Ghana Ghana

Since gaining independence from Britain in 1957, Ghana has fast become known for its peacefulness, political stability and perhaps Africa’s friendliest people.

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Football Coaching & Playing Project in Ghana, Accra

Work as a volunteer football coach in Ghana and give kids the chance to train and play football in a fun, organised way. Coaching football in ...
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£695
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14 days
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Sports Physiotherapy Internship in Ghana, Accra

Gain invaluable work experience in Ghana as a sports physiotherapist and give athletes the chance to receive extra support for injuries. Gain elective and work experience ...
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£1250
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28 days
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Tennis Coaching & Playing Experience in Ghana, Accra

Volunteer as a tennis coach in Ghana and give children the chance to play tennis in a fun, structured environment. Coaching tennis in Ghana is a ...
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£695
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14 days
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Volleyball Coaching Volunteer Project in Ghana, Accra

Join this volleyball project and coach volleyball in Ghana. You will volunteer in the community coaching volleyball to children and building friendships through sport. This project ...
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£695
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14 days
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Sports Psychology Internship in Ghana, Accra

As a largely unexplored discipline in Ghana, sports psychology is an area in which self motivated and passionate sports enthusiasts will be able to make an ...
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28 days
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Sports Film and Media Production Internship in Ghana, Accra

A once in a lifetime opportunity for those who wish to explore an exciting new culture whilst developing their filmmaking and photography skills with some of ...
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14 days
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Multi-Sports Tour in Ghana, Accra

What better way to experience one of Africa’s friendliest and exciting nations than embarking on a 10 or 14 day multi-sports tour to ...
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£795
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10 days
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Golf Coaching Volunteer Project in Ghana, Accra

Coach golf to kids in Ghana that do not receive any formal structured coaching advice and guidance. Be a significant role in their sporting development giving ...
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£695
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14 days
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Cricket Coaching Volunteer Project in Ghana, Accra

Coaching cricket to the kids from the local schools and communities in Accra is a fantastic way to explore Ghana and leave your mark on this ...
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14 days
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Martial Arts Training Experience in Ghana, Accra

Enjoy your favourite martial art and improve your skills in Judo, Kickboxing, Taekwondo or Karate. Coach martial arts in Africa as part of your gap year, ...
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£695
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14 days
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Rugby Coaching & Playing Experience in Ghana, Accra

Volunteer as a rugby coach in Ghana and give children the chance to play rugby in a fun, structured environment. Coaching rugby in Ghana is a ...
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£695
/ person
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14 days
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Hockey Coaching & Playing Experience in Ghana, Accra

Coach hockey in Ghana and give children the opportunity to play and be coached in the sport they love. As a volunteer hockey coach, you will ...
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£695
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14 days
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Athletics Coaching and Training in Ghana, Accra

Coach athletics to children in Ghana and give aspiring athletes the opportunity to train and develop in the sport they are so passionate about. Coaching athletics ...
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£695
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14 days
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Swimming Teaching Volunteer Project in Ghana, Accra

Teach children and young people how to swim in Ghana and give back a gift that will most certainly save lives. A truly rewarding experience as ...
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£695
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14 days
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Sports Management Internship in Ghana, Accra

Take on a pivotal role inside a sports development charity in Ghana, the heart of West Africa. Gain valuable hands on experience in a sports management ...
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£1250
/ person
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28 days
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Football Sports Tour in Ghana, Accra

Embrace Ghana with your school, university or football club sports team on this incredible football sports tour in the capital city, Accra. Experience football coaching and ...
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£795
/ person
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10 days
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African Boxing Experience in Ghana, Accra

Take a boxing training and coaching experience as part of a volunteer holiday, a career break overseas or a boxing gap year and join a boxing ...
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£695
/ person
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14 days
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Basketball Coaching & Playing Experience in Ghana, Accra

Coach basketball to young and enthusiastic players in Ghana, who do not have the opportunity to play and train in a structured environment. Challenge yourself as ...
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£695
/ person
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14 days
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Netball Coaching & Playing Experience in Ghana, Accra

Volunteer in Ghana as a netball coach and give hundreds of children the chance to play and enjoy netball in a fun environment. Coaching netball to ...
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£695
/ person
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14 days
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Higher Level Football Coaching Internship in Ghana, Accra

Coach at a leading premiership football club or elite football academy in Accra, and help to coach and develop football talent in some of Ghana’...
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£1250
/ person
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28 days

Ghana offers an abundance of traveller hot-spots, including the rain forests of Cape Coast, the almighty Lake Volta and the elephant watering-holes of Mole National Park. Ghanaians also share a love for sport that surpasses most other nations.

Ghana is a rich and beautiful country, packed with culture, history and authentic African tradition. Like many people who visit Ghana, you will soon fall in love with the laid-back attitude towards life and the variety of fantastic restaurants, ‘highlife’ bars and African music. However, most of all, you will fall in love with the warmth and charm of the locals.

Quick Facts

Name

Republic of Ghana

Location

West Africa

Bordering Countries

Togo, Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast

Capital City

Accra

Government

Parliamentary Democracy

Population

25 million

Language

English (and over 60 local dialects)

Currency

Cedi (GHS)

Poverty

31% of population below the poverty line

Main Exports

Gold, cocoa, timber, tuna, ore, diamonds

Climate

Tropical; temperatures up to 30 degrees

Time Zone

GMT + 0

Flag Ghana

Fun Facts

  • Lake Volta is the world’s largest man-made lake
  • It’s not rude to pick your nose in public!
  • A tro-tro is a local Ghanaian minibus used by locals and tourists

Travel Highlights

  • Swimming under the Wli Waterfalls – the highest in Africa
  • Kakum National Park canopy walk – enjoy the forest on another level
  • Elmina Salve Castle – a fascinating insight into the African slave trade
  • Admiring the sunrise at Mole National Park – Ghana’s leading game reserve
  • Watching Hearts of Oak play football – expect lots of drumming and dancing!

Where is Ghana?

The Republic of Ghana lies on the Gulf of Guinea, on the western coast of tropical West Africa and is similar in size to Great Britain. Burkina Faso borders it to the north, with Togo to the east and the Ivory Coast to the west. The southern coastal boundary opens onto the Atlantic Ocean.

Language in Ghana

Over 60 languages are spoken throughout the country, the most common tribal languages being Twi, Ewe and Ga, although English is the official language and taught in schools. You will quickly pick up the local dialects and slang, so there is no need to worry about communicating with the locals. Ghanaians also love to speak in proverbs, the use of which is taken to be a sign of wisdom. Although proverbs are short, and sometimes funny, proverbs teach the ethical rules of the community.

Music in Ghana

Ghana is known as a country for festivals, music and traditional dances. The loud sounds of ‘highlife’ can be heard blasting from speakers on almost every corner and Ghanaians will hardly ever refuse an opportunity to party. There are many bars, restaurants and clubs that can be visited to sample the authentic African sounds where live music and dancing take place. In many of the markets, you will often see handcrafted wooden drums, bongos and other musical instruments.

Food in Ghana

You will have ample opportunity to discover the tastes of Ghana, especially at local ‘Chop Bars’. In these family-run places, food and drink is cheap and the food served can be varied and tasty. You should also sample Fufu (fermented cassava), Banku and Kenke which are often accompanied by a sauce or relish. Dishes such as ‘red’, plantain and groundnut soup are a favourite among travellers.

The People of Ghana

The people of Ghana are renowned for being very warm, welcoming and friendly. Typically, Ghanaians come from six main ethnic groups: the Akan (Ashanti and Fanti), the Ewe, the Ga-Adangbe, the Mole-Dagbani, the Guan and the Gurma. You will most commonly come across the Ashanti, Ewe and Fanti tribes.

Ashanti: the largest tribe in Ghana and you will be regularly greeted by their smiles and hospitality. Today, they are most famous for their craft work and, in particular, their woodcarving and kente cloth making.

Ewe: Based mainly in the south-eastern region of Ghana, many Ewe are farmers who keep livestock and specialise in crafts. If you travel east towards Togo you will certainly come across this group of people.

Fanti: A tribe mainly located in the coastal areas of Ghana where fishing is an important trade. You will often come across small fishing towns whilst exploring the coastline where a number of sites may interest you including the famous Elmina slave castle or simply sipping a cool drink on one of Ghana’s golden beaches.

Religion in Ghana

60% Christian, 15% Muslim and 25% indigenous beliefs. Anyone visiting Ghana will be overwhelmed at the deep faith of many of its people. You will often see company names such as ‘Jesus Loves You Hairdressers’ or the ‘God Bless You Tyre Centre’ around the capital city. It is also likely that you will be invited to an early morning church service by the friendly locals – an invite well worth accepting. The early morning call to Mosque is also a familiar sound that can be heard at the crack of dawn.

Art and Craft in Ghana

There are many specialised crafts, from weaving to ceramics to woodcarving. Kente cloth is very common in the south and is of a very high quality; hence it is usually only worn during festivals and other formal occasions. Wood carving is also an area practised by many Ghanaians and in itself is divided into different branches, each with its own specialists. It is a common sight to see sculptures and carvings of outstanding artistic quality laid out by the side of the road so that passing tourists can purchase them. You will most certainly want to buy gifts for friends and family and such items will be easy to get hold of. However, you should remember that it is standard practise never to accept the first price presented to you. Therefore, you will have to get used to bartering and ‘knocking down’ the price of pretty much everything, and this does not only apply to art and craft items!

Travelling in Ghana

During your stay, you’ll have plenty of time to meet both locals and other travellers. There are countless places to visit. You could take a Sunday pleasure-cruise on the biggest man-made lake in the world, Lake Volta. Or you might want to visit the slave castles of Cape Coast and Elmina. Or take a walk on the wild side with the elephants and hippos in one of Ghana’s National Parks. How about a stroll in the 30-metre high rainforest canopy at the Kakum National Park? Accra, the capital, is worth visiting and full of great places to explore. There are also a few western-style bars and restaurants if you’re craving a pizza after a few weeks of only eating Ghanaian food! You’ll also get the opportunity to enjoy many of the bars and restaurants that provide authentic African live music and dancing. And if you get time, head down to the National Stadium to watch Hearts of Oak play football where you will be able to sing, dance and drum along with the locals.

Sport in Ghana

Ghana has regularly competed in the African Cup of Nations and FIFA World Cups, confirming football as the nation’s most popular sport. Ghana is therefore the perfect place to coach football at the grassroots level. The young football players are extremely keen to learn sports skills from you. However, sport in Ghana is not all about football. Boxing and basketball also enjoy huge success in Ghana alongside a number of newer sports such as rugby, netball and tennis. By embracing Ghana sports, and providing access to more sports for children, especially in deprived schools and communities, your contribution to sports in Ghana can make a real sporting difference to the future of Ghana’s youngsters. So get involved!

Volunteering in Ghana

Working as a volunteer in Ghana is a fantastic way to explore this enchanting country while volunteering your services to children and local institutions. Working with other volunteers in Ghana also gives you the chance to volunteer with other like-minded people and share your passion for sports with children. Volunteering in Ghana as a volunteer sports coach will, no doubt, be a life-changing volunteer experience for you. And one that you’ll never forget.

Gap Year and Career Break Travel in Ghana

A gap year or career break in Ghana is one of the best experiences you can have in Africa. A gap year or career break in Ghana will let you combine volunteering through a sports coaching and playing project with exciting travel opportunities. You will also meet plenty of other sporty people in Ghana.

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