VOLUNTEERING IN GHANA
If you are looking for a truly meaningful volunteer program, as well as an unforgettable adventure in rural Africa, Ghana is the right place.
You will have the opportunity to contribute to and improve the skills and knowledge of young people or the health and well-being of the community while exploring all that the country has to offer. Including the breathtaking nature, the delicious food, the warm climate all year round, its culture and the people who are very friendly.
In Ghana we collaborate in two volunteer programs, education and health care, your participation in them will be of great help for the development of children and women in the local community.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING IN SCHOOLS
In this program you will be able to give the best of you with children between 3 and 16 years old, you will collaborate in the schools of the village. According to your profile and together with you we will choose which group and ages of children to collaborate with. Rural education in Africa.
GENERAL MEDICAL CARE
If you like the health branch, the Medical Assistance volunteer program will appeal to you very much. You will collaborate in the local hospital, in the schools, in the communities both by assisting the doctors and by giving prevention talks.
NEEDS OF THE COUNTRY OF GHANA
These are some of the needs where as a volunteer you will address in collaboration with local peers will be:
- The poverty that causes poor health and lack of opportunity
- Illiteracy
- Lack of materials
- Truancy
- Malnutrition
- Disease prevention
- Basic medical care.
WHAT REQUIREMENTS DO I NEED TO VOLUNTEER IN GHANA?
For all programs we will ask you:
- To be of legal age.
- Basic knowledge of spoken and written English.
- Be respectful of the local people and their culture.
- Be creative, willing to help and work in a team.
If you come to this program you will also need
- Teaching experience is an advantage, but not necessary.
- Basic knowledge in computers and common programs.
For the medical program you need to be accredited:
- Certification that validates that you are studying some branch of medicine or that you already are.
- Resume and an official copy of your credentials.
WHERE WILL I BE DURING MY VOLUNTEER WORK?
The projects take place in Ofaakor a suburb of Kasoa (Ghana), 20 minutes away by car. They are a short distance from the volunteers’ accommodation, although public transport is very cheap in Ghana, and you can also take a taxi for only $2 one way.
WHEN CAN I GO TO GHANA TO VOLUNTEER?
Volunteer teaching and medical programmes in Ghana are open all year round, therefore any day of the year is possible.
The teaching programmes will be held at the school except for the months of April, August and December which are held as a summer camp as the schools are closed.
ARRIVAL AT YOUR DESTINATION
You will be picked up by a local country coordinator at Ghana’s Kotoka International Airport, which is located near the capital Accra. He will then take you to your assigned family’s home. Don’t worry about communication, they are fluent in English, very patient and helpful.
The coordinator will also give you detailed information about the area where the project is located, as well as everything you need to know about orientation and induction into the program. .
In case your flight arrives late, you don’t have to worry, as the coordinator will wait for you. You will also be given their contact details beforehand, so you can always contact them or our team at any time during your trip.
VACCINE
Vaccinations against hepatitis, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, rabies and meningitis are recommended for volunteers travelling to Ghana.
Some are mandatory depending on where you come from. The risk of malaria is also high all year round in the cities. As a volunteer, you should visit your health centre and see what vaccinations they recommend. You can also contact the Ghanaian embassy in your country.
VISA TO ENTER GHANA
To enter the country, you will need a passport valid for at least 6 months, from the beginning of your volunteer program, in addition to the yellow fever vaccine and a visa.
Single-entry visas are generally valid for 3 months. To complete the visa application, contact the Ghana Consulate in your country of residence and arrange for the process with them.
SECURITY IN GHANA
Ghana is seen as a place where you can go sightseeing and be safe. But nothing is perfect, and as in many countries in the world you have to take certain precautions and know how to handle certain situations and areas of the country.
In general, tourist areas are safe, but we still recommend you to keep these tips in mind:
- Let your coordinator know, in case you go on an excursion, so that he can warn you about the places you will be going to.
- Have your coordinator’s phone number and address available in case you need it.
- Avoid giving out information about the place you are staying, the project and your colleagues (volunteers) for safety reasons.
- Do not bring anyone who is not from the organization to the volunteer’s home.
- Avoid risky areas in every place you visit.
- Travel in austerity on your daily transfers and excursions.
- Avoid attracting attention with jewelry and accessories.
- If possible, avoid taking your mobile phone out in public places.
- Try to use the country’s safe transportation services or services such as Uber or taxis.
- Avoid walking alone on unfamiliar streets at night.
- Never get into an unfamiliar vehicle or your own vehicle with someone you don’t know.
- Do not drink anything you do not know where it comes from.
Upon arrival in Ghana, our local coordinator will take you to your assigned host family.
Volunteer host families are usually located approximately 20 minutes by bus from the school, where the projects take place. Volunteers take the bus, which costs approximately $2.00 round trip.
Bed, in a room that you share with other volunteers.
- Rooms are shared by volunteers of the same gender. The house has common areas that can be used by volunteers and also provides access to TV, iron and refrigerator.
- Breakfast and dinner are provided in the accommodation for our volunteers during their days of collaboration. Meals can be adapted for volunteers who require vegetarian, vegan, non-dairy or other diets.
Typical meals provided generally include:
- Vegetables and legumes/beans
- Fruits
- Meat, fish or eggs
- Grains and cereals
- Milk, yogurt, cheese and/or alternatives
The contribution to volunteer projects in Ghana for a period of 14 days is 515€ and with the tax deduction you will only pay 267.65€
| PERIOD | TEACHING AND MEDICAL |
|---|---|
| 2 WEEKS | 515€ |
| 3 WEEKS | 640€ |
| 4 WEEKS | 765€ |
| Additional | 125€ |
You will be able to deduct approximately 45% of the total economic contribution to the program by means of the tax certificate that we will issue you.
WHAT ARE YOU PAYING?
- Welcome and transfer to the accommodation.
- Accommodation during the stay of your volunteer.
- 2 meals during your volunteer stay (breakfast and dinner)
- A trip to the Kakum National Park
- 24/7 support from the Adventure Volunteer team.
- Follow-up and evaluation of the program.
- Orientation and induction to the project.
- Certificate of weeks spent volunteering.
- NGO receipt for your program fee.
- Guidance, advice and management in the choice of the program.
- Volunteer t-shirt.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?
- Flight to Ghana.
- Return to the airport on the last day.
- Visa, if necessary.
- Internal transport or excursions.
- Travel in or out of the country.
- Travel insurance (mandatory).
- Drinks, diets and special meals.
- Bottled water.
We remind you that the value of the donation can be deducted from your full income tax liability, up to a limit of 10% of the taxable base.
- Donations up to 150 :(donation equal to or less than 150), the deduction will be 80%
- Donations over 150 euros: (donation over 150 ?), will be 35% and 40% if made for more than 3 years in a row of the same value or more to the same association.
NOTE: There is a deduction from the IRPF for donations made to non-profit organisations under Law 49/2002, of 23 December. established in Articles 68.3, 69.1 IRPF Law and 69.2 Regulations. Royal Decree-Law 17/2020 of 5 May. (refunds are made in the year following payment). As a donation, the 150 euros initially contributed are not refundable.
HOW TO BOOK?
WEATHER
The climate in Ghana is tropical and there are two main seasons in the country: the wet and the dry.
In the south of Ghana, where all our projects take place, you experience the rainy season between the months of March and mid-November.
The average daily temperatures are 30° C during the day and 24° C at night.
CURRENCY
The local currency in Ghana is the Ghanaian Cedi (GH ₵).
The exchange rate tends to be approximately the following: 1 Cedi = 0,16 Euro, 1 Euro
There are ATMs at the airport and in the larger cities, which you can use to withdraw money.
TOURISM
KAKUM NATIONAL PARK
Kakum National Park is a tropical forest located in the central region of Ghana. It is one of the only three natural places in the country that offers its visitors a tree-top walkway, known as the Kakum Canopy Walkway. Inside you can also find a tree house built in the treetops about 20 meters above the ground that offers visitors an adventurous opportunity to spend the night.
The national park is home to many beautiful animals, many of which are endangered; among these you can find target monkeys, African elephants and more.
ACCRA
It is the capital of Ghana and has much to offer art and history lovers as there are many museums, galleries, libraries and monuments to explore. A visit to the National Theatre, the National Museum, Christiansborg Castle, the Jubilee House or the Black Star Square is often recommended.
The most popular beach in town is Labadi Beach. Next to the beach you will also find the Academy of African Music and Arts.
ELMINA
The city’s main tourist attractions include Elmina Castle, Fort Coenraads burg, the Dutch Cemetery and the fishing fleet.
On the first Tuesday of every July, the town holds an annual festival called Festival Bakatue which celebrates the sea and the final culture.
CAPE COAST
A city and a port, located in the central region that offers its visitors 32 different festivals throughout the year.
There is also the Cape Coast Castle and the Cape Coast National Cultural Centre which visitors can explore.
KOKROBITE
A small town very close to the area where our volunteer projects are developed. It is a popular tourist destination for its beautiful beaches and lively nightlife.
ADA FOAH
A small coastal town famous for its palm-lined beaches and neighboring islands. Many locals and tourists also take advantage of the water sports activities offered by the city.
CAN I HAVE INTERNET CONNECTION DURING MY VOLUNTEERING IN GHANA?
Yes, you can. When you arrive consult the project coordinator where you can buy a SIM card with a package that allows you to make calls and stay connected.
A SIM card costs approximately $1 and you will need to recharge it in order to stay connected.
Before you travel make sure your phone is unlocked.
Even if you have internet at home, it is used to check your mail or urgent matters, it often fails and does not have the speed of Europe.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR WHILE VOLUNTEERING IN GHANA?
Considering that Ghana is a tropical and humid country all year round, it is recommended that you wear comfortable summer clothes.
During project activities wear long pants and T-shirts (not short sleeves) and closed shoes.
DO I NEED A VISA TO TRAVEL TO GHANA?
If you need a visa to travel to Ghana. All nationalities, except some West African countries.
Visas are valid for 3 months from the date of issue, so we recommend that you apply for your visa a few weeks before your arrival date.
DO I NEED ANY VACCINATIONS DURING MY VOLUNTEERING IN GHANA?
It is recommended that you get the following vaccinations before volunteering in Ghana:
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Cholera (oral fluid)
- Malaria (tablets)
- Yellow fever
- However, check with your family doctor, which would be the one you need for your volunteer work in Ghana.