Volunteer Programs in Ghana

This English-speaking country is one of the safest and most friendliest places to volunteer in all of Africa. It also screams diversity, from the people and cultural influences to the contrasting landscapes. Whether you are looking to balance your volunteer work with time getting lost in a big city, immersing yourself in history, or taking it easy beachside, you will find everything you are looking for, and more, by volunteering in Ghana.

From the moment you arrive in Accra, you’ll experience the constant bustling city life of Ghana’s beating heart and capital. Despite the nearly suffocating heat, volunteers will never be bored; they can explore the lively Makola Market, coastal fishing markets, and the flurry of shops and restaurants on Oxford Street. For an adventure, flag down a tro-tro, a 12-seat mini-van crammed with twice as many passengers. Don’t know where you’re headed? No worries! Tro-tro drivers can be heard all throughout the city, crying out for their destinations. When you’re headed back to the city, be sure to hop in with the driver yelling “A-CraCraCra!”

For an experience that is both relaxed and historically rich, try volunteering on the Cape Coast. Originally called Cabo Corso by the Portuguese, Cape Coast was the former European colonial capital in Ghana. That’s right, this location was once the largest slave-trading center in West Africa. Today, volunteers will find Cape Coast to be an easygoing fishing town with an artsy vibe, where they can spend their free time surfing or relax on the beach. You will encounter ghosts of the past, as crumbling colonial buildings line the streets and fisherman nets in the beautiful waters where slave ships once sailed, but wake up with a smile every day.

If you are a lover of markets, head to volunteer in Kumasi. This former capital of the Ashanti Kingdom is Ghana’s second-largest city, yet lacks the sweltering heat of Accra. With a semi-tropical climate, it is often called the “Garden City” because of the beautiful plant life it fosters. The heart of the city lies within Kejetia Market, where you will get lost beneath the tin roofs, scavenging through Ashanti sandals and batik. For an escape, head to Lake Bosomtwe, Ghana’s only natural lake, only an hour from the city.