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Volunteering in Ghana

Are you searching for a rewarding and affordable way to see the world? Would you like to experience the adventure of a lifetime while making an actual difference? Volunteering in Ghana is the perfect way to do this and more.

Ghana is known as the Gateway to Africa because of its position in the Gulf of Guinea, slightly north of the equator. One of the most peaceful African nations, Ghana has a rich heritage filled withforts and castles that are today recognized for their place

in world history. Dazzling, mostly undeveloped, beaches offer a vast array of activities from bird and whale watching to water sports and yachting.

Despite its beauty and diversity, Ghana suffers from challenges common to developing countries. Contributing factors to poverty in Ghana are inadequate access to education, lack of employment, poor infrastructure, income inequality, overpopulation, and weather extremes leading to crop failure and famine.

Because of this, Ghana desperately needs volunteers more than ever.

IN Ghana, IFRE offers many volunteering opportunities for you to gain valuable life experience while changing lives of people in need. You can help in an orphanage, work in community development, teach English or computer skills, or support HIV/AIDS awareness and other health care programs.

The inspiration and personal growth you'll experience in Ghana will pale in comparison to the positive impact you'll make when you use your skills and ideas to create lasting change in the lives of the people you touch.

If you are willing to make life-long connections and broaden your global perspective,contact IFRE today to learn more about volunteering in Ghana!

Take a minute to complete the form and we will be in touch.

Available Volunteer Projects in Ghana

No matter your interests, skills, or background, IFRE is sure to have a project where you can make a difference and have an amazing experience volunteering abroad. Take a look at our available projects and find one that calls out to you!

In Ghana, a country consumed by poverty and viral diseases,there are thousands of orphaned and homeless children who have to fend for themselves in order to survive.With very little help from the government, these children are deprived of a proper education and have nobody to look after them. Most of the local orphanages are lacking resources and manpower and desperately need the help of international volunteers like yourself.

IFRE’s orphanage volunteer program in Ghanais a fantastic opportunity to change the lives of many orphans. In this project, you will make a difference in the lives of children by teaching them English, organizing creative activities and sharing your love and happiness.

Interested to share your love with orphans? Visit the detailed project page to find thecomplete information.

In Ghana, the ability to communicate well in English can open many career opportunities. Unfortunately, this is out of reach for the children of low-income families as they cannot afford private English classes, and public schools are woefully underequipped and undermanned.

When you join our Ghana volunteer English teaching program you will be teaching English in a local government school. By teaching in a public school in Ghana, you are giving a lifechanging opportunity to learn English directly from a native English speaker to local children. This will not only help the children but also helps you gain hands on teaching experience as well as a fantastic volunteer abroad experience.

Willing to help local students in Ghana? Visit the detailed project page to find the complete information.

This Ghana medical volunteer projectisideal for medical students or someone pursuing a career in the field of healthcare and interested in learning about medical systems and practices in Africa. In this program, you will be working in local hospitals or clinics alongside local healthcare staff. Volunteers will mostly shadow the local doctors, assistingthemas well as be involved in variety of hospital activities.

Depending on your medical experience and education, you may get to be involved in primary treatment of local patients, take part in public outreach programs, and other healthcare related activities. You will need to present either a valid medical student id, or medical certification from an accredited institution in order to participate in the program.

If you’re looking for a meaningful medical volunteer experience, visit the detailed project page to find the complete information.

The HIV/AIDS epidemic is a serious health threat in Ghana. Every year, hundreds of adults and children are infected and die from this deadly virus.

In Ghana, IFRE partners withlocal hospitals andNGOs who are running a wide varietyof programsaimed at spreading awareness of HIV/AIDS, increasingadolescent reproductive health education, and offer medical treatment and counselling to HIV/AIDS infected people.

When you join thisHIV/AIDS volunteering project in Ghana, you willbe involved in many HIV/AIDS related activities that range from creating public awareness, tocounseling and educating the locals,andproviding support and care to HIV/AIDS infected patients, including children and the elderly.

This project is open to any volunteers who are willing to share their love, time, and compassion with HIV/AIDS patients and are committed to support efforts to stop the spread of this disease.

Want to share your passion for HIV/AIDS patients? Visit the detailed project page to find the complete information.

Ghana is a spectacular country with gorgeous natural sceneries, national parks and wildlife. The country is best known for its historical slave trade, fascinating rich culture and amazing natural resources like gold, beaches, and rich deep forests.

When you join this mobile nurse volunteer program in Ghana, you will volunteer as a front-line health worker collaborating with other local mobile nurses. You will actively visit many local 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 local villages, language and other required information.

Want to share your passion for Nursing? Visit the detailed project page to find the complete information.

Would you like to discover the richhistory and culture of Ghana while volunteering in the summer? Are you looking for an amazing volunteer and travel program? Then, you should consider joining IFRE’s summer volunteer and adventure program in Ghana.

This summer volunteer adventure is a unique 4-week volunteer travel program. In this program, you will have a chance to volunteer in local orphanages or schools, learn the local language, immerse yourself in the local culture and travel across the country and visit themajor tourist attractions of Ghana including thebeautiful city of Accra.

Visit the detailed project page to learn more about our exciting summer volunteer program in Ghana.


Volunteering in Ghana: Program Dates

IFRE programs begin every Monday year-round. If you have travel constraints, you can still start your chosen program on any day of the year.

Our Fees:

Since 2006, IFRE has been the most trusted and respected volunteer abroad organization in the world, and also the most affordable. We’re dedicated to providing the highest quality volunteer programs at the lowest fees, which make it possible for everyone, especially students, to volunteer internationally and make a positive impact in the lives of others.

We believe in 100% transparency. Rest assured, we never use middlemen. Your one-time registration fee of $299 covers our administrative costs. The low weekly fee is paid in the host country directly to your host family and project (via country coordinator), and includes housing, food, and minor expenses. IFRE is a non-profit organization, so your program fees are tax deductible.

Volunteer Program Fee (US$)

Duration Orphanage/Teaching Healthcare/HIV Mobile Nursing
    1 Week $250 $250 -
    2 Weeks $380 $400 $400
    3 Weeks $510 $550 $550
    4 Weeks $640 $ 700 $700
    5 Weeks $770 $ 850 $850
    6 Weeks $900 $1000 $1000
    7 Weeks $1030 $1150 $ 1150
    8 Weeks $1160 $ 1300 $ 1300
    9 Weeks $1290 $ 1450 $ 1450
    10 Weeks $1420 $ 1600 $ 1600
    11 Weeks $1550 $ 1750 $1750
    12 Weeks $1680 $1900 $ 1900

Comprehensive Travel Insurance $3.49/day »

Airport pick up & transfer $50

Medical volunteer will pay 25 dollars/week suppliment

Language and Culture Program fee $250

Summer volunteer and adventure (4 weeks include travel) $1869

How your fee is allocated?

Program Fees Cover:

  • Accommodation (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 foods
  • 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.

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Accommodation-Room/Food/Supervision

You want to volunteer and make a difference in Africa, but the idea of planning a trip there might have you concerned about safety. Where should you stay, what should you eat, and will you feel lost or overwhelmed?

Teaming up with IFRE puts all these concerns to rest, as we have years of experience planning volunteer trips in Africa and we will take care of every detail for you. We will arrange safe, secure, and comfortable housing, provide you with three healthy meals a day of local cuisine, and offer you guidance and support from our in-country staff throughout your entire trip.

In Ghana, we offer accommodation with host families, providinga “home away from home” for you. Staying with the host families you will share a room with other volunteers of the same gender, andeach house has multiple rooms with comfortable beds, electricity, electric fans, western style toilets and comfortable living arrangements.Our host families have significant experience working with and hosting international volunteers and thus understand your needs and always do everything they can to make your stay comfortable.

This is a perfect opportunity for you to live safely and comfortably with host familiesallowing you to be immersed in the local culture and explore Ghana. Most of our volunteer projects in Ghanaare located within 1-20 KM of our host families, so you may walk or ride a tro-tro, or takea local taxi to your project.

Your host family will offer you 3 meals a day (breakfast, lunch, dinner). The breakfast consists of eggs, toast, coffee, tea, pancakes etc.While lunch and dinner will be made up of local cuisine like Jollof rice, Banku and tilapia, Fufu and vegetable soup, fries, salad etc.

Find out more about volunteer accommodation and meals.


Free Time

You are probably wondering if you will have enough free time during your trip to travel and explore the unique and beautiful country of Ghana. Luckily, you will only be working at your project for an average of 4 to 6 hours per day, and only Monday to Friday. This will leave plenty of free time to take advantage of this exciting destination!

Ghana volunteers are in luck as their host country is unique and has a lot to offer. You can get your wildlife fix at Mole National Park,where you’ll glimpse the iconic animals which have made Africa famous. You’ll see 90 species of mammals that make their home there, including elephants, hippos, cheetahs, baboons, and antelope. Kakum National Park boasts a suspension bridge canopy walk, and Wli Waterfall offers great hiking with spectacular views. For water lovers, you will find a number of unspoiled beaches and world-class surfing.

Ghana is steeped in history, its impressive buildings a testament to a sad and tragic heritage tied to the brutal slave trade andarchitecture buffs will have their fill of a variety of structures. Be sure to visit Cape Coast Castle, an impressive white-washed seaside fort where you can learn about the poor slaves who were held there and then carried away from their homes on great ships.

Volunteers in Ghana will also have the chance to explore a vibrant colorful culture. Bustling markets like Kajetia with its 11,000 stalls, are a great place to meet locals and pick up a variety of goods such as the renowned and beautiful wax print Khente cloth fabrics. Ghana also offers delicious cuisine, and a wealth of restaurants, bars and grills to taste the local fare and experience a little nightlife while you are out and about.

Read more about the unique activities you can do in Ghana.


Safety and In-country Support

Your safety is IFRE’s number one priority at all times, and you can have peace of mind knowing we will do everything possible to ensure you have a safe and secure experience volunteering in Ghana. We offer pre-trip support, reliable and comprehensive travel insurance, airport pick-up, and availability to 24/7 guidance and support by an experienced in-country staff that is right there on the ground to help you every step of the way.

In-Country Support

As soon as you arrive in Ghana, you will have the support of an experienced team of in-country field staff. The team is comprised of mature, educated, socially respected individuals who are dedicated humanitarians highly experienced in working with international volunteers.

Your main point of contact will be the in-country coordinator. They will select your Ghana volunteering project placement, make all the arrangements for your airport transfer, accommodations, and food, give you an orientation which covers culture, safety, and your service work, introduce you to your host family and project staff, and make periodic visits and calls to check up on your progress. You can reach out to the coordinator at any time with any questions, issues, or to ask for advice and they will be happy to assist you.

If you’d like to learn more about the safety features and field support offered by IFRE, click here.


Volunteering in Ghana: FAQs

Traveling to Africa to help others is an amazing way to make the world a better place, but your volunteer abroad search has probably left you with a million questions you are wondering about. IFRE is here to guide you every step of the way, and we’ve put together this easy to understand list with frequently asked questions along with all the answers you are looking for.

Which airport do I need to fly to for my Ghana volunteer trip?

You need to fly to Kotoka International Airport, Accra.

Do you organize airport pick-up services?

Yes, IFRE organizes airport pick-ups for its volunteers, and this is included in your program fee. You will be given all the contact details of our local representative that will pick you up from the airport and take you to your accommodations.

What happens if I miss my flight or arrive late?

You needn’t worry if this happens. The first thing you should do is to contact the in-country coordinator and let them know that you have missed your flight and will arrive with the next plane. You then need to provide him/her with your new flight details so that he/she can rearrange a new airport pick up for you.

If my Ghana volunteer project begins on Monday, when should I arrive?

You should arrive on Sunday and take a rest for a day before the start of your volunteer placement. If you decide to arrive before the start of your project, you should inform your in-country coordinator in advance so that he/she can organize your accommodations and activities. You will have to pay an additional $30 per night.

Who will bring me to the airport for my departure?

IFRE does not offers airport transfer services to volunteers in Ghana upon departure. Please talk with local coordinator about taxi and other services.

What do I need prior to departure from my home country?

Prior to your departure, you will need to obtain travel insurance. You will need to visit your doctor and get updated on necessary vaccines. You will need to research the visa requirements for your home country and apply for your visa. You will need to purchase your flight tickets and provide your itinerary to our in-country coordinator. All of these preparations can take at least a few weeks, so make sure you begin well in advance of your trip.

Where are the projects located?

IFRE’s Ghana volunteer projects are located in Kasoa

Is there any minimum and maximum length of stay?

Our programs last for a duration of one to twelve weeks.

Can I extend my stay if I choose to do so?

Yes, you can choose to extend your stay if you wish to do so. Contact your in-country coordinator to discuss this possibility. You can extend your visa in Ghana up to 3 times. In order to extend your visa, you should go to the Immigration Department of Ghana.

Will I have enough time to travel after work and on weekends?

Yes, you will have plenty of free time to travel and explore the touristic sights and destinations after work and on weekends.

Who will guide or support me in theGhana volunteer abroad project?

IFRE always makes sure that you are properly guided and looked after by the in-country coordinator. If you require any assistance, just make sure to let your coordinator know and he/she will try their best to help you in any way possible.

Can I change my project if I do not like the one I have chosen?

Yes, you are allowed to change your project if you feel unsatisfiedwith the one you signed up for initially. You simply need to get in contact with our in-country coordinator and let them know about your issues, and they will assist you in finding another volunteer program to join based on availability.

How old should I be to take part in IFRE’sprojects?

You must be at least 18 years of age in order to be eligible. In some cases, we can accept minors younger than 18 with a letter of consent from their parents or guardians. Minors can also volunteer alongside their parents.

Who manages the volunteer projects?

Our projects are managed by an experienced in-country coordinator who has an expert knowledge of handling volunteer projects. The in-country coordinator is there to provide you with timely support on a daily basis. He/she will come to visit you frequently during your stay in Ghana to check if you are doing well. You can ask for advice and suggestionsand depend on the in-country coordinator to ensure the success of your volunteer experience abroad.

Will I receive any training before the start of the project?

Yes, you will receive a training class before the start of your volunteer work. After your arrival, our in-country coordinator will give you an orientation class during which you will learn about safety measures, your daily schedule, and the customs and culture of Ghana and much more.

Is there a dress code in the project?

No, there is no official dress code. However, you must wear decent and modest clothes. If you are participating in our medical volunteer project, you will have to wear a white apron.

Why are IFRE’s fees so much more affordable than the fees of other volunteer organizations?

IFRE is a non-profit volunteer organization whose only aim is to provide affordable and meaningful volunteer opportunities abroad . IFRE only focuses on the humanitarian aspect of volunteering, not on profit. Our staff consists of international humanitarians who simply want to help others in need. Therefore, the fees of our volunteer programs are just enough to sustain and run the projects, and this is why they are 50-75% lower than many other organizations.

Can I get a tax deduction for my Ghana volunteer abroad trip?

Yes, you can get a tax deduction for any of our volunteer programs, as we are an American non-profit 501©3 volunteer organization that collaborates with many local orphanages, schools, hospitals and NGOs all across the globe.

Can I get help to raise funds?

Yes, IFRE can provide help to raise fundsif you need it for your philanthropist work that can help communities and people abroad. You can get in touch with our office staff members and ask them for help regarding this issue.

For further readings:
Cost /money matter
Why to pay for volunteer abroad
How to reduce the cost of volunteer abroad
Pay fee directly to host family

Is it safe to travel and volunteer in Ghana?

Yes, it is safe to travel to Ghana, but it is always a good idea to takeprecautions. Your safety is a top priority for IFRE andour staff members are available to support you throughout your stay.

What will happen if I get sick?

If you get sick while you are in Ghana, you should inform our field staff immediately before anything serious happens. Once you inform the staff, you will be taken to the nearby hospital or medical clinic. Be sure to bring a copy of your insurance policy. We will do our best to take care of you while you are sick and help you recover as soon as possible.

Why must I get travel insurance before beginning my volunteer trip abroad?

It is obligatory for all of our volunteers to purchase travel insurance before beginning their trips. This keepsyousafe from all illness, injuries, or emergencies that may occur while volunteering abroad. IFRE can help provide an affordable, reliable, and comprehensive insurance policy for you.

What vaccinationsdo I need to have before starting my Ghana volunteering 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 bythe CDC and WHO for people traveling to Ghana. It is vital to consult your doctor about any required vaccines before leaving for your trip.

For further readings:
Vaccination
Volunteer Health and Safety
Safety Tips for Your Volunteer Abroad Trip

Do I need a visa?

Yes, you need a visa to travel and volunteer in Ghana. Keep in mind the single-entry Ghana tourist visas are only valid for 3 months. If you wish to stay longer than that, you must apply for a visa extension.

How do I apply for a visa?

Depending on your nationality, the requirements for applying for a visa will vary, you may get on arrival, or you may need to apply for a Ghana tourist visa by visiting a Ghana Embassy in your home country or by submitting an application for a Ghana tourist visa online here:

There we recommend you do some research online and make sure you are aware of the regulations that apply to your home country.

Can I extend my visa while I am in the country? Can you help me with this?

Yes, you can extend your visa for three months while you are in Ghana. If you want to extend your visa and stay a little longer for your Ghana volunteering program, you have to visit the Immigration Office of Ghana in Accra and apply for a visa extension. If you need advice regarding this matter, reach out to our in-country coordinator.

How do I contact IFRE’s local coordinator?

You can contact IFRE’s local coordinator via your mobile phone, or online via email. We will provide you with all contact details of our local coordinators before the start of your trip.If there is an emergency, or you feel like you need help, you can get in touch with them immediately.

How can I communicate with my family from Ghana?

There won’t be any problem with communicating with your family from Ghana. You will have access to telephone and Internet services while volunteering abroad in Ghana. Ghana’s mobile phone market is one of the most advanced in Africa, so you will have several ways to communicate with your parents and friends via phone and online.

Can I use my phone?

Yes, you can use your personal mobile phone while in Ghana. All you need to do is to buy a local SIM card. However, you will have to contact your current provider before travel to ensure your phone will work while abroad.

How can I get/purchase Internet services?

In order to purchase Internet services, youmust first buy a local SIM card from the nearby shops. You should then insert it in your mobile phone and activate it. Then you should dial *138# and select the Internet data package that suits your needs. You can enjoy high-speed internet services on-the-go after buying a local SIM card.

Are Internet facilities available everywhere?

Thanks to the support of the local government, there are many Internet cafes available in Ghana nowadays, providing you with easy access.

What do I need to bring?

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 earplugs. IFRE provides bedding, but if you feel a sleeping bag is needed for your trip you are welcome to bring it.

We hope we have answered all of your questions and you are feeling more prepared to volunteer abroad. Contact IFRE today to learn more about volunteering in Ghana!


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