An imposing, white castle on a cliff. A bustling, mesmerizing market with over 11,000 stalls. National parks with 90 different species, including elephants. Beautiful tropical beaches and the largest manmade lake in the world. What if we told you that you could see all of these things in just one country? Volunteer opportunities in Ghana can make it happen!
You’ll encounter amazing moments as a Ghana volunteer.
Ghana offers all of the aforementioned and more. A fantastic representation of Africa, Ghana is a thriving country and a hugely popular volunteer location. Ghana volunteer opportunities are plentiful and awesome. It’s important to volunteer abroad in a sustainable and impactful way, and we’ve got the Ghana volunteer programs that will help you do just that.
Is Ghana safe for volunteers?
Ghana is a dream volunteer location because the country is known for being both stable and safe. In fact, Ghana is often called “Africa for beginners” because of its safe environment. As long as you exercise the usual caution (don’t be out alone at night, keep your bag close to you, etc.) you should be just fine.
But, it’s easy to worry about all the what-ifs when you’re traveling abroad. Rest easy knowing that if any risks or dangerous situations develop during your volunteer experience, Ghana volunteer projects are designed to keep you informed and safe. You can also keep an eye on any potential travel warnings through the State Department website.
Crime isn’t the only risk though. Like most countries in Africa, malaria is always a concern. However, there are tons of steps you can take to reduce the risk, including taking preventative medication. Basically, Ghana is super safe, stable, and welcoming for volunteers everywhere!
Related: Everything You Need to Know About Volunteering in Ghana
9 Ghana volunteer programs that will have a significant impact
Editor’s note: This information on Ghana volunteer projects was accurate at the time of publishing. Please refer to each individual program for current data.
1. Volunteer with Children in Ghana with Projects Abroad
If playing games with kids all day sounds like fun to you, then you’re in luck! This Ghana volunteer program, offered by Projects Abroad, is focused on volunteering with children in a meaningful way. The program costs include accommodation with a host family, which means you’ll get a close look at the Ghanaian culture (including food!). Projects Abroad is there every step of the way, offering extras like fundraising support, including your own personalized fundraising website, and pre-departure preparation by your own specialist Volunteer Advisor.
- Where? Akuapem Hills, Accra, Cape Coast
- When? Year-round
- Duration? Minimum one week
- Read Projects Abroad reviews
2. Agriculture Volunteer Work with IVHQ
Ghana is known for having lush rainforests and low-lying plains, and this program allows you to work directly with the land. When you volunteer with IVHQ’s agriculture program, your responsibilities could be anything from fertilizing soil, planting and nourishing crops, or even feeding pigs! The main goal of this project is to deliver a sustainable food source for childcare facilities — definitely a worthy cause. And, connecting with the land is one of the best ways to get to know a country!
- Where? Rural villages and townships within the Greater Accra Region of Ghana
- When? Year-round
- Duration? 1–24 weeks
- Read IVHQ reviews
3. Football Coaching Volunteering in Ghana by Volunteering Solutions
Ghana’s national sport is football, which means many people are super enthusiastic about it. When you volunteer with this program, you won’t just be playing football with awesome kids. You’ll also be coaching them through struggles and helping them to improve their overall football technique. Plus, you’ll have tons of fun! You can play football all day and in exchange, be housed and fed. Volunteering Solutions also offers a combination of programs, so you could potentially help out in the orphanage as well. You’ll have a well-rounded and awesome experience when you volunteer as a football coach with Volunteer Solutions.
- Where? Tamale region in Northern Ghana
- When? Year-round
- Duration? 1–8 weeks
- Read Volunteering Solutions reviews
4. Creative Arts Projects with Love Volunteers
Art is great! It helps people to express themselves in new and creative ways, which is especially useful for vulnerable and disadvantaged children. With this program, you’ll get to teach art and creativity to children from all walks of life in a way that will positively benefit their lives for years to come. If making paper mache with adorable children sounds like your kind of fun, then definitely give this program by Love Volunteers a try.
- Where? Accra and Kumasi
- When? Year-round
- Duration? Minimum one week
- Read Love Volunteer reviews
5. Conservation Volunteering with ELI Abroad
Ghana has incredibly diverse ecosystems, teeming with unique wildlife and fauna, some of which is endangered! For this reason, eco-tourism is hugely popular in Ghana. This program by ELI Abroad has three different opportunities to help with a range of tasks, including reforestation, managing the sustainable use of the conservation area, and even patrolling for illegal activities nearby such as hunting, logging, or farming. You’ll have a great experience when you volunteer with conservation efforts in Ghana with ELI Abroad.
- Where? Juaso, Afadjato Agumatsa, or Kazigo
- When? Year-round
- Duration? 2–12 weeks
- Read ELI Abroad reviews
Related: 7 Strong Reasons to Find Volunteer Opportunities in Ghana
6. Women’s Economic Empowerment & Vocational Training with Global Vision International
Don’t let the long name scare you! This program is focused on helping women of all ages to grow. Volunteers assist with teaching English to women enrolled in the program, preparing them with vocational training, and even teaching health and wellness classes. The general goal is to improve the overall lives of these women, to give them the necessary skills to be independent, and to further contribute economically and socially to all of Ghana. It’s rewarding work and it could be yours!
- Where? Accra and Kokrobite
- When? Year-round
- Duration? 1–12 weeks
- Read Global Vision International reviews
7. Mental Health & Psychology Experience with Plan My Gap Year
Mental health programs in Ghana have a long and complicated history. People experiencing mental illness haven’t always been treated the best (to say the least) but there has been a huge push to improve mental health facilities all over Ghana. This program with PMGY allows volunteers to assist with this. Depending on your qualifications and background, you could help with diagnosing and counseling. Or you might help with office duties and assume a largely observational role. Either way, you’ll be making a huge difference to the cause.
- Where? Manhyia and Tafo
- When? Year-round
- Duration? 2–12 weeks
- Read Plan My Gap Year reviews
8. Volunteer in a Laboratory in Ghana with Kaya
This program is an excellent opportunity for those with an interest in medicine. The laboratory is the only one in the whole hospital, meaning there is plenty of work for you to assist with. Depending on experience, your duties might include talking to patients and collecting info, or administering blood tests and analyzing results. You’ll get great hands on experience while also making a huge difference in your patients’ lives.
- Where? Madina
- When? Year-round
- Duration? 2–12 weeks
- Read Kaya Responsible Travel reviews
9. Teach Children in Ghana with GoEco
A lot of volunteer programs in Ghana involve childcare, and for good reason! With this program, you won’t just be playing games and taking care of adorable children (although that’s a huge part and a big upside!). You’ll also teach the children English, assist with cultural exchange, and be a great role model for them. You’ll positively impact their lives and the local community. And you’ll also get to spend your weekends relaxing on the Accra beach or taking canopy walks at one of the nearby National Parks.
- Where? Accra
- When? Year-round
- Duration? 1–12 weeks
- Read GoEco reviews
Use MyGoAbroad to compare these programs side-by-side and find the best option for you!
You’ll change lives as a Ghana volunteer!
Volunteer opportunities in Ghana are calling!
There are tons of amazing volunteer opportunities in Ghana. If the city life calls to you, you could volunteer with children and teach them English! Or if rural locations are more your thing, you could work with agriculture and conservation efforts in one of Ghana’s many forested areas. If you’re a health nut or caretaker at heart, you could volunteer in local hospitals to help make sure patients get the treatment they need. The possibilities are endless. And all of these awesome opportunities will make a huge difference in the community!
Plus, while you’re making a difference with Ghana volunteer opportunities, you’ll also get to experience the amazing Ghanaian culture. You’ll barter in the local market over the price of a fresh mango. You’ll dance the night away to Ghanaian beats! Like any new country, there will be new cultural etiquette and customs that might seem strange at first. But you’ll get the hang of it and go on to explore jungles and beaches, and maybe even see a lion! Basically, volunteering in Ghana will help you have the adventure of a lifetime. Find your ideal opportunity now!
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