerly walled town in present-day Benin Republic. According to oral tradition, the Eʋe lived under the rule of a cruel king named Agɔkɔli. Tasked with difficult and oppressive labour, including building city walls with mud, glass, rock, and thorns, the Eʋe eventually escaped Ŋɔtsie through a cunning plan orchestrated by the women. This escape, known as Hogbetsotso ("leaving Hogbe," (with Hogbe being another name for Ŋɔtsie), is a central theme in Eʋe identity and is commemorated in the annual Hogbetsotso Festival. The escape led to the dispersal of the Eʋe into various groups and their eventual settlement in their current locations.  
 

In Ghana, the Eʋe established themselves in areas between the Volta River and the eastern border. The Aŋlɔ-Eʋe, who settled on the Ghanaian coast, engaged in fishing and salt production, trading with inland communities. During the era of the transatlantic slave trade, their coastal towns unfortunately served as markets for captives from the interior. They also experienced trade conflicts with neighbouring groups, including other Eʋe towns. Popular towns include Anlɔ, Ketu, Akatsi, and Tɔŋu.

The Eʋedome-Eʋes settled further north. Key towns include Ho, Hohoe, Kpando and Peki.  

A popular festival to celebrate the escape from Ŋɔtsie is the Zendo Glimetso (escape through the wall). This is celebrated by the Zendo (consisting of Kleƒe, Klikɔ, Kpeve, Tsibu and Tsɔxɔ) Za. The Teɖuɖu Za (Yam Festival) is another popular festival celebrated to offer thanks for bountiful yam harvests.

The late 19th century brought European expansionism and colonisation. The Aŋlɔ -Eʋe faced hostilities with the Danes, who sought commercial control. Later, they resisted both British and German colonial powers who established control in the regions that are now Ghana and Togo. The European presence significantly impacted the political and social structures of Eʋe villages and confederations. Christian missionary activity also became prominent, establishing centres in various Eʋe communities.

The First World War had a profound impact, as the former German Togoland was divided into British and French mandates. This division resulted in the Eʋe -speaking areas being split along colonial borders, a division that was solidified when Ghana gained independence in 1957, followed by Togo and Benin in 1960. Despite these borders, cultural and linguistic ties have persisted among Eʋe communities across these nations.   

Today, the Eʋe people form a significant ethnic group in Ghana, known for their rich cultural heritage, including vibrant music, dance (such as agbadza bɔbɔɔbɔ, atsiagbekɔ, gawu, zigi, gabaɖa), weaving of intricate Kente cloth, pottery, and bead making. Their social structure is traditionally patrilineal, with strong kinship ties. Festivals like Hogbetsotso and the Asɔgli Yam Festival are important expressions of their history, unity, and cultural identity.