A Guide to Volunteering in Ghana

Travellers Quest
Volunteer in
Ghana
An Advanced Step by Step Guide to Volunteering in Ghana

Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Getting started - volunteer in Ghana
Welcome to Ghana
Why you should volunteer in Ghana
What are some popular volunteer projects available in Ghana?
Where are some popular places to volunteer in Ghana?
Which is the best season to volunteer in Ghana?
3
4
5
6
7
Chapter 2: Choosing your Ghana volunteer program
How you can select the best organization to volunteer with
Which organizations offer the best volunteer opportunities in Ghana?
8
9
Chapter 3: Getting ready to volunteer in Ghana
Visa, passport
Vaccinations
Air ticket
Raising funds
Suggested books to read
Packing advice and tips
Gifts for projects
13
13
14
14
14
14
15
Chapter 4: Information you must know about the project
Project details
What to expect when volunteering in Ghana
Learn about your host family
Local support
Make the final call
16
17
17
17
17
Chapter 5: Arriving and Volunteering in Ghana
How to make your volunteer in Ghana experience rewarding
Safety while volunteering in Ghana
Do’s and don’t in Ghana
Culture shock
Things to do in Ghana
18
19
20
20
21
Chapter 6: Completion of project & follow up
22
Chapter 7: Most frequently asked questions from volunteers
23

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CHAPTER 1: Getting Started – Volunteer in Ghana
Welcome to Ghana
Akwaaba (welcome) to Ghana and to a land of
rich and colorful cultural and historical herit-
age, sunshine, idyllic beaches, thriving cities,
rainforests, the savannah desert, national parks
and wildlife, and some of the friendliest people
in all of Africa.
The diverse cultures, religions and ethnic groups
which exist throughout the country create a
unique energy and atmosphere the runs through
the heart and soul of the people, their festivals
become alive with their music and dance and
you will feel the sounds of the African drums
awaken you.
When you volunteer in Ghana you will witness
the true nature and spirit of the country and the
Ghanaian people.
Although Ghana has a relatively stable democ-
racy, unfortunately there is still a large gap
between the wealthy and the poor, and many
residents of rural communities and villages live
below the poverty line, with little or no access
Photo Credit: Globalcrossroad.com

to adequate healthcare or education.
There are lots of volunteer opportunities in
Ghana, especially for those willing to offer their
skills and time in the fields of: construction,
education, medicine, conservation and commu-
nity /social development.
Volunteering in Ghana is a great opportunity to
help improve the quality of life of those who re-
ally need it, while giving you a greater apprecia-
tion and outlook on life.
Why you should volunteer in Ghana
Friendly and hospitable people
They have the reputation of being the friendli-
est people in Africa or a good reason - you will
always be made to feel at home by the welcom-
ing, warm-hearted and hospitable nature of the
Ghanaian people.
Cultures and cultural immersion
Each region of Ghana has its own unique cul-
ture, reflecting the influences of a particular
ethnic group. Volunteers can enjoy travelling
around the country and experience the foods,
religions, languages and lifestyles which mark
each area as unique.
Safe to Travel
Ghana is a relatively economically stable county,
which has an impact on the nature of the people
of the country. The Ghanaian people are wel-
coming and create a safe and peaceful environ-
ment for tourists visiting their country.
Natural Surroundings
From coastlines, and picturesque beaches,
mountain peaks, and valleys, desert plains of
the Savannah desert, rivers and rainforests:
Ghana is blessed with diverse yet beautiful
landscapes, and a drive through the country will
unlock the beauty and secrets of the country.
Make a positive impact
A volunteer experience in Ghana will give you
the opportunity to use your skills and pass on
your knowledge to help create positive impacts
on people and communities in need of assis-
tance and support. Your assistance in Ghana will
be much appreciated.
Experience personal growth
With the warm hearts of the Ghanaian people
you will feel a greater desire to immerse your-
self into their culture and learn all that you can.
This experience along with working in devel-
oping areas will be an experience of personal
growth where you will learn about yourself,
open your mind and gain confidence.
Give something back
You probably have many opportunities to indulge
yourself in your regular daily life. Whether that
involves eating out when you don’t want to
cook, buying a book for study or pleasure, or
just relaxing with the TV and a bucket of pop-
corn at home.
As a volunteer in Ghana you have the unique
opportunity to use your time more productively,
to give something back to the world by sharing
your time, skills and abilities in a worthwhile
way.
Experience a new culture from the inside
Living and volunteering in Ghana will give you
the opportunity to live like a local and get to
know the country from a locals perspective.
The Ghanaian people will welcome you as one of
their own, and be proud to share their cultures,

customs and country with you.
What are some popular volunteer projects
available in Ghana?
There are many volunteer opportunities
throughout Ghana, which between them require
a vast range of different skills and knowledge
base. Here is a list of some of the popular pro-
jects that you can join in Ghana.
Work in an Orphanage
Unfortunately there are many abandoned chil-
dren in Ghana. Orphanage projects aim to pro-
vide shelter, education and above all genuine
love and care to these children.
As a volunteer you will be able to help out with
all aspects of orphanage work, which include:
furthering the children’s education and emo-
tional development, health and hygiene and of
course providing a positive and nurturing envi-
ronment for the children.
Teaching
In Ghana education is greatly valued; however
access to quality teaching and resources is lim-
ited. Volunteer teaching programs have been set
up to enhance and improve the quality of learn-
ing and development for children.
Your role as a volunteer teacher usually involves
teaching English language skills - along with
other subject areas, educational play, arts and
crafts activities, outdoor activities and educa-
tional games.
Health
Health volunteer programs in Ghana promote
and provide quality health, hygiene and medical
assistance to communities in need of develop-
ment.
Volunteers on these projects usually provide as-
sistance to medical professionals, provide sup-
port and care to the patients and deliver health
education on topics such as HIV/AIDS.
Sports Teaching
Sports projects in Ghana have been set up to
increase children’s participation in physical
activity and sport, which leads to longer term
health benefits. These projects build children’s
skill base not only in sports, but also in social
interactions and life skills, as they learn how
to work as a team, encourage others and build
self-confidence.
Volunteers in these projects work with Ghanaian
children to develop their interest and skills in a
range of sports and physical activities.
Construction
Photo Credit: ubelong.org

These projects focus on constructing and restor-
ing facilities such as orphanages, clinics, schools
and community centers. Volunteers on construc-
tion projects in Ghana will undertake a range of
physical labor tasks, such as laying bricks, paint-
ing, carpentry, digging foundations and so on.
Where are some popular places to volun-
teer in Ghana?
Volunteer projects are available in both cities
and rural areas throughout Ghana. However,
there are some locations which are more popu-
lar than others, due to the number of projects
offered, the safety of the region and the de-
mand for volunteers.
Here is a list of some of the most popular desti-
nations for volunteers in Ghana.
Volta Region: The Volta Region is located to
the east of the Volta Lake and shares a border
with Togo. This area features many tourist at-
tractions, including: Mt Afadjado, the highest
mountain in Ghana, Volta Lake, Atlantic coast-
lines and beaches, the Keta basin, and stunning
waterfalls, along with an abundance of national
parks and reserves which are a great place for
spotting wildlife.
The Volta region hosts a vast range of adven-
ture activities, and is rich in history and cultural
heritage. When volunteering in the Volta Region
you will have the opportunity to experience all
that it has to offer.
Some popular volunteer projects in the Volta
Region are: teaching, health, orphanage work,
plus women’s’ empowerment, disabilities sup-
port and child development programs.
Accra: Located on the Atlantic Coast, Ghana’s
thriving capital city blends 19th century public
buildings with modern day designs. Full of color,
bustling markets, excellent eating establish-
ments and a vibrant nightlife, when you volun-
teer in Accra take the time to explore its many
hidden wonders.
Some popular volunteer projects in Accra are in
the fields of: orphanage work, childcare, gen-
eral care, health, construction, education and
agriculture
Kumasi: Located in the Ashanti Region and an
important historic center for Ghana, Kumasi
offers visitors an abundance of culture, history
and nature. It is home to one of the biggest
natural lakes in Ghana, (Lake Bosumtwi), the
Manhyia Palace and the national cultural center
- where you can experience traditional dancing
and drumming.
Kumasi is surrounded by rolling hills and villages
where you can find traditional artisans making
and selling their crafts. Volunteering in Kumasi
is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the
culture of the city and its surroundings.
Some popular volunteer projects in Kumasi are:
HIV/AIDS projects, veterinary and animal care,
orphanage work and teaching.

Which is the best season to volunteer in
Ghana?
Any time of the year is good to visit Ghana,
however if you want to combine pleasant
weather and some of the best cultural events in
the country, then July - August or December -
April should be your months of choice.
Check which region your volunteer placement
is in, as climates vary across the country. In
southern Ghana along the coast you are likely to
experience higher humidity than in the north.
The best season for the south is the dry season,
which runs from November to March and July to
August and offers cooler temperatures.
Bear in mind that some programs only accept
volunteers during certain times of the year, so
make sure you check this with your organiza-
tion.

CHAPTER 2 : Choosing Your Ghana Volunteer Program
Photo Credit: abroaderview.org
There are many organizations offering a vari-
ety of volunteer programs in Ghana, which can
leave your head spinning as you try to choose
the right one from so many options. However
with a bit or research you will be able to iden-
tify which organizations are professional, repu-
table and ethical.
How you can select the best organization
Below are a few things you should consider
when looking at the various organizations offer-
ing volunteer placements in Ghana.
Industry Experience
A good indicator of a professional and reputable
company is their experience in the volunteer
industry. Check out their years of experience,
the number of volunteers and projects they
have worked with, and any recognitions they
may have received for their service and work in
the industry.
Program Fees
When volunteering you should look for a place-
ment which offers value for money. Find out
what your program fee includes, and what pro-
portion of your fee goes towards supporting your
project and host family.
It is important to know that you are booking
through an ethical organization, who which is
committed to genuinely supporting their pro-
jects, and to creating a better quality of life for

those in need.
Website and Social Media
Maintaining an online and social media pres-
ence is very important in this digital age. Look
for a website that not only looks professional
but includes detailed information, photographs,
mission statements, organization information,
volunteer reviews, contact details and engaging
content and images.
Check the organization’s social media posts for
quality, up to date information, engaging posts,
use of video and photos, how many followers
they have and how they interact with them.
Quality Assistance
Quality support and assistance from your or-
ganization is important. You need to be sure
that they will be willing to help you and answer
any questions you have about volunteering with
them.
A good organization should respond to online
chat and emails efficiently, respond in a profes-
sional manner, and always be willing to help.
Positive Reviews
Program reviews written by project alumni are
a valuable source of information for prospective
volunteers looking to gain insight into the types
of projects on offer, and the experiences they
may have.
Look for reviews on the organization’s website,
but also look around on the Internet for reviews
posted to volunteer discussion forums and simi-
lar sites.
Who are some of the best volunteer or-
ganizations in Ghana?
There are many volunteer organizations offering
placements throughout Ghana. To help you nar-
row down the competition here are a few vol-
unteer organizations which, from our research
based on price, history, reviews, program cover-
age and professionalism can be considered to be
the best around.
IFRE Volunteers – USA
http://www.ifrevolunteers.org/
Established 2006
With 200 projects offering much needed as-
sistance and care in 18 countries around the
world, IFRE Volunteers have organized invalu-
able volunteer experiences for 17000 people so
far. They are committed to providing value for
money programs and facilitating positive devel-
opment on all projects they work with
Volunteer projects offered by IFRE in Ghana are
based in either Accra, Kumasi, Abor, Hohoe or
Vakpo, in the fields of: orphanage work, teach-
ing, HIV/AIDS project and health projects. A one
week volunteer placement starts from $435.
Photo Credit: ifrevolunteers.org

Global Crossroad - USA
http://www.globalcrossroad.com/
Established: 2003
Since 2003 Global Crossroads have provided
invaluable volunteer experiences to over 18,000
people. They offer a range of different grass
roots and cultural immersion projects in 18
developing countries, all of which are in need of
development and support.
Global Crossroads offer volunteer project in
Ghana in the areas of: health projects (Kumasi),
HIV/AIDS projects (Kumasi, Accra, Kasoa), medi-
cal volunteering (Accra, Kasoa), teaching Eng-
lish (Accra, Kasoa) and orphanage work (Accra,
Kasoa). Program fees for a one week project
start from $435.
Ubelong - USA
http://ubelong.org/volunteer-abroad
Established: 2004
Since launching in 2004 Ubelong has been pas-
sionate about bringing cultures together to help
create positive change in the world. They work
closely with local communities to create unique
projects, which means they can focus on im-
proving the situations of concern identified by
the community, while providing hands-on and
personal growth experiences for their volun-
teers.
Ubelong offer Ghana volunteer projects in the
city of Accra in the areas of: health, education,
construction and infrastructure, law, and human
rights. Program fees for a one week volunteer
placement start from $525.
International Volunteer HQ - New Zealand
https://www.volunteerhq.org/
Established: 2007
Supporting projects in developing communities
in 30 countries around the world, International
Volunteer HQ have placed 42,000 people on
safe, affordable and responsible volunteer pro-
grams so far.
With their quality programs and dedication to
changing the lives of those in need, Volunteer
HQ have become one of the leading internation-
al volunteer organizations around.
International Volunteer HQ offer Ghana volun-
teer projects in the city of Accra, in the areas
of: sports, medical projects, childcare, con-
struction, teaching and agriculture. Program
fees for a one week volunteer placement start
from $550, with additional fees of around $35
per week apply to construction projects.
Agape Volunteers - UK
http://www.agape-volunteers.com/
Established: 2009
Agape are passionate about improving the qual-
ity of life in communities across Africa. They
offer a range of humanitarian based volunteer
opportunities, all designed to foster positive
change in the lives of those most in need.
The projects in Ghana offered by Agape Vol-
unteers are based in Takoradi, and include:
orphanage work, teaching, medical and music
projects. Program fees for a two week volunteer
placement start from $741.
Photo Credit: volunteerhq.org

uVolunteer - USA
https://www.uvolunteer.net/
Established: 2006
uVolunteer is an organization passionate about
providing the best cultural immersion volunteer
experiences to their participants, while making
a genuine difference to the communities they
work with.
This organization specializes in only three coun-
tries, to ensure that they provide high quality
personal services to all participants.
All projects in Ghana offered by uVolunteer are
based in Koforidua. One week programs are of-
fered in the areas of: teaching English or sports,
and orphanage work, and the fees for these
projects start from $670. A three week health
project ($995), and a four week placement vol-
unteering in national parks and reserves ($1155)
are also offered.
Photo Credit: uvolunteer.net
A Broader View - USA
https://www.abroaderview.org/
Established: 2007
A Broader View is a volunteer organization with
a passion for helping others. Currently support-
ing projects in 24 countries around the world,
they have provided over 10,000 volunteers with
the invaluable experiences of living and working
alongside local communities, while helping to
support and improve the lives of those in need.
A broader view offer volunteer projects in Gha-
na, based in either the Volta Region or Kasoa, in
the fields of: orphanage work, health and teach-
ing missions, Two week volunteer placements
start from $820.
Madventurer - UK
http://www.madventurer.com
Established: 1998
Committed to empowering, supporting and im-
proving opportunities for local communities in
developing countries, Madventurer offer volun-
teer projects which provide their participants
with a genuine culturally immersive volunteer
experience.
Madventure offer Ghana volunteer projects in
Accra, in the areas of: construction and educa-
tion, and the Volta Region, in the areas of: sport
and health. Program fees for a two week project
start from $1300.
Kaya – UK
http://www.kayavolunteer.com/
Established: 2008
Dedicated to providing responsible travel vol-
unteer opportunities for their participants, and
helping improve the quality of life of communi-
ties in 27 developing countries, Kaya have op-
portunities for both skilled and unskilled volun-
teers on a variety of sustainable projects.
Kaya offer Ghana volunteer placements in the
city of Accra, in the fields of: laboratory work,
healthcare, agriculture, economic empower-
ment and literacy development. Program fees

for a two week volunteer placement start from
$1480.
Projects Abroad- UK
http://www.projects-abroad.org/
Established: 1992
With over 20 years’ experience in the volunteer
industry, Projects Abroad are one of the largest
volunteer organizations around. This organiza-
tion has provided quality, safe and rewarding
volunteer experiences to over 60,000 partici-
pants, on a wide variety of projects in 28 coun-
tries around the world.
Projects Abroad offer a variety of volunteer
programs across Ghana including: healthcare
and general care (Accra, Cape Coast, Akuapem),
HIV/AIDS (Accra, Kumasi), sports (Cape Coast),
veterinary and animal care (Kumasi), and teach-
ing, agriculture and construction programs (Ak-
uapem). Program fees for a two week project
start from $2315.
Cross Cultural Solutions - USA
http://www.crossculturalsolutions.org/
Established: 1994
Cross Cultural Solutions work closely with local
communities to identify issues and create mean-
ingful projects which reflect their needs, foster
positive change and help development their liv-
ing conditions and environment.
Ghana volunteer projects offered by Cross Cul-
tural Solutions are based in the Volta Region,
in the areas of: education, child development,
support for the disabled, HIV/AIDS projects,
women’s empowerment and healthcare pro-
jects. One week volunteer placements start
from $2625.
Volunteer Partnership for West Africa (VPWA)
http://www.vpwa.org/Home
Volunteer Partnership for West Africa are com-
mitted to working with underprivileged commu-
nities. In order to improve living conditions and
standards VPWA volunteers provide assistance
and support in education, health and hygiene
and community and sustainable development.
Volunteer Partnership for West Africa offer
Ghana volunteer projects in: NGO management,
education, special needs, health and nutrition,
conservation/environment, orphanage/child-
care, construction, waste management, women
empowerment, sports and youth development.
One week program fees start from $590.
Photo Credit: projects-abroad.org

CHAPTER 3 : Getting Ready to Volunteer in Ghana
Once you have been accepted onto your chosen
volunteer placement in Ghana the next step
is to start on your pre-travel planning. Getting
everything organized now will avoid any major
hiccups further down the line.
Here is a useful guide of things to prepare at
this point.
Visa
All foreign nationals entering Ghana for volun-
teer purposes must have a special ‘volunteer
visa’, which you can get from your closest Gha-
naian Embassy, Consulate or High Commissions.
Apply at least one month before your departure
date to leave time for any delays.
Passport
For entry into Ghana all foreign nationals must
hold a valid passport, with more than six months
validity (dated from the date you are due to
leave Ghana). As a single entry visa stamp al-
lows a stay of 3 months do take this into ac-
count.
Vaccinations
Make sure you are protected against any un-
wanted illnesses, disease or health concerns
while in Ghana by visiting a doctor or clinic doc-
tor and checking that all your routine vaccina-
tions, such as Tetanus, diphtheria, polio, mumps
measles and rubella are up to date, and that
you have any booster shots or other vaccinations
as required.
Hepatitis A & B and Typhoid shots are highly
Photo Credit: uvolunteer.net

recommended, along with the yellow fever vac-
cination. Many other countries require proof of
the latter from travelers who have previously
spent time in Ghana before granting you entry.
For more information on vaccinations and health
precautions for travel to Ghana consult your
doctor, or check the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention website: http://wwwnc.cdc.
gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/ghana
Airfares
Airfares to African countries can often be quite
expensive, so here are a few handy tips to help
you source the best deal available.
▪▪ Do plenty of research and obtain multiple
quotes
▪▪ Find out which international airports you can
fly in and out of
▪▪ Compare online booking search engines
▪▪ Clear your cache before returning to a
search engine
▪▪ Check different routings
▪▪ Volunteer in the low season
▪▪ Sign up to newsletters from airlines and
booking sites to get alerts on the best deals
▪▪ Check the fine print for extra costs, such as
fees for cancellations/changes, baggage and
refreshments
Raising funds
Volunteer Programs in Ghana can be quite ex-
pensive and airfares from most international
countries are quite pricey too. If you think you
are going to break the bank by embarking on a
volunteering placement, rest assured that there
are many ways in which you can raise some
money to help pay for your volunteering experi-
ence.
One way is by asking friends and family to sup-
port your venture: hold a charity event, such
as a dinner party, picnic in the park, film night,
fashion show. Or you could sell some unwanted
items and goods at a local flea market or online.
There are also many online sites where you can
create a campaign for your project. They are
easy to set up and can be viewed worldwide.
You can then promote the project that you
will be volunteering on and receive donations
online. A good site for online campaigns is Go-
fundme, an online crowdfunding site
http://www.gofundme.com/
Check out the site below for more tips on fund-
raising ideas.
https://www.crossculturalsolutions.org/blog/
category/118/saving-for-your-big-adventure
Suggested Reading
Gaining some insight and knowledge about the
country you are travelling to is always a good
idea. Grab a good guide book or a novel based
in Ghana, and get started on that all important
research.
Here are some suggestions on what to read:
▪▪ Ghana (Brandt Travel Guide) by Philip Briggs
▪▪ Ghana – Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide
to Customs & Culture by Ian Utley
▪▪ No Worries! The Indispensable Guide to
Ghana & Accra by North American Women’s
Association (NAWA)
▪▪ I Speak of Ghana by Nana Awere Damoah
▪▪ Once Upon a Time in Ghana. Traditional Ewe
Stories Retold in English by Anna Cottrell and
Agbotadua Togbi Kumassah
Packing advice and tips
Before you start packing for your volunteer
adventure in Ghana it is a good idea to sit down
and create a list of all the things you will need
to take with you. Here is a list to help you get
started:
▪▪ Travel documentation (visa, passport, travel
confirmations, travel insurance policy)

▪▪ Credit card (Visa debit is recommended to
easily access funds from an ATM)
▪▪ Ghana travel guide book
▪▪ Torch or headlamp and spare batteries
▪▪ Comfortable walking shoes
▪▪ Light overnight bad or day pack for short
trips
▪▪ Sarong or cotton wrap
▪▪ Travel towel
▪▪ Tissues of wet-wipes
▪▪ Camera and accessories (charger, batteries,
memory card)
▪▪ Cables and cords for electrical devices
▪▪ Travel adaptor
▪▪ Toiletries
▪▪ Any required medications
▪▪ Light weight rain jacket
▪▪ Light weight, easy to dry clothing, (try to
avoid packing any white clothing as it can
get quite dusty)
▪▪ At least one smart casual outfit if you plan
on dining/going out
Gift for projects

To show appreciation to your project in Ghana
it is a nice gesture to give a small gift. Gifts do
not have to be big or expensive, just small to-
kens or memorabilia such as t-shirts, photobooks
or souvenir type gifts from your home town or
country.
If you are working with children then gifts such
as stationery supplies, educational resources,
books and toys will bring a smile to their faces
and will be greatly appreciated.

CHAPTER 4 : Information you must know about the project
Before you head off to start your volunteer in
Ghana adventure you will probably feel a mix-
ture of emotions, including excitement, nerv-
ousness, fear or anxiety. However, finding out all
that you can about your project, host family and
local support will help to calm some of those
nerves, and prepare you for your volunteering
endeavour.
Here are a few handy tips on what to check or
ask about before you leave:
Get all the details about your project in Ghana:
It is important that before leave for your vol-
unteer placement in Ghana you have all the
details of your project, including their expecta-
tions of you. Contact your organization if you
have any questions that are still unanswered, or
there is anything you are still unsure about.
Here are some important things to ask for:
• Name, address and contact details for your
volunteer project -
• Expectations, rules and guidelines
• Duties and responsibilities
• Hours of work per week and per day; includ-
ing starting, finishing and break times
• What you are required to wear for your pro-
ject
• If transport to and from your project is
included or whether you need to make your
own arrangements
• Who is your supervisor and who you will need
to report to
• Who you will working with
Photo Credit: haidfoundation.org

Learn about your host family
If you are placed with a host family during your
volunteer placement, try and connect with them
before you arrive, then when you get there
you’ll have some sense of familiarity.
Your host family will help you integrate into the
Ghanaian community as you learn about their
customs, cultures, traditions, beliefs and way of
life firsthand.
Find out
• Where they live and how far away from your
project it is
• How many members of the family you will be
living with, and their names, ages and gen-
ders
• What their occupation is
• What are some of their interests
• If you will have a private or shared room
• What access you will have to areas, such as
the living room, kitchen and laundry
• If you are allowed to invite friends over
• Whether they offer any cultural immersion
opportunities
• If they have hosted any volunteers in the
past
• If they have any rules that you need to re-
spect and abide by
Get connected with local support:
It is important the before you leave that you ob-
tain all the necessary details for your local sup-
port team in Ghana. Find out who your point of
call will be, and the ways you can contact them.
If they have a walk in office find out where they
are located.
They are who you will need to speak to if you
have any concerns or any issues arise, but they
can also offer information and advice on living
and travelling in Ghana. Before you leave your
home country get in touch and introduce your-
self, kicking off your working relationship with
them.
Make the final call:
Before you leave for Ghana It is recommended
that you call your volunteer organization and
ask any last minute questions, and check that all
the details you have are correct and confirmed.
• Check that your flight details have been
received and all details are correct, (airline,
flight number, date and arrival time)
• Check to see if arrangements have been
made for airport pick up, and if so how you
will identify the nominated person on arrival
• Make sure that they have your own current
contact details and those you’re your emer-
gency contact too
• Double check there have been no changes to
your project or planned host family

CHAPTER 5 : Arriving and Volunteering in Ghana
Photo Credit: travels.kilroy.net
How to make your volunteer experience
rewarding
Volunteering in a developing country like Ghana
is sure to be an experience filled with engaging
discoveries, special moments and of course lots
of learning opportunities.
When you offer your skills, knowledge and time
to help others you inevitably gain a new ap-
preciation of your regular world and lifestyle.
Your Ghana volunteer experience will be both a
rewarding and life changing undertaking.
Research
Choosing to volunteer in Ghana means immers-
ing yourself into life in a developing country,
where the environment and standard of living
will be quite different from what you are used
to.
Before you go take the time to do some research
about the country’s religion, culture, politics,
economic stability, health care and education
system, as this will be prepared for life in Gha-
na.
Know what is expected of you:
Before you embark on your volunteering ex-
perience in Ghana it is important to find out
everything that will be expected of you as a
volunteer. What duties and responsibilities you
will have, who you will be working with, and any
specific rules or guidelines which you need to
follow.

This should minimize any issues or problems
which could occur if you are ill informed of what
is expected of you.
Get to know your host family and locals
Making friends with locals can be so rewarding.
You get to gain a greater understanding of the
country, the way of life and the location where
you are living or volunteering. Plus you get to
know the country from a local’s perspective as
opposed to the tourist perspective.
Make the most of your time with your host fam-
ily, and the locals at your project and in the
community. They will be valuable resources to
help you to integrate into the community.
Remember why you are volunteering
If you are passionate about your project and its
mission you will find great rewards in everything
that you do throughout your volunteer place-
ment. Seeing the smiles of appreciation for your
time and support, will have a great impact on
your overall experience.
Do not expect to see changes immediately
Your time, effort, dedication, skills and knowl-
edge are all valuable when working to improve
the quality of life to individuals, communities
or the environment. However, it is important to
remember that what you do is part of a bigger
picture with long term goals.
So even though you may not see major changes
or improvements straightaway it is important to
remember that the volunteer work you under-
take is valuable, and appreciated by those in
great need.
Raise any issues or concerns
Your volunteering experience in Ghana should
be a positive one, so if you have any issues or
concerns regarding your project, host family or
volunteering experience you should let your lo-
cal support team know as soon as possible.
Safety while volunteering in Ghana
When you volunteer in Ghana it is important to
be aware of any potential risks to your safety.
The primary thing to be cautious of are petty
crimes such as pick-pocketing and purse snatch-
ing. There are also occasional reports of some
violent crimes involving foreign tourists, and
political situations can be a risk, especially in
Northern Ghana.
Some recommendations for your safety when in
Ghana include;
• Always carry a copy of your passport rather
than the original document, unless it is
needed for a specific purpose.
• Purchase a good travel insurance policy with
maximum coverage from a reputable com-
pany offering 24 hour support
• Check for any safety or travel warning advice
for the country before you leave. (See links
below)
• http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/
view/Advice/Ghana
• http://travel.gc.ca/destinations/ghana
• Ensure that the location you are volunteering
in is a safe area
• Make sure you have all the necessary vacci-
nations and medications required for Ghana
• Send a copy of all your important docu-
ments and itinerary details to family or close
friends
• Advise your bank of your international travel
to Ghana in-case your card is lost/stolen or
subject to credit card fraud, or you have any
issues using it abroad
• Register your travel details with your em-
bassy. Some embassies allow you to do this
online, for example:
• Australians - https://orao.dfat.gov.au/pag-
es/default.aspx
• New Zealanders - https://register.safetravel.
govt.nz/login
• US Citizens - https://step.state.gov/step/

• Obtain all contact details for your organiza-
tion, local support, embassy and emergency
services in Ghana
• Avoid’ falling victim to petty theft or pick-
pocketing by leaving any valuables at home.
If you need to take them outside make sure
they are well concealed so you don’t bring
unwanted attention to yourself.
• Always catch a registered taxi and be aware
of taxi scams.
• Always try to travel in a group, especially in
the evenings
• Always be aware of your surroundings and
pay attention to landmarks or street names
in-case you do get lost.
• Write down the address of your project or
accommodation in-case you need help find-
ing either of them
• Use common sense, if it doesn’t feel right
leave or don’t do it
• Be aware of your belongings at all times, and
be cautious of pickpockets, frauds and scam
artists
Do’s or don’ts in Ghana
Do’s
• Respect the local people, their cultures, tra-
ditions and beliefs
• Get to know the culture of the country
• Never enter a room silently, people expect a
greeting of some sorts
• Only use your right hand to make payments
or greet people
• Be respectful to all people especially the
elders
• Be prepared to share food and stories
• Dress conservatively and appropriately
• Visit the local chief when you are in small
villages or rural areas
• Visit the indigenous tribes and learn a few of
the basic greeting words
Don’t
• Forget to exchange pleasantries with the
seller before buying anything
• Do not disagree openly about their cultures,
religions or beliefs
• Do not make rude or derogatory remarks
about politics, religion or ethnicity
• Do not disrespect any rules or guidelines
• Waste anything. Ghanaian culture values us-
ing everything to its fullest extent.
• Do not lose passion for your volunteer pro-
ject
Culture Shock
Cultural Shock can present itself in many ways
when you are living and working in a foreign
place, and perhaps especially when in a de-
veloping county, where cultures, traditions,
beliefs, living environments, hygiene standards
and daily living are completely different from
what you are familiar and comfortable with.
At times you may find these differences over-
whelming, but accepting them as part of the
experience will help you to understand, accept
and appreciate their way of living.
Here are a few tips that will help you to deal
with culture shock while volunteering in Ghana.
Learn from previous volunteers
You will not be the first volunteer to struggle
with the lifestyle differences you may experi-
ence when you live and work in Ghana. Reading
reviews and blogs entries written by previous
volunteers in Ghana is a good way to learn more
about what to expect, and how they overcame
culture shock.
Even though you will be learning about life in
Ghana from their perspective, and your jour-
ney may be quite different, it will still help to
prepare you a little for what you may see and
experience.
The website mentioned below is also worth
checking out for insights into others people’s
experiences in Ghana.

http://culture-shock.me/country/GH
Learn about the culture customs and tradition
of Ghana
The culture, customs and traditions of Ghana
are unique and may be very different from
anything you have experienced before. Learning
about another culture is a rewarding experi-
ence, and a great way to understand why these
traditions, customs, cultures and beliefs still
exist.
Immerse yourself in the Ghanaian lifestyle, and
make the most of all the opportunities you get
to try local food, attend cooking classes, learn
about medicinal plants, attend a religious cer-
emony, visit indigenous communities, and gener-
ally learn as much as you can about the Ghana-
ian people and their cultures.
Embrace the experience
Another way to beat culture shock is to be open
minded, and embrace every experience that you
have. Being in a foreign place can get tough at
times, but it is important to remember why you
decided to volunteer in Ghana.
Focusing on your volunteer project helps you
to remember that the work you are doing will
benefit individuals, communities or the environ-
ment, and help to provide a better quality of
life. Embrace even the smallest achievements
that you make day to day, confident that they
really do make a difference in the long term.
Network and make friends
Being away from home and your family and
friends can be difficult, especially when your
usual comforts from home are not present. Take
the time at the start of your project to make
friends with fellow volunteers and local staff.
Local staff can help you integrate into the com-
munity, and fellow volunteers will probably have
been through the culture shock blues so can of-
fer advice and support.
Things to do in Ghana
• Explore and discover the natural beauty of
the country
• Get up close with a variety of species at Bo-
abeng- Fiema Monkey Sanctuary
• Be mesmerized by the impressive forts and
castles of Cape Coast and Elmina
• Visit the ancient city of Kumasi, the cultural
hub of Ghana
• Spot wildlife at the Mole National Park, the
largest game reserve in the country
• Visit some rural villages and communities
• Visit the stilted village of Nzulezu, which lies
in the Amansuri wetlands
• Enjoy the adventure and natural beauty of
the Volta region
• Learn the art of African drumming and dance
• Visit Wli Falls, the largest waterfall in West
Africa
• Catch one of Ghana’s many festivals, cel-
ebrations, or ceremonies
• Explore one the many national parks or re-
serves
• Get to know the friendly locals, who will
embrace you as one of their own
• Shop ‘till you drop in Accra
• Take a break and relax at one of the Atlantic
coast beaches
• Visit one of the witches’ settlements which
are sanctuaries for those who have been ac-
cused of using witchcraft.

CHAPTER 6 : Completion of project & follow up
Photo Credit: rusticvolunteers.org
Whether you volunteer for one week or a couple
of months your volunteering experience in Ghana
is likely to be one of the most invaluable and life
changing experiences you ever have.
When you return you will want to share your ex-
periences and stories with the world, and a good
way to do this is to start a blog. You can use it
to tell your story and highlight your experiences,
or share tales of unexpected moments and even
difficult times. Adding some photographs will help
attract people to your site.
A blog is a great way to raise awareness of the
need for volunteers in Ghana, and share the amaz-
ing things the project in which you were involved
in achieves. It will also be a valuable resource for
future volunteers who are contemplating under-
taking the same, or a similar project in Ghana.
Take the time to provide constructive feedback
to your volunteer organization’s staff. They will
appreciate hearing how you found the experience,
from the booking process, to the support and guid-
ance given, your project, accommodation.
This information helps them to continue to de-
velop projects or enhance and improve existing
volunteer placements.
Providing continual support for your project,
once you return from volunteering is possible. If
you are passionate about truly supporting them
you can create campaigns to raise awareness for
the project and to encourage prospective volun-
teers.
You can host charity events, fun runs, talent
shows, film nights, fashion parades. You can
create competitions or raffles, find potential
sponsors for the project, or create online fund-
ing campaigns where proceeds raised go towards
supporting the program you worked on.
Maintain contact with all the local people and
other volunteers that you met along the way.
These people can be great support networks for
the future either when you are developing your
campaign or looking at future volunteer oppor-
tunities.

CHAPTER 7 : Most Frequently Asked Questions From Volunteers
How will I get from the airport to my host family/volunteer house?
When you arrive in Ghana there will be an airport pick up service available for an extra fee. Con-
tact your organization for further details.
Will there be any support from staff in country?
Yes, once in Ghana there will be a local support team available to assist you with any questions or
concerns. Ask your organization for the contact details of your local support team.
How many other volunteers will be participating with me?
The number of other volunteers that you will be working with is usually dependent on the time of
year that you choose to volunteer, and the number of applicants that your project accepts at any
one time. Check with your organization for more details.
If I volunteer with my friend can we be placed in the project and housed together?
In most circumstances this should not be a problem, but please be sure to talk to your organization
well in advance, so appropriate arrangements can be made.
Are meals and housing provided?
Yes. In Ghana you will either be allocated accommodation with a host family, or at a house for vol-
unteers. Three meals a day at either place are included in your program fee costs.
Will my host family be able to speak English?
Yes, the official language in Ghana is actually English, so you should have no problems communi-
cating with them. However, do remember that English may not actually be their native tongue as
there are many other languages spoken throughout the country.
Can I travel to other cities during my days off?
During your time off from volunteering in Ghana you are actively encouraged to discover more of
the country. You will need to organize your own travel arrangements, however your local support
team will help you, and also be able to recommend things to see, do and experience.
Do I have to bring my own bedding and mosquito nets?
Bedding is provided, but if you plan to travel before or after your placement you may wish to bring
a sleeping sheet/bag and a mosquito net.
What if I don’t speak the native language?

This will not be an issue for you in Ghana as the official language is English.
How will I get to my project every day?
Many of the projects in Ghana are located around 1-20 kilometers from the home base, therefore
most volunteers will be within walking distance, or just a short trip away via public transportation
Can I speak with a volunteer who has worked on my project in the past?
Your organization may have an online volunteer community or forum where you can connect with
previous volunteers, or a database of volunteers who are willing to be contacted. Check with your
organization to see if they have either of these.
What kind of food will I eat while I’m there?
In Ghana the meals included in your program fee will be based on local cuisine. Typical Ghanaian
food consists of starchy staple foods, (sweet potatoes, rice, yams, beans and maize), accompanied
by a soup or sauce.
How many hours per day will I be volunteering?
Most volunteers will be required to work around 4-6 hours a day. This will however depend on your
project, and the hours may be split between morning and afternoon. Check with your organization
for the full details relating to your specific project.
How much money do I need to bring?
This will really depend on how you plan to experience Ghana. If you plan on doing a lot of shop-
ping, domestic travel, going out and visiting attractions than you will need to budget a lot more,
however with 3 meals a day and accommodation included, around $50 a week should be sufficient
for any personal expenses.
This free eBook is just written to help volunteers. So please use this book just as a general reference or source
of information. We cannot guarantee the validity of information as changes in the field can be sudden. As it is
impossible to provide a definite or authoritative guide it is vital you verify information directly with a relevant
and up to date source. We cannot be held liable in any way for damages caused should you choose to overlook
this advice.

A Guide to Volunteering in Ghana

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A Guide to Volunteering in Ghana