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Volunteering In Ghana!
Would you like to have the opportunity to make a real difference in the world? Does exploring Africa while lending a hand where it's needed interest you? Increase your world view and be personally enriched when you volunteer in Ghana programs.
Known as the Gateway to Africa because of its position in the Gulf of Guinea, Ghana lies slightly north of the equator, in the western bend of the continent. Its Gold Coast features magnificent national parks and the famous Lake Volta, the largest man-made reservoir in the world.
Breathtaking beaches offer a vast array of activities from birding and whale watching to water sports and yachting.
Despite progress made since the 90s in reducing the poverty rate, ten percent of Ghanaians are still desperately poor. Poverty alleviation has slowed in the past decade, and those living in rural areas are most affected, especially children. Inadequate access to clean water and food, lack of employment, poor infrastructure and income inequality leads to crop failure and famine. Today, Ghana needs volunteers more than ever.
When you join volunteering program in Ghana, you can help and gain valuable life experience while changing lives. You can work in an orphanage, teach English or computer skills, or support HIV/AIDS awareness and other medical and health care programs.
Volunteering In Ghana: Volunteer Projects
Are you looking for just the right volunteer opportunity for you? Global Crossroad offers a variety of options for our volunteers to find a program that fits their interest. Have a look at what we offer; the decision is yours.
Ghana is a country that is greatly affected by poverty and viral disease, which creates a harsh reality. There are thousands of orphaned and homeless children in Ghana, who too often have to fend for themselves in order to survive. Ghana is not a rich country, and governmental support for orphaned children is minimal.
This means that on top of their daily struggle, these children are also unable to receive a proper education, and therefore face very bleak prospects for their future. The need for dedicated volunteers is immense. Through our orphanage volunteer program in Ghana, you can make a difference.
With your humble efforts, these children will be able to shape their own future into far brighter and potentially more prosperous ones. Your role will be to engage the children in their daily activities wherever needed.
When you join volunteer Ghana program, you may help with daily chores, organizing games and social activities, teaching basic life skills, teaching some English, helping with administration, etc. There is a great deal to do here, and your help with be appreciated greatly. You will see this appreciation every day on the faces of the children you help.
The simple ability to communicate in English is one that can open many doors for the people of Ghana. It is a necessity for those who hope to build a more promising future. This is particularly true for children in rural villages of Ghana, where education services lack resources and well-trained English teachers. The opportunity to learn English as a child in Ghana means an entirely different set of opportunities as an adult.
When you join Global Crossroad’s volunteer teaching program in Ghana, you will be changing the lives of many children, simply by sharing a skill you already have. Your main role will be to teach English in rural schools, alongside a trained teacher from Ghana. You will assist with conversational skills, homework, and other activities.
This is an excellent opportunity to explore the field of medicine, and gain valuable medical experience abroad.
When you join Global Crossroad’s medical volunteer program in Ghana, you will be placed in a local hospital facility for citizens of Ghana who cannot afford private medical care. You will work alongside medical professionals and build meaningful relationships with likeminded volunteers. You can share your medical expertise and make a difference to those in need.
At present, HIV/AIDS is a widespread health pandemic in Ghana, particularly in rural areas. mostly due to lack of government support and medical facilities. Each year, thousands of HIV infected patients die in Ghana from a lack of proper care and treatment. HIV / AIDS has become a serious and deadly challenge for the people living in Ghana, regardless of their social status.
By joining Global Crossroad’s HIV / AIDS volunteer program in Ghana, you will have the chance to make a real meaningful difference. Your help is greatly needed. This project's primary objective is to create hope among the sick, and to help stop the spread of this deadly disease.
Ghana is indeed a great African country to volunteer and explore its natural and cultural wonders. You get to immerse yourself in amazing Ghanian cultures, history and witness several species of wildlife. The country also greets you with many mesmerizing cities, national parks, beaches and so on.
When you join this mobile nurse volunteer program in Ghana, you will become a front-line health worker. You will actively visit selected rural villages and offer health services for a minimum of two weeks. The mobile nurse volunteers work in collaboration with at least one Ghanaian health workers who are well informed about the selected village of operation.
In addition to the above projects, we also offer family Volunteering, alternative spring break, high school volunteering, college/university volunteering and many other programs. Contact Global Crossroad for further information.
Volunteering in Ghana: Dates and Prices
Dates: Volunteer In Ghana
All volunteer programs in Ghana start every Monday of each month. However, if there is travel constrains, you can start any project on any day.
Fees: Volunteer in Ghana
Global Crossroad is committed to offering the most affordable and highest quality Ghana volunteer trips. We strive to keep our costs low. The humanitarian side of the business is our passion.
Global Crossroad's volunteer program in Ghana application and registration fee cost US $299. The application fee covers the cost of advertising, program promotion, and office expenses (rent, utilities, and staff salaries in USA office).
In addition to the application fee, you are required to pay a weekly program fee. You will pay your weekly fee directly to the country coordinator, who in turn will allocate it to your host family, project and other in-country support we offer to our volunteers. This way, the fees that you pay will benefit those who rightfully deserve them, and not for company profit.
| Duration | Orphanage/Teaching | Healthcare/HIV | Mobile Nursing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Week | $250 | 250 | - |
| 2 Weeks | $380 | $380 | $380 |
| 3 Weeks | $440 | $550 | $550 |
| 4 Weeks | $640 | 700 | 700 |
| 5 Weeks | $770 | $850 | $850 |
| 6 Weeks | $900 | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| 7 Weeks | $1030 | $1,150 | $1,150 |
| 8 Weeks | $1,160 | $1,300 | $1,300 |
| 9 Weeks | $1,290 | $1,450 | $1,450 |
| 10 Weeks | $1,420 | $1,600 | $1,600 |
| 11 Weeks | $1,550 | $1,750 | $1,750 |
| 12 Weeks | $1,680 | $1,900 | $1,900 |
Mandatory comprehensive travel insurance $3.49 a day »
Airport pick up & transfer $50
Medical/HIV/AIDS volunteer will pay 25 dollars/week suppliment
How your fee is allocated?
Language and Culture program fee $250
Summer volunteer and adventure (4 weeks include Travel) $1899
Program fees cover:
- Accommodation (volunteer house or host family)
- Food (local food 3 times a day)
- Program Orientation
- In-country support
- Personalized project
- Pre-departure information
- Certificate of completion
- Fundraising ideas and letters
- Discount for returning volunteers
Program fees exclude:
- Visas
- Airfare
- Personal expenses on soft drinks and foo
- Daily transportation
- Airport return transfer
The volunteer trip in Ghana program fees will cover expenses that will begin on the first day of the program (usually the first or third Monday of the month) to the last day of the program. If you arrive before the first day of the program or you decide you stay beyond your program’s last day, you will be responsible for the additional expenses, which would typically be around $30 a day for room and meals at a hostel.
Accommodations and Meals
Do you have some concerns about what you might eat and where you might stay as a Global Crossroad volunteer? We take the comfort and security of our volunteers seriously, and offer safe and comfortable housing, as well as good options for meals on your volunteer journey.
Global Crossroad's weekly fees include management of volunteers' meal plans and accommodations throughout projects.
When you join volunteer program in Ghana, you will stay with our carefully screened host families. Our host families offer multiple bedrooms and volunteers will normally share a room with a same gender volunteer. The environment is very relaxed and social and a great place to unwind after a busy day.
Three meals a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) will be provided and will consist of local ingredients and feature traditional cuisine choices. Our meal program can accommodate vegetarian needs; however, we are not able to provide for other dietary restrictions. Food and drinks outside of mealtimes are the volunteer's responsibility. In most cases, there are restaurants and markets nearby the homes in which our volunteers stay.
Volunteering in Ghana: FAQs
You’re ready to hop a plane to Bali to volunteer and make a difference during your travels. You probably have a few questions first, and we’ve compiled some commonly asked ones here with helpful answers to make things easier for you:
Which airport do I need to fly in for my volunteer program?
You need to fly into Kotoka International Airport, Accra for your volunteer project.
Do you organize airport pick up?
Yes, Global Crossroad does organize airport pick-ups for its international volunteers in Ghana. You will be given all the contact details of our local representative who will pick you up from the airport and take you to your accommodations.
What happens if I missed flight or arrived late?
The first thing you should do is contact the country coordinator and let them know that you have missed your flight. Once you provide your flight details, he/she can rearrange the airport pick up and make other adjustments to the start of your volunteering program.
If my volunteer vacation project begins on Monday, when should I arrive? If I want to arrive earlier than then my assignment begins, where do I stay and who will organize the accommodations? Does it cost me extra?
You should arrive on Sunday and take a rest for the day before actually beginning your Ghana volunteer work program the next day. If you decide to arrive earlier before the start of your volunteer project then you should inform your country coordinator in advance and then he/she will help you organize all the things like accommodations and activities.
What do I need prior to departure from my home country?
Prior to your departure, you need to make sure that you have packed up all the important items. That includes your passport, medicines, clothing, tickets, credit card, and other important documents which you might need while volunteering such as your medical ID card (if you are taking part in Global Crossroad’s Healthcare Volunteer Program).
Where are the projects located?
Global Crossroad’s Ghana volunteer programs are located Kumasi. Kumasi lets you explore the large Kumasi Central Market, Tafo Kumasi and Fort Kumasi which was built by the British in 1896 to replace an Asante fort and now the Kumasi Hat Museum. The city is renowned for friendly atmosphere, where visitors are always welcome. You can organize several different excursions during and after their project to various places of interest.
Is there any minimum and maximum stay?
Yes, there is a minimum and maximum time period of stay for our volunteer programs in Ghana. You can volunteer for a minimum of 1 week to a maximum of 12 weeks. We advise you to choose the volunteer project of your liking based on the amount of days you plan on staying in Ghana.
Can I extend my stay if I choose to?
Yes, you can choose to extend your stay and continue your volunteering program in Ghana if you wish.
Will I have enough time to travel after work and in weekend?
Yes. We make sure that all of our volunteers have enough free time to travel and explore both after work and on weekends while volunteering. There are no restriction set by Global Crossroad or the local host organization to stop you or any foreign volunteers to head off and travel around once you are done with your volunteering responsibilities for the day.
Who will guide or support me in the volunteer project?
Global Crossroad always makes sure that all of its volunteers are properly guided and looked after under the supervision of its in-country coordinator. If you require any assistance, just make sure to let your in-country coordinator know, and he/she will endeavour to help you in any way possible.
Can I change project if I do not like?
Yes, you are allowed to change your volunteer service program for whatever reason. You simply need to get in contact with our in-country coordinator and let them know about your issues with the initial project. The in-country coordinator will assist you in finding another volunteer program to join. Keep in mind that there needs to be an open volunteer position for you transfer to.
Can I work in more than one volunteer projects?
Yes, our volunteers can work in more than one volunteer project in Ghana. Having said that, you do need to understand that for each project, you will be expected to work for at least 4 to 5 hours a day. For this reason it is advisable that you complete one volunteer project in Ghana before seeking to start another, rather than attempting to complete two at the same time. Your in-country coordinator can help you make your decisions and plans in this regard.
How old should I be to take part in these projects?
Most of the volunteers range from 18 years old to much older adults. You do need to be at lea 18 years of age to be eligible for our volunteer programs. If you are below 18 years of age then parental consent is required to join our volunteer trips.
Who manages the volunteer projects?
Our volunteer projects are all managed by an experienced country coordinator, who has an expert knowledge of handling volunteer projects and volunteers. You can ask for advices, suggestions and depend upon the country coordinator to ensure the success of your volunteer project in Ghana.
Will I receive training before the start of the project?
Yes, our volunteers do receive training before the start of their volunteer programs. After your arrival, our in-country coordinator will engage you in an orientation class during which you will learn about safety measures and your daily schedules. Depending on the program, the orientation can last from one to three days.
Is there dress code in the project?
No, there is no dress code set in place for our volunteers in Ghana. However, please keep in mind that modest clothing is necessary in order to respect the local society and customs while volunteering in Ghana. If you are participating in our medical volunteer program in Ghana then you will have to wear a white apron as a medical volunteer.
Why pay to volunteer abroad?
Payments made by volunteers for the participation in our volunteer experience projects help support the operating and managerial cost of our organization. We are a volunteer organization. The fees paid by our international volunteers are our main and often only source of revenue to keep the programs running. Field supervision, food and accommodation for volunteers is also all covered by our volunteer program fees.
Why are Global Crossroad’s fees so much more affordable than other volunteer organizations in Ghana?
As mentioned, Global Crossroad is a volunteer organization whose only aim is to provide affordable and meaningful volunteering opportunities. The fees of our volunteer programs are just enough to sustain and run the projects without any additional profits, making them more affordable than other for-profit programs.
For more readings
Cost/Money Matter
Why do I need to pay to volunteer?
Program fee
What are safety measures you take for the volunteers?
All of the necessary safety measures for volunteering will be discussed in the orientation class run by our country coordinator. We make sure that all of our volunteers get transported to their accommodations safely after their arrival in Ghana. We then engage our volunteers with an informative and crucial orientation class. Further, our staff is available to help you in case of emergencies.
Is it safe to travel and volunteer in Ghana?
Yes, it is safe to travel to Ghana for volunteer work but it is always a good idea to exercise some degree of caution during your volunteer program. We make sure that all of your activities are safe, and that our staff is available for support throughout your volunteering trip in Ghana.
What will happen if I get sick during my volunteer program?
If you get sick during your volunteer program, you should inform our field staff immediately. Once you inform the staff about your deteriorating health condition, you will be taken to the nearest hospital or a medical clinic if necessary. We will do our best to take care of you , and help you recover as soon as possible. We highly recommend purchasing a reliable travel insurance for this scenario.
Why must I get travel insurance before beginning my volunteer trip?
As per our policy, it is obligatory for all of our volunteers to buy a travel insurance before beginning their volunteer project in Ghana. Our main concern is the safety of our volunteers so we always advise our volunteers to buy dependable travel insurance from a reliable source.
What are the principle health risks in Ghana?
The principle health risks in Ghana are largely same as that of other African countries. You need to be wary of pollution, both in air and water. International volunteers are potentially exposed to infectious disease, so you must take vaccinations before coming to Ghana. You should avoid eating in places where you are not 100% sure about the quality of its food items. You also must never drink straight from the tap. You should also keep in mind that mosquitoes carry disease in Ghana, and repellent is often necessary.
What Vaccination Do I need to take before starting my volunteer program?
Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, Yellow fever, Hepatitis A, Malaria, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, Meningitis (Meningococcal disease), and Rabies vaccine are some of the most recommended vaccines by CDC and WHO for international volunteers in Ghana.
For more readings
Vaccination
Health and Safety
How can I apply to Global Crossroad’s volunteer program?
You can apply for our volunteering projects in Ghana by submitting the online volunteer application forms in our website.
What happens once I submit my documents and application?
After submitting your application for volunteer trip to Ghana our office staff will check for mistakes before sending it for approval to our country-coordinator in Ghana. Once our country coordinator approves your application, we will then send you all the details regarding your volunteer work.
What documents do I need to submit with my application?
You don’t have to submit any documents with your application for our volunteering projects.
Do I need visa to volunteer and travel in Ghana?
Yes, you do need a valid passport and visa to volunteer in Ghana. Single entry Ghana tourist visas are only valid for 3 months. If you wish to stay longer than that then you must apply for a visa extension. It usually takes 5 to 10 business days to process an application for Ghana travel visa.
Can I extend my visa while I am in the country? Can you help me on this?
Yes, you can extend your visa while you are still inside Ghana. To do so you must visit the Immigration Office of Ghana in Accra. You can extend your visa for another 3 months if you wish.
How do I contact with Global Crossroad’s local coordinator during my volunteer work in Ghana?
You can contact Global Crossroad’s local coordinator by phone or email. We will provide you with all the personal contact details before the start of the Ghana volunteer project.
What I need to bring for my volunteer project?
You need to make sure that you bring insect repellent, first aid kit, power adapter, travel insurance, hand sanitizer, sunscreen cream, pollution mask, pair of flip flops, towel and toiletries, medicines, passport, visa, flight tickets, rolling suitcase, laptop, mobile phone, power bank, and ear plugs for your volunteer program.
Page updated: 14th August, 2019