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
84 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 17 - 24 of 127 reviews
Default avatar
Madison
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Ghana 2021

Hello, my name is Madison and I’m from Florida, United States.
I only stayed in [Kumasi], Ghana for two weeks, but it was an amazing time.
Even though I’m in the United States and Planmygapyear is a UK-based program, it was feasible for me to sign up and complete the requirements in a timely manner (ex: Visa, Yellow Fever Vaccine). They are a very organized organization and I appreciate it.
The volunteer house, headed by Seth, was a warm and welcoming environment. The people there are open, honest, and caring. Everyone is able to thrive under Seth’s impeccable leadership. If there is something you need, you can always ask. It’s a loving community, no matter how long you are there.
The relationships Seth has built within the community from the drivers to the volunteer locations have been positive and has allowed the volunteers to have a great and smooth experience in Kumasi. The volunteering I did was at the orphanage and teaching at the school. The children love the people that visit and are very respectful.
Additionally, trips outside of the volunteering portion are amazing as well. I was able to climbs mountains, go on a Safari, and visit the capital city, Accra. There is a lot to see and do.
Of course, there’s no place like home, but if you are looking for a great time to volunteer and explore a new culture, this is certainly an opportunity not to miss! Ghana has a deep-rooted culture that cannot be missed!

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
The one thing I would change is to change what I packed. I felt like I should have packed a variety of items, but I decided to keep it simple. However, other volunteers were more than kind enough to lend me anything I was missing.
77 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Savannah
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Journey of a lifetime

PMGY Ghana has been my favorite adventure so far. I Traveled to Ghana in May of 2019 alone at 21, It was scary but rewarding to all ends. I participated in the Medical program hoping to gain experience from the hospitals and from day one i was allowed to get hands on. An outreach program was set up and we tested a local school group for malaria. I spent 30 days in the country with the most amazing staff and a great group of volunteers that I can now call lifelong friends. Thorough every challenge I faced in the country the support of the staff was there, the nightly activities are so much fun from dance parties with the local kiddos, learning to balance objects on your head, game night , etc. The food adjustments was the hardest thing I faced, The food is all good but proportions are smaller than usual and if you are staying for a long time the meal change on a daily basis but not weekly so be prepared for that. Everything else was transparent in the handbook so read that clearly! Take the leap to ghana!

What would you improve about this program?
Anything that you would want changed with the program is just ghanian culture like the food or water shortages etc and shouldn't be changed or couldn't.
68 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Milly
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Disabled Children Project

Living in Ghana has been the most incredible experience of my life. One I will never forget.

I planned on going to Ghana for two months but after two weeks I knew I wanted to stay. With assistance from the UK team they made everything so easy and I ended up staying for five months (If I had the money I would have stayed another 5!)

As soon as I got there I felt so welcome. The staff make you feel like part of the family and they go above and beyond to do everything they can for you. Especially Flo, Dennis, Ruby, Rosemary and Mercy.

I felt confident enough to travel to and from placement on my own. Working at Kumasi Children’s home was amazing. I loved being able to make a small difference in the children’s lives everyday.

I would recommend this trip to everyone. Go into it with an open mind, embrace the culture and the differences, talk to people, try the food and learn the language.

I feel so lucky to have had this experience. Ghana made my heart so full and I miss it every day. I had so many opportunities and made friends for life.
I can’t wait to go back.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My advice is to try everything. Try the food, speak the language get to know the locals. Everyone is so friendly so don’t be shy.
Embrace the cultural differences and enjoy every day.
There are also things you might find overwhelming or hard to accept such as the everyday struggles people face. But you also have to remember you can’t help everyone. So do what you can, small things like shopping local can make a big difference to people.
62 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Emily
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing Experience!

I volunteered in Ghana for three weeks. And I wish I could've stayed much longer! The locals in the community and especially at the volunteer house were beyond welcoming. The volunteer house was comfortable and clean. It began to feel like home very quickly. The PMGY workers provided a family-like environment. They encouraged discussions about anything and everything. If something confused you or made you feel uncomfortable someone was always there to talk to you about it.
Placement was usually early in the morning and usually you could leave whenever you were ready to. The kids at the orphanage were adorable and full of smiles. At times it was exhausting and difficult to know the kids didn't have a family, but being able to give them basic attention was satisfying. I quickly fell in love with them and sincerely wanted to adopt all of them. I also went to the school and helped in a classroom for a few days. The students were eager to learn and loved playing with the volunteers.
The weekends were for relaxing, free time, or going on the PMGY weekend trips. I did both Mole and Cape Coast and I recommend both of them. It was a neat way to see different parts of Ghana.
Ghanaian culture is completely different than American culture and it was very refreshing. Going into the trip with an open mindset is the best thing to do. The way they view time, humor, basic conversations and life overall can be surprising, but as you adjust it's easy to fall in love with their way of life.
Overall, it was a mind opening experience that I will never forget!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Be completely open minded! Remember that Ghanaian culture is different and no particular culture is superior. Don't act out on something that bothers or surprises you in a dramatic way. That would be like someone coming to your country or house and acting as if you lived a horrible life.
70 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Amy
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

3 Weeks just wasn’t enough!

3 weeks just wasn’t enough, if I had it my way I would have stayed for 3 months!! I always find it hard to explain how the trip was because as amazing as it was, it breaks my heart seeing how most families live. It really does put into perspective how lucky we really are.

The PMGY team in Ghana are absolutely wonderful... even Dennis who only says a few words😂

My advice for future volunteers, If you want to go out and help people and make a difference this programme and organisation is for you! If you want a party trip to get drunk every night, Benidorm or Ibiza is for you. Grab every experience you can whilst being out there, at the end of the day, you paid money to HELP and that is what is expected of you when you go out there.

What would you improve about this program?
The program itself, I think it should start venturing out into more countries!
61 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Olivia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Highly Recommend!

Whilst in Ghana, I spent two weeks volunteering at the local hospital, Manhyia Government Hospital in Kumasi. This trip was the first time I had ever done something like this and travelled alone, however PMGY made me feel completely safe and gave me support from the start, even from booking to after I had arrived home. Any worries, problems or queries I had regarding my trip were quickly answered by the amazing pre-departure team. PMGY allowed me to experience so many amazing new things and gave me the opportunity to work and learn about Ghanian healthcare.

I was able to shadow in the Operating Theatre and watch numerous cesarians and complex surgeries as well as viewing Ultrasounds in the scan room, and learn about neonatal care. Whilst the role was mainly observational, all of the staff at the hospital were incredibly kind and extremely willing to teach us and get us involved in the project.

Whilst living in the country, you will stay at the volunteer house with the other volunteers and you are looked after by the staff. The people I met were some of the nicest people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing, and we are already talking about all returning together in the near future. Furthermore, the staff at the house really go out of their way to make you feel so at home and comfortable. The project exceeded my expectations in every way possible.

Each of the projects are well worth doing and incredibly rewarding! To anyone considering participating in one of Plan My Gap Year’s programmes, I would highly recommend and jump at the opportunity. Thank you PMGY!

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
As this was my first time travelling alone I found it terrifying at the start, but PMGY were there to support me at every step!
66 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Portia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Experience of a lifetime

My time spent volunteering in Ghana was the best 6 weeks of my life. So many unforgettable memories and life long friendship made.

Prior to my departure I received copious amounts of helpful information and my questions were always answered by either Josh, Seth or fellow volunteers. I felt very prepared for my trip thanks to the PMGY team.

The PMGY house in Kumasi is basic but has everything you need. Including some amazing workers who will become your family within a short period of time. I felt very comfortable in the house as all the staff made me feel so welcome and I knew I could go to them if I ever had any questions or needed help. The food was incredible. We got a mix of local and Western dishes. I really enjoyed getting to try the local food.
PMGY coordinators Florence and Dennis were always super helpful when it came to planning things to do on weekends or afternoons, organising transport to and from places and were also great company. They always put your needs before their own and go above and beyond to make sure your experience is incredible.

I spent my time volunteering at the New Life Home which I thoroughly enjoyed. A typical day volunteering involved leaving the house at 6:30am and then getting straight into work once we got to the home. Transport to and from the orphanage was very cheap and easy to get. Once at the orphanage I spent the morning getting the kids changed and ready, I fed them, washed up the morning dishes, also helped with laundry, but most importantly got to spend the day cuddling and playing with the gorgeous children that just adore having someone to play with. These kids stole my heart very quickly. I admire the sisters at the orphanage and feel so grateful for the time and effort they put in to making sure the children get what they need in order to live a normal and happy life.

The weekend trips, Mole and Cape Coast, were definitely well worth the money.
At Mole you got to go on a Jeep Safari as well as a walking safari, which although there wasn't a whole lot of variety in terms of animals it was a fun experience. Beware of the baboons at the national park! They WILL come into your room if the door isn't locked!
We also got to go to Kintampo Falls where we got to swim, which was beautiful and refreshing. Then we went to the monkey sanctuary where you get to hold and feed the monkeys which is super cool.
Cape Coast was more of a relaxing trip but still heaps of fun. The first day we went to Kakum National Park for the board walks, stroked crocodiles, and went to the Cape Coast Castle which was very interesting. The Hide Out Lodge was amazing accomodation right on the beach so you could hear the waves crashing as you fell asleep. On the second day we got to go surfing, the instructors are very helpful. We also had a bonfire and got to sing and dance which was lots of fun.

To everyone considering going to Ghana I highly recommend you do so! The people over there have become my 2nd family and I have taken away so many amazing memories with me. This trip gave me a new outlook on life which I'm so grateful for.
Be sure to make the most of your time in Ghana. Speak to the coordinators to find out how you can get more involved, what you can do in your spare time (I guarantee there is always something), help around the kitchen, get to know the staff and the local families.

Thankyou to PMGY for creating such an incredible experience. One that I will never forget. I will be back Ghana ☺️

What would you improve about this program?
I thoroughly enjoyed this program so don't believe anything needs improving. It was an incredible experience and I will definitely be going again
50 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Sarah
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Plan My Gap Year is the best! Loved every second.

I had an absolutely incredible time In Ghana with Plan My Gap Year and would recommend this experience and PMGY to anyone and everyone. Philip and Josh in the UK team were so incredibly helpful from moment one. They went out of their way to answer any questions promptly, organise absolutely everything and make the booking process quick and easy. Plan My Gap Year is extremely reasonable with exceptional service. Seth, Flo, Dennis, Prince, Christie and Emmanuel out in Ghana are incredibly friendly, helpful and welcoming. I quickly felt welcomed into their big family. I took part in the medical program and was amazed by all the incredible experiences I had the pleasure of being involved with and observing. I also had the opportunity to help out in an orphanage and on an outreach program where Plan My Gap Year provide medical care to remote villagers who are unable to afford/ access it. I would highly recommend the Plan My Gap Year project in Ghana as the people, food and weather are just fantastic in every way. The people are the most open, fun and kind that I have ever met. This was to date the best experience of my life. I cannot wait to book my next trip. Plan My Gap Year is the best!!

What would you improve about this program?
I had an absolutely amazing time, I just wish I could have been there for longer!
50 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers