Frequently Asked Questions
Who Volunteers?
The majority of our volunteers are between 18 and 28, but anyone can volunteer regardless of age, gender, nationality or background. The common characteristic is their willingness to help.
What is the local language?
In Ghana, the large majority of people speak English, so communication won’t be a problem. For volunteers interested in exploring the local language (Twi) your Thrive Africa representative will be happy to help.
Being able to speak English is the only language requirement.
Are there any trip requirements?
On particular projects we may ask for particular skills or abilities, these will be discussed if necessary during your application. Projects can be physically demanding so we ask for volunteers to be in a physically fit condition before travelling to Ghana.
When do projects start?
Please see our volunteering page here for dates.
How long do projects last?
Project placement durations vary depending on project, group and time of year.
When should I apply?
You should apply at least 3 weeks before planned departure and preferably 2 months before.
What is the application process?
You should apply online using the following form (Click here for application form). Once your application has been received you’ll be assigned to a volunteer coordinator who will arrange with you a telephone interview, upon a successful telephone interview you’ll be asked to attend a volunteer workshop. Successfully pass these 3 steps, get fundraising, book your flights etc. and we’ll see you in Ghana.
Travel Vaccinations
The only vaccination you are required by Ghana to have is for Yellow Fever. All the others are optional, and at your discretion, we highly recommend talking to your doctor before departure.
Malaria – The decision to take malaria medications is totally up to you. But there is no getting around the fact that malaria exists in Sub-Saharan Africa. Again speak to your doctor about anti-malaria tablets.
Bring a good mosquito repellent! The mosquitoes that bite are always female, and not all bites will result in malaria; wear long sleeve shirts and long pants, rub or spray repellent at your ankles. When sleeping, keep your ceiling fan turned on. These mosquitoes are tiny, perhaps very unlike ones you’re familiar with in europe and elsewhere, and you’d be surprised that one tiny bug could create such havoc.
Medicines
Bring your prescription medicines with you. You can get basic medicines here at licensed chemists (drug stores), though the formulations may be different. Paracetamol (like Tylenol) and ibuprofen are sold in 10 pack blister packs. You can also get some brands that are well known in the UK, like Tylenol, Advil, Maalox, Milk of Magnesia, Benadryl, etc., but you will pay dearly for them.
What if i have a medical problem?
Our Ghanaian representatives and your team leader are all very good in spotting symptoms of various illnesses and viruses before you may know you have them, if a problem occurs you’ll be taken to see a doctor straight away and a Thrive Africa representative will stay with you at all times for guidance, advice and moral support.
Toiletries
Bring your own. If there’s a particular product you use a lot or like then bring enough to last the duration of the trip. Personal hygiene products are very basic here, so if you’ve a favorite tampon, or pad, bring it, you may not find it here.
Credit Cards
Don’t use them. Sad to say, credit card fraud abounds in Ghana. It happens all too frequently. Not even in the big hotels should you consider using your credit card. Bring cash or traveler’s checks to pay for your purchases. Only use your credit card at an ATM or a POS terminal, which are few and far between, anyway.
Electricity
Ghana uses 220V power and has the same plug sockets as here in the UK.
Power Problems/Issues
Ghana suffers from frequent power shortages so bring a torch and a head torch for reading.
Internet
There are plenty of internet cafes through out the main cities and local areas, its slower than here in the UK but usable.
Where will i be staying?
You’ll be staying in Thrive Africa project house (Kumasi, Ghana) with a team of up to 30 volunteers, several Thrive Africa representative, caretaker and cook. The house has electricity, running water and bathroom facilities.
How Safe is Ghana?
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” or “Woezor”- meaning welcome in Twi and Ewe, the most commonly spoken local languages.
Climate
The climate of Ghana is tropical, but temperatures vary with season and elevation. Except in the north two rainy seasons occur, from April to July and from September to November. In the north the rainy season begins in April and lasts until September. Annual rainfall ranges from about 1,100 mm (about 43 in) in the north to about 2,100 mm (about 83 in) in the southeast. The harmattan, a dry desert wind, blows from the northeast from December to March, lowering the humidity and creating hot days and cool nights in the north. In the south the effects of the harmattan are felt in January. In most areas the highest temperatures occur in March, the lowest in August.
Visas
Please visit the Ghana High Commission website for up to date information on UK visas for Ghana: http://www.ghanahighcommissionuk.com/passports_visas.php
Money
The Ghanaian currency is the Cedi, divided in 100 Pesowa. It is easy to change your money and currency converters will accept UK sterling and US dollars. Cash machines are available in cities usually with a charge from your bank and not all cards work (Please check with your bank pre-departure).
How much money should i take?
Take in to consideration that all your accommodation, food and project travel is paid for the only extra money you are going to need is for general amenities, traveling to tourist areas, attraction entrance fees and those few extra treats and gifts to bring home. We’d recommend taking between £35 and £60 per week spending money to cover those few restaurant and weekend market visits, however, it most certainly could be done on less. If you do find your self spending more than you first anticipated then money from the UK can easily be transferred via Western Union in a matter of minutes.
Mosquito protection
Long sleeves, long pants, light colored clothes plus anti- mosquito spray will help you with the battle against mosquito’s.
Time
Ghana operates the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
Tips
Wages are low especially in the food service business, tips are welcomed, if your ever in doubt your team leader will be with you to give you some advice.
Phones
You can purchase a Ghanaian sim card for around £1 and it costs between 7 and 10 pence a minute to call the UK and around 10 pence per text message. You’ll need to check your phone is unlocked so it can accept the sim card, if not a cheap handset can be bought from £5. Phone credit can be bought just about everywhere and you can top-up from as little as £1.
Taxis
There is never an abundance of taxis, make sure before you enter you agree a price and that the vehicle looks in good condition.
Water
Don’t drink water from the tap unless absolutely unavoidable. You can purchase bottled water from most shops, locally called ‘pure water’, sachets of water can also be purchased from street sellers. A 1ltr bottle of water is about 40 pence and a sachet is about 2 pence a bag (5 peswas). Don’t buy water called “ice water” which is just chilled tap water in a tied plastic bag; the pure water sachets have undergone a filtration treatment and are produced in a heat sealed sachet. Good bottled water would be Dasani (a Coke product), Voltic and Aqua-In; good sachet water producers would be Ice Cool, Aqua-In, Voltic and Little Drops.
Food
You’ll be eating local traditional food freshly prepared for you, its basic but filling and contains all the right stuff you need. Google Ghanaian dishes to find out more about there typical dishes. Fresh fruit is readily available.
You’ll receive 3 meals a day and there’s plenty of opportunity to go and spoil yourself at a restaurant if your missing some of the western world food.
