Ghana - FAQ

Can you tell me more about Ghana?
Ghana is a vibrant and alluring country, steeped in rich tradition and a frequently tragic history. Free from the trappings of mass tourism, this former British colony has much to offer the visitor. Tropical beaches abound but there's so much more: feed the sacred crocodiles at Paga, plunge into the waterfalls of the eastern highlands, marvel at the game-rich savannah of Mole National Park, or relive the chilling story of the coastal slave forts. For more information we suggest that you purchase the Bradt Travel Guide to Ghana. If you wish you can purchase a copy from our bookshop.

What is the climate like in Ghana?
Since Ghana is only a few degrees north of the equator, the only seasonal changes are distinct wet and dry seasons. The best time to visit is during September-October when the weather is relatively cooler and it rains only occasionally. During December-February it is the dry season, when day temperatures are in the 80s-90s F/27-36 C and nights in the 70s F/18-26 C. Another dry season occurs in July and August. A dry northeast wind known as the Harmattan blows for about 10 days in January. The eastern coastal belt is warm and comparatively dry; the southwest corner has the highest humidity and rainfall, while the north is frequently hot and dry. Don't forget to take along an umbrella during the rainy season.

Is there any time of the year I can't volunteer?
No. The program runs year-round.

Are there holidays or festivals I should be aware of when traveling?
Ghana has several holidays and festivals throughout the year. Some of these will interrupt project schedules and some will not. One thing about Africa is that schedules are never written in stone. Volunteers should use the break from the regular work schedule to soak up the culture and get to know the people you are living among.

What kind of volunteer work is available?
Volunteers will help our partner strengthen the organizational skills of local groups who are making efforts to reduce poverty in their region. You could be placed with a group who is working to educate orphans, provide vocational training, protect the local environment through eco-tourism initiatives, or start a youth center.

When will I know specific details on my placement?
Your placement details and schedule will be worked out between you and our partner. Some of the planning of this will happen before you arrive and some will happen once you have arrived in the community you are going to work within.

What hours am I expected to take part in the program?
Volunteers typically work between 8am and 4pm, Monday through Friday, however, schedules can be flexible, depending on your specific volunteer activities.

Do I need to speak English to become a volunteer?
Yes it would be helpful if you speak English. You may have English as your second language and that is also fine. While there are many local languages spoken in Ghana, the majority of people speak English.

What age do you have to be to volunteer?
You must be between 18 and 60 years old to volunteer in this program.

Where will I be located?
The program is located in Ho and its surrounding villages, in the Volta Region, about 3 hours outside of Accra, the capital city.

What immunizations/vaccines will I need?

• Diphtheria and tetanus
• Polio
• Hepatitis A & B
• Typhoid
• Yellow fever - a certificate proving you have had this should be shown at the airport on arrival.
• Rabies
• Tuberculosis
• Malaria (needs to be closely discussed with doctor)

Malaria is prevalent in Ghana so we strongly recommend medication for this. A Yellow fever vaccination is legally required to enter Ghana and you will need to provide a certificate to prove you have had it to obtain a Visa.

When do I need to arrive in Ghana?
Wednesdays and Sundays are the preferred arrival days as you will be able to participate in the orientation with our partner organisation's staff the following day. However if need be you may arrive in Ghana any day of the month.

Tell me more about flying into Ghana.
All volunteers fly into Kotoka International Airport in Accra (airport code ACC). You will be met by our partner or an airport guide arranged by our partner to transport you to the project or your evening accommodation, depending on how far your project site is from the airport and what time you arrived.

What are the living arrangements when volunteering?
Volunteers will be placed in a home-stay situation within the community they are working in, or in a neighboring community. All of our Caretakers and host families have been trained to provide a warm, safe, and clean environment for volunteers. Your host family will truly adopt you as one of their own, and you are encouraged to feel at ease with them. All living quarters have a nice bed, mosquito netting, private bath and facilities, and a lock on the door. You will have drinking (unfiltered) and bathing water, a kerosene lamp, soap, and toilet paper available. You may want to purchase bottled water in Ho. You should plan on bringing a flashlight as well. You will be fed three meals a day, and if there are any problems with the meals (too spicy, for example) please discuss it with your Counterpart so that the menu can be changed.

How do I get to the project?
After a brief orientation in Ho, volunteers are typically driven to their placements by a member of staff later that day or the next day, depending on the distance to be travelled.

Can I bring my family/children to this program with me?
Volunteers are welcome to bring their family members with them on the program. Each application will be considered on a case by case basis and there will be a minimum additional cost per family member. Partners will also need to apply if they wish to take part in the program.

What is the criterion for volunteers to be accepted into the program?
Each applicant is considered by the information they provide on the application. If further information is required applicants will be emailed to request this. Please refer to the program requirements listed on the program page which outlines the minimum expectations of what is required for volunteering in this specific program. We also look further at your application as to skills and experience specifically related to the program you have applied to. We look at volunteer experiences, travel experience and also your particular interest in the program to make our decision.

Are we able to do any sightseeing while volunteering?
Absolutely, and it is even encouraged as the Volta Region is plush with numerous small-scale eco-tourism sites including water falls, mountains, and monkey sanctuaries. One such eco-tourism site includes Adaklu Mountain, where several of our volunteer sites are located. If volunteers would like a local guide to accompany them on their travels, this can be privately arranged through the project staff. You may also want to spend some time in Ghana after volunteering to see more of the country. You can survive on as little as $25 (U.S) a day in Ghana. You can also spend much more if you want a bit of luxury.

Are there more expenses once I arrive?
The in-country fee covers food and home-stay accommodation during your placement. If you arrive early or intend on staying on in Ghana for longer than you are volunteering then you will need to have spare money for this time. Since most flights from the U.S. and Europe arrive in Accra late in the day it is often necessary for volunteers to spend their first night in Accra. Volunteers are asked to cover the cost of their accommodation and meals for the first night, this will be approximately US$25 in total. Other costs include buying bottled water and any shopping you want to do personally. Also some money may be required for your days off depending on what you intend doing.

How safe is it to volunteer in Ghana?
Ghana is one of the safest countries in Africa. It has a democratic electoral process and a stable economy. We work very hard to ensure you are placed in safe environments while volunteering. The people are very warm and friendly towards foreigners, so you will be well looked after.

How many volunteers are there on site at the same time?
This always depends on how many are volunteering at the same time and the area they are placed in. We never place more than two volunteers in a community, however up to four volunteers may work on different aspects of the same project. Volunteers who have preferences to be near other volunteers or in more secluded sites should let us know during initial e-mail communications.

What resources are available when I'm volunteering? Do I need to bring my own?
Our partner in Ghana provides historical documents on the partner group you will be working with including their past proposals, funded projects, and general information on their current situation such as weaknesses and strengths. There is also access to computers, and a small but very useful library on how to develop projects, write grants, and create budgets and accounting systems.

As volunteers are working with rural community groups in developing their organizational capacities, they are encouraged to bring laptops to the field (if possible) that can be recharged in the regional office.

What clothing is appropriate for the program?
Regarding the cultural aspect of clothing while in Ghana: Ghanaians dress very well and frown upon unkempt dress from others. Volunteers are encouraged to wear comfortable but tidy attire: for women this means long pants and skirts/dresses, and men can wear long pants or even smart shorts. Loose cotton clothing is recommended for purposes of protection against sun and mosquitoes.

Can you tell me more about your partner in Ghana?
Our partner's focus is to help build sustainable village-based organizations in Ghana so that groups are better equipped to reduce poverty. The initiative was started in partnership between former Peace Corps Volunteers and the host communities.

What is the course content of the training?
If it so happens that a number of volunteers are working on similar activities with their partners, it has been done in the past that the project staff call these groups together to provide training and put together ideas for action.

Our partner provides volunteers with key documents that are the foundation of our curriculum with partner community groups, particularly with regards to setting a strategic vision, designing a project, assembling a proposal, and evaluating completed projects.

Who organizes my visa for my volunteer placement?
You will organize your Visa through your travel agent before you leave for Ghana. We also provide a 26 page program guide which includes links to Ghanaian Embassies through out the world.

Do I need travel insurance?
As with any overseas traveling, insurance is recommended. The Global Volunteer Network has arranged a comprehensive travel insurance package specially designed for volunteering. It includes excellent medical and accident cover as well as a 'loss of deposits' cover which covers all fees paid to GVN, Airlines etc (up to US$8,000). The cost is US$150.00 for the first month and then US$100.00 per month after that. If you would like to learn more just follow this link: http://www.volunteer.org.nz/insurance/.

Is there the opportunity to take classes such as language or more cultural activities while on the program?
There are many cultural festivals you will come across, or other activities such as informal drumming or dancing, and feel free to arrange private language classes with someone you meet. Volunteers are free to do as they please on the weekends and after their volunteer activities are done for the day. We encourage volunteers to experience as much of the country as possible since there is a lot to see and do, but we also expect volunteers to take precautions when traveling alone, heed the advice of the locals for where it is safe to travel, be mindful of personal health, and respect the rules and culture of the country in general.

How do I pay my fees?
Your application fee secures your place on the program (remember this is fully refundable if you decide not to take part in the program). Your program fee is payable to Global Volunteer Network 8 weeks prior to the 1st of the month you wish to volunteer. Please note that all charges incurred by the payment of the program fee are at the volunteer's expense, e.g. if a bank transfer incurs a bank fee at the point of origin, that is at the expense of the volunteer. Eighty percent (80%) of your program fee is refundable until one calendar month before the 1st of the month you are due to begin your program.

Can vegetarians be catered for in this program?
Vegetarians are fine if they are willing to settle for a limited selection of food. A typical breakfast consists of some combination of tea, coffee, cocoa, oats/porridge, bread with jam/butter, egg omelet. A typical dinner includes fruit and either rice, yam or Kenkey with stew or soup (which can often include meat). At lunchtime you can get fruits and/or snacks. You'll need to supplement at your own expense if this is not acceptable to you.