Culture Week in Ghana

The Culture Week in Accra is designed to immerse you in Ghanaian traditions, flavors, and daily life before starting your volunteering project. From learning the local languages Twi and Ga to cooking traditional dishes and exploring local crafts, this week will give you a rich cultural foundation. You will also visit landmarks, beaches, markets, and art hubs, all while connecting with fellow participants and the local community.

Mandatory Orientation Day

During your first week, your journey begins with an orientation day on Monday, giving you an introduction to the surroundings, Ghanaian culture, and essential safety guidance. From Tuesday onward, your program continues as scheduled.

Weekly Schedule

Monday – Orientation & Exploration

• Welcome breakfast with your fellow participants

• Orientation session: house rules, expectations, health & safety advice, and handling important documents (Code of Conduct, Child Protection Policy, Media Consent, etc.)

• Introduction to Ghanaian history, culture, do’s and don’ts, and basic Twi and Ga language lessons

• Lunch

• City tour of Accra: Independence Square, Independence Arch, and the Center for National Culture

• Local familiarization: supermarkets, ATMs, currency exchange, and SIM card setup

• Dinner with group and free time to relax

• Overnight at Accra accommodation

Tuesday – Art & Creativity

• Breakfast

• Visit a seaside art gallery featuring Ghanaian artists and historic masterpieces

• Lunch

• Seaside painting workshop guided by a local artist

• Explore the Center for National Culture, a hub of heritage and creativity

• Dinner and evening reflection

• Overnight at Accra accommodation

Wednesday – Language, Cuisine & Art

• Breakfast

• Language session: immersive Twi and Ga practice

• Culinary workshop: learn to cook traditional Ghanaian dishes and enjoy your creations for lunch

• Tie & dye workshop: create vibrant designs using traditional techniques

• Visit the Accra Museum to explore Ghana’s history and culture through exhibits

• Dinner and group discussion

• Overnight at Accra accommodation

Thursday – Market & Music

• Breakfast

• Explore Macola Market, experiencing the bustle of local trade with spices, fabrics, and crafts

• Lunch

• Drumming workshop: learn traditional Ghanaian rhythms

• Dinner and evening free time

• Overnight at Accra accommodation

Friday – Drumming, Dance & Craftsmanship

• Breakfast

• Drumming and dance workshop: immerse yourself in the movements and rhythms of Ghanaian tradition

• Lunch

• Woodcarving session: craft traditional designs while learning about their cultural significance

• Souvenir shopping at the Center for National Culture

• Farewell group dinner and reflections on the week

• Overnight at Accra accommodation

Note: This schedule is flexible and may be adapted depending on local conditions, weather, and project needs.

Evenings and Weekends

Evenings are usually free for you to relax after a full day, share reflections with fellow participants, or enjoy casual cultural activities at the accommodation. On weekends, you’ll have more time to explore highlights around Accra, such as La Badi Beach, the Makola Market, or a stroll along Oxford Street.

Places to Visit

Your accommodation is located within easy reach of central Accra, giving you access to both the city and the surrounding coastal areas. Highlights nearby include:

• Independence Square (10 minutes) – A historic landmark symbolizing Ghana’s independence, featuring the striking Independence Arch.

• Center for National Culture (10 minutes) – A hub of Ghanaian arts, crafts, music, and heritage, perfect for souvenir shopping.

• La Badi Beach (15 minutes) – A vibrant local beach ideal for relaxing, socializing, or watching the sunset.

• Makola Market (15 minutes) – Experience the hustle and bustle of a traditional Ghanaian market with spices, fabrics, and crafts.

• Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum (15 minutes) – Learn about Ghana’s first president and his role in the country’s history.

• Jamestown Lighthouse (20 minutes) – Explore Accra’s historic neighborhood with colonial architecture and panoramic city views.

• Accra Arts Centre (15 minutes) – Discover handmade crafts, paintings, and textiles by local artisans.

• Oxford Street, Osu (10 minutes) – A lively street lined with shops, cafes, and nightlife for an authentic city experience.

• Labadi Pleasure Beach (20 minutes) – A popular coastal area for relaxation, horse rides, and cultural performances.

Accra, Ghana’s bustling capital, sits along the Gulf of Guinea and is known for its vibrant markets, rich cultural heritage, and dynamic arts scene. From historic landmarks like the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and the National Museum to contemporary music festivals and creative hubs, Accra offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity. Our accommodation is in Teshie, a coastal town to the east of the city, providing a secure and convenient base for exploring both the urban and cultural highlights of Ghana.

About the Accommodation

The accommodation center in Teshie is set within a gated compound and offers dormitory-style rooms segregated by gender. Rooms are simple but comfortable, and participants share a living and dining area, which includes a refrigerator and kitchen. Rooms are equipped with bed linen and mosquito nets, though towels are not provided. WiFi is not available on site, so purchasing a local SIM card with data is recommended. Laundry is hand-wash only, with a designated drying area. Participants are responsible for transportation costs if they need to travel by taxi to nearby program locations, which are typically a 10–20 minute walk away.

Available Room Types

Standard Room — shared with 4–8 participants

• Dormitory-style rooms, separated by gender

• Bed linen provided (towels not included)

• Lockable rooms not available

• Mosquito nets provided

• Fans and air conditioning provided

• Shared bathrooms, no hot shower

• Safety box available

• WiFi not available on site

• Laundry facilities for hand washing

Food Arrangements

Three meals are provided on weekdays and two on weekends. Meals include a combination of Ghanaian and Western dishes, featuring rice, beans, vegetables, fruits, chicken, beef, and fish. Drinking water is available, and dietary requirements can be accommodated with prior notice.

Facilities

• Closest hospital: Lekma Hospital, 10 minutes by car

• Closest pharmacy: Biotic Pharmacy, 5 minutes walk

• Closest supermarket: Melcom Teshie Branch, 10 minutes walk

• Closest ATM: Stanbic Bank ATM, 10 minutes walk

• Closest money exchange: Forex Money Exchange, 10 minutes walk

• Electricity: Type D and G outlets, 230V, 50Hz, 13 Amps