Global Builders – Ghana

• 7:00 – Devotions (optional)
• 7:15 – Breakfast
• 7:45 – Drive to work-site
• 8:00 – Work
• 12:00 – Lunch
• 1:00 – Continue building
• 4:00 – Return to hotel
• 5:30 – Dinner
• 6:30 – R&R / team activities

Exact schedules can be discussed and set depending on the team’s preferences. A typical weekly schedule will have 4-6 days on the work site and 1-3 days for R&R.

We are utilizing concrete block masonry construction, a building technology familiar to the people of Ghana, locally available and accepted. In Ghana we are focusing on new housing construction. Work will typically involve helping the masons and carpenters — carrying block, stuccoing, mixing concrete, etc. The houses are about 700 square feet on 50’x70′ lots. We will provide necessary tools, but as with most volunteer sites, it never hurts to bring a few small hand tools with you.

Volunteers will stay in a simple but decent Executive Holiday Hotel in Suhum, about ten minutes from the worksite. Meals will be provided by a caterer, with breakfast and dinner eaten at the hotel and lunch brought out to the work-site. The hotel has flushing toilets and even air conditioning! (The a/c is a bit weak, but who’s complaining?) If the team’s arrival or departure flights require night travel, the Charleston Hotel closer to the airport will typically be utilized during the transit days.

Depending on the group size, a 15-passenger van or 25-passenger bus will be rented to transport the group throughout the week, typically including airport pick-up. Occasionally taxi service will be utilized for airport pick-up.

Towels and bedding are provided, but we recommend bringing your own washcloth. Remember to pack both sturdy work-day clothes and comfortable evening clothes.

For those who wish to bring tools, our partners in Ghana have suggested trowels, tape measures, hammers, levels, string lines, gloves, hard hats, safety goggles, and a first aid kit. Participants may want to coordinate with the other members of their team.

There is much to see and do in Ghana. Ordinary life in Ghana is extraordinary to those of us who are visiting! There is also a craft village and art center, a beautiful lake just an hour from the work-site, historic forts and castles, and other local cultural activities. We recommend (but do not require) that groups in Agomeda on Sundays worship with the Ghanaians. The bond of a shared belief in Jesus is held by Christians across the globe, and it is incredible to experience through joint worship time. In Agomeda where we work, many from the Presbyterian church have been good partners and we recommend that our groups attend church with them, schedule-permitting.

Prices vary based on team size and trip duration, but a typical 1-week trip will cost roughly $1150-$1350, and a standard 2-week trip will cost $1850-$2200. That price covers lodging, local transportation including airport pick-up, three meals per day, bottled water, travel health insurance, and a contribution toward building materials.  Fees do not include airfare, visa fees, tips, or site-seeing (unless otherwise indicated). 

If looking to bring a group contact globalbuilders@fullercenter.org for more details or submit your trip proposal here. 

Are you unsure of how to prepare for such an experience or just looking for some tips on how to be better prepared? If so, we suggest you take a look at our Trip Preparation page where you will find a lot of helpful information and links – Preparing For Your Trip!