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

Portfolio-Ghana-Childcare.jpg

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 49 - 56 of 127 reviews
Default avatar
William
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

William Tennant - Ghana 2017

It's difficult to put into words how my time in Ghana has been.

From arriving at Kotoka Airport to spending the night in the Pink Hostel then arriving at the volunteer house in Kronum, all of which were experiences in themselves, I knew I was going to be spending my time with an incredible bunch of people.

The volunteer house is as you can imagine. Lots of bedrooms, a communia dining room. I think this aided in us becoming a closer group in some way. The food was a culture shock, obviously, and I'm still unsure about some of it, but Christie and Cindy do a great job, as does Flo, Dennis and of course Seth!

My placement was incredible. I worked in the Emergency Unit and made some great friends with the nurses. It was hard at times - myself and another volunteer found a woman in cardiac arrest in the car park of the hospital and despite doing everything we could in the Emergency Unit we couldn't save her. The EU team is very welcoming and supportive, and we were able to chat about what happened.

The most difficult time I had on my trip was saying goodbye to people who I became so close to. For three weeks we worked, ate, travelled and shared rooms with eachother and to have to say goodbye to them one day was really difficult.

I'd definitely recommend PMGY to people, and especially the medical programme.

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

PMGY Ghana - June

I have recently returned from a 4 week placement with PMGY Ghana where i worked both at the teaching placement and the childrens home. Both placements were absolutely incredible and something i couldn't reccomend highly enough, the school is incredible and the children are amazing to work with and it's great to see them eager to learn! Aswell as the orphanage, it is an amazing experience there and again the children and wonderful and there smiles will fill you with joy! My time in Ghana was the best time of my life, the culture and people make every penny worth it and i would reccomend traveling to Ghana as it is amazing! I can't wait to be returning next year!

What would you improve about this program?
Only improvements would be more support from staff at the orphanage.
42 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Mariza
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

PMGY Ghana

My time here in ghana has been beyond amazing. During my last 3 weeks in Ghana, I have encountered a wide rage of experiences, opportunities and eye opening insights, which willl remain with me forever. Everyday in ghana has been a different day which has made this trip so delightful and fun. I'm extremly happy that I made the choice to come and volunteer in ghana, as the people here are always happy and kind, the culture is different and welcoming and overall the volunteers that I've met have turn out to be more than just but friends but more like family.

The medical placement where I was volunteering, has made my time here in ghana feel like I made a difference. The majority of the time at the hospital I observed the doctors, nurses and surgeons, however from these observations i managed to learn a lot which may not have been volunteering in a direct manner but it surely made me aware of many things.

The staff in ghana are lovely, supportive and extremely friendly. They've made me feel like I've been at home for the past 3 weeks. I appreciate everything that they do and I'm very grateful for them being there for all of us.

Personally, I think Ghana is a safe country to visit and volunteer as everyone is so friiendly and welcoming and I've had no issues.

I loveeeee ghanaaaa

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

Ghana Summer 2017

I have just spent a life changing 3 weeks in Ghana with PMGY and couldn't have asked for a better organisation to do volunteer work with. As a 17 year old, I was quite apprehensive about travelling all the way to Africa on my own. However, in hindsight there was no need to worry at all - it was as fun, eye opening and educational as I could have ever hoped for. I took part in the orphanage program which was very emotional at times but extremely rewarding when you make a child smile or you make a mother's job that little bit easier. Despite the initial culture shock I experienced at the beginning, I overcame that and began to learn more about myself and the country which has opened my eyes an awful lot. The kids are great and become your own little friends which makes it so much harder to leave them but only goes to show the amazing relationship you are building with them, showing that you are making a positive difference. As for the staff that work in the volunteer house, they are all truly amazing. Each and every one of them gives 100% and more to make sure you feel happy during your stay. I cannot fault any member of staff, Seth, Flo, Dennis, Kristy and Cindy are your friends and really do make you feel like you are part of a family. They are a huge part of my experience because of the many laughs and happy moments I've had with them during the 3 weeks. Safety is not an issue to worry about whilst in Ghana, even though, to admit I was a bit concerned to start with. However, I had no reason to, I felt very safe during my time in Ghana and not once did I feel in danger. I must say though, the tro tro drivers can be a bit crazy but you get used to it haha! I would 100% recommend PMGY to anyone who really wants to make a positive impact in the world because you really do feel like you are with this organisation. PMGY Ghana you have been amazing! Thank you for this opportunity!

Natalie xx

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

Daughters 6 week PMGY Ghana trip

When my daughter told me she was going to Ghana to volunteer in an orphanage, I must admit I had my reservations. I was nervous with my lack of knowledge of the culture, the support she would receive, and their trustworthiness. Needless to say, I was worried. However, from the contact that I had with lily throughout her time in Ghana, I realised how much love and support she was able to give those children in the safety of PMGY. She tells me she would like to go back again - this time I won't have so many sleepless nights, because I know she will be well looked after and safe. fMy daughter has come home and hasn't stopped talking about her amazing experience in Ghana. :)

What would you improve about this program?
Can't fault PMGY
39 people found this review helpful.
Lily
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

6 weeks with PMGY GHANA

I have just got back from an absolutely amazing and life changing 6 weeks in Ghana. I did both teaching and orphanage programmes and I honestly loved both so much. The children are all beyond happy and just seeing their little smiles put a smile on my face every single day. 6 weeks absolutely flew by and if I could if I would've stayed for way longer- put it this way, I loved it so much I am planning on going back next year.
Each day I travelled to the school in the morning and taught at the school then left to go to the orphanage for the afternoon. Every day came with its own challenges but every day was making a difference. If a day came that was a challenge- the staff at the house and fellow volunteers were there 24/7. I honestly could not recommend PMGY ghana enough! The children are bundles of fun, the staff are absolutely amazing and so friendly, and the general community and vibe is just so vibrant. I can't say a single bad word about it. Before I came I was a little worried about the safety out there, but there was never a single moment I felt unsafe. Everyone is so friendly and the staff will make sure you know how to get around before going out without them.
Thank you so much for such a life changing and extrordinary experience- would honestly recommend PMGY to anyone and everyone!! You won't be disappointed :)

What would you improve about this program?
Can't see the programme needing any improvements:)
39 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Ana
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

2 weeks with PMGY Ghana

I loved Ghana. The culture, and people are amazing and some of the most friendly people ever. I have immersed myself in everything as much as possible and loved it all. My favourite moments where at the school. I love the kids and despite only being here for two weeks that didn't stop me from bonding with them. The atmosphere at the school, despite lack of facilities and equipment, the children were still so enthusiastic to learn and that was infectious. The teachers were lovely and welcoming and always appreciative of the help we gave. The Ghana staff are amazing! They are so hard working and I admire how much they do at such a young age. They are all so welcoming and help is always at hand when you need it. Despite being warned about saftey, I have felt pretty safe since there is always someone from PMGYGHANA with you at most times and if not, people travel together, making it an enjoyable experience.

What would you improve about this program?
Perhaps more communication between the staff and volunteers andm also being able to have tried other placements would have been amazing.
38 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Emma
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Medical Volunteering Kumasi

I really enjoyed my two week programme working in Manhyia District Hospital. It was a very humbling experience to see the difference between the hospital's facilities compared to UK hospitals. During my stay there I also realised how many patients could have easily been treated if it weren't for lack of essential tools - like defibrillators. Overall, I felt like it was an incredible learning experience. The staff in the Kumasi volunteer home are also really welcoming and friendly, making my stay there even better!

What would you improve about this program?
Raising awareness that the hospital is in need of donations.
43 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers