Medical Internship in Ghana

Overview

Join a medical internship in Ghana to get an incredible opportunity to work at public healthcare centers where the number of staff is inadequate compared to the number of patients.

The government has been working hard for years to improve the primary healthcare services in Ghana, but the huge population of Ghana is posing a challenge. In rural areas, there are no modern healthcare facilities. People either tend to rely on traditional African medicine or travel far in order to get proper medical treatment.

Your responsibilities would depend on your knowledge and expertise. Medical students will mostly be shadowing the professionals, assisting in daily tasks. You'll get to work in different departments, including general medicine to specialized departments such as the emergency department, dentistry, and eye clinic, as well as the pediatric ward and the maternity clinic.

Sample Placement Profile - Greater Accra Regional Hospital

It is a government hospital established in the year 1963. But it has recently over gone a huge makeover and is now housed in an ultra modern new facility. Interns at the hospital can work from 9am - 3pm.

Interns can help nurses administer care for patients. Depending on the qualifications of participants, their tasks may vary. Interns can also pick specific tasks to do, depending on their knowledge and their expertise. Tasks depend on the area the intern is involved. The interns primarily shadow, observe and do basic assisting work at the hospital placement.

Patient Services/Care

General O.P.D
Emergency Recovery/Casualty
Dental
ENT
ECG Clinic
Eye Clinic
Diabetic Clinic
CWC/FP
Laboratory
Blood Bank
Pharmacy
X-Ray
Public Health Services

In-Patient Services/Dept

Pediatrics Ward
Maternity
Medical ward
Surgical Ward
Theater

Note : This is a sample placement profile and final placement allocation can change depending on local circumstances.

Interns can give their department preferences from the following available departments :-

General Nursing
Laboratory
Clinical Psychology
Diagnostics
Pharmacy
Physiotherapy
Electrocardiography
Midwifery
Public Health Service
Dietetics
Surgery
Ear, Nose, and Throat
Pediatrics
Gynecology and Obstetrics
Wellness Clinic
Ophthalmology

Intern Work Schedule

As a medical intern you will be working for 5-6 days a week and will have weekends off. Your place of internship would be close to your accommodation. Every project office has different working hours (5-6 days a week), which will be discussed with you right at the beginning of your mission.

During free time you can take part in excursions, beach visits and tours to nearby national parks! Usually there are always small groups together, so you can explore the country together with other volunteers.

Intern Roles & Responsibilities

As an intern for this program, your main tasks would be:

Interns will assist the local team in daily duties at the hospital placement and shadow/observe procedures and treatments being done by doctors and nursing staff.
Observe the local medical staff to understand the kind of problems that are prevalent in the Ghanaian health care scenario.
Medical students assist the local doctors and staff in doing basic tasks such as checking weight and temperature of the patients, cleaning wounds and also doing administrative tasks in the placement.

Project Requirement

Interns must be 18 years or older at the time of joining the project. Participants should have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment. Medical and Physiotherapy interns must provide a clean criminal background check report, CV, Passport Copy as well as other documents and credentials pertaining to their qualifications prior to joining the program. Medical,Nursing or midwifery students, Pre medical students and students studying physiotherapy or occupational therapy can take part in the program.

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Living

Arrival & Orientation

You will meet our representative at Kotoka International Airport in Accra from where you'll be transferred to the Volunteer house. Later, you'll travel to the project site after the orientation program on the next day.

Your project site will mostly be close to your accommodation. Every project office has different working hours (5-6 days a week), which will be discussed with you right at the beginning of your program.

Accommodation

Your accommodation will be at a Volunteer House, a modern 6-bedroom residence located in Teshie Nungua, a vibrant suburb of Accra, the capital of Ghana. The house is just a 25-minute drive from the airport and 20 minutes from the city center. The nearest beaches are only a 15-minute walk away. For added security, the nearest police station is just 5 minutes away.

The Volunteer House offers comfortable accommodations with two bunk beds per room, 4 toilets, and 3 bathrooms. For entertainment and convenience, there are 2 satellite TVs with internet access, free Wi-Fi, a spacious living room, and a fully equipped kitchen. All rooms are air-conditioned, and running water is available, with three additional water reservoirs. The property also features a large compound, a chill-out area under a shed, a table tennis board, and a PlayStation. There is security coverage with cameras at the gate, a fenced wall, and on-site security personnel. The house can accommodate up to 30 volunteers at a time.

At the Volunteer House, you'll have the chance to live with volunteers and interns from across the globe. Meals will be provided by our on-site chef, Makella, who prepares both local and international dishes. Our dedicated staff is available 24/7 to ensure your comfort and safety.

Volunteers and interns will be joined by a caretaker cum cook and security personnel on-site.The house is set up to cater to volunteers' and interns' needs, offering a variety of activities for relaxation after a day of work. You can unwind with games, karaoke, table tennis, or movie nights, or simply relax under the shed. If you prefer to cook, the modern, fully equipped kitchen is available for your use.

The nearest shopping mall is a 15-minute drive away, but you’ll also find many small kiosks around the volunteer house where you can purchase daily necessities.

Meals

Volunteers are provided with 2 meals (breakfast and dinner) at the accommodation. Ghanaian cuisine consists primarily of starches, soups, beans, meat, and fish. The Starches consist mainly of rice and doughy balls made from mashed cassava, plantain or yams. Famous Ghanaian dishes include Banku and Fufu. Participants are given a mix of local and western meals. Vegetarian and vegan dietary requirements can also be met.

During your Free Time

There is also a lot to discover and explore in Accra. After work you can do a relaxed stroll in a shopping mall not far away and experience the vibrant Ghanaian Capital Accra in all its facets.

On the weekends you can do a variety of trips to places such as Cape Coast, Kumasi, Canopy Walk and many more options to choose from.

Volunteer house accommodation in Accra - Ghana

Dates

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

Available

Filling Fast

Booked Out

Costs

Duration	Program Fee	Choose your currency
2 Weeks	$550
3 Weeks	$750
4 Weeks	$950
5 Weeks	$1150
6 Weeks	$1350
7 Weeks	$1550
8 Weeks	$1750
Extra Week	$200

Please Note: An application fee of is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment. A 5% international banking fee is charged for credit card payments of program fee in USD/AUD.

What are you Paying for?

Airport pick-up & drop off
Comprehensive Pre- Departure Information
Support from long term experienced staff
Welcome meeting and Orientation
24-hour In-country support
Accommodation in a Volunteer/Intern House
Meals - Breakfast and Dinner
Travel & Medical Insurance (Available at an extra cost)
Certificate of Participation(On Request)

What's NOT included?

Flights
Cost of the daily traveling to the project
Public transport and extra transfers
Personal Expenses
Visa and vaccinations

FAQ's

Application and Program Details

Are there any necessary requirements to participate in the Ghana volunteer programs?: Every program has certain and prerequisites that are required to be fulfulled by the volunteers. Please refer to the respective program page for the detailed requirements.
Does VolSol provides discount if I choose more than one program or if I am a returning volunteer?: If you are planning to come for multiple programs in your trip, you will have to pay the application fees just once. Your application fee is valid for a year's time (from the date of application). You will not have to pay the application fees again if you come within the mentioned time frame.

For our returning volunteers, $50 discount is provided for the application fee for their next Vol Sol program.
Can I volunteer as part of a group?: We encourage our participants to volunteer in a group. We take special care in providing you a placement and also customize your itinerary to make sure you get exactly what you are looking for. Also, we can design special group programs for groups of 5 or more. Our programs are designed to be safe, affordable and offer a great group volunteering experience to the volunteers.

In our experience of more than 6+ years we have enabled and facilitated volunteer program placements for student groups- college groups, university groups, high school groups, group of families, group of couples as well as groups of colleagues.

Ghana is one of our popular destination among student groups and is highly recommended for family volunteering as well.
When should I apply for the volunteer programs in Ghana?: As we have limited spots available in our programs and we serve on first come first basis, it is recommended that potential volunteers book their programs well in advance to get confirmed placements. You can book your slot by filling the application form online and pay the application fee.You can pay your program fee later and also, in installments, however, the complete payment should be made 45 days prior the start of the program. If you are volunteering in a group, you can also fill a group application form.
What are the Program Locations in Ghana?: Volunteering Solutions offers projects in the capital city of Accra as well as in Tamale in Northern Ghana. Tamale is the fourth largest city in Ghana and one of the the fastest growing cities in West Africa.The Beach Conservation Project is located in Axim, which is a six hour drive from Accra.
For how many hours will I volunteer every day?: Volunteers usually work for 5 to 6 hours a day for 5 days a week depending on their program needs. You will have the weekend off to explore in and around the city. However, volunteers need to be flexible, open minded and understand that work requirements can change as well on certain occasions.
How long will it take to process my application? Will my application be accepted?: After you complete your application, your personalized ‘My Account’ will be active.You will need to upload your CV/Resume along with your photo in the same. Our backend team and the placement site takes around 10-12 days to review your application. After we review your CV and documents, your booking is confirmed and booking confirmation is updated in your ‘My Account’. Some projects need a mandatory criminal background check and the same is mentioned in the project info of your program. Approval of your application depends on your qualification and eligibility criteria for each project.
Does VolSol provides with a reference or a certificate after program completion?: Yes, we will provide you with the Certificate after successful completion of your program. The certificate is provided on request.

Health and Safety

How safe is Ghana in general?: Ghana is a safe and stable country with relatively low crime levels compared to other West African countries. You’ll meet some of the friendliest people in Ghana and their culture is a fascinating blend of traditional and modern.

However, as in any country around the world, you need to take certain precautions for safety. You will be given safety precautions and instructions by your coordinator during the orientation.
Do I need to buy a health insurance?: Yes, for all volunteers it is mandatory to have a travel medical insurance. To provide the best option to our participants, we offer comprehensive insurance coverage in collaboration with a leading insurance provider.
What immunizations/vaccinations will I need?: We recommend you to consult your physician or travel doctor before traveling to Ghana. All travelers are required to carry an International Certificate of Vaccination (Yellow Card) to show proof of yellow fever immunization.

The recommended vaccinations for volunteers traveling to Ghana are as follows:

Yellow Fever

Hepatitis A and B

Typhoid

Rabies

Accommodation and Living

Can I know more about accommodation and food arrangements?: We provide a wide variety of program options in Ghana and the accommodations vary depending on the program choice.

In Tamale, Volunteers will be staying at a standard Ghanaian volunteer homestay managed by the local program coordinator. In case space is not available in the volunteer home, you will be accommodated with a Ghanaian Host family. Accommodation is either provided in an individual or shared room along with other volunteer.

In Accra, volunteers are provided accommodation in the volunteer house with other volunteers or in a host family depending on the program choice.

In Axim, volunteers stay with other volunteers as well as local staff in the Volunteer & Staff Village! There are bungalows in the village, located by the side of the beach. You'll share a room with one to three other folks. The rooms are basic but you'll be provided with all necessities.

At all project locations, two meals a day are provided to the participants.
Are there more expenses once I arrive in Ghana?: Your program fee covers your accommodation, airport pick-up, orientation, pre-departure booklet and 24x7 in country staff support. You will need to cover your personal expenses, such as traveling, telephone, the internet, shopping, sightseeing, return airport drop, weekend tours etc. You should carry around $50 - $60 per week for your basic personal expenses, such as water, local transport, phone etc.
Can vegetarians be accommodated?: Yes – please do ensure that you inform the local team about your food preference and they can help ensure you are able to order the best food! Also, please do mention your specific food preference in the application form as well.
Where can I change my money in Ghana? Are there ATMs in Ghana?: On arrival in Accra, you can change your currency to Ghanaian Cedis (GHS) at the airport. There are many currency exchange counters at the airport. Also, there are ATMs available throughout the city. Mostly Visa and MasterCard are only accepted in some parts of Ghana.
When do I need to arrive in Ghana for my program? What will happen once I arrive in Ghana?: All volunteers need to arrive in Ghana on the mentioned start dates. Volunteers are picked up from the Kotoka International Airport in Accra (ACC) by the in-country coordinator or representative.

In Accra, the accommodations are provided in a guesthouse or a hotel for a night and on the next day, volunteers take a flight to Tamale. Those who are arriving overland or are already in Ghana will be picked up at a meeting point decided beforehand.

After taking the short flight from Accra, you will be picked up from Tamale airport and taken to your accommodation by our team. You will be given an orientation about the city, placement, safety guidelines and transportation by the in-country coordinator. Depending on your time of arrival, you will be given a tour of the town and nearby amenities on the same day or the next day when you start your project.
How do I get to the program location?: Your country coordinator will take you to your placement and introduce you to everyone after giving you a basic orientation about the program/city/culture etc. You will be given the directions to the project from your accommodation and will also be briefed on the mode of transport.
Would I have free time during my program ? Can I do sightseeing during my program?: Volunteers typically work for 5-6 hours in a day, for 5 days a week. However, depending on the workload every day, working hours can vary. Evenings are free for the volunteers and volunteers usually get together and go out for social gatherings, eat out or watch football games in Tamale stadium.

Weekends are free for the volunteers to explore the city. You can go for short weekend trips to Mole National Park, Monkey Sanctuary or Kintampo Falls.

We encourage our volunteers to travel. We have designed various weekend tours which can be booked under the Add-on Tours section in your ‘My Account’. You in-country coordinator will also help you book and organize the tours once you are in the country.

Flights and Visa

Does Volunteering Solutions help with Visa?: All participants joining the programs in Ghana need to apply for Visa at the nearest Ghana Embassy. Along with the Visa application, you need to attach the required supporting documents. Volunteers are provided with all the necessary supporting document for their Ghana Visa application. More information shall be provided after you enroll yourself for our programs.
What are the recommended airlines to fly to Ghana?: Kotoka International Airport in Accra has direct connections from North America and Europe. Delta Airlines, KLM Dutch Airlines, TAP Portugal, Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, British Airways are some of the major airlines that have direct connections to Ghana.
How do I reach Tamale from Accra? Do I need to book a flight to Tamale?: Tamale is well connected to Accra having daily flights between the two cities. You need to book your flight to Accra and the connecting flight thereon from Accra to Tamale. Please get in touch with your program manager for more details.

Connect with Past Volunteers

How can I connect with past Volunteering Solutions Ghana alumni as well as other former and current volunteers?: We encourage volunteers to get in touch with former Volunteering Solutions participants and also other program participants joining our projects. You are recommended to join the Volunteering">https://www.facebook.com/VolunteeringSolutions/">Volunteering Solutions Facebook Page or Facebook">https://www.facebook.com/groups/volunteeringsolutions/">Facebook Group and connect with other participants and our team.

To read alumni interviews from past participants, visit ?thehttps://www.volunteeringsolutions.com/meet-a-volunteer">; Meet a Volunteer section on our website.