Ghana

Ghana offers an experience of West Africa well away from mass tourism, where traditional cultures remain a central part of everyday life. Working in a hospital here you will experience the serious challenges facing healthcare provision in the developing world; but with a relatively stable economy and democratic government Ghana is one of the safest countries in Africa.

This is a fascinating country to live in – and it’s surprising how quickly you stop thinking it’s odd to see a goat on the back of a motorbike and your favourite food becomes yam balls. The lively drumming and dancing that so typifies Ghanaian culture is never far away, whether it’s a Chief’s birthday or just a Friday night at Oasis beach bar.

The Towns of Cape Coast & Takoradi

Our twin bases in Ghana are the towns of Cape Coast and Takoradi, both on the Atlantic Ocean. Operating the two programmes allows us to offer a greater range of placement opportunities without compromising our personal service or the way we are welcomed into local communities.

Cape Coast is a bustling little town of crumbling colonial buildings and vibrant markets. Fishing is very important here and every morning the traditional wooden boats land on the beach next to the historic slave fort with the night’s catch. An hour’s drive west, Takoradi is slightly bigger but with a similarly friendly and laid-back feel.

Both towns have a number of Internet cafes, although connections are slow and can be unreliable. There are banks with ATMs and shops to supply most of the essentials you are likely to need during your placement.

Food & accommodation

The Work the World houses in Cape coast and Takoradi each accommodate up to 14 people in comfortable rooms shared between two or four. Our House Managers, Godwin and Ophelia, are there to make your stay as comfortable as possible. We prepare a hearty breakfast and dinner every weekday and ensure the kitchen is always stocked with food and purified drinking water for you to help yourself any time of day or night.

verandah of the Ghana house

Relaxing on the verandah of the work the world house

Free time and excursions

For those who enjoy a cold beer as the sun goes down there’s no shortage of local ‘spot bars’ – simple places playing lively African music, bizarrely interspersed with the odd Shaggy or Celine Dion tune! Our favourite for great atmosphere and tasty goat kebabs is Tina’s Tavern, just five minutes walk from the house.

45 minutes inland is Kakum Rainforest National Park, with its canopy walkway of rope bridges 40 metres above the forest floor, abundant monkeys and a small population of rare and extremely elusive forest elephants. Spending a night sleeping out under a mosquito net with the sounds of the jungle all around you, then watching the sunrise from the canopy walkway is an unforgettable experience.

Public transport in Ghana is cheap and pretty simple (if not exactly dependable!) so making the most of your weekends is easy. There are secluded hideaways on beautiful palm-lined beaches, slave forts to explore, a village built on stilts over a lagoon that can only be reached by canoe, traditional craft markets and the chance to walk up close to wild elephants in Mole National Park. For the ultimate adventure, it’s possible to make the trip to Timbuktu in the Sahara Desert if you have a couple of weeks spare after your placement.

Ghana placements: quick facts

Location(s)	[google maps]Cape Coast & Takoradi, Ghana
Nearest Airport	Kotoka International Airport, Accra (ACC)
Clinical Settings	Large hospitals, Small Hospitals & Regional Clinics
Available electives	[clinic info] Medical Electives
	[clinic info] Nursing Electives
	[clinic info]Physiotherapy Electives
	[clinic info]Dentistry Electives
	[clinic info]Summer Placements
Special projects	Dental Outreach
Available add-ons	Village Healthcare Experience