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
Feb 10, 2025
Sep 04, 2023
98 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Volunteer in Ghana with Plan My Gap Year (PMGY), an award-winning international volunteer abroad organisation offering safe, trusted, and affordable programs overseas. Based in the lively city of Kumasi in Ghana’s historic Ashanti Region, PMGY provides a variety of impactful programs, including Childcare, English Teaching, Medical, and Mental Health opportunities.

Our volunteer in Ghana programs begin on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of every month, running year-round and offering flexible durations from 2 to 24 weeks. Volunteers are warmly welcomed into the Volunteer House, featuring comfortable accommodation and freshly prepared meals. With comprehensive pre-departure support, airport pick-up, orientation, and ongoing support, PMGY ensures a stress-free and fulfilling experience.

Video and Photos

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.

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This is an incredible opportunity to gain experience and insight into the healthcare system. Work alongside staff and contribute to their vital efforts.

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Perfect for mental health or psychology students, this opportunity offers invaluable insight and practical awareness in a dynamic hospital setting.

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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 113 - 120 of 127 reviews
Default avatar
Declan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A fantastic experience

I spent 3 weeks in Ghana on the teaching project and absolutely loved it!
The moment I walked out of the airport Seth was waiting there for me with the rest of the volunteers and as soon as I met them all I knew that I was going to get on well with everyone.
I saw Seth as more than just a host, he was a good friend to all of us. Since there was no gym there, Seth had made his own weights and some mornings he would wake me up at 6am and we would both have a good workout before placement.
I also got along with all of the other staff, specially Kofi, who loved to joke around and make everyone laugh.

Ghana is an amazing country and a very interesting one too. It's so different to what we are all use to and I loved getting up every morning and wondering what new things I would see that day.
The weekend excursions where fantastic because I got to see so much more of the country and got to experience so many more things.

In conclusion, this was the best experience I have had so far and I'm glad I decided to go for it. I met some amazing people that I will never forget, I learned so many things about the people and their culture, and most of all, I saw a completely different world that not many people have seen and I came back feeling proud knowing that I helped out and made some school kids happy by teaching and playing with them.

44 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Theo
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

PMGY Ghana 2016

During my 4 weeks in Ghana with PMGY I was lucky enough to experience several of the projects. I spent most of my time at the Manhyia District Hospital on the Medical Placement and the staff there made it extremely enjoyable, as they were more than happy to pass on their knowledge and answer my questions. The Psychiatric Ward sticks out in my memory as my favourite department as the nurses there were lovely and taught me so much about their job and how mental health is perceived in Ghana. Because of how much I enjoyed this I also spent a couple of days in the Psychiatric Unit at Tafo Hospital on the Mental Health Placement. Here, I was able to see far more consultations and cases as many more patients came through the door every day, which was great! As a side note, at Manhyia I would also recommend the Eye and Diabetes Clinics as well as General Surgery; much was learnt and taken away from my time there. I also spent a few days at the orphanage, where I loved playing and spending time with the kids and even taking some of them out to a swimming pool. Painting a classroom at the school was an equally worthwhile use of my time and allowed me to spend two mornings here and meet some of the children - great fun!
The PMGY team in Ghana were extremely attentive and keen to help me get the most out of my experience. Seth did a great job of answering any questions I had and was also a great workout companion. I say companion; more like personal trainer! His willingness to attend to the needs of the volunteers made myself and others, I am sure, feel so much more comfortable and at home in the volunteer house. Kofi, Sophia, Adwoa, Maria, Cobbinah and Rexford played their part in this as well, making it so that if I was ever unsure about something there was always someone around to ask.
Ghana itself is wonderful country, filled with friendly people who are not afraid to strike up a conversation with you. It is the first African country I have been to and so was unlike anything I had experienced before. 'Ghana time' took some getting used to but whatever I was waiting for, usually food, was often worth the wait.
I had a great time and highly recommend a trip to Ghana with PMGY.

What would you improve about this program?
A little money spent improving the beds and rooms (e.g mirrors) would be appreciated I'm sure!
50 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Jayde
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Ghana Aug 2016

I really really enjoyed my time in Ghana! I would recommend it to anyone. I spent the two weeks in the orphanage and I can not honestly put into words how it made me feel I fell in love with every child there, they are the sweetest people you will ever come across they have made me realise how lucky we are to have soo much back in England. They give the biggest cuddles and have soo much love to give! Seth as a host was a little quiet at first but that didn't last for long! � He soon started joining in with all our banter! I'm absolutely gutted to have only done 2 weeks in Ghana and at the orphanage I wish I had stayed longer. But I do plan on coming back! Every one in the house is really friendly and we all got on like a house on fire! They are like my little family now and I thank Seth for letting me stay in his home and planning trips for us, and giving me this great oppuntity!

63 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Lewis
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My Time in Ghana

I just returned from three amazing weeks in Ghana. I couldn't describe the experience as anything less than life changing. My time volunteering at the school was an awe-inspiring and eye-opening experience to say the least. The kids are simply fantastic and I'm devastated that I've had to leave them so soon. They were enthusiastic about everything and so grateful for your presence at their school.

On top of this, my bro Seth is an amazing host. He was always looking for ways of making our time in Ghana even more special than it already was, and was efficient and understanding in solving any minor problems that had arisen. I will miss him immensely. As well as Seth, the other PMGY staff were also helpful and caring, as well as being up for a laugh. I really do hope to one day meet them all again.

The volunteer house is unbelievably welcoming, and despite the cold showers was an incredibly homy place to stay. This really made life in Ghana a much more comfortable experience for everybody. I wouldn't have had it any different.

On top of all this, Ghana itself could not have surprised me more. I have never felt more safe than I did walking from the house to the bar down the street (a journey I embarked upon multiple times I might add). The people could not be more welcoming or excited to see you.

I had an astonishing time in Ghana, and I'm gutted I couldn't stay longer and longer.

Thanks a bunch to Seth, Kofi, Cobbinah, Rex, Sofia, Roland <3 I hope I can see you all again some day

49 people found this review helpful.
Jonathan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Loved it!!

I spent 4 weeks in Ghana on the orphanage project and I loved every minute!! Right from the start Pmgy made it so easy for me. I didn't go on the dates advertised but i felt the team bent over backwards to pick me up and have an induction just for me. I'd like to thank Seth for making me feel so welcome in your surprisingly nice house and Spohia you are a little star workng so hard cooking and cleaning after everyone! Cobinah well he's alright I guess Haha. The orphanage was great the kids are amazing I'm so glad I chose that one and would recommend to everyone, miss the kids a lot! The people of Ghana are the most friendly people I have ever met! Truly amazing by the welcome we got everywhere we went! Overall had a great time, met some awesome people and would 100% recommend the Ghana trip to anyone I would say tho 3-4 weeks is a good time to go for, thanks again Seth and the team

What would you improve about this program?
I think it was really well run, keep up the good work guys
60 people found this review helpful.
Beth
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

PMGY Ghana Medical Experience

I was lucky enough to spend this August doing the medical placement in Ghana. It was a life changing experience that I would highly recommend. I couldn't thank the host Seth enough; he was welcoming, helpful and always up for a laugh! Seth helped the whole thing run smoothly and was very accommodating for everyone's needs. The other PMGY staff were also beyond amazing, all of them were so kind, friendly and happy to cater to any specific needs. The volunteer house was a safe, homely place that made for a brilliant jenga tournament environment!
My time at the medical placement was extremely valuable, I was able to have hands on opportunities that would not be available to me in the UK. The nurses and hospital staff are so friendly and approachable!
Ghana as a whole was a life changing experience that I wouldn't want to change a second of. I feel so privileged to have been able to experience such a different culture to my own, and it has changed my perspective for the better. 10/10 best experience of my life!

63 people found this review helpful.
Katherine
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best Experience Ever!

Wow, what a month it was! I spent 4 weeks in Ghana doing the medical project alongside the orphanage project. It was an experience I will never forget. Plan My Gap Year made everything so easy and accessible. Throughout the application process Josh and Philip were amazing. Nothing was ever a problem for them! Working in the hospital was extremely eye opening and so rewarding!! I am a third year student nurse and my time in Ghana counted as my elective placement. I would highly recommend any nursing or medical students to do this as part of their placement! It really will change your life. Aside from the placement...living in the volunteer house was brilliant! I have made so many friends for life! No words can describe how amazing my time in Ghana was! Massive thank you to Seth, the most amazing host ever! From day one I felt so welcomed and at home. Seth always goes the extra mile for the volunteers...ensuring they are having the best time ever and making each day count. Seth was available 24/7 and nothing was ever an issue for him. He really loves his job and is so passionate in making sure everyone is enjoying their time away from home. The weekend trips away to Mole National Park and Cape Coast where such great value for money and so much fun!! Overall my time in Ghana was incredible. I have already booked to go back out again for Christmas this year! Thank you PMGY!

What would you improve about this program?
Literally no improvements required! Everything was beyond perfect!
46 people found this review helpful.
Melanie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Melanie Gillam

I just got back from an unforgettable 3 weeks in Ghana. During this time I was based in the orphanage and it was the most amazing experience seeing how children with barely anything can still be so happy and joyful. The other volunteers are like minded, funny and genuine friends for life because of the experiences you have shared. The activities were so varied so there is something for everyone! Whether you want to go to the local markets, teach or surf you can find something! The PMGY team were amazing and no request was too big making you feel comfortable when halfway across the world. I cannot thank the team enough for the opportunities they helped with, I hope to meet everyone again soon!

60 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers