Ghana's Business of Doing Good: Social Startups & Public Affairs

Located only a few degrees above the equator, Ghana is known for its lush forests, exotic animals, and secluded beaches. Over winter break, travel to Ghana to visit Accra, Kumasi, Senchi-Ferry, Elmina/Cape Coast, and areas near Accra, the capital city. Accra is situated along the Atlantic Ocean and is home to a colorful coastline, bustling markets, and lively nightlife. Develop a deeper understanding of social life and culture in Ghana by engaging with local professionals and organizations.

Stay in shared housing with other program participants.  A welcome and farewell meal as well as some additional meals are included in the program fee. 

Excursions in Accra may include:

• Center for National Culture
• Aburi Botanical Gardens and Market
• Makola Market
• Ashesi University—which is a leader in undergraduate education in Africa whose mission is to educate ethical and entrepreneurial African leaders
• University of Ghana Legon—for lectures, workshops, and an intro to a Twi language course
• United States Embassy/USAID/PeaceCorps—learn about diplomacy and development projects in Ghana
• Tetteh Quarshie Cocoa Farms and the Aburi wood carving Village
• Various meetings with social entrepreneurs to be integrated through the seminar

Excursions in Cape Coast may include:

• Assin Manso Slave River with a guided tour and lecture on the significance during the transatlantic slave trade
• Elmina Castle and Museum—learn the history of Cape Coast and Elmina as trading lodges, headquarters of British colonial government, and use as a storage for enslaved people before they were transported across the Atlantic Ocean during the transatlantic slave trade 
• Kakum National Park
• Elmina Township Tour
• Global Mommas visit with workshops and mini service project
• A beach day 

Excursions in Kumasi may include:

• Manhyia Palace Museum
• Central Market (largest open-air market in West Africa) 
• Ntonso Adinkra Village
• Bonwire Kente Village
• Assin Manso Slave River
• Lecture on Traditional Governance
• Visit to a Social Enterprise
• Visit to a policy oriented organization/office

Excursions in Senchi Ferry may include:

• Akosombo—learn about how technological development affects the social infrastructure of this township
• Royal Senchi visit & cruise Volta Lake
• A heritage tour to the Akwamufie Bogyawe Palace, the Traditional seat of Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III
• Visit the Akwamu Palace Museum
• Visit with Ghana Scholarship Fund and presentation from youth—the Ghana Scholarship fund is a US-based nonprofit that provides funding for high school and university-level education for rural Ghanaians. 

• Develop independence by challenging yourself in a new environment
• Function as an effective team member by utilizing your personal strengths in a group setting
• Explore a specific topic through experiential and interdisciplinary approaches

This Global Seminar will be led by Simone Gbolo, M.A., M.Ed, the National Director of the Public Policy and International Affairs (PPIA) Program, a national nonprofit organization that promotes the inclusion and full participation of underrepresented groups in public service.

Winter Break 2021–2022 Cost of Participation forthcoming

Program fees can vary widely due to location, cost of living, airfare, and program inclusions. The program fee generally includes tuition, group flight airfare, program administration, housing, some meals, international health insurance, entrances to course-related excursions and site visits, and local transportation. Generally, our program fees range between $5,500–$7,500. You must also budget for the required visa and Yellow Fever vaccination, passport and passport photos, some additional meals, textbooks, independent travel, and miscellaneous living expenses. Proof of Yellow Fever vaccination is required to enter Ghana.