FAQ’s for Volunteering
When should I apply to the volunteering project?
We are able to offer placements throughout the year. Participants are requested to preferably apply at least two
months in advance and asked to stay for a minimum period of one month, although there is no maximum placement time
in place.
What happens once I submit my documents and application to Project SAND?
Once SAND receives your completed application, your 2 provided character references are requested and a short
telephone interview is conducted. It is then decided which area of volunteering you will be most suited to. This
will be based upon your experience and your preference, but also what is needed in Kewunor at the time of your visit.
This information will be forwarded to our In-Country Coordinator in Ghana who will then arrange your airport pick up
and accommodation.
How long does it take to process my application?
The application process can usually take anywhere from 1-3 weeks – occasionally longer, according to volume of
applicants and how long your references take to obtain. However, in the event that interested participants require
their application expedited due to time constraints, they are requested to contact SAND personnel directly prior
to submitting their application.
Are there any necessary requirements to participate in the SAND volunteer programs?
The only qualifications are:
• An open mind and a willingness to teach others as well a passion for helping those in need.
• Enthusiasm for living abroad and meeting new people.
• Be in good health.
• We ask for those who participate in the teaching placement to have a fluent level of English.
Do I need a visa?
All volunteers are advised to contact the Ghanaian High Commission or Consulate before travel to Ghana. Most
nationalities are required to obtain a visa, although citizens of ECOWAS countries, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Egypt, Singapore
and Mauritius as well as certain diplomatic passports are exempt.
How do I obtain a visa in London and how long does it take?
All visas are obtained from the Ghana High Commission in London which is open Monday to Friday from 9.30am – 1.00pm
and is located at:
104, Highgate Hill
LONDON, N6 5HE
Tel: 020 8342 7501
www.GhanaHighCommissionUK.com
Visas take 4 days to process if you attend the consulate in person and upto fifteen days when applied for my post.
Most western passport holders with a valid receive 30 day stamp upon arrival. If you decide to stay longer than this,
you can extend your visa after you arrive. Extension is obtained from the immigration department.
SAND suggests that ALL volunteers acquire the tourist visa in their home country BEFORE arriving in-country to
avoid any unnecessary hassles at the airport.
Who manages the volunteer projects in Kewunor?
The country director of Project Sand, Winfred Dzinadoh runs the projects in Kewunor
What are the daily schedules of the projects?
Project schedules vary for the different available placements but most volunteers work from Monday to Friday for
4-6 hours a day. Volunteers have the weekends to themselves where they can see the local sights and explore Ghana on
their own.
What is the language spoken in Ghana ?
English is the official language. There are however more than 250 local languages and dialects that are spoken
throughout the country with Ashanti and Ewe being two of the most widely spoken and Ewe being the language spoken at
the community.
Who will arrange my flight to Ghana ?
Airfare is the responsibility of the volunteer.
Which airport should I book my flight into?
All volunteers must arrive at Kotoka International airport, in Accra.
Will someone pick me from the airport? If so, how do I know about the person?
You will be picked up at the airport, but you must email your travel itinerary to SAND before your arrival in Ghana
(we'll pass it on to the Coordinator). You will be picked up by Winfred, our country director of project SAND, or a
reliable staff member. Winfred will be holding a sign with your name written on it, awaiting your arrival outside of
the airport.
How can I get to the hotel from the airport if I did not see Project SAND’s local representative in the airport?
In the event that your arrival time is changed/delayed, requiring you to stay overnight in a hotel, you should hire
a taxi at the airport who will take you to a hotel designated in your placement details/pre-departure information
(and do remember to request a receipt from the driver).
ALSO: make sure that you call Winfred BEFORE boarding the taxi. Participants are advised to contact Winfred
the next day and let him know their whereabouts and to arrange pick up.
Living Accommodations Information
What will my accommodation be like?
Volunteers will be staying in coconut walled and grass leafed huts, equipped with a double bed and mosquito net
at the Maranatha Beach Lodge. However, one should not expect luxurious accommodations in Ghana.
If I arrive with my friend, or girlfriend/boyfriend, can we stay together?
Yes, but we need to know before your arrival so we can arrange accommodation.
Will there be other Volunteers at the time of my visit?
This depends on the date and time of year of your stay. We cannot guarantee that there will be other volunteers
staying during the duration of your trip. However we can let you know closer to your time of arrival if any other
volunteers will be there as well. Remember you will be staying at the eco hotel that funds SAND and the local
community, so expect there to be more guests at weekends, and these often include western tourists.
Can I use appliances if I bring them from my home country?
Yes. The outlets at the camp are the British BS-1363 type. You must remember to bring adapters for your appliances
if they do not match this specification. However, as an eco-lodge we try and only turn the electricity at night so
any appliances can only be charged at night.
Are food and drink provided?
Food and drink are provided by SAND with 3 meals and 3 litres of water given per day.
Can you supply special diets?
SAND can provide both vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals. Occasionally, in the event that you require a special
diet, you are responsible for your own meals. Volunteers are strongly urged to inform SAND of any special dietary
needs prior to arrival in-country.
How safe is Ghana?
Ghana is a safe, stable country with relatively low crime levels compared to other West African countries. Take
sensible precautions but be assured it is quite safe. However, corruption is reasonably rife with police checkpoints
at regular intervals on all main roads.
What are the principle health precautions required for travelling to Ghana?
As no members of Project SAND are trained medical practitioners we cannot provide definitive health advice and we
strongly recommend discussing your travels with a trained professional in your local health centre. Please see the
following website for vaccine recommendations:
www.netdoctor.co.uk/travel/africa/ghana.shtml
• Yellow fever is a mandatory vaccination and volunteers will be asked to provide a valid certificate to prove
this at point of entry into the country, and it must be administered at least 10 days before departure.
• A Rabies vaccination is sometimes recommended for travellers that are working outdoors and are at high risk of
animal bites, which we do not believe to be the case in our Ghana placements.
Ghana is in a malarial area and it is strongly recommended that all volunteers take preventative measures to this effect.
In addition to taking anti-malarial medication, using insect repellent after dark is essential and all accommodation is
equipped with sleeping nets. Please see following link:
www.preventingmalaria.info
Do I need health insurance?
At Project SAND it is a requirement that all of our volunteers take out adequate health insurance before they arrive
in Ghana
Are ATMs easily available?
Credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, JCB, Master and Visa are accepted at the local large hotels or
tourist stores. ATM machines are available for cash withdrawal in all major cities but only with a Visa card. Make sure
that you inform you bank that you are travelling abroad in advance of your departure.
What is the local currency and how do I know the exchange rate?
Name: Ghanaian Cedi (GHC)
Money exchanges by cash or traveler's checks can be made at various banks and tourist hotels. Current exchange
rates can be found using a currency converter, for example, www.xe.com. In May 2007 the exchange rate was US Dollar:
1 - 9,750 Cedi.
Where do I exchange my money and how much?
You can cash your traveler's checks or exchange your paper notes at all major banks in the main cities and at hotels
and tourist stores, airport bank offices, etc. We recommend the exchange of small bills at all times.
How much money should I bring with me?
It is suggested that you bring US$100 for transportation, emergencies, and extras upon arrival. Depending on how
long you plan to stay, you may need more money for expenses.
Are internet services easily available?
Generally, the communication technology in Ghana will not be as easily accessible or up-to-date as it is in your
home country. However, you can usually find an internet café in towns, where you can purchase time by the hour for a
rate of $.50 - $1.00.
Can I bring my telephone from my home country?
No, your mobile phone will most likely not work in Ghana. All volunteers are provided with an MTN sim card on arrival,
which has very low cost international call rates.
What is weather like in Ghana ?
Ghana is very close to the equator, and so the weather is quite warm and tropical. There are two rainy seasons, one
from April to June, and the other from September to October. This differs slightly from the more northern regions.
During the hottest months temperatures may get up to 100F, while during the rainy months temperatures will stay around
70F, though it will be much more humid.
Price:
£50 per week
Includes Accommodation
Includes Airport Transfers
Includes Food
