As international volunteers, your health and safety is our primary concern. Ghana is rated one of the safest West African countries, however, there is always some inherent risk involved in traveling abroad and we have taken strong precautions to make sure your volunteer experience in Ghana is secure.
Prior to arrival in Ghana, volunteers will receive information regarding vaccinations recommended by current health advisories. In-country safety and behavior guidelines will be covered in both orientation materials sent to volunteers and at the group orientation session upon arrival. The Center for Disease Control also has excellent resources and health recommendations for travelers.
Upon arrival to Ghana all volunteers will be registered with the U.S. Embassy Consulate in Accra. Home-stays are located close to several excellent medical facilities.
While in Ghana volunteers have 24-hour access to Sankofa Center staff and the assistance of experienced local home-stay families. Your loved ones back home also have the comfort of contacting volunteers through Sankofa Center staff cell phones, local land telephones, and e-mail.
Health Information for Travel to Ghana
Required Shots and Pills
- Yellow Fever (required by Ghanaian government to enter Ghana)
- Typhoid
- Hepatitis A
- Anti-Malaria Pills*
Optional (consult a health care provider to see if these are appropriate for you)
- Hepatitis B
- Meningococcal Meningitis
- Influenza
You should review your Tetanus/Diphtheria/Polio boosters and “Childhood Disease” inoculations and
update them if needed.
*Medicines that protect against malaria in this area include Mefloquine (Lariam), Doxycycline, or Atovaquone/Proguanil (Malarone). The best drug for you depends on a number of personal factors that you should discuss with your health care provider. For full protection you need to start taking prophylaxis before you arrive in Ghana. There are many pharmacies throughout Accra that supply antibiotics and other medications. However, if you are currently taking other prescribed medications you should bring sufficient quantities with you.
