Are you searching for volunteer opportunities in Ghana? You’ve made an excellent choice! Ghana is ideal for first-time Africa volunteers, and is often referred to as “Africa for Beginners.” It is an amazing mosaic of 10 regions, 40 languages, and over 100 different cultures! Ghana is a relatively safe country for tourists and volunteers, and its tourism industry is steadily growing.
You’ll feel on top of the world after doing meaningful volunteer work in Ghana.
Ghana is one of the strongest countries in Africa, both economically and politically. It’s home to a variety of different cultures and religions, including more than 100 different ethnic groups, who create a colorful, diverse atmosphere. Its geography and ecosystems are diverse as well; you may just find yourself laying on a golden beach one day and then venturing through a savannah the next.
Where should I volunteer in Ghana?
There’s lots to know about Ghana before you go, including where to pursue volunteer opportunities. Most Ghana volunteer experiences are located in the capital city and tourist destination of Accra. Here you can easily find delicious street food, live music, and frequent nighttime bonfires. It’s an ideal home base for exploring most of Ghana’s highlights.
The Cape Coast, located three hours south of Accra, is another popular location for volunteers and international students. The Cape Coast is home to Ghana’s top university, the aptly-named University of Cape Coast. The area is situated right along beautiful beaches and is filled with studious, friendly people.
These are all excellent reasons for traveling to and around Ghana, but let’s explore why volunteer opportunities in Ghana are worth your while.
Why consider volunteering in Ghana?
1. There’s a variety of projects
Being a Ghana volunteer will change your life and the lives of others!
There is a significant economic gap between the poor and wealthy in Ghana, although the economy is growing. This means that the lower-income areas of the country are in need of helping hands. It’s estimated that 12% of the population currently lives in poverty.
Volunteers are needed to help relieve understaffed schools, assist in underfunded healthcare clinics, help with farming efforts, and more. The volunteer opportunities are, however, most often humanitarian, and are often near to the capital city of Accra or the popular Cape Coast.
A few examples that show the diversity of projects are listed below:
- GoEco offers a child care placement in the city of Accra, where volunteers assist understaffed schools in taking care of the young children and teaching them English. Although English is the official language of the country, it’s not usually a child’s first language, as there are other languages that are common throughout Ghana. Knowledge of the English language is especially important in a country where the economy is increasingly reliant on tourism.
- GVI offers a women’s empowerment program in Accra, in which volunteers work with a variety of females teaching English, health, and life skill classes across different ages and levels.
- Love Volunteers offers an art teaching opportunity in the Ashanti region, in which volunteers can show off their creative skills and encourage creativity in local schoolchildren. (Many Ghanaians are well-known for their creative skills and beautiful woven work.)
- A Broader View Volunteers Corp offers a variety of programs in Accra, including an HIV-preventative project.
2. It’s an ideal location for first-time Africa volunteers
As previously mentioned, Ghana is actually nicknamed “Africa for Beginners.” If this is your first time traveling to Africa or a developing region and you’re slightly nervous about the experience, don’t be! Ghana is a warm, welcoming country. Ghanaians are known for their hospitality, and will be more than happy to assist you when needed, and may even invite you for a meal!
English is the official language of the country, so you don’t have to worry about not being able to communicate with the local community during your program or during your free travel. As a matter of fact, Ghana’s National Anthem is sung in English, and many Ghanaians speak in English to each other, if their mother tongues are different.
3. Ghana is safe
Not only is Ghana safe — it’s also downright breathtaking.
Is Ghana safe for volunteers? For the vast majority of tourists, Ghana is a relatively safe country. Ghana has a long-standing stable democracy and growing economy. There is less risk of political unrest and protests in this country compared to other African nations. Volunteers are very common in this specific country, and therefore often receive warm welcomes.
Many volunteer programs take place in or near the capital of Accra, which has among the lowest poverty rates in the country. While your main volunteering work may take place in the disadvantaged areas, you will most likely be housed in more economically stable areas of the city. Volunteers will be with the program’s local staff members while at the volunteer projects.
It’s important to make sure you’re volunteering with ethical, legitimate, and trustworthy volunteering companies. GoAbroad works with many, and they are all vetted and can be trusted to keep volunteers safe. It’s always imperative, no matter which country you volunteer in, to be going with a company that puts volunteers’ safety first.
4. The weather is pleasant!
Only have one week of vacation from work? No need to stress — Ghana is close to the equator and has many sunny days for you to enjoy while volunteering!
There is not much variation in temperatures throughout the year. There is a wet season (two in the south) but hot days can still be found during these seasons.
The best time to go, specifically, is between December and March, when neither northern or southern Ghana are experiencing a wet season.
5. There is a LOT of culture to experience
Volunteering in Ghana in the local community is a surefire way to be able to immerse yourself into the culture(s) of this country! Working side-by-side with community members allows you to really familiarize yourself with customs and traditions.
With more than 100 different ethnic groups, the Republic of Ghana has much to offer for those seeking to engage in cultural exchange. Various festivals occur throughout the year, and live music can easily be found while wandering the streets and outdoor markets. Ghana attracts tourists with its vibrant festivals, and overall fun and musical culture.
Street food is a must-have when learning about new cultures.
The Pan-African Historical Festival is well-known for bringing heritage tourists to the country. The festival is celebrated every two years, and those of African descent living in the Diaspora often come to Ghana during this time. Theater, dance, and music festivals are a large part of this event, in addition to being part of daily enjoyment in the country.
A simple stroll through a local market can provide a rich, cultural experience. Volunteers will be able to taste local food, try on traditional clothing, watch people playing the drums, and truly soak in the culture.
6. You can both volunteer AND travel
Ghana is home to the largest waterfall in west Africa, the Tagbo Falls. It’s also home to various tourist sites, such as the National Museum, Makola Market, Osu Castle, and Aburi Botanical Gardens.
Kakum National Park is home to an enchanting rainforest and Africa’s first canopy walkway. At Mole National Park, volunteers can get up-close with unique African wildlife such as baboons, warthogs, and majestic elephants!
History lovers must stop by the Cape Coast Castle, a historically significant site where slaves were once held, a representation of the country’s controversial past.
7. Your experience will be eco-friendly
An important part of volunteering abroad is contributing to sustainability. It’s important to ensure that volunteer opportunities in Ghana (and elsewhere in the world) are having long-term, positive effects on the local community. It’s also important to be as eco-friendly as possible while you are contributing to sustainable change.
Ghana may not be as environmentally aware as Switzerland, but it’s certainly taking steps toward change! There is an entire outdoor market (again, an important part of the culture) that is completely plastic-free. It’s called the Green Butterfly Market and is located in Accra, where most volunteers are already, so be sure to check it out.
In addition to this, thousands of Ghanaian cocoa farmers are working on boosting their produce production, but with new techniques that will reduce their contribution to climate change. Ghana is also home to the company Ghana Bamboo Bikes, which, of course, is a company that builds bikes from bamboo as opposed to non-recyclable metals.
Ready to take the leap? Talk to our FREE Online Advisor and get matched with the right program for you!
Volunteer opportunities in Ghana are calling!
Why NOT volunteer in Ghana?!
This West African country is on the up and up, but is still in need of helping hands in the more impoverished areas. What are you waiting for? Catch the next flight to this tropical, vibrant country and dedicate your time to Ghana volunteer projects!
Gain experience in various aspects of humanitarian volunteering, from providing assistance in schools to providing hands-on help in local healthcare clinics. GoAbroad promotes volunteer opportunities in Ghana from its trusted partners, including GoEco, Love Volunteers, IVHQ, and others. Feel safe and enjoy dipping your toes into beautiful Africa by volunteering in Ghana!
Browse ALL Ghana Volunteer Opportunities on GoAbroad.com
This article was written with help from GoEco, who has been named a Top Volunteer Abroad Organization of 2018 by GoAbroad, a Best Sustainable Tour Operator finalist by the Global Youth Travel Awards, and one of GoEco’s programs in Belize was named a finalist for Most Innovative New Volunteer Program of 2018 by GoAbroad.
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