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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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 25 - 32 of 127 reviews
Lea
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Ghana Orphanage Programme

I stayed in Ghana for 4 weeks on the orphanage programe of PMGY. I am very happy with PMGY, the staff was nothing but supportive and did everything as soon as you asked. They are very friendly and generally awesome people. The housing was absolutely fine as well and I did like the food, although it was starting to get repetetive in the end.
The only issue I had wasnt with PMGY but with the attitude of the locals. THey dont care about the children and their goal is basically to do as little work as possible, so they often wont let the kids play outside, because they might get dirty and things like that. But because of that the children appreciate you even more and you can really make them feel loved.
I would go abroud with PMGY again!

What would you improve about this program?
I was completely satisfied with PMGY
52 people found this review helpful.
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Hannah
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Ghana

I have had the most incredible 3 weeks in Ghana. I have done so many things that I never thought I would do. My placement at the orphanage with the disabled children was challenging but extremely rewarding. I also had the opportunity to do some days at the mental health placement which was rewarding and massive thanks to seth for setting that up for me. I have made friendships and created memories that I know will last a lifetime. All the staff at Pmgy do an amazing job at making everyone feel welcome and comfortable as though the volunteer house is our second home. I can't thank the Pmgy uk team and the Ghana team enough for welcoming me into the Pmgy family and making my time here the best it can possibly be. I will, without a doubt be using Pmgy for my travels in the future. Thank you guys for everything.

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

Grateful for Ghana

Visiting Ghana has been the most surreal experience. I spent 8 weeks here in the volunteer house, and despite on the odd occasion when I thought 2 months was too long, I wouldn't have changed it for the world. Excuse the cliche, but I really have made friends for life from the people I've met whilst in Ghana.

I cannot thank the PMGY staff enough for their endless work in keeping us fed, comfortable and happy for the duration of our stay. Whether it be first thing in the morning, or late at night, they are always there to help us and answer any and all questions we have. Without these wonderful, beautiful people my experience here wouldn't have been the same.

At the head of the staff is Seth with Florence at his side, however there are other members of staff that often go unappreciated. Dennis is a hard worker, and practical joker. He'll help you with anything you ask, and he is an excellent representation of the PMGY Ghana Team. Next are the ever present Christy and Cindy. These ladies work non stop. They're up at the break of dawn, preparing us breakfast and a take away lunch from 5am. They work throughout the day to clean up after us messy volunteers, and maintain a home whilst we're at placement. They then serve us plentiful meals in the evening. They keep spirits high with their giggling and contagious smiles. Without these two ladies, we'd be helpless. I have worked alongside Florence from day one being as she works at the school herself. I have never met someone so determined to help make a difference. I don't know where she finds the energy, but the woman remains enthusiastic with bundles of energy from the early mornings right through to late at night. PMGY Ghana are lucky to have Florence with the work rate she has. She is like the mother of the house, which is a wonderful characteristic of hers, meaning the volunteers feel comfortable to talk to her about any and all issues. Seth is the best coordinator we could have asked for. The words 'stop, and 'relax do not apply to him. If he's not taking us volunteers on trips, he's travelling down to Accra to pick up the new volunteers, and he's always on hand and easy to contact if we have any problems/questions.

I remember being asked in my first few days of arriving in here, 'why did you choose Ghana?', and to be completely honest I couldn't give and answer I was proud of. However, despite me not being answer that question 8 weeks ago, I can now confidently say why YOU should come to Ghana.

To the PMGY staff, the children of Divine International, and more importantly to Ghana, Diolch. Thank you. Medaase.

Unconditional love, Sir Yaw Sam

What would you improve about this program?
Group activities in the evening to integrate the new group with the existing group of volunteers.
44 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Ffion
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Ghana

I spent four amazing weeks in Ghana, and honestly can say it was one of the best experiences of my life. I mainly did the school project however was very lucky and was able to spend a few days observing in the hospital. The team in Ghana are outstanding, Seth will always to his best to help you in what ever worries/problems you have. Cindy and Christie (the two cooks/cleaners) and Florence (education coordinator) are the most hard working amazing people I have ever met and they are not just staff members to me I would consider them family. The house was cleaned head to toe every morning by cindy and Christie and bins were changed most days. There was plenty of food at all times and if we ran out they would always make more and if you didn't like what was being served they would offer to make something else for you. There were children just outside the house that used to come and play it's really lovely to spend some time with the local children after placement. The local children never were aloud into the house to play just because of safety really but volunteers would take out things to them like bubbles, balls and colouring. There were plenty of comfy sofas and chairs around for everyone to sit down and either watch tv or plan lessons or just talk to one another after placement! Teaching at the school was incredible, I felt it was well organised and an amazing experience that everyone should get the chance at.

What would you improve about this program?
The only improvements I can suggest is better beds and a better fridge although they were more than okay, just feel they could be improved.
38 people found this review helpful.
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Angharad
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Ghana 2017

In July/August I spent three weeks of my holidays volunteering in Ghana with PMGY and what a memorable experience I had. From the time that I booked my trip in the UK to the time that I left for the airport to come home, I can truly say that the oganisation and support from all members of staff was great. I had the most rewarding and wonderful three weeks working in the orphanage where I have gained a different perspectivie on life. Working with children who are less fortunate than us in the UK has been overwhelming and has changed me as a person. Along with the orphanage I was allowed to work at the school and see all the hardwork Florence has done since being there.She is an inspiration and her passion for her job and the children inspired me along with other volunteers to help transform the nursery. I thorougly enjoyed this project and the transformation brought smiles to many faces.

Being in a house with great people made the experience even more enjoyable. I've created some great friendships and hopefully we will stay in contact. Seth's motivavtional attitude and humorous personailty succeded to make me smile and laugh throughout the three weeks and he's a brilliant coordnator. Also Dennis and the kitchen staff are fantastic and provided us with some tasty meals.

I highly reccomend this trip/company to future volunteers. I was sad to see my trip come to an end but the memories I have created will remain in my heart forever. Thank you PMGY for a trip of a lifetime. Hopefully I will be back soon :)

42 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Thomas
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Ghana 2017 - Medical programe

I'm just finishing up four weeks doing the medical volunteering here in Ghana with PMGY. It's been absolutely incredibly and I can't believe I'm saying it but even after our weeks I wish I was staying longer. I've had just such a great time here and what really made it was the people. Everyone in the house has been just such a pleasure to live with, volunteers and those working with PMGY. The medical volunteering was incredibly interesting and you really were able to get some hands on experience in all the different departments of the hospital that would really be hard to access so easily at home. Here in Kumasi I did everything from ultrasounds, to carrying out HIV and Malaria testing in the laboratory, to helping take vitals and take bloods in Emergency to even acting as an extra set of hands during Surgery. I've found the whole experience hugely beneficial for myself.
The UK team were incredibly helpful during the contact period as I wasn't able to come on set dates due to family commitments and was worried about some of the issues about that but Josh and the team smoothed all my worries away with a short bit of correspondence and sorted everything for me so I was able to get here okay. I couldn't be more grateful.
The staff here in Ghana were something else, within a week I'd felt like we'd been friends for years, they made me feel so at home and they're mostly the reason I'm sorry to go. Seth and Florence were really proactive in helping you to give back to the communities around here if you wanted to and it was nice to feel like I was a part of something that was actively improving the lives of people in the area. The other volunteers really do bring out the best in you and I found myself incredibly inspired by their selflessness and thoughtfulness, and the staff here were really good at helping you direct that charity to ensure it helped as much people a possible.
Even though I did Medical volunteering I was also able to take part in the Teaching program some days and visit the school and the kid there are something else. They're absolutely amazing and were another contender for my favourite part of Ghana. Just seeing how much PMGY improved the school in the few week I was here wasa incredible, we completely renovated two rooms and had a new playground for the kids fitted and I've never seen gratefulness like what we got from the kids.
I felt really safe during my time here, granted I didn't go out too much at night but I felt very secure and at ease when taking long journeys and doing stuff by myself during the day (granted, I am a 6"3 man in his twenties but still). That's parially just due to the local people as well, most I encountered were just so friendly and would always greet you with a smile if you smiled first.
I couldn't recommend PMGY more and I already have suggested it to the 3 friends back home who've snapchatted me asking about my stay. I've enjoyed my time here immensely and my four weeks here have really blown my expectations out of the water. Medaase guys.

What would you improve about this program?
Maybe just more detailed day plans upon arrival?
41 people found this review helpful.
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Barbara
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Ghana- Orphanage Project

I have spent the most amazing 4 weeks in Ghana volunteering at the children's home. From the very start, I have received the help and support form the UK Plan My Gap Year team, when it came to finalising the trip like the visa application etc. When I arrived in Ghana I was picked up by the local team, I felt same and comfortable from the beginning, we travelled to Kumasi on the next day. When I arrived at the house everyone including other volunteers and the PMGY's staff were very welcoming and helpful. On the orientation day, we were taken to our placements and had everything explained for us, like what our days are gonna look like, how we get to the placement etc. I couldn't enjoy the time at the placement more than I have, I enjoyed every bit of it, whether it was playing with the kids, changing them, feeding or helping with everyday tasks such as washing and drying clothes. I think that being able to experience all of it, was one of the best opportunities that I had, and I couldn't be more grateful for it. All of the staff at the house are amazing, and are working really hard to do their best and help volunteers whenever they need them. Seth, Florence, Dennis, Cindy and Christy deserve a huge thank you from all of the volunteers. I would recommend this amazing experience to anyone!

39 people found this review helpful.
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David
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

3 Week Medical Project Review

From stepping out of the airport, you're immersed in this amazing culture that is unlike any other country I've traveled to. The country is vibrant with each tro tro journey providing a different spectacle each time. The locals are very friendly and approachable, especially all the kids who will always smile and wave at you and shout "obroni" (or "chinaman"). The kids really do make you smile and vice versa. If you also want to be proposed to, Ghana is the country for you.
I did the medical project during the morning and managed to see births in Maternity, caesarean sections in Theatre and get hands on in the Emergency Ward. The doctors are happy to teach you and let you do basic things like vitals etc. if you're proactive and ask them to, although do sometimes offer a bit too much with suturing for example. A definite highlight were the 12 hour night shifts we got to do, where you can help out a lot and I would make sure to do one whilst in Ghana. The hospital is vastly different to UK ones as expected, so allows an interesting comparison in equipment and approach to healthcare.
In the afternoon we'd go to the school (not the orphanage) which was always something to look forward to as the kids will all remember you and get extremely excited to play. I enjoyed getting to help teach them things like English and maths and that is definitely the impact you can make on the medical project, once you realize how hard it is to teach things like simple multiplication and their lack of simple things like pen and paper.
The rest of the time is what you make of it, as there's many places to visit and people to talk to. The staff really do put in the effort for you for a smooth and comfortable trip. I personally once never felt unsafe, even travelling alone for the day around the city.
My trip ended with an incredible Mole Trip with some spectacular sights, which also emphasized how close you become with fellow volunteers, this does lead to emotional Sundays when volunteers come and go. It may not be for everyone but when it is right for you, it is an unforgettable experience of a lifetime of which I'm sad I was only there for 3 weeks, but unbelievably grateful it happened and looking forward to future trips now.

What would you improve about this program?
Just that people have the knowledge and maybe photos of the rooms and house facilities before coming, along with a normal daily timetable so people know what to look forward too.
36 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers