Volunteering in Accra
Summary: A great way to meet others in Accra is by volunteering. Here are several organizations where you may be interested in helping out.
Moving to a new country like Ghana can be an exciting adventure, but it can also be daunting. Volunteering is a fantastic way to meet like-minded people, integrate into the local community, and make a positive impact. Accra's capital, offers a wide range of volunteering opportunities for expats. Here's a guide to help you get started.
Street Children Empowerment Foundation
The Street Children Empowerment Foundation (SCEF) is dedicated to providing education and support to street children in Accra. They aim to empower these children and help them transition into formal education. Volunteers can assist in teaching, mentoring, and organizing recreational activities. The time commitment is flexible, with volunteers typically dedicating a few hours per week.
Website: scefghana.org
Location(s): Jamestown, Accra
Time Commitment: Flexible, typically a few hours per week
Ghana Medical Help
Ghana Medical Help is an NGO that provides medical assistance to underprivileged communities in Accra. They organize health screenings, provide medical supplies, and offer health education. Volunteers with medical backgrounds are particularly valuable, but non-medical volunteers can also assist with administrative tasks and health education. The time commitment varies based on the project.
Website: ghanamedicalhelp.org
Location(s): Various communities in Accra
Time Commitment: Varies by project
Chance for Childhood
Chance for Childhood focuses on providing education and support to vulnerable children in Ghana, including those with disabilities. Volunteers can assist in teaching, fundraising, and advocacy. The organization encourages a longer-term commitment to build meaningful relationships with the children.
Website: chanceforchildhood.org
Location(s): Various schools and communities in Accra
Time Commitment: Longer-term preferred
Plastic Punch
Plastic Punch is an environmental organization dedicated to reducing plastic waste in Ghana. They organize clean-up events, educational workshops, and recycling initiatives. Volunteers can participate in clean-up activities, help with educational programs, and assist in recycling projects. The time commitment is flexible, with events typically happening on weekends.
Website: plasticpunch.org
Location(s): Various locations in Accra
Time Commitment: Flexible, typically weekends
Autism Compassion Africa
Autism Compassion Africa is dedicated to raising awareness and providing support for individuals with autism and their families. Volunteers can assist in awareness campaigns, fundraising events, and support programs. The time commitment varies based on the specific activities and events.
Website: autismcompassionafrica.org
Location(s): Various locations in Accra
Time Commitment: Varies by activity
Osu Children's Library Fund
The Osu Children's Library Fund (OCLF) aims to promote literacy and education among children in Ghana. Volunteers can help with reading programs, storytelling sessions, and administrative tasks. The time commitment is flexible, with opportunities available during weekdays and weekends.
Website: osuchildrenslibraryfund.org
Location(s): Osu, Accra
Time Commitment: Flexible, weekdays and weekends
Ghana Wildlife Society
The Ghana Wildlife Society (GWS) is dedicated to the conservation of Ghana's wildlife and natural habitats. Volunteers can participate in conservation projects, educational programs, and research activities. The time commitment varies based on the project, with some requiring a longer-term commitment.
Website: ghanawildlifesociety.org
Location(s): Various locations in Accra and surrounding areas
Time Commitment: Varies by project
Nneka Youth Foundation
The Nneka Youth Foundation focuses on empowering young people through education, skills training, and mentorship. Volunteers can assist in teaching, mentoring, and organizing workshops. The time commitment is flexible, with opportunities available during weekdays and weekends.
Website: nnekayouthfoundation.org
Location(s): Various schools and communities in Accra
Time Commitment: Flexible, weekdays and weekends
African Women's Development Fund
The African Women's Development Fund (AWDF) is a grant-making foundation that supports women's rights and empowerment initiatives across Africa. Volunteers can assist with administrative tasks, research, and event planning. The time commitment varies based on the specific tasks and projects.
Website: awdf.org
Location(s): East Legon, Accra
Time Commitment: Varies by task and project
Right to Play Ghana
Right to Play uses the power of play to educate and empower children and youth. Volunteers can assist in organizing sports and play activities, as well as educational programs. The time commitment is flexible, with opportunities available during weekdays and weekends.
Website: righttoplay.com/ghana
Location(s): Various schools and communities in Accra
Time Commitment: Flexible, weekdays and weekends
Hope for Future Generations
Hope for Future Generations (HFFG) is dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable children and youth through education, health, and economic empowerment programs. Volunteers can assist in teaching, mentoring, and organizing community events. The time commitment is flexible, with opportunities available during weekdays and weekends.
Website: hffg.org
Location(s): Various communities in Accra
Time Commitment: Flexible, weekdays and weekends
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


