Do you like the idea of spending a gap year in Africa? Are you researching destinations? There are so many reasons to visit Ghana. This country is very underrated and if you do decide to volunteer here you will be rewarded with such a rich cultural experience.
Ghana Gap Year Ideas
As one of Africa’s safest and most stable countries, Ghana provides backpackers with a great introduction to Africa and gap years in the region are becoming increasingly popular.
Ghana offers many gap year activities such as volunteering in communities, coaching sports, exploring national parks and relaxing on its beautiful beaches.
Situated on the coast of West Africa, Ghana is a country full of beautiful beaches, lush vegetation and the world’s largest artificial lake – Lake Volta! Hailed as one of Africa’s great success stories, Ghana is reaping the benefits of a stable democracy in the form of fast paced development.
Although a stable country, many Ghanaians live in poverty, so volunteers really do make a difference. English is learned at school and widely spoken, but a little effort to learn a few phrases in one of the local languages will go a long way.
With so many opportunities to make a difference, spending your gap year in Ghana is a truly rewarding experience.
Work in Ghana
If you would like to volunteer in Ghana there are lots of worthwhile projects and internships helping animals, children, communities and the environment. Voluntary jobs and work experience placements can be joined in places like Accra, Kumasi, Tamale and Takoradze.
Some local organisations and NGO’s run their own development programs including, HIV testing and counseling centers or building and construction projects creating new schools.
Libraries have been created, new agricultural technology has been implemented, school meal programs are being monitored, and educational supplies, school buildings, teacher training, scholarships, and attendance incentive rations have been provided all with the assistance of international participants.
Volunteering on a gap year in Ghana can be a life changing experience.
Ghana Tours
Ghana has lush forests, wildlife and beautiful beaches along the coast and there are lots of tours which can take you to the best places in the country like Kakum National Park and Mole National Park. Some international travel operators offer trips down the west coast of Africa where you can see multiple countries in the same trip.
Backpacking & Travelling in Ghana
Ghana is situated just a few degrees above the Equator, and you might want to spend time cooling off on one of the country’s many handsome beaches. Ghana is blessed with hundreds of kilometres of picturesque coastline, and the two fishing villages of Busua and Dixcove are particularly favoured for their sandy assets.
History buffs will also find fodder for their curiosity in the country’s ruined European forts, such as Cape Coast Castle. If you have a spare weekend but do not want to travel far, you can also explore the local culture and traditions. Music and dance are highly diverse in Ghana, and each ethnic group and occasion has its own individual dance.
Also, you cannot travel to Ghana without noticing the importance of textiles to its culture. Locals buy their preferred cloth first then ask a tailor to make them into clothes. You might want to get some one-off garments made up at very reasonable prices.
With so much to do, Ghana is the perfect place for an inspiring, memorable experience. Start planning a dream gap year to Ghana today!
