• header-01
  • header-02
  • header-03
  • header-04
  • header-05
  • header-06
  • header-07
  • header-08
  • header-09
  • header-10
  • header-11
  • header-12

Ghana

The people and geography of Ghana in many ways reflect the vast diversity of the African continent. The south consists of lush tropical jungle and coastal plains which give way to open savannah in the northern region. Near the Burkina Faso border, the climate resemples the hot, arid deserts of North Africa. The Ashanti, one of the great Sub-Saharan civilizations, make their home in central Ghana by the shores of Lake Volta--one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world. The Northern Region is home to the big game more often associated with countries like Kenya and Tanzania. Elephants, baboons, buffalo, antelope, warthogs, and the occasional big cat live in the savannah and thrive in Mole National Park. Altogether, five major ethnic groups speak 50 different languages. As Ghana was the first African colony to gain independence from Great Britain in 1957, the people have really strived to develop a national culture which is uniquely African.

Ghana represents a great "first step" into Africa. It is easily accessible to new travelers to the continent and the Ghanaian people are well known among as being some of the most hospitable people in the world. Ghanaians tend to take life at a relaxed pace, viewing time as a series of events rather than a matter of calendars, hours, or minutes. Visitors quickly fall in love with the goegraphic and cultural beauty, and many make a point to return many times during their life.

ELI partners with local organizations in rural and urban areas throughout Ghana to create unique volunteer and internship programs designed to give participants a cultural understanding of this incredible country.

Volunteering in Ghana through International Volunteers exposes you to rural Africa more than any of our other destinations. Rural orphanages, women's programs, teaching, health, wildlife conservation and construction programs are available in North and Central Ghana. Amazing experiences await you in Africa's most peaceful and friendly nation!

Volunteer and Internships Programs

  • Youth

    Children's Homes

    One of the major concerns in Ghana, as in many developing countries, is population growth. Both the government and NGOs have worked to establish orphanages to help give a home to children that have been abandoned or abused. ELI works with several different orphanages throughout Ghana, helping the often overworked staff to keep the facilities running. Orphanages rely on the assistance our volunteers can provide to insure that they can accept as many children as possible. Each orphanage houses anywhere between 20 and 100 abandoned children. All these children have come from poor families and many have suffered from malnutrition or neglect. The children thrive on the attention and love our volunteers can share with them. Volunteers don't necessarily need care giving experience; just energy, enthusiasm, an open mind and an open heart. Orphanages often operate with very limited resources; this requires a high level of creativity and flexibility on the part of the volunteer. Questions? Click here

    See descriptions of projects in children's homes in Ghana here

    Apply Now

    After you fill out the Application Form on our website, our Application Advisor will be in touch to help you with the next steps.

  • Women's Programs

    Women

    ELI works with several organizations throughout Ghana that work to empower women in the community. These organizations range from centers that assist women who have been victims of sexual or physical abuse to cooperatives that help women start and run their own businesses. Depending on their experience and education level, volunteers can assist with day-to-day activities and chores, or help with planning and implementing programs. Questions? Click here

    Apply Now

    After you fill out the Application Form on our website, our Application Advisor will be in touch to help you with the next steps.

  • Teaching

    Teaching

    Schools in Ghana are extremely underfunded. Students often lack the most basic of school supplies, and teachers tend to be underpaid and overworked. ELI works with local schools throughout Ghana to help provide additional teachers to work in these schools. Volunteers may teach a variety of subjects, but are primarily useful for their English speaking skills. Students benefit greatly from volunteers who can bring a variety of perspectives to the classroom. This placement does not require teaching experience, though it may be helpful. Successful volunteers are highly motivated and very flexible. Questions? Click here

    See descriptions of teaching projects in Ghana here

    Apply Now

    After you fill out the Application Form on our website, our Application Advisor will be in touch to help you with the next steps.

  • Health

    Health

    Throughout Ghana, as in much of Africa, there is a severe lack of funding for medical equipment and personnel. ELI works with clinics and hospitals throughout the country which provide care primarily toward high-need communities. Volunteers shadow and assist doctors providing general medical care in mostly rural environments.

    Swedru Government Hospital

    As a government Hospital this is a large institution that handles a wide variety of acute and public health issues for the public and National Health Insurance Scheme. It was originally a municipal clinic that has grown to provide the needed services of a hospital more out of the desperate need then the actual expansion of services or capacity. This government hospital serves all of the communities in the Agona municipality and can be quite busy. It is a great place for interns and volunteers to see a wide variety of medical issues acute and chronic and become well versed in the treatments for malaria.

    Tamale West Hospital

    The hospital serves the people of tamale and its environs with a population of not less than 399,359. It is a 24 hours service provision facility. The hospital serves as a referral center for tamale metro sub-district health centers. The hospital has seven (7) functional wards: Men’s ward, Women’s ward, Maternity ward, Labor ward, Children's ward, Surgical ward, Emergency ward. Questions? Click here

    Apply Now

    After you fill out the Application Form on our website, our Application Advisor will be in touch to help you with the next steps.

  • Conservation

    Conservation

    The entire continent of Africa has a wealth of biological diversity and Ghana is no exception. Our brand new programs allow volunteers and interns the opportunity to get involved in aiding the preservation of this biodiversity in a variety of different ways throughout the country. 

    Juaso Project

    The Juaso Project is a conservation project in the forest designed to develop community based eco-tourism in the region, with a view toward helping the community to conserve the forest and reduce destruction by illegal mining, timber operations and the cutting down the trees for firewood.

    The forest is located at Akim Juaso in the Eastern Region. It is an upland evergreen forest with hills and valleys drained by two streams Subri and Kyeboa. In terms of Biodiversity, the land is rich in fauna such as birds, primates, and butterflies as well as unique floral species like trees ferns, liens, economic timber tress and medicinal plants. Questions? Click here

    Afadjato Agumatasa Project

    The Afadjato Agumatasa Project was initiated by the local community in 1998 and is funded by the Dutch Government.  This project is run in conjunction with the Ghana Wildlife Society with the goal of conserving the natural resources at Mount Afadjato for the social and economic benefit of the local communities. This can be achieved by creating alternative methods of generating income and managing the sustainable use of the conservation area. One key way to create new income is to encourage eco-tourism to the area.

    The area is designated as a community nature reserve. It is prohibited to hunt, to log or to farm in the area. Dead wood is the only thing that can to be removed from the area as long as it is not for commercial use. The project employs a number of rangers to patrol the area to protect it.

    This is a long-term project so volunteers work on part of the overall plan while they are there.  This means that it is not possible to determine EXACTLY what tasks volunteers will be given in advance of their arrival.  Group work will be discussed once they are at the project and participants will be given a planned schedule of what needs to be achieved at that time.

    Kazigo Reforestation Project

    The Kazigo Reforestation Project is an indigenous, environmentally focused project which started about 20 years ago. It is a multispecies a variety of different tree species that are being nursed and planted yearly throughout the region. The project uses indigenous knowledge and resources in the implementation process. Most of the seeds nursed and planted are of indigenous species. The Kizugu community is focused on decreasing deforestation (as a result of bush burning among and other factors), through education and tree planting.

    The primary activities volunteers will assist with are the nursing and transplanting of seedlings. Questions? Click here

    Apply Now

    After you fill out the Application Form on our website, our Application Advisor will be in touch to help you with the next steps.

  • Construction

    Construction

    Sometimes the most helpful way to volunteer is to simply be an additional hand for the people already actively working in the field. Volunteer projects in construction offer participants the opportunity to tangibly see the results of their labors as they assist with the actual building process. Participants aid skilled contractors and builders to build schools, orphanages, or community centers throughout Ghana. No prior construction experience is required, although it may be helpful. Participants must be in good physical shape. Questions? Click here

    Apply Now

    After you fill out the Application Form on our website, our Application Advisor will be in touch to help you with the next steps.

Ghana - Programs

Cost & Details

  • Cost - Ghana

    See our off-season discounts! Click here for a complete list.

    Length of Program Youth
    Programs
    All Others
    2 Weeks US$755 US$955
    3 Weeks  US$860 US$1060 
    4 Weeks US$965 US$1165
    5 Weeks US$1247   US$1447
    6 Weeks US$1315 US$1515
    7 Weeks US$1383   US$1583
    8 Weeks US$1450 US$1650
    9 Weeks US$1518  US$1718
    10 Weeks US$1585 US$1785
    11 Weeks  US$1653  US$1853
    12 Weeks US$1720 US$1920

    Application Fee: $200
    The application fee is a separate administrative charge for all programs. It does not apply to the program fee. (Please see our application fee refund policy here

    Credit card payments: Payment by credit card will be assessed a 3.5% surcharge. This is the fee that we will be charged for the transaction. Contact us about alternative forms of payment.

    Programs may last up to one year. Each additional two weeks costs $135.

  • What's Included/What's Not

    Program Includes:

    *Pre-departure Information
    *Airport Pickup
    *4 Day Orientation
    *Accommodation
    *Breakfast During the Orientation
    *Breakfast and Dinner With the Host Family
    *24/7 In-country Support

    Program Does Not Include:

    *Round Trip Airfare
    *Return Trip to Airport
    *Required Travel and Medical Insurance
    *Travel Within Ghana
    *Visa Fees

    Apply Now

    After you fill out the Application Form on our website, our Application Advisor will be in touch to help you with the next steps.

  • Accommodations

    Accommodations:

    Volunteers in Ghana stay with local host families. ELI truly believes that this is the best way to fully immerse in another culture and get the most from an international experience. All families are carefully screened and are well-respected members of the community with at least one family member who speaks English. Participants will have either a private or shared bedroom with secure storage (volunteer must provide own padlock). Bathrooms are shared with the host family. Volunteers will be provided with breakfast and dinner daily.
  • Start Dates

    Start Dates:

    Orientation begins every Monday. Volunteers should arrive in Accra on Sunday.
  • Participant Feedback

Ghana - Cost and Details
 goabroad logo posner logo

   Member