Your Guide to Volunteering in Ghana
Complete transparency on costs, placements, and what to expect
Overview
NeedBe Foundation welcomes international volunteers who seek meaningful, community-led engagement in Ghana. Since 2014, we have hosted volunteers from over 15 countries, creating a global network of advocates for menstrual health education.
Our programs are designed and led by local stakeholders. We do not offer voluntourism experiences—we offer genuine partnership with communities who have identified their own needs and invited us to support their work.
Life in Ghana
Program Fees
We believe in complete transparency. Below is exactly where your program fee goes — no hidden costs, no surprises.
Fee Breakdown (4 weeks)
Most popular program duration
Registration Fee
One-time application processing
Program Fee
$137.50 per week x 4 weeks
Early Bird Discount
Book 3+ months in advance
Total Program Cost
4 weeks with early bird discount
Additional Costs to Budget For
- Flights to/from Accra (ACC)
- Tourist visa ($150, 3-month validity)
- Vaccinations & medications
- Personal spending ($50-100/week)
- Weekend excursions
- Souvenirs & personal items
What Your Fee Covers
Airport Transfers
Pickup and drop-off at Kotoka International Airport (ACC)
Accommodation
Private or shared room with vetted host family
Meals
2-3 meals daily, 7 days per week
Orientation
Comprehensive 3-day arrival orientation
24/7 Support
Emergency support line and weekly check-ins
Transportation
Daily transport to your placement site
Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance coverage
Materials
Teaching supplies and program resources
Placements
School-Based Education
Lead menstrual health workshops in partner schools, facilitate peer education, and support curriculum development.
Community Outreach
Work with health centers, facilitate women's group sessions, and support pad distribution programs.
Boys & Inclusion
Co-facilitate workshops engaging boys and men as allies in menstrual health and gender equality.
Skills-Based
Contribute specialized skills: design, grant writing, research, health expertise, or pad-making training.
Accommodation
Host Family Living
Stay with carefully vetted Ghanaian families who provide a private room, meals, and authentic cultural immersion. This is our recommended option for most volunteers.
- Private or shared room
- 2-3 meals daily
- Safe, secure neighborhood
- WiFi access (varies by location)
- Laundry assistance
Safety & Health
Required Vaccinations
Yellow fever (mandatory for entry), Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, and routine vaccinations. Malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended.
Your safety is our priority. We maintain comprehensive protocols including:
- 24/7 in-country emergency support line
- Pre-vetted, secure accommodation
- Comprehensive travel insurance included
- Regular check-ins and wellness monitoring
FAQ
Do I need teaching experience?
No prior teaching experience is required. We provide comprehensive training during orientation. A willingness to learn and engage is most important.
Can I volunteer with a friend?
Yes, we can accommodate pairs. Please indicate this in your application and we will place you in the same location if possible.
What is the minimum age?
Volunteers must be at least 18 years old. There is no upper age limit—we welcome volunteers of all ages.
Is the program fee tax deductible?
For US citizens, program fees may be tax deductible as a charitable donation. Please consult your tax advisor for specific guidance.
Finances
General cost estimates to help you plan your budget. Prices are generally lower in rural areas.
Daily Living Costs
- Accommodation at tourist sites$15–$25/night
- Food at tourist restaurants$4–$8/meal
- Food at local chop bars$1.50–$3.00/meal
- Bottled water$0.15–$0.30
- Sachet water~$0.05
- Beer~$1.00
- Soft drinks~$0.50
Activities & Transport
- Tourist entrance fees$5–$15
- Trotro (local minibus)Inexpensive
- AC bus (long distance)Comfortable
- Shared taxiBudget option
- Dropping taxi / UberPrivate ride
Mobile Phone & Data
Purchase a SIM card (~$0.50) and register with your passport. Top up from $0.20. Purchase data bundles for internet access. We'll advise on the best network for your project location.
Health & Safety
Your health and safety are our priority. Please read carefully before your trip.
Required Vaccinations
- Yellow fever: Compulsory for visa entry. Carry your certificate in hand luggage.
- Hepatitis, Meningitis, Typhoid: Strongly recommended
- Travel insurance: Required. Send confirmation before arrival.
Malaria Risk
Ghana is high-risk for malaria. Take prophylaxis medication, use mosquito nets, and apply repellent. Consult your doctor before departure.
Food & Water Safety
- Rule: "Cook it, peel it, or leave it"
- Drink only sealed sachet/bottled water, or boiled water
- Wash hands regularly
- Stay hydrated — climate is hotter than you may be used to
Safety Precautions
- Ghana is generally safe with low crime rate
- Avoid unfamiliar/poorly lit areas at night
- Keep valuables secure in crowded places
- Be discreet with expensive items
- Secure phones, cameras, jewelry
Airport Pick-Up
Your Arrival
- We arrange pick-up at Kotoka International Airport
- Transport to your accommodation included
- First 2 nights in Accra for rest and orientation
- Begin acclimatising to Ghana and African environment
- Then travel by road to your project site in the Volta Region
Immigration: You'll need a single-entry visa. We provide a letter of invitation. Apply ~6 weeks before departure. Note your accommodation address for the arrival form.
What to Pack
Laundry is done by hand and air-dried. Lightweight, quick-dry clothing is strongly recommended.
Clothing
- Lightweight trousers & long shorts
- Collared short-sleeve shirts
- T-shirts
- Modest tops & loose-fitting trousers
- Dresses & skirts (modest)
- 7-day supply of undergarments
- Sandals, walking shoes, shower flip-flops
- Lightweight rain poncho
- Long-sleeve sweater
- One smart outfit (for services/events)
Documents & Health
- Passport with visa
- Immunisation certificate
- Mosquito repellent & net
- Water purification filter/tablets
- Refillable water bottle
- First aid kit (bandages, antiseptic)
- Imodium & thermometer
- Sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
Practical Items
- Backpacking towel & washcloth
- Toiletries
- Sleep sack/sheet liner
- Pillowcase & bed sheets
- Torch/headlamp + spare batteries
- Power bank & solar charger
- Electrical adapter/converter
- Camera + memory cards
- Pens, notepads, pencils
- Snacks (protein/granola bars)
- Daypack, zip-lock bags, duct tape
- Reading material
- Photos from home to share
- Small presents for host family
Remember: Pocketknives must be in checked luggage, not carry-on.
Gifts & Donations
Consider bringing practical gifts from home. You may also request donations of medical supplies from local clinics, hospitals, or pharmacies.
Suggested Gifts
- Practical items from your home country
- Medical supplies (request from clinics)
- School supplies
- Photos of your family/community
Please Do Not Bring
- Toys
- Sweets/candy
You may leave supplies behind when you depart. Financial donations to help the foundation expand its work are warmly welcomed. If your church, club, or community group would like to support your trip and our mission, please reach out to us.
How to Apply
Submit
Complete our online form with your CV and motivation letter
Interview
30-minute video call to discuss your goals and placement fit
Confirm
Receive placement details and preparation materials
Arrive
Begin your Ghana journey with our team
Applications reviewed within 5 business days. No fees until placement confirmed.
Volunteer Stories
“This experience transformed my perspective on global health and education. Working directly with communities in Ghana gave me purpose I never knew I had.”
“The boys' education component challenged me to think differently about gender equality. These conversations matter.”
“I came to teach and left with a family. The bonds formed during my 12 weeks in Savelugu are forever.”