Ghana

WHY we need you in Ghana

group of local boys in Ghana

Why Involvement Volunteers International?

smiling Ghanaian children

Volunteer in Ghana

Do something you’ll remember for the rest of your life! Give back and experience Ghana as a local with Involvement Volunteers International.  

Bring your own skills and knowledge and pass that on to the local people. You can choose between english teaching & sports coaching in local schools, or you can volunteer at the local medical clinic, take on a physiotherapy internship or try your hand at construction. We also have two unique projects, one is a journalism internship, the other is teaching art & design!

Ghana is a popular destination for international volunteers and you can expect a social experience. The guest houses are well equipped and located in the Accra region in areas where you can experience the culture living like a local in safe well equipped volunteer centers.  

Projects in Ghana are based in and around the capital city of Accra. The city is situated on Ghana’s coast in the South of the country with accommodation in the coastal and suburban towns on the Eastern outskirts of Accra. There are plenty of exciting and unique things to do on days off in this region. 

Volunteer Projects in Ghana

Participant interviewing students

JOURNALISM INTERNSHIP

This is an exciting opportunity to gain valuable journalism and media experience, through work experience at newspapers, TV centres, and radio stations in Ghana. Get to know the local industry, while helping to support underfunded and understaffed newspapers, TV networks and radio stations. Work with local journalists, and learn from their guidance, whilst gaining new skills and insights.

Location: Accra, Ghana
Start Dates: Weekly All Year Round (Sat/Sun Arrivals)
Min Duration: One Week
Min Age: 16 Years
Special Requirements: N/A

visiting a students home

CHILDCARE

Work and help our in overun local schools as a teaching assistent, creating fun lessons for the young children, as well as taking part in other activities like singing, dancing and other fun games. You may also get invovled in other projects such as painting and renovating school buildings.

Location: Accra, Ghana
Start Dates: Weekly All Year Round (Sat/Sun Arrivals)
Min Duration: One Week
Min Age: 16 Years
Special Requirements: N/A

Teaching in Ghana with IVI

ENGLISH TEACHING

Teach students and help improve their English speaking. Teach subjects like Math, English, History and Science, at schools in Accra. You'll be encouraged to take part in other activities in the school, such as art and design, drama, music, sports or the production of a school newspaper. Help over-run staff and give these children greater future opportunities and confidence in thier new skills.

Location: Accra, Ghana
Start Dates: Weekly All Year Round (Sat/Sun Arrivals)
Min Duration: One Week
Min Age: 16 Years
Special Requirements: N/A

children making their art work

ART & DESIGN TEACHING

Share your artistic skills with students and help them to create an exhibition of their work. Work alongside and mingle with local artists who can teach you about Africa art and provide valuable insights. Get creative, get inspired and increase the students’ knowledge of artistic skills. Encourage them, whilst increasing their confidence levels.

Location: Accra, Ghana
Start Dates: Weekly All Year Round (Sat/Sun Arrivals)
Min Duration: One Week
Min Age: 16 Years
Special Requirements: N/A

Sports coaching in Ghana with IVI volunteers

SPORTS COACHING

Take your love of sport and give back to local youths in Ghana! Teach them the basic rules, strategies and everything else to do with your chosen sport. The kids here love anything energetic and competitive and you can be of great inspiration to them, as well as providing valuable knowledge and advice. Assist with training sessions, organise matches with other clubs, and teach with a variety of skill levels.

Location: Accra, Ghana
Start Dates: Weekly All Year Round (Sat/Sun Arrivals)
Min Duration: One Week
Min Age: 16 Years
Special Requirements: N/A

wheeling bricks on construction site

CONSTRUCTION

Assist local skilled workers with vital construction, repairs and renovation projects. Get stuck in with your new team and interact with the local community. You could be building a home, community centre, school or anything else that’s needed at the time. Help make a lasting difference and be rewarded with your efforts at the end of your project.

Location: Accra, Ghana
Start Dates: Weekly All Year Round (Sat/Sun Arrivals)
Min Duration: One Week
Min Age: 16 Years
Special Requirements: N/A

physio ghana (4)

PHYSIOTHERAPY INTERNSHIP

Work at community clinics and sports organizations in Ghana and provide physiotherapy treatment to local patients and to injured local athletes. You will get the chance to work together with other qualified physiotherapists, as well as teaching physiotherapy to local students. Use your skills and knowledge to provide a much needed assistance in the community.

Location: Accra, Ghana
Start Dates: Weekly All Year Round (Sat/Sun Arrivals)
Min Duration: 3 Weeks
Min Age: 18 Years
Special Requirements: Degree in Physiotherapy (or at least 2nd year)

medical volunteers in Ghana

MEDICAL HOSPITAL INTERNSHIP

Provide much needed support and assistance to medical staff in local hospitals and clinics around Ghana. Gain valuable knowledge and assist medical staff as they deliver essential treatment to local patients. Earn valuable insight into medical care work in Ghana and help on placements run by community outreach programs.

Location: Accra, Ghana
Start Dates: Weekly All Year Round (Sat/Sun Arrivals)
Min Duration: 4 Weeks
Min Age: 18 Years
Special Requirements: Medical Student or Degree in Medical field

Participants holding the results of their lessons

CULTURAL
ORIENTATION

Step into the heart of West Africa and join us on an amazing 1 week orientation through the beautiful streets of Accra, Ghana. Our Culture Week program isn't just a trip; it's a special adventure designed for you to discover the wonderful traditions of this incredible country.

Location: Accra, Ghana
Start Dates: Weekly All Year Round (Sat/Sun Arrivals)
Min Duration: 1 Week
Min Age: 16 Years
Special Requirements: n/a

Ghana

What's Included
  • Accommodation
  • Meals
  • Airport Pickup
  • Local Transportation
  • 1 Day Orientation
  • 24/7 In-Country Support
  • Project Materials & Equipment
  • Pre-departure Expert Advice
  • Preperation Tools & Checklists
  • Certificate of Completion

Fees

All prices in USD
  • 1 Week - $420
  • 2 Weeks - $490
  • 3 Weeks - $675
  • 1 Month - $885
  • 2 Months - $1790
  • 3 Months - $2490
Vol House
All prices in USD
  • 1 Week - $575
  • 2 Weeks - $760
  • 3 Weeks - $1050
  • 1 Month - $1590
  • 2 Months - $3060
  • 3 Months - $4390
Vol House

30 Years Experience

IVI is an Australian charity & non profit organisation founded in 1989 and is one of the pioneers of overseas volunteering successfully placing over 20,000 volunteers globally.

Affordable Volunteer Travel

We’re not motivated by shareholder profits.   Our fees are fully transparent to ensure maximum benefit where it is most needed. 

Safe & Responsible Projects

All projects include a dedicated 24/7 in-country management team, operational & risk assessment & overseas support contact.   All projects are personally inspected to ensure very high quality.
 

Work Experience & University Credits

We place thousands of Uni students and can assist you with course credits and in-field experience points.   Many of our project coordinators are qualified practitioners in their respective fields allowing unique in-field supervision and Uni accreditation options

Ghana is a multicultural country, situated in West Africa, south of the Sahara Desert. Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean in the South and 3 other countries; Togo, Burkina Faso and the Ivory Coast. Ghana’s President runs as both the head of state and head of government. The economy here is now one of the strongest in Africa, utilizing a democratic political system, which has made Ghana a powerful country on the West side of Africa.

Ghana is known for its century old and lively culture, making it an exciting place to visit. Its diverse climate and ecosystem vary from coastal savannahs to tropical jungles. Once nicknamed as the gold coast, Ghana is the second largest producer of gold in Africa and today is also the second largest maker of coffee beans in the world.

Ghana is situated just a few degrees north of the Equator, making it a warm climate, but which is still relatively mild for its location There are two main seasons, however it’s generally hot and humid year-round. Rains usually last for a short time but can occasionally rain throughout the day. Temperatures on average are around 22-30°C.

Wet season

Rainy season in the North is from April to November. The South has two rainy seasons during the year. The heavy rains are from April until June, and a short rains are from September to October. Rainfall ranges from 80 to 215 cm a year. You can still anticipate hot days throughout the county.

Dry season

Hot winds from the Sahara Desert blow into the North of Ghana throughout December and on until mid-February, this is called Harmattan. This is more visible and prominent in the North, however, it can be a great time for wildlife viewing, as the animals will gather at the watering holes. The North will be more humid than the coastal South. The Harmattan winds can occasionally be pleasant, as they dim the sun and decrease humidity levels. However, during some years they can create fog like swirl of dust around the country.

Ghana has more than 100 ethnic groups living in the county. The largest are the Akan (45%), then Moshi-Dagbani (17%) and Ewe (14%). The Ashanti tribe of Akan are the largest tribe and one of the few groups in West Africa where ancestry is traced through the mother and maternal ancestors. The Ashanti tribe are known for their handicrafts, ceramics, weaving and wood carvings.

In Ghana, the family bond is very strong, with respect for elders being most important. The entire family will share in the joys, success, loss and honour of the family unit, making a collective culture. The oldest member of the family is the most respected and will be treated with honour, as well as those who have a position in the community, wealth or other status.

Ghana’s largest and capital city is Accra and has a population of over two million. Accra is situated on Ghana’s coast in the South of the country. Your accommodation is located in Teshie, a coastal and suburban town on the Eastern outskirts of Accra. It’s a fast-developing town and growing every day. There is a train station close in the town for convenience.  

Your accommodation in Ghana is situated at our volunteer centre in Accra. The accommodation is located within a gated community. Rooms are generally dorm rooms, with separate bedrooms for male and female. Volunteer projects are situated around 20 to 40 minutes away and you will be responsible for your own transportation costs to and from the project. Staff will be on site at the accommodation 7 days a week to assist with anything you need.

Your accommodation is close by any amenities you need, the closest shops are within a 15-20-minute walk. ATM machine is 15 minutes away by taxi. Restaurants and bars are a 20-minute taxi ride away.

* Drinking water at accommodation
** There is WiFi access at nearyby internet cafes within a 20-minute walk. A personal SIM card is recommended to use with your personal device if desired.
*** Expect to wash your clothes by hand or pay a small fee to locals for this service.
**** Air conditioning may be available at night for an additional charge

The main Ghanaian cuisine is made from thick stews or sauces with meat. Many meals will include home grown ingredients or local crops, even soups will include some of the local groundnut or palm nut. Tomato is prominent in many stews and soups, as it’s a popular ingredient throughout the county.   If you have any dietary requirements, please let us know in advance so we can prepare for you.

On the Monday of your first week, you will join our orientation day. This is a great opportunity to become familiarised with your surroundings, as well as facts about the local culture. Your project will continue as usual from Tuesday and throughout the week.

Schedule

  • Introduction meeting, House rules, Setting Expectations, Health and Safety Advice and handling of documents.
  • Ghanaian Do’s and Don’ts, Ghanaian Culture Lessons and Language Lessons.
  • Tour around the local area
  • Drive into Accra to visit the museum and craft market, Independence Square and Oxford street.
  • Visit local shops and amenities.
  • Lunch
  • Meet some of our academy athletes at our training centre, be introduced to a local school and help with the after school programme or visit some of the children we support in the local community.

An arrival airport pickup is included in the cost of your placement. Accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees. Arrivals are on Saturdays and Sundays (please check the individual project for the pickup window times, as they can differ). 

If arriving outside the pickup times we can arrange a private transfer and extra night’s accommodation, depending on availability, or you can make your own way to the project.

There are several ways to travel in Ghana, but beware not all drivers are licensed, in which case you’ll need to use your judgment before travelling. Find a driver who has insurance and registration stickers displayed on the windscreen and check the quality of the vehicle’s tyres- the majority of road accidents in Ghana are caused by tires in bad condition.

Buses are recommended for long distance journeys. They provide better safety, cost, speed and comfort, although you will have to pay a bit extra for luggage. Keep in mind that tickets for buses can be sold out, sometimes days in advance, so book your ticket ahead of time if possible. All taxis in Ghana have orange corners that can be easily recognised. The taxi’s may not have meters, or they may not use them, so be sure to haggle for the price before you get in. Generally, whatever the driver says the price is, ask for half that, and then negotiate from there.

Cape Coast

Cape Coast in Ghana has a colonial history, being the site at which many slaves were shipped over to the America’s. Michelle Obama is believed to have roots traced back here and herself and Barak Obama unveiled a plaque in their visit in 2009. Cape Cost is a fishing town, with a fort to look around and with an artsy vibe in the town centre. Many travellers use this location as a base to travel on to Kakum National Park.

Kakum National Park

Kakum National Park is a coastal rainforest covering an area of 357 kilometres. There are 40 species of monkey, 200 bird species and over 500 species of butterflies. The park is one of the most visited attractions in Ghana, with spectacular scenery and canopy walk for visitors.

Lake Volta

Lake Volta is a picturesque man-made lake, just North from Accra. The building of the Akosombo Dam resulted in lake Volta being formed. You can take a boat tour across the lake or even try kayaking over it.

Elmina Castle

Elmina Castle is situated in the Cape Coast region of Ghana and it has a dark past. During the height of the slave trade around 30,00 slaves were held here, before being shipped off and out of Ghana. Slaves were kept captive and tortured at Elmina Castle, which was built by the Portuguese. You can visit here with a guided tour, that will give you a better understanding of Ghana’s past history.

Manhyia Palace

Built by the British in 1925, Manhyia Palace was made to welcome back the ruler of the Asante state, after many years of banishment from the country. Rooms are still set up as they would have looked at the time, and you can book guided tours and watch a video presentation, explaining the palaces history. The small museum holds displays showing old royal objects, clothing, furniture and photographs.

Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park

This is the site of the grave of Ghana’s first President Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. Situated in the downtown area of Accra, this impressive sculpture is made entirely from Italian marble. Inside, you can see items and photos from the president and information about his life story. The monument is surrounded by water and looks particularly picturesque at sunset.  

National Museum of Ghana

The National Museum has been open since 1957 and has three main display areas; art, archaeology and ethnography. The museum is located in Accra and has some interesting exhibits displaying Ghanaian culture and history.

Accra Mall

This is where you can go for all your shopping and clothing needs. Accra mall is a large shopping centre that has clothes shops, a supermarket, restaurants and a cinema.

Bojo Beach

A great day trip from the city is Bojo beach, a large scenic beach, just 5 kilometres from Accra. Getting to the beach requires hopping on to a small boat over a small patch of water. Once here, you can relax and dine at one of the beach cafes. You can also try water sports such as jet skiing!

Aburi Botanical Gardens

Set amongst 160 acres, the beautiful Aburi Botanical Gardens are defiantly worth a visit, particularly for nature lovers. Situated around a 45 minute drive out of Accra, the gardens have a cooler climate and provide a peaceful escape from the city.

Would you like to raise money in order to afford your trip abroad to volunteer? Or perhaps you would like to set up a funraiser to gain enough money to give as a donation to the local project? Crowd funding is a great way to do this. Read this article on Crowdfunding tips to find out how you can raise funds for your trip.

Weekends & Extra Tours

Ready to Volunteer in Ghana?