Ghana is a vibrant and alluring country, steeped in rich tradition and a frequently tragic history. Free from the trappings of mass tourism, this former British colony has much to offer the visitor. Tropical beaches abound but there's so much more: feed the sacred crocodiles at Paga, plunge into the waterfalls of the eastern highlands, marvel at the game-rich savannah of Mole National Park, or relive the chilling story of the coastal slave forts.

Our partner's focus is to help build sustainable village-based organizations in Ghana so that groups are better equipped to reduce poverty. The initiative was started in partnership between former Peace Corps Volunteers and the host communities.

Volunteers should arrive in Ghana the day before their projects start, which is usually on a Sunday. If arriving earlier to Ghana , you will need to arrange a place to stay and a return to the airport on Sunday to be picked up.

Ghana is a safe, stable country with relatively low crime levels compared to other West African countries. There is an increase in armed robbery, some of which targeting tourists and ex-pats. Take sensible precautions but be assured it is quite safe. However, corruption is absolutely rampant. There are police checkpoints everywhere and the cops usually just want money.

NOTE: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) is generic information and should not be used as a definitive travel guide. Travel information and situations abroad change constantly. Participants should consult Global Crossroad or travel advisors to verify this information.

There are several books about Ghana in different languages. Some good guides in English include: Guide to Ghana by Philip Briggs (BRADT Publications), Lonely Planet West Africa, Ghana by Patricia Levy, and African Spirituality: On Becoming Ancestors by Anthony Ephirim-Donkor. You might also want to think about reading a Ghanaian novel. A highly popular and recommended one is Changes by Ama Ata Aidoo.

Global Crossroad's In-Country Coordinator in Ghana is responsible for researching appropriate volunteer projects as per the qualifications and skills of the applicants.

Though there are as many at 49 languages spoken in Ghana , English is the official language. For volunteers interested in exploring local language and culture, Global Crossroad organizes a 1-week extensive language and cultural program.

Literally, the projects are open year-round and volunteers are encouraged to apply anytime at their convenience.

Be prepared and never expect a clean toilet 100% of the time. Carry some tissue in-case you need to use the public toilet. Ghanaian toilets generally do not do well when flushing large amounts of items or feminine hygiene products (i.e. tampons) so do not flush them. Rather, throw them away in the trash. In some areas/restaurants, toilet systems are old and have very narrow plumbing and get blocked easily.

Ghana is very close to the equator, and so the weather is quite warm and tropical. There are two rainy seasons, one from April to June, and the other from September to October. This differs slightly from the more northern regions, but volunteers will most likely be stationed in the south. During the hottest months temperatures may get up to 100F, while during the rainy months temperatures will stay around 70F, though it will be much more humid.

We're able to offer placements throughout the year. Participants are requested to apply at least one to two months in advance , but if you want to expedite your application, please contact our office for more information.

You should dress conservatively in Ghana , with walking-length shorts only and no sleeveless shirts or tube-tops. Dressing in layers can help combat feeling either too hot or too cold throughout the day.

Ghana is considered a very safe nation. No serious danger in terms of personal safety of volunteers at various project sites and Homes. However volunteers are warned to be careful with pick-pocketing, purse snatching when they go to busy or crowded areas like beaches, parks or other attraction points. Our program does not provide insurance for our volunteers. It is important that you be covered by a health and personal accident insurance policy while traveling internationally.

All volunteers are advised to contact the Ghanaian High Commission or Consulate before travel to Ghana . Most of western passport holders receive 30 days visa stamp upon arrival. If you decide to stay longer than this, you can extend your visa after you arrive. Extension is obtained from the immigration department. Global Crossroad suggests that ALL volunteers acquire the tourist visa in their home country BEFORE arriving in-country to avoid any unnecessary hassles at the airport.

All travel around Ghana and Burkina Faso will be in air-conditioned 4x4 vehicles, the best mode of transport around any African country.

TPRF has partnered with the UN Development Programme and the National Council for Women in the United States to provide clean drinking water and sanitation for thousands of people in villages in Ghana. New water tanks with modern pumps have been installed, allowing more than 30,000 villagers to get clean underground water where they live, instead of having to walk miles for contaminated river water.

Despite numerous political problems in other West African countries, Ghana is a very safe country. Crime is much lower than in other African states, and indeed much lower than in many western countries. Ghanaians are also very friendly toward foreigners, and treat them as welcome guests in their country. Many people will greet you throughout Ghana with the phrase "Akwaaba" - meaning welcome in Twi, the most commonly spoken local language.

There is one required immunization to come to Ghana. This is against yellow fever, and you will be checked at Kotoko airport to make sure you have had this before entering Ghana. Other than this, it is recommended to get several other immunizations/vaccines, including Hepatitis A + B, typhoid/typhus, meningitis, rabies, and tetanus-diphtheria. There is no vaccine against malaria, which is quite common in Ghana. Therefore certain medicines are recommended against this disease.

Yes, but Visa requirements differ by country though: Americans, Most Europeans need Visas to enter Ghana

Officially you must have a volunteer visa if you wish to work as a volunteer in Ghana. To obtain a volunteer visa, you must have a letter from Volunteer Build confirming your placement. BUT we have been advised by visa officials at the Ghanaian High Commission in London that our volunteers can apply for a tourist visa. Technically, you are not permitted to work on tourist visas, but because you are not undertaking paid work, it is tolerated.

We advise you to contact your GP (physician) at least two months before traveling and get advice on travelling to Ghana, a tropical country. Immunoglobulin or Hepatitis A Vaccine (Strongly recommended. The vaccine requires re-immunization 6-12 months later, but is good for a much longer period)

Internet access will be available close by to most placements, apart from very rural locations. Every town and most small villages have Internet caf??s. Broadband access is rare, most Internet connections are made through dial-up. Typically it will cost 8,000 cedis (sterling 30p) for 30 minutes Internet use.

We would love to have visitors to Ghana. Our Executive Director will gladly bring you on a tour of the orphanage and any other projects that are in progress. Please click on the contact us link and let us know when you will be in Ghana so we can arrange a visit.

Unfortunately not. Neither can we give you details for the Afghan Embassy in Geneva, or the Jamaican Embassy in India. Our embassy directory only lists details for foreign embassies and consulates in the Czech Republic. We welcome corrections or additions to our list, but if what you're looking for isn't there, we don't have it, sorry. We suggest using Google or similar search engine.

Since Ghana is only a few degrees north of the equator, the only seasonal changes are distinct wet and dry seasons. The best time to visit is during September-October when the weather is relatively cooler and it rains only occasionally. During December-February it is the dry season, when day temperatures are in the 80s-90s F/27-36 C and nights in the 70s F/18-26 C. Another dry season occurs in July and August. A dry northeast wind known as the Harmattan blows for about 10 days in January.