Being a Volunteer in Ghana Experience (2026)

Being a volunteer in Ghana is an experience that changes your life, we share a full experience and how you can do it too.

Volunteering in Ghana offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference while immersing yourself in a vibrant and welcoming culture. Whether you’re teaching in local schools, supporting healthcare initiatives, or helping with community development projects, your efforts directly contribute to improving lives and creating positive change.

Beyond the work, you’ll experience Ghana’s renowned hospitality, rich traditions, and beautiful landscapes—from bustling Accra to the historic Cape Coast and lush national parks; it is often known as one of the best places to visit in Africa. It’s a chance to grow personally, gain global perspective, and leave with lasting connections and memories.

We interview Katie about her time as a volunteer in Ghana. She tells us about her typical day and reflects on her time in Africa.

Volunteer in Ghana, Africa

Why Volunteer in Ghana

• Make a meaningful impact by supporting education, healthcare, or community development projects.
• Help improve access to quality education by assisting teachers and inspiring young learners.
• Contribute to sustainable change through local empowerment and skills-sharing.
• Experience Ghana’s warm hospitality and connect deeply with welcoming local communities.
• Immerse yourself in rich culture — from traditional music and dance to colorful festivals and cuisine.
• Explore stunning destinations such as Cape Coast, Mole National Park, and Lake Volta.
• Develop valuable life skills like adaptability, teamwork, and cultural understanding.
• Gain hands-on experience that enhances your personal and professional growth.
• Form lifelong friendships with fellow volunteers and Ghanaians alike.
• Leave a lasting legacy by contributing to real progress in a country known for its positivity and resilience.

Interview with a Volunteer in Ghana

Why did you decide to move abroad?

Being a Volunteer in Ghana was my first time going abroad solely for volunteering. I’d volunteered a lot in the USA, but I’d never traveled far to do it and boy did I have an adventure!

While at university, I heard about a program through our school that was partnered with United Planet (a global volunteering organization). They were selecting 12 students to either go to Ghana or Peru and I got picked for the Ghana group!

Not only did we volunteer, but we got to experience the culture, hang out with a local Ghanaian volunteer group and live in a village for a few weeks. We spent most our time volunteering in Sokode, Ghana, a small village, where we built a kindergarten. It was one of the coolest experiences I’ve ever had in my life.

What made you decide to volunteer abroad?

I had just come back from studying abroad in London where I had been bit by the travel bug hard! I was eager for another adventure and thought volunteering while in university would be a great way to travel, but also do something good for the world.

Why Volunteer in Ghana?

I had the choice of going to Chile or Volunteer in Ghana. At the time, I was somewhat afraid of Africa because of how the media portrays it, so I requested to do my volunteer work in Chile. Well, our school liked to mix things up so no one got what they requested! I’M SO GLAD!

I secretly wanted an adventure in Ghana and wanted to go to Africa, but didn’t want to freak out my friends and family and chose the easier option. It could not have been a better chance of events and one that changed my life for the better!

Was the United Planet program expensive?

My program for 2 weeks was around $3,000. We got half of it paid for by the school and so I ended up having to raise the money for the other half (about $1500). This cost included all meals, accommodation, transportation in Ghana and cultural experiences/excursions.

Can you describe a typical day volunteering in Ghana?

We would typically wake up early in the morning and eat fruit, eggs and some of their local dishes like ‘banku’ or ‘red-red’ for breakfast. We’d then head out to the kindergarten construction site we were building down the road from our house. Locals were always there working as well so we got to interact with them throughout the day! Sometimes kids would come to watch as well which was a highlight for me.

The craziest part of building the kindergarten for me was that they didn’t have any electrical machinery. So, we (alongside the locals) dug a huge dirt hole to use the dirt for the foundation, mixed cement to make bricks and then carried everything in buckets on our heads back and forth from the huge hole to the kindergarten site.

Talk about manual labor at its finest, but what an amazing cultural experience it was!

After our work day, we’d typically go on an excursion, hang out at our hut, play with local kids who loved stopping by our house, drink local beer or watch the locals drum and dance around the fire.

Was it hard to adjust to the country and culture?

It was a culture shock the second we stepped off the plane, but the Ghanaian people are incredibly warm and welcoming. They speak English as one of their national languages, so lucky for us, it was somewhat easy to communicate with them.

hey had welcome ceremonies for us, sang for us, cooked for us and I felt extremely welcomed into their community; which was a fun African celebrations! I wouldn’t say it was hard to adjust, but it sure did open my eyes to a different world!

What are your best memories and experiences of volunteering abroad?

Oh, there are too many to list! I could go on and on! Living in the village, meeting the locals and the little kids, realizing that despite the locals not having much they are extremely happy people, attending the village ceremonies, getting my hair braided (which took 8 hours!), getting a custom-made Ghanaian dress, touching a wild crocodile, trying the local foods, seeing how happy the locals were that we were there volunteering and helping them!

What are your worst memories and experiences of volunteering abroad?

One day, while volunteering, a guy was digging more dirt in the hole and was pick-axing some off the side of the hole. As he swung his ax in the air it came down on a local lady’s hand and went directly through her hand! It was freaky and she was hurt pretty bad! I was so sad for her.

The local hospital was somewhat far away and I wasn’t sure what kind of treatment she’d be able to get. It made me depressed, but very grateful for the medical treatment we get at home.

What must-pack items would you recommend?

Bug spray, sunscreen, a backpacking backpack, a journal, a few candies or toys for the kids, and clothes for HOT weather (it was hot every day).

What advice would you give those who want to volunteer abroad?

It changed my life and has been one of the coolest things I’ve ever done. My advice would be to do it if you have the chance. You’ll experience nothing like it in your life and chances are you’ll make new friends out of it and feel a sense of community somewhere you never thought you would!

Best Places to visit in Africa

Volunteer in Ghana FAQ

• What types of volunteer programs are available in Ghana?
  There are many opportunities to volunteer in Ghana, including teaching English, supporting early childhood education, assisting in healthcare clinics, helping with community development projects, wildlife conservation, and women’s empowerment programs.

• Do I need any special qualifications to volunteer in Ghana?
  Most volunteer programs in Ghana don’t require specific qualifications, just enthusiasm, flexibility, and a willingness to learn. However, healthcare placements may require relevant experience or certification.

• How long can I volunteer in Ghana?
  Programs range from short-term stays of 1–2 weeks to long-term placements lasting several months. The duration often depends on your availability and the type of project you choose.

• Is it safe to volunteer in Ghana?
  Yes, Ghana is one of the safest countries in West Africa. Most volunteer programs provide orientation, local guidance, and safe accommodation. As with any travel, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings and follow local advice.

• Where will I stay while volunteering?
  Volunteers typically stay with host families or in shared volunteer houses. This setup allows you to experience Ghanaian daily life, enjoy local food, and build genuine connections with the community.

• What is the cost of volunteering in Ghana?
  Costs vary by organization and project length, but typically range from $200–$800 per week, covering accommodation, meals, and local support. Airfare, insurance, and personal expenses are extra.

• Do I need a visa to volunteer in Ghana?
  Yes, most volunteers need a tourist or volunteer visa, which can be obtained from the Ghanaian embassy before arrival. Some programs assist volunteers with visa guidance and documentation.

• What vaccinations do I need before traveling to Ghana?
  Commonly recommended vaccines include yellow fever (required for entry), hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and tetanus. It’s also advised to take malaria prevention medication—consult your doctor before traveling.

• What is the best time of year to volunteer in Ghana?
  Ghana’s dry season, from November to March, is generally the best time to volunteer due to pleasant weather and easier travel conditions. However, programs run year-round.

• What cultural customs should I know before volunteering?
  Ghanaians value respect, greetings, and community. Always greet elders politely, dress modestly, and show appreciation for local traditions. Learning a few words in Twi or another local language is always appreciated!

• Can I travel while volunteering in Ghana?
  Absolutely! Many volunteers spend weekends exploring Ghana’s attractions like Kakum National Park, Cape Coast Castle, Mole National Park, and the beaches of Busua and Ada Foah.

Helpful Resources

Travel essentials:

• We LOVE this camera for our travel photography.
• For a cheap, easy and compact camera, we use this to vlog and take photographs. 
• We use this travel drone (but make sure to check drone laws in your chosen destination first). 
• This is our favorite travel insurance because it covers so many activities and travel situations that could arise on longer trips but also offer year coverage.

What to pack

• No matter where we travel to, I always take these trusty hand sanitizers and a mini first aid kit. 
• We love these toiletry bags (especially great for smaller bathrooms) and choose a laptop bag like this as our hand luggage. 
• We keep our devices charged on long travel days with these lightweight battery packs and bring these worldwide travel adaptors on all our trips. 
• I still struggle not to overpack so stick to using an expandable suitcase like these and always take my trusty luggage scales to avoid being charged at the airport.