Helping Hand in Ghana - Exploring Ghana

WHEN YOU ARRIVE AT THE AIRPORT.

There is only one international airport in Ghana, the Kotoka International Airport (KIA), located 12km from Accra. After safely touching down at KIA, pick up your luggage (free baggage trolleys are available) and look for an HHG representative, waiting either in the arrival hall or, more probably, just outside the airport (open area). In the open area, look for our representative holding a HHG Sign in red letters on a white background with the HHG Logo. You will be transferred for your overnight accommodation.

If you cannot find us, please go back to the baggage area with your luggage and wait for a while, or call one of the emergency numbers from a telephone booth. Local phone cards are also sold right in the baggage area from only $4.00. If you decide to take a taxi, ask a registered porter (identified with his name and number on his breast pocket) to help you. It is advisable to take the number of the cab that brings you to your hostel and do not pay more than $7 - 8 for the journey. Shuttle buses and taxis are always available.

If your luggage has been damaged or lost please report it immediately to the airline desk and receive a formal irregularity report.

At the airport you may be ask to declare the total amount of money you brought for this trip. Please note that there are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency that could be brought in Ghana. However, if you declare the amount, make sure to keep all exchange transaction receipts that may be inspected when you depart form Ghana.

Ghana customs keep the right to search your bags. If this happens, please be polite and patient. You can bring personal items duty free, but there are some restrictions. Contact the customs, excise and preventive service or the nearest Ghanaian diplomatic mission.

There are opportunists in all international Airports and Ghana is no exception. Do not make instant / immediate friends with those who offer to help you at the airport even though you perceive the offer as being a genuine one.

YOUR FIRST WEEK WITH HHG

The program begins with a 5-days arrival orientation that includes accommodation and breakfast. The six day orientation will be given in Accra and your host region (1 day). During the orientation, we introduce you to such aspects of your program as Ghanaian culture, immigration and visa issues, health, money, transportation and food matters. We also provide a city tour of Accra and tour of your host place.

You will also be introduced to local language through a few hours of language lessons. Upon completion of the orientation program, you will be transferred to your work place and permanent accommodation.

LEARN GHANAIAN DRUMMING AND DANCING

Helping Hand Ghana ( HHG ) has within its scope of administration, competent drummers and dancers who will teach you some moves and some local dances. You can choose to have a week's course on drumming and dancing - and you will be amazed at the dancing skills you have acquired. You will also have the opportunity to own a locally made drum.

LANGUAGE

Improve your experience in Ghana by learning a local language which would give you the opportunity to interact with the local people. Although English is widely spoken, the major Ghanaian languages are Hausa, Ga, Ewe, Twi and Dagomba. You can also take a one week course in Twi which is commonly spoken. You will be pleased with how much better you can interact with Ghanaians.

AFTER THE FIRST WEEK

Your accommodation
We make accommodation arrangements for you to live either in a guesthouse, independent dwelling or in an approved home stay with a local family. You should be provided with 2 meals on weekdays and 3 meals on weekends. The accommodation will have basic furnishing and inn some instances there may be no running water or electricity.
You will need to buy your drinking water (bottled mineral water or treated water). However, if you live with a host family, they will assist you in treating drinking water to reduce expenses if you prefer.

SUPPORT

We make sure every arrangement is made to make your visit a memorable one. We organize airport pickups, a comprehensive orientation course and 24 hour emergency contact numbers.
HHG has a good relationship with volunteers, so we take it as an obligation to visit them to know how they are faring in their projects and with their host families as well. Your safety and wellbeing is our concern and we endeavor to give you all the support you need.