Interested in Applying for Cohort 3 in January 2026?

GHANA

Overview

Ghana is a vibrant and historically rich country in West Africa. As one of Africa’s most stable democracies, Ghana is known for its warm hospitality, diverse cultures, and rich history. Interning in Ghana provides an opportunity to engage with dynamic communities, gain cross-cultural experience, and contribute to impactful development initiatives. With a fast-growing economy and a blend of traditional and modern lifestyles, Ghana is an excellent place for professional and personal growth.

Page content developed and maintained by Doris Darkwah.

Fast Facts

Population: Approximately 33 million
Capital City: Accra
Official Language: English
Currency: Ghanaian Cedi (GHS)
Time Zone: GMT (Greenwich Mean Time)
Climate: Tropical; hot and humid along the coast, semi-arid in the north
Key Cultural Aspects: Strong emphasis on respect for elders, communal living, vibrant traditional festivals, and diverse ethnic groups

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History and Society

Ghana was the first African country to gain independence from colonial rule in 1957, led by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.

The country has a deep history, from the powerful Ashanti Kingdom to the transatlantic slave trade, with historic castles along the coast serving as reminders of this past.

Key Cultural Values and Traditions:

Respect for elders and authority figures
Strong family and community bonds
Hospitality and friendliness
Rich storytelling, music, and dance traditions

Local Languages and Common Greetings:

The official language is English, but Twi, Ga, Ewe, and Dagbani are widely-spoken.

Common greetings:

- Akwaaba (Welcome) – Akan (Twi)
- Eti sen (How are you?) – Akan (Twi)
- Medaase (Thank you) – Akan (Twi)
- Woezo (Welcome) – Ewe

Living in Ghana: What To Expect

Getting Around (Transportation)

Public transport includes ‘trotros’ (minibuses), taxis, and ride-hailing apps like Bolt and Uber, Yango.
Traffic in major cities can be heavy; budget extra travel time.

Telecommunication (Connectivity)

Mobile networks: MTN, Vodafone, and AirtelTigo.
SIM cards are cheap; mobile money services are widely used.
E-sims are available and offer the convenience of not needing to remove and replace your existing sim card.
Internet access is available but can be slow or unreliable in rural areas.

Daily Life and Local Norms

Ghanaians are generally friendly and social; greeting people before a conversation is expected.
Handshakes are common, often with a unique ‘snap’ handshake gesture.
Punctuality is flexible – ‘Ghana time’ means events may start later than scheduled.

Weather

If you're coming from Canada, 'gyina yei'' (translated as "brace yourself") - your favorite winter jacket won't be making this trip!

Ghana’s weather is warm and humid year-round, with temperatures typically ranging between 25-35°C.
Unlike Canada’s surprise snowstorms in April, the only “freeze” you’ll experience here is from the air conditioning in a Chartered car or Indoor restaurant - this doesn't include the "trotro" :) (local minibus).
The dry Harmattan season (December to February) brings a dusty, cooler breeze, but for most of the year, expect plenty of sunshine and the occasional tropical downpour to keep things interesting.

Food

Staple foods include rice, plantains, yams, and maize.
Popular dishes: Jollof rice, fufu with light soup, banku with tilapia, waakye Red Red (Ripe plantain and Beans).
Street food is common; hygiene varies, so choose wisely.

Work Culture and Professional Norms

Common Cultural Misunderstandings to Avoid

Avoid using your left hand for greetings or giving items – it's considered disrespectful.
Direct confrontation is not common; indirect communication is often preferred.
Ghanaians value relationships over strict schedules – socializing is an important part of work.

Workplace Expectations

Formality varies by sector; government offices are more formal, while NGOs and startups are more relaxed.
Professional attire is usually required, but some workplaces allow smart casual.

Building Positive Relationships

Take time to engage in small talk before discussing business.
Show respect to elders and supervisors.
Demonstrate humility and willingness to learn.

Safety and Health Considerations

Local Laws and Cultural Considerations

While in Ghana, interns should be mindful of local laws and customs. Dress modestly, especially in rural areas, respect religious and cultural practices, avoid political demonstrations, and be cautious when discussing sensitive topics. Random police checks are to be expected. Pre-Departure Training can cover these aspects in detail to ensure interns are well-prepared. A few key legal considerations are outlined below.

Drug use is illegal and punishable by law:
- Ghana maintains strict laws against the use, possession, and trafficking of narcotic drugs, including marijuana, cocaine, and heroin. Even small quantities can lead to severe penalties, including imprisonment. It's crucial to understand and comply with these laws to avoid legal complications during intern stay.
LGBTQI+ rights are limited:
- Ghana enforces laws against same-sex sexual activities, with penalties including imprisonment. In February 2024, Ghana's parliament passed a bill imposing up to three years in prison for identifying as LGBTQ+ and up to five years for forming or funding 2SLGBTQI+ groups. To ensure interns safety and respect local customs, we recommend non-disclosure of sexual orientation and avoiding public displays of affection. Detailed guidance and support can be provided during Pre-Departure Training to help interns navigate these cultural sensitivities.
Always carry photo identification, as police may conduct random checks. Keep a photocopy of your passport in a safe place, in case it is lost or confiscated.

Health Tips

Vaccinations: Yellow fever vaccine is required; malaria prevention is recommended.
Tap water is not always safe to drink – use bottled or filtered water.
Be cautious with street food to avoid foodborne illnesses.

Travel and Exploring

Must-See Destinations

Cape Coast and Elmina Castles – historical sites from the transatlantic slave trade.
Kakum National Park – rainforest with canopy walkways.
Mole National Park – home to elephants and other wildlife.
Wli Waterfalls – the tallest waterfall in West Africa.
Ada Foah and Busua Beach – great for relaxation and water sports.
Lake Volta – one of the largest artificial lakes in the world.