AKWAABA (meaning welcome) is an expression you will hear several times when you are in Ghana. And you are sure to be warmly welcome. In 2011, Ford Magazine adjudged Ghana as the eleventh friendliest country in the world, making it one of the most preferred tourism destinations around the globe. Ghana was the only African country that was ranked high in a survey undertaken by Forbes. “This sub-Saharan African country is renowned for its hospitability, friendliness, tolerance and patience”, the Forbes survey said of Ghana. However, the people of Ghana protested this position that they come far ahead of many of the countries named ahead of them; experiencing Ghana will definitely put your vote on this protest.

Modern Ghana comprises the former British colony of the Gold Coast and the former mandated territory of British Togoland. Bordered by Côte d'Ivoire on the west, Burkina Faso on the north and Togo on the east, the country is on West Africa's Gulf of Guinea only a few degrees north of the Equator. This English-speaking country with a population of over 24.7 million people provides volunteers with a wonderful introduction to Africa as it is politically-stable, safe, affordable and rewarding to visit.

Ghana gained her independence from her British colonial masters in 1957, making her the first sub- Saharan country in colonial Africa to gain independence. The country is geographically divided into ten regions. Over 70% of Ghanaians are Christians and about 16% being Muslims. The capital, Accra, is the largest city in the country and the home for over 2 million people. It features the Makola Market, a large and busy open-air market. Kumasi, the second largest city of about 1.9 million people, is the historic capital of the Ashanti civilization.

The climate is tropical but relatively mild with two rainy seasons (Mid-March through July and Late-September through November). Between November and February, the country experiences the harmattan, which is characterized by dry, cold and windy conditions.

Ghana is also known for her rich exports of gold, diamond and other minerals, cocoa and timber. Oil production at Ghana's offshore Jubilee field began in late 2011 and is expected to boost economic growth. Agriculture is the backbone of the economy with over 60% of the population involved in one form of agriculture or the other. Because of the country’s proximity to the equator, it offers an amazing array of terrains to explore while you travel. There are many attractions and places to visit. It is also an interesting place for history lovers and people willing to have some fun and adventure. Once your voluntary work is over or even during the period, you can explore the country. You can find adventure in deep tropical forests, where the wildlife includes everything from the fearsome forest elephant to the beautiful butterflies and monkeys, or relax on the miles of gorgeous beaches, where an alternative surf scene comes with the hot climate you need to enjoy it properly. You will want to see the slave forts and spend time in the rainforest at Kakum Rainforest Reserve, feed wild monkeys at the Buabeng Monkey Village or watch elephants at the Mole National Park. The country is also blessed with dry, wild savannah and grassy plains with heavily forested hills and many streams and rivers, extending northward from the shore, near the Cote d'Ivoire frontier. Ghana is a superb location for bird watching and is developing a good ecotourism philosophy. The country can also boast of waterfalls which are widely spread all over the country particularly in the Western and Volta regions. The manmade Volta Lake extends from the Akosombo Dam in southeastern Ghana to the town of Yapei, 520 kilometers to the north. Other lakes in the country include the natural Lake Bosomtwe. The lakes generate electricity, provide inland transportation, and are a potentially valuable resource for irrigation and fish farming. The country offers a great stepping-off point from which to explore West Africa.

A common feature of all Ghanaian tribes is festivals which reflect the rich culture of the different ethnic groups. The colourful and vibrant celebrations form an integral part in the lives of all Ghanaians, celebrating the heritage of the people. Ghanaian staples include corn (or maize), cassava, yam, plantain, beans, fish and meat of all kinds. Several delicious dishes are prepared from these foodstuffs. Ghanaians also enjoy a wide range of fresh tropical fruits and vegetables.

HIV/AIDS is prevalent, leaving children as orphans and those living with the disease stigmatized. Major infectious disease rate is very high. Occurrence of diseases such as malaria, hepatitis, diarrhea and typhoid fever is high. Another serious problem is desertification caused by poor land management practices. Rural communities are deprived of schools and teachers. The tourist attraction sites require assistance in order to make nature and wildlife conservation sustainable. These and many other issues make volunteers a valuable asset to the country.