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Medical Elective Placement in Ghana

Gain valuable skills and experience by doing the Medical Elective Placement in Ghana. Your field of activity depends on your previous knowledge as a medica student.

Ghana

country

2-12 Weeks

duration

from $732

price

18 years+

min age

Highlights

Soak in the African vibes while living in Ghana and contribute towards the wellbeing of the people by working at a public hospital/clinic
Intern alongside the professionals and gain first-hand work experience
An opportunity to understand the healthcare scenario in a developing African country
Meet some like-minded travelers from different parts of the world and work for a common cause

Join a Medical Elective Placement in Ghana and gain valuable insight into healthcare delivery in a setting where patient demand often outweighs staffing levels. Hosted in established hospitals, this observation-based placement allows you to learn directly from experienced doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals as they care for a diverse patient population.

While Ghana’s government continues to improve healthcare services, many communities — especially rural areas — still face challenges such as limited resources and a reliance on traditional medicine. In Accra, you’ll see how medical teams work creatively and collaboratively to meet these challenges, offering you a deeper understanding of both the strengths and limitations of the local healthcare system.

As a participant, your role will focus entirely on shadowing and observing clinical practice, with no hands-on procedures. You’ll rotate through multiple departments, from general medicine to specialized areas such as emergency care, dentistry, ophthalmology, pediatrics, and maternity. This variety ensures a well-rounded perspective on patient care and hospital operations in Ghana..

Sample Placement Profile – Greater Accra Regional Hospital

It is a government hospital established in the year 1963. But it has recently over gone a huge makeover and is now housed in an ultra modern new facility. Interns at the hospital can work from 9am – 3pm.

Interns can help nurses administer care for patients.The interns primarily shadow, observe and do very basic assisting work at the hospital placement.

Patient Services/Care

General O.P.D
Emergency Recovery/Casualty
Dental
ENT
ECG Clinic
Eye Clinic
Diabetic Clinic
CWC/FP
Laboratory
Blood Bank
Pharmacy
X-Ray
Public Health Services

In-Patient Services/Dept

Pediatrics Ward
Maternity
Medical ward
Surgical Ward
Theater

Note : This is a sample placement profile and final placement allocation can change depending on local circumstances.

Interns can give their department preferences from the following available departments :-

General Nursing
Laboratory
Clinical Psychology
Diagnostics
Pharmacy
Physiotherapy
Electrocardiography
Midwifery
Public Health Service
Dietetics
Surgery
Ear, Nose, and Throat
Pediatrics
Gynecology and Obstetrics
Wellness Clinic
Ophthalmology

Intern Roles & Responsibilities

As an intern for this program, your main tasks would be:

Interns will assist the local team in daily duties at the hospital placement and shadow/observe procedures and treatments being done by doctors and nursing staff.
Observe the local medical staff to understand the kind of problems that are prevalent in the Ghanaian health care scenario.

Requirements & eligibility

Interns must be 18 years or older at the time of joining the project. Participants should have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment. Medical and Physiotherapy interns must provide a clean criminal background check report, CV, Passport Copy as well as other documents and credentials pertaining to their qualifications prior to joining the program. Medical,Nursing or midwifery students, Pre medical students and students studying physiotherapy or occupational therapy can take part in the program.

Volunteer work schedule

A typical day

As a medical intern you will be working at your placement for 5 days a week and will have weekends off. Your place of internship would be close to your accommodation. Every hospital placement has different working hours (5-6 days a week), which will be discussed with you right at the beginning of your mission.

During free time you can take part in excursions, beach visits and tours to nearby national parks! Usually there are always small groups together, so you can explore the country together with other participants.

Gallery

Life on the programme

Living

Accommodation & meals

Arrival & Orientation

You will meet our representative at Kotoka International Airport in Accra from where you’ll be transferred to the Intern house. Later, you’ll travel to the project site after the orientation program on the next day.

Your project site will mostly be close to your accommodation. Every project office has different working hours (5-6 days a week), which will be discussed with you right at the beginning of your program.

Accommodation

Your accommodation will be at an Intern House, a modern 6-bedroom residence located in Teshie Nungua, a vibrant suburb of Accra, the capital of Ghana. The house is just a 25-minute drive from the airport and 20 minutes from the city center. The nearest beaches are only a 15-minute walk away. For added security, the nearest police station is just 5 minutes away.

The house offers comfortable accommodations with two bunk beds per room, 4 toilets, and 3 bathrooms. For entertainment and convenience, there are 2 satellite TVs with internet access, free Wi-Fi, a spacious living room, and a fully equipped kitchen. All rooms are air-conditioned, and running water is available, with three additional water reservoirs. The property also features a large compound, a chill-out area under a shed, a table tennis board, and a PlayStation. There is security coverage with cameras at the gate, a fenced wall, and on-site security personnel. The house can accommodate up to 30 participants at a time.

At the Intern House, you’ll have the chance to live with volunteers and interns from across the globe. Meals will be provided by our on-site chef who prepares both local and international dishes. Our dedicated staff is available 24/7 to ensure your comfort and safety.

Volunteers and interns will be joined by a caretaker cum cook and security personnel on-site.The house is set up to cater to volunteers’ and interns’ needs, offering a variety of activities for relaxation after a day of work. You can unwind with games, karaoke, table tennis, or movie nights, or simply relax under the shed. If you prefer to cook, the modern, fully equipped kitchen is available for your use.

The nearest shopping mall is a 15-minute drive away, but you’ll also find many small kiosks around the volunteer house where you can purchase daily necessities.

Meals

Volunteers and Interns are provided with 2 meals (breakfast and dinner) at the accommodation. Ghanaian cuisine consists primarily of starches, soups, beans, meat, and fish. The Starches consist mainly of rice and doughy balls made from mashed cassava, plantain or yams. Famous Ghanaian dishes include Banku and Fufu. Participants are given a mix of local and western meals. Vegetarian and vegan dietary requirements can also be met.

During your Free Time

There is also a lot to discover and explore in Accra. After work you can do a relaxed stroll in a shopping mall not far away and experience the vibrant Ghanaian Capital Accra in all its facets.

On the weekends you can do a variety of trips to places such as Cape Coast, Kumasi, Canopy Walk and many more options to choose from.

Dates

Start dates

Weekly start dates, year-round — pick any week across the next two years.

AvailableFilling fastFully booked

Costs

Program fees by duration Currency

A one-off application fee ($249 / £179 / €229 / AU$350) is charged in addition to the program fee — valid for one year, during which you may enrol in multiple programs. A 5% international banking fee applies to credit-card payments in USD or AUD.

Duration	Program fee
2 weeks	$732
3 weeks	$946
4 weeks	$1,130
5 weeks	$1,370
6 weeks	$1,609
7 weeks	$1,849
8 weeks	$2,089
Each additional week	+$300 / week

Indicative conversion — your booking is charged in the currency you choose at checkout.

✓ What you're paying for

Airport pick-up & drop off
Comprehensive Pre- Departure Information information and support from Med Trips team
Orientation
24-hour In-country support
Accommodation in Intern House
Meals – Breakfast and Dinner
Medical Insurance
Certificate of Participation(On Request)

Not included

Flights
Cost of daily traveling to the project
Personal Expenses
Visa
Vaccinations

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Booking & getting started

What does the Medical Elective Placement in Ghana cost, and what is included?

The exact price for each duration is shown in the Dates & costs section above, in your local currency. Your fee covers the project placement, accommodation, meals as listed, airport pick-up and 24/7 in-country support in Ghana — international flights, travel insurance and visa costs are separate.

When should I apply?

Apply as early as you can — places on the Medical Elective Placement in Ghana are limited and confirmed in the order they come in. Your application fee stays valid for a full year, and the balance can be paid in instalments up to 45 days before you start.

Your placement in Ghana

Who can take part, and is there an age limit?

The minimum age is 18 years. Most nationalities are welcome — you just need an open mind, reasonable fitness and respect for local customs in Ghana. A clear background check is required for any role working with children.

Where will I stay in Ghana?

You stay in a shared student house or with a vetted host family in Ghana, with meals provided as listed for your programme. Private-room and upgraded-accommodation options are usually available on request.

How long can I do my elective for?

This programme runs for 2-12 Weeks. If you would like to stay longer or combine it with another project in Ghana, our team can tailor your itinerary.

Safety, health & visa in Ghana

Is it safe to do an elective in Ghana?

Yes. Our local coordinators in Ghana meet you on arrival, run a full orientation and are reachable 24/7 throughout your stay. We only place students in areas our in-country team knows well and visits regularly.

Do I need a visa or vaccinations for Ghana?

Most students travel to Ghana on a standard tourist visa; you will receive full visa guidance and a recommended-vaccination checklist in your pre-departure manual. Valid travel-medical insurance is required and can be arranged through us at a nominal cost.

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