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 33 - 40 of 127 reviews
Default avatar
Charlie
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Medical Placement

I have just got back from a month away on the medical placement. I have had a lot of fun and made friends that I'll keep for a life. The UK team was really helpful and always answered my questions really quickly. Cindy and Kristy are amazing at doing all the cooking and cleaning and the food they serve is always amazing. Florence is brilliant at her job and is always there for a chat. Dennis and Seth are so funny and really helpful if you need anything. I never once worried about my safety in Ghana and I always felt safe and looked after whether it was in the house or whilst we were out and about. I am so glad I went and got to meet some amazing people that I will share an experience with for life.

41 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Lauren
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Life changing experience

I spent a month in Ghana doing the teaching project and also the orphanage project. I have had the best 4 weeks of my life. I had the pleasure of meeting so many amazing people. The children brought me so much happiness and joy. In the school, they are so motivated and interested to learn which makes it a lot more enjoyable. Seeing the transformation of the nursery class while I was there and the smiles of the children when they entered their new classroom, is something I'll remember forever. In the orphanage, the children are just amazing. They appreciate everything you do for them no matter how big or small. Even by just colouring a picture with the children, can make their day. The children in both the school and the orphanage are so warm and welcoming, you're always greeted with a smile and a hug every morning! I have formed so many close bonds with people and have made friends for life in Ghana. You become so close to the other volunteers and I couldn't have asked for a better group of people to share my experience with. The staff in the house are fantastic. I've never met such passionate and hard working people. If ever you needed help with anything or even just wanted a chat, they are always there to help you no matter what and will always make time for you. They make you feel so at home and are extremely supportive. The UK team are also very supportive as they're always there to help you with any questions or issues you may have. I had no safety issues in Ghana at all. I was a bit nervous about safety at first but I felt more safe in Ghana than I do at home. The locals are the friendliest people you'll ever meet. You're given so many opportunities in Ghana that most people will never get the chance to experience. I'm so sad to be leaving and I'm already looking at flights to come back. My experience has been life changing and I'd 100% recommend PMGY Ghana!

What would you improve about this program?
I would recommend maybe getting more metal bunk beds and possibly for the bathroom situation to improve. More group communication would be useful too in the evenings so everyone can talk about their day☺️
41 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Gabriella
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

PMGY Ghana 2017

I have just spent the past 4 weeks in Ghana. I completed a mixture of the medical and teaching project. The medical project was amazing. I learned so much and got some hands on experience that I wouldn't have been able to get at home. It's also amazing to see the different health care system over there. I really enjoyed the medical project but I loved the teaching project.
I didn't think I would enjoy teaching as much as I did. The children at the local school are all so eager to learn and it's just completely different to home. It's also so reward to teach a lesson and to be able to help struggling children understand.
The staff are all amazing. Cindy and Christie do an amazing job with the cooking and cleaning. They aren't given enough credit. Flo knows everything and can help with any problems or queries anyone has. Of course there is Dennis as well who can take you anywhere and will do anything you ask of him. Then lastly Seth, the project wouldn't be the same without Seth. He puts so much work into each project and ensures we get on well and that everything runs so smoothly.
The safety was also perfect. There wasn't a single time where I felt worried about my safety. Ghana is a lovely country and the people are all so welcoming. The volunteer house is also nice and private and safe.
I would recommend PMGY Ghana to friends as it was the experience of a lifetime that I am so grateful for.

40 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Alana
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

PMGY Ghana April-May 2017

I spent 4 truly amazing weeks in Ghana, and there wouldn't have been a better company to go with than Plan My Gap Year! I am so grateful I got to go as it was the best thing I have ever experienced.
I went to Ghana with a friend from school, it was really lovely getting to endure this opportunity with a friend and didn't make my first trip alone as daunting. However the team and all the other volunteers are so welcoming and friendly that going alone would be just as good, we were greeted with happiness and excitement at the airport and welcomed like family as soon as we stepped into the volunteer house.
I spent my time in Ghana volunteering in the orphanage, the first day we were greeted by many hugs and smiles, the children were so happy to see us each day and we were so happy to see them as well. Getting to spend so much time playing and helping with the children was so positive. The majority of my time was spent in the home unit and the nursery block where the bonds formed with these children were incredible, we got to help out with day to day childcare and washing of the clothes, each day we went staying till so late as we didn't want to leave we got to put the children and babies to bed which was always peaceful at the end of a long day. Taking the kids into the sensory room so they could play, paint, read and make music was my favourite part of the day as they looked so happy to get in and play with anything they could get hold of.
My birthday was in my first week of being there, and i will never forget it. Seth bought me a cake and the older boys helped organise a party with the kids, they all sang happy birthday to me on the stage in English and Twi and it was the sweetest!
The team in the house work so hard, and always make sure everyone is safe and is having the best time possible, they cannot be thanked enough for everything they do, it is always appreciated! The food was delicious, and we were never left hungry. Seth even went out of his way every Thursday to introduce us to the nicest spring rolls in Ghana!
The weekend trips were really well organised and so fun, getting to see more of Ghana and the culture.
The hardest thing about going to Ghana was leaving and saying goodbye to everyone, definitely want to come back! If i could change one thing about my time in Ghana it would be to go for longer as it went so quickly and I didn't want to leave. I would recommend PMGY Ghana to everyone! Thankyou so much, my heart will always be in Ghana X

37 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Chloë Christie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My Ghana Experiance

I have just returned home from 2 weeks in Ghana, taking part in the teaching project. I can honestly say that it was the most influential 2 weeks of my life, and I regret not staying longer.
The school has changed how I view education greatly. These kids are so excited to learn, especially about where the volunteers are from! They are incredibly smart and want to show you their work, and will drag you into their classroom so they can test their English.
The PMGY staff are very helpful and supportive, both the UK team and Ghana team. I was apprehensive prior to travelling due it being my first time travelling alone, and the UK team were always quick to respond to any questions I had. Regarding the Ghana team, they become more like your friends than staff. I would have late night chats with Dennis out on the porch, and Seth would crack my back and give me the best hugs, and Florence would get us all up and dancing and singing. If you had any issues with anything - Ghana or home related - you could go to any of them and they would help out and be as supportive as possible. You will also make life-lasting friendships with the other volunteers.
Ghana was surprisingly more safe than I thought it would be. We travel by ourselves to and from placements so you get used to not wearing a seatbelt. Even if you got lost travelling in the trotro,the locals would happily point you in the right direction. Although, if you any issue with strangers touching you, I don't think Ghana would be the best PMGY destination. Ghanians like the look of white and light hair, and will grab and stroke you as you walk past. I would definitely recommend Ghana otherwise though. I'm already planning my trip to Ghana.

What would you improve about this program?
More organization/information given to volunteers regarding arriving in Kumasi bus station and returning to the airport.
37 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Andrew
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Teaching placement review

I've just returned from 5 weeks in Ghana. It was a brilliant experience and it was shared with an amazing group of people. Having not travelled to Africa before, I was apprehensive about safety but this never became an issue. I always felt safe and comfortable when going around Kumasi. I spent the majority of my time teaching at the school. It was an incredible journey from the first day to the last. Seeing the kids' eagerness to learn was so refreshing and it was so rewarding watching them progress in my time there. It was such a good feeling when I managed to get them to understand something when they were struggling. All of the staff in Ghana do a fantastic job. They make every volunteer feel welcome and they all try so hard to make it a fun and enjoyable experience. My time in Ghana with PMGY was a truly unforgettable experience and I would recommend it to anyone who's thinking of going.

What would you improve about this program?
I have very few complaints about my program but there a few hings that i feel could be improved upon. Although it is very reasonably priced when compared to other organisations that offer similar projects, I was sometimes hard to see where the money went towards. I'm not saying that it wasn't value for money but I think that it would put people's mind at ease if they knew exactly what their money went towards. The volunteer house only has one toilet/shower which is shared between 20-25 people at peak times. This can sometimes be a problem but I more often found that it was ok.
37 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
evie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Ghana Trip 2017

I spent 2 weeks in Ghana, on the orphanage placement. It was such an amazing experience and every day I spent, whether at placement or even just at the house, was fantastic.
At placement, in the orphanage, we were introduced too all the mothers and got too know the routine. I found my favourite area was the day centre as I was able too teach and help out with lunches and washing up. I also really enjoyed the home unit as I really felt valued and as though my help was really needed. Even just little jobs like helping serve lunch, washing clothes, changing nappies and playing with the children, made a massive difference and meant the world too the children.
As well as working in the orphanage, I also had the opportunity too go to the school and sit in some lessons and help with marking. I also managed too donate money too enable the school nursery to be re-do and make the environment more appropriate for young children too learn and play in.
The staff at the volunteer house were all so supportive and helpful no matter how little or much you asked of them. The staff constantly made me feel safe and relaxed throughout my stay, and looked after us 24/7.
The environment in the volunteer house, was so homely and made me feel at ease and comfortable. I wish I had been able too stay longer, and will definitely be going back next year !
I would reccomend PMGY too anyone looking at international volunteering. After being too Ghana, at first it was a culture shock but I soon adjusted and almost immediately was able too fully enjoy the experience and get the most out of every day. All the luxuries I take for granted at home, even little things, have been put in perspective; and the whole trip has been a massive eye opener and the most amazing experience.

What would you improve about this program?
no improvement.
39 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Lucy
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Ghana psychiatric unit

I really enjoyed my time in the PMGY ghana house, I made lots of wonderful friends and got to explore some of ghana with the most amazing staff team! On days off we were always given options of things to do by the in house staff such as the culture centre, market etc. and were generally either taken there or shown how to get there (which we always felt safe doing by ourselves as the tro tros were quite easy to use). The biggest challenge was dealing with the lack of running water but we all managed to deal with that quite quickly. it was really fun being able to live with so many people and play games every evening to chill out after placement.
The trips to cape coast and mole national park were amazing, it was incredible to be able to see so much of a different country and i really enjoyed the surfing lesson. it was really fun being able to do something recreational and getting some fabulous experiences along side my friends.
I enjoyed the placement and tried to get as much out of it as possible, i learnt a lot from the nurses who were very willing to explain to us what was going on. However the psychiatric unit was disappointing as the nurses and patients spoke in the native language to each other ( as expected i guess), which made it difficult to understand what was going on and to make a positive contribution. the nurses did their best to explain what was happening but we weren't left with much opportunity to participate and do things. we also went out with the community outreach nurses into the local community to promote mental health and reduce stigma which was really interesting to learn about how little the public knew about mental health. again there was not much english spoken here so it was difficult to understand and contribute to the discussions. overall the placement was positive and i learnt a lot but i feel i was limited by the language barrier.
I really enjoyed the whole experience, and it was really sad to leave everybody behind when i had to go home. it is definitely an experience that I won't be forgetting any time soon.

What would you improve about this program?
metal bunk beds
running water
english speaking hospital program
33 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers