Location
  • Ghana
    • Kumasi
Length
2 to 24 weeks

Program Details

Language
English
Age Min.
17
Timeframe
Short Term Spring Break Summer Winter Year Round
Housing
Guesthouse Hostel
Groups
Small Group (1-15) Medium Group (16-30) Large Group (31+)
Travel Type
Budget Solo Women

Pricing

Starting Price
375
What's Included
Accommodation Activities Airport Transfers Meals Transportation
What's Not Included
Airfare Travel Insurance Visa
Sep 07, 2023
Sep 04, 2023
87 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Volunteer in Ghana with Plan My Gap Year – an award-winning, international volunteer abroad organisation with programs based in Kumasi, Ghana. PMGY provides safe, trusted and affordable programs overseas, with a wide range of volunteer projects in Ghana, including Childcare • English Teaching • Medical & Mental Health opportunities.

PMGY Ghana is located in the historic city of Kumasi, in the central Ashanti Region. The Ghana volunteer programs start on the 1st & 3rd Sunday of every month. Our projects in Ghana run across the year and participants can join us from 2-24 weeks. Volunteers in Ghana are provided with an extensive pre-departure support service, airport pick-up, orientation, meals, accommodation and local support.

Video and Photos

Impact

Ethical Impact

Plan My Gap Year is committed to providing ethical volunteer opportunities that truly benefit the local communities. We have personally vetted all of our Volunteer Programs in every destination. We support a small network of Volunteer Programs abroad that we have specifically chosen due to their efforts being sustainable for our volunteers and the local communities alike. We work closely with each of our local teams to ensure we are assessing and adapting to ensure quality experiences for all involved.

For this reason, PMGY does not provide volunteer opportunities in orphanages in any of our locations. Research and studies have shown that visiting and volunteering in orphanages has the potential to generate an industry that separates children from their families. In turn, putting children at increased risk of neglect and abuse. Therefore, we do not support these institutions with our volunteer network.

Instead, we focus on offering alternative childcare volunteer opportunities whereby children come to and from the placement setting each day. In other words, our local teams collaborate with childcare projects which do not offer any form of residential care. These are safe, responsible, and vetted projects, where participants continue to provide valued assistance supporting local staff.

Program Highlights

  • Most Affordable – PMGY’s programs are accessible to everyone who wants to make a difference, through low fees and high-impact projects.
  • Best Support – Our international and local teams provide extensive around the clock services to assist you every step of your PMGY adventure.
  • Safety Prioritised – With safety a PMGY number-1 priority, we have taken all necessary precautions to ensure our programs are as safe and structured as possible.
  • Extraordinary Experiences – With PMGY, you have the opportunity to truly immerse yourself in amazing cultural and travel experiences, ensuring you leave with unforgettable memories.
  • Friendships for Life – Your PMGY experience not only opens up a doorway for new experiences and exciting memories, but also life-long friendships when meeting new people from around the world.

Popular Programs

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Brighten up the lives of vulnerable children in Ghana and make a vital and important contribution to their daily lives.

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Help young children develop the skills that will help improve their future job prospects. Teach a variety of subjects such as English, Maths and Art.

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A fantastic opportunity to gain experience and insight into the health care system. Learn from local staff and get involved in supporting them.

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Designed for those currently studying mental health or psychology, this is an opportunity to gain insight and awareness within a hospital based setting.

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Spend a life-changing 6, 9 or 12 weeks of volunteering across the world’s second-biggest continent in Ghana, fascinating Tanzania & epic South Africa!

Program Reviews

4.94 Rating
based on 127 reviews
  • 5 rating 94.49%
  • 4 rating 5.51%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Impact 4.85
  • Support 4.95
  • Fun 4.85
  • Value 4.75
  • Safety 4.95
  • Program Selection 5
  • Pre-departure Help 5
  • In-program Support 5
  • Impact on Student 5
  • Value 5
Showing 97 - 104 of 127 reviews
Katie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best 2 Weeks of My Life!

I only spent 2 weeks in Ghana with the PMGY team, but I wish I'd have booked to stay at least another 2 weeks more. Time flew by, and I thoroughly enjoyed every second of each day. I spent most of my time doing the orphanage project (where I fell in love with the gorgeous kids) but also got to spend a day in the school and a day at the hospital, all amazing experiences.
Thanks to Phillip and Josh for making things so easy and smooth before I travelled to Ghana.
Seth, Sophia, Rex, Maria, Roland my little man, and all the PMGY team made me feel so at home in Ghana, they were extremely accommodating and Seth, I couldn't have asked for a better coordinater, you were amazing. Keep on doing what you're doing, because there's no one better at it than you! (P.S. Thanks for my chicken )
I made some friends and memories I will treasure forever on this trip, and I've learnt so much from my time in Ghana.
Because of what an amazing time I've had, I hope to do another volunteering project soon.
Thanks Seth and the PMGY team!

48 people found this review helpful.
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Suzy
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My time in Ghana with PMGY

I have just come back from spending a month in this amazing country. It's been one of the best experiences of my life, and I had a blast! I loved meeting all the different volunteers from all walks of life :) I volunteered at the orphanage and school teaching children English and maths, and it was the best experience I've had. The children are absolutely beautiful and all so sweet. Staying in the house with Seth and Colby was great, they are both so welcoming and kind hearted people. Seth is amazing co-ordinator, he'd do anything for his volunteers and go out of his way to ensure you are having the best time. Definitely go to this worth while programme you will not regret it. It's worth every penny, you will meet some amazing people and change a child's life. Thank you guys for everything once again

48 people found this review helpful.
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Melody
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My time in Ghana: July 2016

I spent 3 weeks in Ghana doing the orphanage placement. Seth opened up his home and allowed us to stay in his volunteer house. Due to him and his team being so friendly they made me feel like part of the family and I always felt like if I had any problems I could discuss it with them. They always put the volunteers before themselves and focus entirely on making your trip the best that it can be.
The placement at Kumasi children's home was incredible. I met so many children that I wanted to bring home. It was interesting to see the cultural differences in the caring for children in the UK and Ghana. Due to disabled children also living at the orphanage you can gain a broad set of experiences.
I feel like even though I was only there for 3 weeks I had the opportunity to make long lasting changes by painting rooms in the orphanage and the school.
I feel like I made everyday in Ghana count as I did both the mole national park trip and the cape coast trip. At the mole national park I went on my first ever safari and got very close to the elephants, fed the monkeys at the monkey sanctuary, saw the oldest mosque in Africa and went swimming in the waterfalls. I also took part in a village day where I got to experience a day in the life of the village. This was eye opening as it is completely different to anything I have seen in the UK.
On the cape coast trip I saw the slave castles, stroked a crocodile, completed the canopy tree top walk and had an amazing surf lesson where even though it was my first time surfing I managed to stand up on the board several times. I also got to spend my last 2 nights of my trip staying on the beach.
I would recommend PMGY Ghana to anyone who wants to volunteer as both the Ghana team and the U.K. Team make you feel safe throughout with providing information and contact with you both before, during and after. I want to go back as soon as possible and I'm pretty sure anyone thinking of going would feel the exact same after coming home.

I would also just like to say thanks once again to both the UK and Ghana team but especially to Seth who made my trip unforgettable.

45 people found this review helpful.
Becky
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best summer in Ghana

I have spent 6 weeks in Ghana, at the orphanage project. It was an experience I will never ever forget. Plan My Gap Year have been amazing since before I even decided to come they have been so reassuring and helpful even before I’d decided on everything, They have given me so much support in country and at the UK office. Nothing was ever a problem for them! Working in the orphanage was extremely eye opening and rewarding I loved every second of it. It truly is a life changing experience. Aside from the placement the volunteer house was lovely Seth was so welcoming and his support staff are the nicest and most amazing people I have met. I have made so many friends for life, no words can describe how amazing, eye opening and life changing my time in Ghana was. A massive thank you to Seth, the most amazing host ever. From day one I felt so welcomed and at home. Seth is always there for you and goes the extra mile for the volunteers. Seth was available all day every day and nothing was ever an issue. The weekend trips to Mole National Park and Cape Coast where such great value for money and I loved them so so much they were such an amazing break from volunteering. I am already looking at flights to come back again !

43 people found this review helpful.
Naheema
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Ghana 2016

Travelling for the first time, myself and my friend were a little anxious but super excited about volunteering in Ghana. However Josh from PMGY UK team was really helpful with all the prep and any queries we had. Volunteering abroad was something we had always wanted to do and we'd settled with an adventure in Ghana.

Seth, Sophia, Adjoa, Cobbinah and Roland were really helpful and respectful of our religious beliefs (we're Muslims) and really went the extra mile to help us. Cobbinah is definitely the coolest taxi driver and Sophia and Adjoa great cooks! Anywhere you want to be - Cobbinah will sort it! We spent Eid in Ghana without our families for the first time, Seth arranged for us to spend two days with a Muslim friend through which we got understand the culture and really experience Eid in Ghana.

The medical programme was quite an experience and a real eye opener. The nurses/midwives/radiographer allowed us to get involved and were willing to help and answer any questions. Everyone is so friendly, and the patients so appreciative of your time. However prepare yourself for what you may see - we are now so much more appreciative of the healthcare system in our country.

Ghana is such an amazing country and we can not wait to return back! We really got to understand the culture through hanging out with the locals and exploring Kumasi. The locals are so sweet, welcoming and grateful for the time you spend with them. The culture so rich, the people so warm, friendly and grateful. Ever since we have been back we have been sharing our fulfilling experience with so many people and will continue to do so! It doesn't matter what background/religion you are from, with the welcoming team in Ghana you can be reassured that you have a great time in Ghana! Thanks again Seth, Cobbinah and team!

42 people found this review helpful.
Joe
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Volunteering in Ghanaian orphanage

During my two weeks in Ghana I had the most eye opening time, experiencing the the everyday way of life and overall culture of Ghana.
The Pmgy house is very nice and has a good atmosphere with all the volunteers inside. Seth the host is great, very nice guy and more than helpful if you have a problem.
My time at the placements was definitely the best part about the trip. Mostly working in the orphanage I got to know the children and would have fun playing with them and helping with their homework after school. At times it could be quite upsetting due to part of the Ghanaian culture with how they treat children. But on the whole working in the orphanage was very rewarding and made me realise how privileged I was.
My view of Ghana is that it is a very warm and happy country with the people being very excited that we go over to help. There was never any problems regarding my safety and I would recommend anyone to go and experience working in Ghana to give another out look on life.

42 people found this review helpful.
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Irene
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Ghana- Plan my gap year

What can I say about Ghana and my experience over there?... I came back a week ago and my head is still there, I can’t stop thinking about it and I am constantly sharing my trip with all my friends and family!
My experience was beyond amazing and the reason why is the people. No matter where you are, home, placement or in the street… everybody is extremely friendly, welcoming and they transmit a wonderful happiness.
Specially, I would like to emphasise how great the people is at home; Seth, Sophia, Iowa, Kobbenah, Kofi, Rex, Roland… They are all so helpful but also extremely fun and that is something that I love about the Ghanaian culture… how much they like to joke, laugh, dance… they really know how to love life.
Likewise, the house it’s a great place to stay, it made my whole stay so homey and cosy. I also liked to share it with all the other volunteers, living with your friends and sharing your everyday experiences with them makes the whole trip even more memorable. Moreover, I loved the area in which the house is located as you can find absolutely everything right beside it, food, taxis and even a bar where we liked to go to have a drink and dance with all the kids and people from the area.

Furthermore, I went Ghana to volunteer in the school although I also wanted to go to the orphanage and this was not a problem at all and I was able to compliment both. In the school I had the opportunity to teach a whole class by myself and it is the most rewarding experience. The kids are really willing to learn, no matter what you teach them, they are full of curiosity and passion to pick up new things. I felt that I was really able to make a little impact as you are able to open their minds by teaching things that are new and different for them. The staff in the school as well… they were so grateful to have volunteers around.
Finally, the kids at the orphanage are full of love. it is amazing to spend time with them and get to know them as they will teach you a life lesson.

I am so thankful to have met every single person, to have given a little bit and have received soooo much more from all of them.
If someone is thinking about volunteering, don’t even think about it, do it and it will be the most fulfilling experience of your lives.
See you soon Ghana, me pe wo

41 people found this review helpful.
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Carla
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Ghana 2016

Hi everybody!
Since I was young I wanted to volunteer abroad but I wasn’t sure about the destination. Finally I decided to go to Ghana, and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my entire life.
I spent three weeks doing the orphanage placement and it was UNBELIEVABLE!
I was afraid at first because I didn’t know what to expect. However once I got there I realized that the people working in the volunteer house try to make you feel always at home. They embrace you from minute one.
That's why I fell in love with their personality and culture. Besides, being far away from your friends and family gives you the chance to learn more about yourself and reminds you what you are made of.
I believe that even though sometimes at the orphanage it was tough, it was one of the most rewarding challenges I’ve ever faced before. I promptly realized that our group of volunteers was making a big difference to their lives and our company was a treasure for them.
Personally, I feel so grateful because I had the opportunity to learn a lot from them. I think that their enthusiasm and how they enjoy their time with simple things has helped me to appreciate the little things more. They gave me a life lesson.
I recommend this experience to anyone who wants to live an unforgettable adventure and get to know how helping others can enrich you emotionally and personally.

44 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers