Keen to gain real medical experience while exploring Ghana? This program gives you the chance to build your skills, support local healthcare providers, and experience life in a completely different setting. Whether you're a student, intern or already have a medical background, you’ll be part of meaningful work that makes a difference.
You could be placed in a hospital where you’ll have the chance to get involved in several departments. You might assist with births, support the children’s ward, observe in the operating theatre or help with general patient care. It’s a hands-on opportunity that offers insight into a healthcare system that operates under different conditions and challenges.
You’ll also support a local clinic that serves people from surrounding villages. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, it opens its doors to patients needing check-ups, vaccinations, maternity care and other essential services. Your support on these busy days can go a long way.
For a truly unique perspective, you may also have the opportunity to learn from a traditional midwife who supports home births in the community. This experience offers a powerful look at culturally rooted healthcare practices and gives you a deeper understanding of how local beliefs and customs shape maternity care.
This project is open to those with medical training, students studying a health-related field and medical interns. If you’re still early in your studies or don’t yet have hands-on experience, you’re welcome to participate in an observational capacity. No matter your level, your contribution helps strengthen local services and brings you one step closer to becoming a well-rounded healthcare professional.
If you're looking to expand your experience, learn from local professionals and contribute in a meaningful way, this project in Ghana could be exactly what you're after!
Your daily tasks will depend on your background, studies, experience and interests. There’s a need for a wide range of support including doctors, nurses and midwives. If you’re a qualified doctor, we can arrange a private consultation room for your use. The hospital works under the Ghanaian health system and we’ll need your documents in advance to arrange your placement.
You can choose to get involved across several placements. For example:
This is just one possible schedule, but it shows how diverse your week can be. You’ll gain experience across different medical areas and learn how culture and community shape healthcare delivery in Ghana.
Studying medicine or just love helping others? This volunteer project in Ghana is made for you.
Jenice
Het is goed om te zien hoe goed wij het hier hebben, als je terug komt waardeer je veel meer. Ook voor je persoonlijk vlak is het goed om een keer een zelfstandige reis te maken en daar te werken.
Agnetha vrijwilliger in Ghana
Voor mij was het vrijwilligerswerk en het rondreizen in Ghana een prachtige ervaring en ik zou het zeker aanraden aan anderen om te gaan doen.
Sofie vrijwilliger Ghana
De begeleiding en ondersteuning die zij je bieden in Ghana én in Nederland, geeft je een gevoel van veiligheid, zekerheid, vertrouwen en warmte!
Caroline vrijwilliger Ghana
Door in Afrika gewerkt te hebben, besef ik nu eens zo hard hoe druk wij ons in Europa soms maken om pietluttigheden. Wij mogen oprecht dankbaar zijn voor alles wat we zomaar in onze schoot geworpen krijgen.
This depends on the departments and different projects, of course. On average, you’ll work from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
We encourage volunteers to work at least five hours a day. Some projects will need more or less attention.
You’ll be working alongside the medical team on the project, sometimes with several other volunteers as well.
English is the main language spoken on the project. As most people here have received more formal education, their level of English is generally quite good.
This project runs all year round.
In Ghana, you’ll stay with a host family or in your own little hut in a traditional village. This is the perfect way to get to know Ghanaian life and culture. With a host family, you’ll have your own room, but share facilities like the bathroom and toilet with the rest of the household. You’ll receive three meals a day, and the family will do their best to give you an unforgettable experience. Keep in mind the accommodation is much more basic than what you're used to in the Netherlands.
Traditional Host Family:
Modern Host Family:
You’ll get to the project by Yellow (a kind of tuk tuk).
If you’ve got a bit of space left in your bag and would like to bring something for the project, it’s hugely appreciated. Please check in with us first so we can advise on what’s useful and needed.
In Ghana, you’ll be picked up by our pickup service in Accra. Jennifer will be at the airport with a sign with your name on it. She’ll welcome you with a big smile. You’ll spend one night in Accra, and she’ll arrange a bus or domestic flight ticket for you to Tamale. In Tamale, our local contact Sylvester will meet you.
We’ll also organise your return journey. You’ll have another overnight stay with Jennifer so you can head home the next day with plenty of energy. These costs are not included in the program price.
Have a look at some of the optional trips to see what you can do in your spare time! We’ve got some amazing excursions to offer. And since you’re already in such a beautiful destination, it’s definitely worth exploring more of the country!
Sylvester is the contact person in Ghana.
For this project, we’re looking for dedicated volunteers with a passion for healthcare and improving people’s quality of life. We believe access to quality healthcare is a basic human right, and your efforts can have a significant impact on the health of the local community. This project is ideal for those currently studying or who have completed training in healthcare, but it’s also suitable for anyone wanting to gain observational experience and broaden their knowledge.
Projects in Ghana are open to young volunteers aged 17+ as well as volunteers aged 50+.
Passion for Healthcare:
We’re looking for volunteers with a strong interest in the medical field and a desire to contribute to the wellbeing of others. Experience in healthcare such as nursing, medicine or a related area is a bonus, but a genuine willingness to help is essential.
Initiative and Proactiveness:
The ability to work independently and take initiative is crucial. In a busy and sometimes understaffed medical environment, you’ll need to respond quickly and come up with practical solutions to a range of challenges. A proactive approach helps ensure smooth day-to-day operations and effective care.
Patience and Empathy:
Patience and empathy are essential traits in healthcare. You’ll be working with patients of all ages and backgrounds, many of whom are in vulnerable or difficult situations. It’s important to be kind, understanding and respectful at all times.
Cultural Sensitivity:
Working in a different cultural context requires respect and understanding for local customs and traditions. Being open and willing to learn about the culture you’re in is vital to working effectively with the community and having a meaningful experience.
Flexibility and Adaptability:
Conditions in Ghana may be very different from what you’re used to. Being flexible and adaptable is key both in terms of living arrangements and medical facilities.
Communication Skills:
Good communication is essential both when interacting with patients and when working with your team and the local community. Being able to communicate clearly and respectfully contributes to a positive, productive care environment.
Team Spirit:
This medical project is a team effort and collaboration is key to success. A positive team spirit and willingness to work with others including local health workers and volunteers from various backgrounds are essential to achieving our shared goals.
As a volunteer on this medical project, your tasks will vary depending on your background and experience. You may assist with medical treatments, perform basic health checks, deliver health education or support local healthcare workers.
You’ll work in health clinics, hospitals or with mobile health teams, gaining valuable hands-on experience while making a real difference in people’s lives. Your stay in Ghana offers not only the chance to positively impact the local community but also a great opportunity for personal and professional growth.
In short, if you have a passion for healthcare and want to help improve the lives of others, and you’re ready to contribute in a challenging but deeply rewarding setting, this medical project in Ghana is the perfect opportunity for you. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the health and wellbeing of the local community.
We completely understand that having your child volunteer overseas can feel like a big step. In fact, it’s often just as exciting for parents as it is for the young person themselves, and sometimes even a little more nerve-racking. That’s why we want to reassure you that your child is in good hands.
Since 2004, we’ve been supporting volunteers and have guided many young people through meaningful international experiences.
We take safety seriously. That begins with carefully selecting our partner organisations, volunteer projects, and host families. Every placement is thoroughly checked to make sure it meets our high standards for safety, support, and ethical practices.
Our experienced and caring local contacts are always there to support volunteers throughout their journey. From clear pre-departure preparation to personal assistance during the project, we’re available to help whenever needed.
We believe strongly in open communication. You're always welcome to contact us with any questions or concerns. We’re here not only for the volunteers, but for their families too.
You can feel confident knowing we are fully committed to creating a safe, supportive, and positive experience. Your child’s wellbeing, safety, and overall happiness are our top priorities.
If there's anything you’d like to ask or talk through, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We're here to support you every step of the way.
Warm regards,
The Volunteer Worldwide Team
Average cost for a 5 week stay = $410
1 week of volunteer work: $675
2 weeks of volunteer work: $1099
3 weeks of volunteer work: $1499
$279 for each additional week
Before departure:
Online introductory meeting
Information pack including details about Ghanaian culture and customs, as well as an overview of everything you need to prepare, including insurance, money matters and other travel tips
Pre-departure training
Help with obtaining a police clearance
Access to the online community
Assistance with your visa application
Help booking your ticket (upon request)
During your trip:
Transfer from the airport to the project, including one night in a hotel
On-site introduction
Support with extending your visa (if needed)
Guidance throughout your entire stay
Accommodation with a host family in a private room
Three meals a day (when you are present)
Upon return:
Evaluation session
Certificate (upon request)
The option to stay active in our WhatsApp community
Memories for life!
Not included in the price
Flights
Vaccinations
Visa
Police clearance
Travel insurance
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