Vaccinations needed

We recommend you to consult your physician or travel doctor before traveling to Ghana.

All travelers are required to carry an International Certificate of Vaccination (Yellow Card) to show proof of yellow fever immunization.

The recommended vaccinations for volunteers traveling to Ghana are as follows:

– Yellow Fever

– Hepatitis A and B

– Typhoid

– Rabies (optional)

Luggage

When preparing for travel to Ghana, consider how you can protect yourself from the environment. Your packing list should include:

– Thin long-sleeve t-shirts

– Lightweight outdoor pants

– Clothes made of polyester or merino wool, which are odor-resistant and quick drying

– Darker clothes that you wouldn't mind getting dusty and dirty (working gear)

– Plenty of insect repellent

– High SPF sunscreen

– Closed-toed shoes for rough terrain

This is a good starting point for staying protected and comfortable in Ghana.

The following services are included in our volunteer opportunities in Ghana programme:

– Transfer from Accra airport

– 3-day orientation in Accra

– 2 nights in a hostel in Accra, breakfast included

– Placement in a volunteer project

– Accommodation and meals during the volunteer work, with a host family. (Half board Monday through Fiday, full board at the weekends.)

– Transportation to the Project Site

– Support, help, and advice from an appointed programme coordinator before departure

– Help with applying for (and if necessary, extending) a tourist visa

– Help with taking out travel insurance

– Local English-speaking contacts

– Local 24-hour emergency number

– Certificate upon return

Not included in the price:

– Travel to and from Ghana (Accra)

– Visa costs

– Vaccinations

– Travel insurance

– Personal expenses for excursions, transportation, etc.

You should carry around €50 - €60 per week for your basic personal expenses, such as water, local transport, phone etc.

On arrival in Accra, you can change your currency to Ghanaian Cedis (GHS) at the airport. There are many currency exchange counters at the airport. Also, there are ATMs available throughout the country and Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted.  

Taxis and tro-tros (mini buses for 13 people) are everywhere. We recommend taking the tro-tro as these are by the most efficient and cheapest way to get around.

Volunteering, unlike usual traveling, involves a lot of interaction with the locals and hence, it becomes absolutely necessary to follow a certain set of rules that are applicable in a country among the locals. Being an African country, the customs and traditions of Ghana are hugely different from any developed Western country. Here is a list of some Dos and Don’ts while traveling in Ghana, that’ll surely help in making your trip more memorable:

Dos

 – Always use your right hand to exchange gifts as well as while eating. In Ghana, the left hand is considered to be the ‘toilet hand’ and is, thus, avoided to greet, eat or for gifting.

– Once you enter a room, always greet everyone who is present there. Otherwise, you would find everyone staring at you awkwardly!

– Learn a few basic words in the local language, and try to use them. This will make the local people believe that you are genuinely making an effort to mix with them, and they’ll feel more comfortable in your presence.

– Bringing a gift when visiting someone’s place is a sign of good gesture. It would be highly appreciated.

– If there’s an elder, then remove your hat/cap while greeting him/her.

– Dress moderately. You can seek the help of the in-country coordinator in case you need any help regarding the dress code for work or for any function that you might be attending while in Ghana.

Don’ts

 – No event begins before, at least, an hours delay from the mentioned time. Do not be a punctual audience and arrive on time for the event, unless you have ample of free time and enjoy waiting. It’s called “Africa time”.

– But that doesn’t mean you’ll be late for work/ business meeting/ important appointments!

– Don’t sit with crossed legs in front of elders or the village chief as it’ll be seen as an insult.

– Don’t take photographs of anyone without seeking their permission.

– Do not make any derogatory or funny comments about religion or ethnic/political groups.

– Since Ghana is a developing country and there’s a huge chunk of population who suffers from severe poverty, wasting food or water is considered to be a bad habit. Don’t waste food, water, or any resourceful thing. Even the smallest of the things value a lot in Ghana.

Ghana is popular among travelers for its diverse wildlife, thick forests, secluded beaches and old forts. Here’s a list of the things that we can do apart from volunteering in Ghana:

– Explore the natural beauty of the country. Go for wildlife safaris at the Mole National Park, which is the largest game reserve in the country. You’ll surely get to spot some wild animals!

– Visit the Boabeng Fiema Monkey Sanctuary and get up close with a variety of species

– Visit the ancient city of Kumasi, which is said to be the cultural hub of Ghana

– Try to attend some of the Ghanaian cultural shows or festivals and you’ll be mesmerized by the colors and vibrancy along with the drumbeats

– Take a break and escape to relax at any of the Atlantic Coast beaches

– Visit the local markets in Tamale and Accra

– Visit the Larabanga Mosque, which is the oldest mosque in the country