Medical Volunteer Program in Ghana - Accra Region

The IVHQ Ghana volunteer program has volunteer placements​ and accommodation​ located in rural villages and townships within the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Volunteer programs begin on the 1st and 15th of every month. Volunteers can choose to volunteer for periods ranging from 1 week to 24 weeks.

The program orientation begins on the 1st and 15th of every month and volunteers need to arrive in Accra on the day before orientation.

After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at Kotoka International Airport (ACC) in Accra. Your airport pick-up is included in your Program Fee.

When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and transported to the volunteer accommodation in Accra. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the night before your program orientation.

If you are traveling in Ghana prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up at a prearranged location in Accra on the day before your program orientation.

Orientation is hosted by our local team in Accra and begins on the morning of your chosen start date. This covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program Ghana – Introduction to Ghana, Culture and Customs, Rules and Expectations, Safety, Travel Opportunities, Introduction to Project and Placement. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socializing.

First Day: On the first day of volunteering, volunteers will be escorted to their placement by a local coordinator and introduced to the placement staff they will be working with. A typical daily schedule would be as follows:

7.30AM Breakfast at the volunteer house.

8.00AM Volunteers can expect to leave home and walk to your placement, where you’ll join the placement staff. Volunteers will be given a duty roster and plan for your work. There is usually a tea break and a lunch break.

2.00PM - 5.00PM Work at the project usually ends. Volunteers are free from this point to go sightseeing or do some shopping.

6.30PM Dinner at the volunteer accommodation.

Please note, this schedule can vary depending on the project you’re participating on.

Volunteers are accommodated in a volunteer house where they live with other volunteers​. In some locations, volunteers are accommodated at their placement or stay together in a volunteer house alongside a local family. There are separate rooms for male and female volunteers with shared common room and toilet facilities. Living is basic but the majority of volunteer houses have electricity, while only few have running water. Power cuts are common in Ghana and most rural houses do not have running water during times of drought. Bedding (pillows and sheets) is provided, however it is recommended that volunteers bring their own towels and mosquito nets (these can also be purchased in Ghana).

There is WiFi access available at local cafes and restaurants in a nearby village, which is a 15 to 20 minute walk from the volunteer accommodation. You can also purchase a local SIM card with data for an unlocked mobile phone to keep connected.

Volunteers in Ghana are served three meals per day (breakfast, lunch and dinner). Breakfast generally consists of tea and coffee, and a hot breakfast. A typical lunch and dinner can include meat and vegetables with rice or noodles​.​ If you have special dietary requirements, please let us know ahead of time so that we can make arrangements for you.

“Being in Ghana was the most incredible experience of my life. I learned so much about myself while learning lots about Ghana’s culture, people, geography, economy and more. I felt safe in my environment, surrounded by many wonderful volunteers and locals. I always had the help of our coordinator in case I had any questions or concerns. We were ALWAYS very well taken care of.” - Caitlin Bird (Childcare Volunteer in Ghana)

Read more reviews from IVHQ volunteers in Ghana here

During the weekends, volunteers have spare time and usually just relax or take the opportunity to explore other parts of their local town and Ghana. Long weekends can be taken to travel further afield such as Cape Coast or other Western African countries.

See our Ghana Travel and Tours page for more volunteer travel options in Ghana!

Weather and climate: Ghana has a tropical climate and the average temperature falls between 21°C to 28°C (70°F to 82°F). In the north, there is a rainy season from April to June and September to November. The rainy season in the south lasts from April to mid-November. The weather is typically humid however, over the dry season, desert winds in the north can create cooler evenings and a drier atmosphere.

Volunteers need to be 18 years or over to participate on this program, unless volunteering with a parent or guardian. If you are under the age of 18, IVHQ offers alternative volunteer opportunities for teens. Visit our High School Volunteer Abroad page to learn more.

All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteeer travel insurance and provide a criminal background check to IVHQ’s local team on arrival in Ghana. Additional requirements apply for Medical volunteers, please review the project description above.

Free Interactive Volunteer Training - All volunteers are encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training, which is available exclusively to registered IVHQ volunteers. The training is designed to build an understanding of important aspects that need to be considered before embarking on an IVHQ program. It helps volunteers to prepare in the right way by providing advice on what it takes to be a safe, responsible and valuable volunteer. Try a sample of the training here.