Jessye with kids in Kwamoso, Ghana

By Jessye Crowe-Rothstein, Program Advisor

Over the past weeks I have been privileged to visit Accra, Cape Coast and the Akuapem Hills. I have met many volunteers and spent time visiting placements and getting to know our wonderful staff members in all of these regions. There are vast differences between the three regions I have visited, and volunteers thinking of coming to Ghana will find they have opportunities to visit a large range of environments. I spent my first week here in Accra, which is the very busy capital city of Ghana. Although many volunteers live within the city center we also have placements up to an hour away in many directions, so many volunteers find themselves in smaller towns yet with access to the big city. There are tons of volunteers in the Accra area this summer and it is a very social place, with opportunities to get together with other volunteers most evenings. I also went to a lively quiz night, which Tom hosts at our central office every Tuesday night. Volunteers tested their knowledge about Ghana, geography and many other various subjects.

Cape Coast made for a lovely weekend destination, and we were able to visit the famous slave castle as well as spend some time relaxing on the gorgeous beaches in the area. The past week in the Hills has been really fantastic, and quite a contrast from Accra. The Akuapem Hills region includes many small towns where our volunteers participate in a huge variety of placements. The landscape here is absolutely beautiful and the volunteers who are living here really can become a part of the communities in which they are based. For those who are looking for a slower pace of life, the Hills would be a great place to come and volunteer.

Tonight we are heading back to Accra for the end of the month party, a huge gathering in Accra which volunteers from all four regions will be attending! It has been a real pleasure to have the opportunity to visit Ghana and to begin to understand why it is our most popular destination!