Working with OGVO in Ghana was honestly an amazing experience, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone considering volunteering abroad, especially in healthcare or dentistry.
From the moment I arrived, everyone was so welcoming and supportive. Staying with my host family was one of the highlights of the trip — they really made me feel at home. My host’s mum and her family were incredibly kind and looked after us so well, and the kids were lovely to spend time with. It gave me such a genuine insight into everyday life and culture in Ghana, which made the whole experience feel much more personal and authentic.
Frank, who coordinated everything, was also brilliant throughout the whole process. Before the trip, communication was really good and he was always quick to answer questions and help organise things. Once we arrived, he was very punctual, organised, and genuinely cared about making sure we had the best experience possible. He helped arrange weekend trips so we could explore Ghana and experience more of the culture, and he always tried to make things affordable for us as volunteers, which I really appreciated.
From the dental side of things, my placement at TAFO Government Hospital was an incredible learning experience. The whole team there were so welcoming, patient, and supportive. The doctors were very insightful and took time to teach and involve me, which helped me gain so much confidence and experience. I genuinely learned a lot during my time there.
What I loved most about OGVO is that it doesn’t feel like you’re just visiting Ghana as a tourist — you really feel involved in the local community and culture. If you’re someone who wants a more authentic experience and wants to learn from local people firsthand, I honestly think OGVO is a fantastic organisation to volunteer with.
Overall, I got so much out of the experience, both personally and professionally, and I’ve come away with memories and lessons that I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life and career. Thank you so much to everyone at OGVO for such an unforgettable experience.