(your journey here)

Volunteer in Ghana

Be prepared to celebrate as a volunteer in one of Africa’s most stable countries, known for lively festivals and hospitality. Ghana’s economic development is largely due to its export of gold, diamonds and cocoa (it is the second largest cocoa exporter in the world). Ghana is home to people from a vast array of backgrounds, and more than 250 languages are spoken across the country. Volunteers in Ghana will also find that Ghana has a rich history – it was a hub of the gold and slave trade dating back to the 15^th century. Ghana’s climate is tropical and natural beauty abounds from sandy coasts to dense rainforests.

As a volunteer in Ghana, you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in this bountiful culture. You can teach Ghana’s future leaders through school programs, build much-needed relationships with youth through orphanage partnerships, or help heal as part of our medical center or rural health care teams.

United Planet also offers long-term (6 months and one year) volunteer abroad programs and virtual volunteering and virtual internships in Ghana. Learn more about all of our volunteer abroad programs and virtual volunteering and virtual internship countries and projects in Africa.

Volunteer Highlights

Fiona shared with us her volunteer trip in Ghana in 12 weeks through a One Second A Day video.

“After spending two months at the school, I began to become close to some of the students. My experience was very good because I felt completely immersed in the culture and was also able to create a lasting impact and relationship with the kids at the school.” – Fiona K.

Volunteer Testimonials

United Planet did many things well in preparing me for this adventure but the best thing they did was set expectations. I knew what to expect I knew it was going to be hard. They repeatedly told me to be flexible. To jump right in and be assertive when it came to participating in my quest. By reading this information from UP and emailing my mentor and reading the blogs I was prepared, I brought the correct things and knew how to overcome some adversity. Overall a tremendous experience. I never could coordinate something like this on my own. You need somebody like United Planet to coordinate and expose you to these countries.

John B.

- United Planet Volunteer in Ghana

What I enjoyed most about my quest was being fully immersed in the culture there in Ho from eating meals with my hands, bargaining at the local markets, learning a little bit of the language they speak there Ewe and forming relationships with the locals. My favorite experience while I was there was going to church there. The singing, dancing, and drumming from the choir with everyone’s energy, I just smiled I think for the first hour I was there. I felt connected to the community and felt like I understood a little bit more about their culture by going there.

Madeline L.

- United Planet Volunteer in Ghana

My Quest was amazing. I left Ghana feeling like I had made an impact on people’s lives, not just for providing them with healthcare at my place of work, but also for sharing my experiences and living with them for a month. We both learned a great deal about the differences in culture, helping to break global boundaries and share similarities. I enjoyed my place of work; the staff was friendly and very easy to get along with whilst giving me the support to learn valuable skills and also to impart some knowledge of my own into their way of working. A highlight would be my excursion to the monkey sanctuary and Wli waterfalls – both amazing places to visit. I would do it all again in a flash. I have made friends who I will no doubt stay in contact with forever. I learned to live and work in a culture that is so different from my own.

Ian B.

- United Planet Volunteer in Ghana

When I first arrived, I received no itinerary as I was told beforehand, so I basically had no idea what we were up to for the first two days that we were spending in Accra before heading to the project site. This isn’t also too big of a concern, but Yaw’s wife (I was not told he would be gone for the first few days so his wife would take us to places) always showed up late – like 2 hours late – apparently because Ghanaians are terrible with time. As for me, living in the Western side of the world, I am used to being at least 15 minutes early, so I would be very, very tired during any plans since I would prepare myself but everything would be delayed. However, my experience in the project site, specifically the orphanage, was excellent. Everyone was friendly and I had a nice time volunteering and bonding with the children of all ages and staff members. I also really went on 1 excursion since I was there for 3 weeks, but I wish that you guys made more time and coordinated something else for me. But I am very thankful for what I have experienced and happy that I was able to earn this opportunity. Thank you, Ayaka and Yaw.

Chaelim Y.

- United Planet Volunteer in Ghana

I enjoyed learning about Ghanaian culture and history. I enjoyed being exposed to the differences in health care between Ghana and Canada. Yet it was hard to accept the lack of resources. It made it difficult to be optimistic and made me feel a little hopeless. Seeing people in poverty I could not help but feel like there was not much I could do as an individual. But I also learned to look on the brighter side of things and be appreciative of what you have. The Ghanaian people are in poverty, but they often have smiles on their faces and do not dwell on what they do not have, rather they are thankful for what they do have. This has changed how I view the world and my life. I enjoyed the excursions to the Wli waterfalls and monkey sanctuary which allowed me to see the natural beauty of Ghana. I also loved meeting the other volunteers and creating memories and friendships that will last forever.

Eden C.

- United Planet Volunteer in Ghana

This experience was incredible… really really amazing. Words don’t describe it actually! The medical quest was overall very enlightening and really makes you think about and appreciate working in the United States versus a third world country. Living and actively participating in the daily cultures and routines of Ghana has taught me innumerable life lessons. I wanted to go on this Quest for work experience and to see a bit of the world I had never seen before but came back with a whole lot more. This was a very rewarding experience and one that I will never forget.

Stacie S.

- United Planet Volunteer in Ghana

United Planet did many things well in preparing me for this adventure but the best thing they did was set expectations. I knew what to expect I knew it was going to be hard. They repeatedly told me to be flexible. To jump right in and be assertive when it came to participating in my quest. By reading this information from UP and emailing my mentor and reading the blogs I was prepared, I brought the correct things and knew how to overcome some adversity. Overall a tremendous experience. I never could coordinate something like this on my own. You need somebody like United Planet to coordinate and expose you to these countries.

John B.

- United Planet Volunteer in Ghana

What I enjoyed most about my quest was being fully immersed in the culture there in Ho from eating meals with my hands, bargaining at the local markets, learning a little bit of the language they speak there Ewe and forming relationships with the locals. My favorite experience while I was there was going to church there. The singing, dancing, and drumming from the choir with everyone’s energy, I just smiled I think for the first hour I was there. I felt connected to the community and felt like I understood a little bit more about their culture by going there.

Madeline L.

- United Planet Volunteer in Ghana

My Quest was amazing. I left Ghana feeling like I had made an impact on people’s lives, not just for providing them with healthcare at my place of work, but also for sharing my experiences and living with them for a month. We both learned a great deal about the differences in culture, helping to break global boundaries and share similarities. I enjoyed my place of work; the staff was friendly and very easy to get along with whilst giving me the support to learn valuable skills and also to impart some knowledge of my own into their way of working. A highlight would be my excursion to the monkey sanctuary and Wli waterfalls – both amazing places to visit. I would do it all again in a flash. I have made friends who I will no doubt stay in contact with forever. I learned to live and work in a culture that is so different from my own.

Ian B.

- United Planet Volunteer in Ghana

When I first arrived, I received no itinerary as I was told beforehand, so I basically had no idea what we were up to for the first two days that we were spending in Accra before heading to the project site. This isn’t also too big of a concern, but Yaw’s wife (I was not told he would be gone for the first few days so his wife would take us to places) always showed up late – like 2 hours late – apparently because Ghanaians are terrible with time. As for me, living in the Western side of the world, I am used to being at least 15 minutes early, so I would be very, very tired during any plans since I would prepare myself but everything would be delayed. However, my experience in the project site, specifically the orphanage, was excellent. Everyone was friendly and I had a nice time volunteering and bonding with the children of all ages and staff members. I also really went on 1 excursion since I was there for 3 weeks, but I wish that you guys made more time and coordinated something else for me. But I am very thankful for what I have experienced and happy that I was able to earn this opportunity. Thank you, Ayaka and Yaw.

Chaelim Y.

- United Planet Volunteer in Ghana

Ghana Volunteer Project Information

Healthcare - Ghana

Global Health Volunteer Projects

Recommended for premed, medical, dental, and nursing students and professionals. Volunteers in Ghana will work at a teaching hospital in the city of Ho or at a Community-Based Health Planning Services center in the rural village of Putubiw. Observation is the primary focus for students; however, depending on the skill level and knowledge of the volunteer, you may assist with basic tasks such as checking patients’ vitals, dressing wounds, removing stitches, and more. This Quest is a fantastic opportunity to learn how an international healthcare system functions.

Available Dates: Quests start the first and third Saturday of each month, year-round.
Minimum Stay: 2 weeks; 4 weeks highly recommended
Requirements: At least 18 years old, fluent in English, previous medical and international travel experience recommended

Male volunteer leans over and helps child with school work

Children and Education Volunteer Projects

Volunteers have the opportunity to work with children at a local child care center or teach subjects such as English, math, and science in local schools. Projects are located in the Volta Region of Ghana and no prior teaching experience is required.

Children and Education Projects

Your Ghana Quest

Ghana country coordinator

Ghana Country Coordinator: Yaw Gyamfi. Yaw has studied at the Hotel Catering and Tourism Training Institute, the University of Ghana, and the SIT Graduate Institute in Vermont. He has also spent a number of years volunteering in different towns and villages in support of developmental projects in Ghana.

City tour of Accra, Ghana

During your orientation in Ghana, you’ll take a city tour of Accra, the nation’s capital. This is a great introduction to the country you’ll be living in for the next few weeks!

Language lesson, Ghana

While volunteering in Ghana with United Planet, you will participate in a language class during your country orientation to help you settle in to your new surroundings. You’ll be able to practice your new language skills with your host family and at your host project.

Monkey sanctuary, Ghana

During orientation, United Planet Ghana volunteers select a cultural excursion to participate in during their stay. Possibilities include a visit to a monkey sanctuary, a trip to Elmina Castle and Cape Coast, or a boat ride on the Volta River. Volunteers staying longer than a month may select two!

Host family in Ghana

Most volunteers in Ghana live with host families during their stay – this way, you’ll be completely immersed in the culture of the area. Many volunteers stay in touch with their host families long after their Quest is over.

Free Time in Ghana

National Park, Ghana

Visit the Kalakpa Resource Reserve: Make a day of visiting this game production reserve in Ho. You’ll have the chance to see buffaloes, bushbuck, kob antelopes, green monkeys, wildcats, water ducks and grass cutter ants.

National Park, Ghana

Explore Kyabobo National Park: Take some time to explore this unique national park in the foothills of Mt. Djebobo in Ghana’s Volta Region. The park is full of African wildlife and beautiful hiking trails and waterfalls.

Local market in Ghana

Visit Ghana’s local markets: Visiting local markets is one of the best ways to immerse in the culture of an area and meet interesting people. Strike up a conversation with one of the vendors in Ho – you might learn something new!

Dish of banku and fish in Ghana

Try banku: Challenge your taste buds while in Ghana! Banku is a fermented corn or cassava dough served as a whitish paste. It is delicious with soup, or in pepper sauce with fish.

Ghana in Photos

United Planet volunteer dances in Ghana

Volunteers with community members in Ghana

United Planet volunteer dances in Ghana

Check out the experiences of previous United Planet volunteers in Ghana.

Volunteer Voices

Stacie shared with us her experience volunteering in Ghana.

“This experience was incredible… really really amazing. Words don’t describe it actually! The medical quest was overall very enlightening and really makes you think about and appreciate working in the United States versus a third world country. Living and actively participating in the daily cultures and routines of Ghana has taught me innumerable life lessons. I wanted to go to on this Quest for work experience and to see a bit of the world I had never seen before, but came back with a whole lot more. This was a very rewarding experience, and one that I will never forget.”

Quick FAQs

Quest Fees and Details

United Planet Quests are designed to be immersive, authentic, comprehensive and provide you everything you’ll need to succeed. The program elements allow you to engage fully with a new culture, forge strong relationships, and challenge yourself. Most importantly, we partner with the community to ensure your experience will be important, relevant and helpful to the community you serve.

Included in Your Quest Fee

Lodging at a local homestay or onsite at volunteer project
Three home-cooked meals per day
Language lesson during orientation
Cultural activities and excursions
Online pre-departure training with our Boston staff
In-country airport transportation
Emergency medical and travel insurance
24/7 in-country support and supervision
A United Planet t-shirt

Health and Safety

United Planet provides emergency travel and medical insurance for all volunteers. All staff members participate in extensive health and safety training, and are available at all times by 24-hour phone line. Upon enrollment, you will receive a full emergency contact list. In addition, we register all of our volunteers with US Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). We recommend booking a doctor’s appointment or visiting a travel health clinic a few months out to update your vaccinations. Read more about health and safety.

Transportation and Flights

Due to varying airline prices, United Planet does not arrange or cover the cost of flights to and from Ghana. However, we arrange all ground transportation to and from the airport in Ghana and will ensure that you arrive safely at your host house. You will either walk or take public or private transportation to your host project, both of which are very affordable. Daily commuting costs are covered by volunteers.

Quest Fee & Payment Plan


1 Week	10 Days	2 Weeks	3 Weeks	4 Weeks	5 Weeks	6 Weeks	7 Weeks	8 Weeks	9 Weeks	10 Weeks	11 Weeks	12 Weeks
$2790	$2935	$3135	$3585	$4310	$4785	$5385	$5830	$6170	$6630	$7065	$7500	$7935

About Our Quest Fee

We want you to succeed. That means having in place the support our volunteers need. We don’t just drop you in country and hope for the best. We provide training before you leave … language exposure … 24/7 in-country support … support for your host family … accommodations, meals and airport transportation … activities and excursions. The whole idea is to make the experience successful and productive for you and the host community, and we have found that these things are crucial. Remember that we are a non-profit, mission-driven organization – we wouldn’t spend money on something that wasn’t important.

*Payment Plan Details: A $300 deposit is due at the time of your enrollment to lock in your spot in our program. After your confirmation in a program, you can choose to pay the Quest Fee all at once or in installments. The total Quest Fee is due 4 weeks before your departure date.

Have questions? We’re here for you. We’d love to help.

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