Written by Nana Aba Appiatewaa
December in Ghana is a vibe like no other. The month buzzes with energy, blending vibrant parties, cultural festivals, and reconnecting with friends and family. When December hits Accra especially, the city transforms into an endless parade of concerts, beach parties, and cultural festivals. While Detty December brings thousands of visitors ready to dance at Afrochella (now AfroFuture) or vibe at the Wildaland Festival, there’s a growing movement of travellers who want their Ghanaian adventure to leave a lasting impact beyond the festivities. While the allure of Afrochella, AfroNation, and endless beach parties are undeniable, there’s a way to make your festive season even more meaningful: by giving back. Volunteering in Ghana during this joyous time allows you to experience the country’s magic while leaving a positive impact.
Picture this: You’re grooving to StoneBwoy at the Bhim concert at one weekend, then spending your weekdays helping sea turtle conservation efforts at Ankobra Beach in the Western Region. This is the new face of December tourism in Ghana, a perfect blend of purpose and pleasure.
Volunteering doesn’t mean giving up the fun; it enriches your journey. Imagine spending your mornings in a small village classroom, teaching eager kids, and then heading to a live concert under a star-filled sky, the joy, the purpose, the fulfilment, and even more, the smiles you create on the faces of the beneficiaries. Rural education programs, like those in Busua, need volunteers to teach English, math, or creative arts. After your lessons, unwind on the beach or join the growing surf scene, yes, Ghana has surfers, and they’re making waves.
For nature lovers, conservation projects along Ghana’s coast and savannah provide a perfect opportunity to contribute. Turtle conservation initiatives in places like Axim invite you to protect endangered species while enjoying pristine, lesser-explored beaches. Alternatively, head to the Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary, where you can help preserve Ghana’s unique wildlife. Your days might involve tending to turtles or planting trees, followed by relaxing with a cold drink at a bustling street festival.
Healthcare volunteering offers another rewarding avenue. Mobile clinics and health education projects are essential in rural areas where resources are scarce. You don’t need to be a doctor to make a difference, there’s plenty of administrative work or public health advocacy to be done. After a day of giving back, indulge in the Detty December nightlife. Try local dishes at pop-up markets or dance to Afrobeats at hotspots like Bloom Bar or Sandbox Beach Club.
For those who want to create a lasting impact, community development projects offer hands-on experiences. From constructing schools to installing boreholes for clean water, these projects benefit regions with limited infrastructure, even going beyond to create ripple effects. The impact you create is not only in the day or week’s voluntary work, but also all the lasting social, economic, and mental impacts that follow. Picture yourself joining the Get Out Of Depression Foundation to spend the day in an orphanage, playing games, cooking Ghanian dishes, doing personal development talk, art therapy and dancing with orphans and persons with disability who have been abandoned at an orphanage. Think of being the family they never had and how they would never forget that particular moment of their lives, beaming with hope and love. Then returning to celebrate the festive season at Accra’s Christmas Wonderland or exploring the lively streets of Jamestown, I call it, “joy for joy”
Volunteering during Detty December is also a deeply cultural experience. Staying with host families in local communities allows you to forge meaningful connections, share meals, and learn traditions that go beyond what most tourists encounter. Whether it’s cooking with a family in Amedzofe or joining a traditional drumming session in the Volta Region, the cultural immersion is unparalleled.
Smart planning is your best friend when combining voluntourism with Detty December. Most reputable organizations understand the seasonal pull and offer flexible schedules that accommodate both volunteering and festivities. The key lies in booking your placement well in advance through established organizations like Get Out Of Depression Foundation, Smile Fun House and more, ensuring your contribution creates genuine impact.
The beauty of volunteering in Ghana during December lies in its balance. You can soak up the infectious energy of events from Afrofuture while making memories that matter. As the fireworks light up the skies to welcome the New Year, you’ll feel the joy of having danced, celebrated, and contributed to a cause bigger than yourself.
Pack your dancing shoes, a heart ready to give, and a curiosity for adventure. Detty December in Ghana awaits, with its unmatched combination of celebration and purpose.
As Always Thank You for Reading My World, My Vision, My Adventure!
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