General Information

About the Trip

Since 2005, medical teams from Canada have travelled regularly to Ghana’s Volta Region to support school and community clinics in partnership with International Needs Ghana. These outreaches are carried out in coordination with local health professionals and public health authorities, helping provide primary care, screening, treatment, health education, and referrals when needed. 

In recent years, nutrition has also become an important part of this work. Many of the health concerns seen in clinics are connected to undernutrition and limited access to balanced diets. Alongside medical care, teams support local efforts to identify nutritional needs, strengthen feeding initiatives, and provide practical education for families.

What the Trip Includes

A typical trip includes:

• Orientation and travel into the Volta Region
• Eight to nine school and community clinic days
• Time to experience some of Ghana’s culture and natural beauty before departure

Clinics are held primarily at International Needs schools, where classrooms are transformed into intake, consultation, medication, and education spaces. Teams may see 200 to 400 people in a day, depending on the community. Canadian participants serve alongside Ghanaian physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and public health staff.

Who Can Join

We welcome:

• Physicians – Provide patient assessments, diagnoses, and treatment plans while working alongside Ghanaian medical staff.
• Nurses – Support triage, patient care, and clinic flow, assisting with assessments and basic treatments.
• Pharmacists – Oversee medication distribution and ensure patients understand proper usage.
• Allied Health Professionals – Contribute based on your area of expertise, supporting care and patient education.
• Non-Medical Volunteers – Assist with registration, patient flow, organization, and general clinic support.

Each team member contributes in a different way depending on experience and skills. Medical professionals support consultations, medication, and patient care. Non-medical volunteers also play an important role in helping clinics run smoothly and supporting the team throughout the trip.

Medical Supplies

Medical supplies and medications for the trip are coordinated in advance. We are always looking to partner with local clinics, pharmacies, and healthcare providers who may be able to donate supplies or equipment. If you have access to these resources, we would be glad to connect.

Costs and Payments

Trip Price

$6,220

This includes round-trip airfare from Toronto, airport transfers, in-country transportation, accommodations, meals during the trip, scheduled sightseeing, and related taxes and service charges. It does not include items such as visa costs, insurance, vaccinations, professional licensing fees, extra baggage, tips, and meals while in transit.

Note: Prices are guaranteed only with full payment, as taxes and fuel surcharges can be added by airlines until full payment is received.

Payment Schedule

1. $750 non-refundable deposit with application
2. $2,500 due 6 months before departure
3. $2,970 due 30 days before departure

Deposits and payments are non-refundable, except where otherwise specified by airline terms. We strongly recommend purchasing cancellation insurance in case something prevents you from participating in the trip.

Payment Options

1. Reach out to us via phone to make payment for your trip. We accept both e-transfers and credit cards.
   • Toll free: 1-888-702-9805
   • Office: 905-389-1118
2. Send cheques to our office.
3. Set up a fundraising page on JustGiving to have your friends and family support your trip. For every donation, your supporters will receive a tax receipt.

Tax Deductibility

International Needs Canada is a registered charitable organization, and eligible donations toward your trip are tax-deductible. Gifts made through JustGiving will receive receipts immediately, while donations made through the International Needs Canada office will be included in a consolidated tax receipt issued in February of the following year.

Requirements and Travel

Requirements Before You Travel

Before departure, participants will need:

• A valid passport: with at least 6 months remaining after return
• A tourist visa for Ghana: the cost is approximately CAD$160. We will provide application details once your flight is booked.
• Extended medical insurance: you must purchase extended medical insurance beyond provincial coverage, unless you already have extended health coverage through your employer. A package that includes cancellation, medical, and COVID coverage is often more cost-effective.
• Required vaccinations and medications: as advised by a healthcare provider or travel clinic
• A signed child protection policy and police check

These requirements should be completed well in advance of departure.

Child Protection

As we will be visiting children, you will need to: sign and return a copy of our Child Protection Policy, and submit a valid police check. Please visit your local police services or submit your request online through https://pages.sterlingbackcheck.ca/landing-pages/i/international-needs-canada/.

To submit your request, follow the prompts by logging in to your account (or registering for a new account if needed). Once logged in, go to your Inbox and select the invitation from International Needs Canada marked with a “New” status. Click “Accept and Continue,” then purchase the check (and make a payment if required). After that, go to myAccount and click Continue, then complete all required information from Step 1 through Step 4.

Guidelines

To help the trip run smoothly and respectfully:

• Dress modestly in clinics, schools, villages, and church settings. Long pants or capris are recommended; no spaghetti straps. For church services, wear skirts or dresses that reach the knees. Avoid flashy jewelry.
• Always ask permission before taking photographs
• Do not bring gifts unless they have been approved in advance
• Review the cancellation and responsibility policies before confirming your participation

Luggage and Packing

Airlines typically allow one checked bag and one carry-on, though allowances may vary depending on your ticket. On past trips, some team members have also been asked to bring an additional bag with medical supplies for the clinics.

You will be responsible for your own luggage throughout the trip, so we recommend packing efficiently. We have experienced delays with luggage transfer, so be sure to pack essential items in your carry-on, including toiletries and 2–3 days’ worth of clothing.

In addition to personal items, participants are encouraged to bring:

• Any required travel medications (including malaria prophylaxis and basic over-the-counter supplies)
• A small personal first aid kit
• Comfortable, modest clothing suitable for clinic settings
• Closed-toe shoes for long clinic days
• A refillable water bottle
• Simple items for interacting with children at clinics, such as balls, bubbles, or small games

Travel and Practical Details

• Climate: Ghana is warm year-round, with temperatures typically ranging between 25–32°C. The major rainy season runs from April to July, followed by a shorter, drier period in late July and August. A lighter rainy season returns from September to October, with the main dry season from November to March.
• Language: English is the official language, but most patients speak local languages. Translators will be available during clinic days.
• Meals and Water: Meals are provided throughout the trip. Bottled or treated water will be available, and tap water should be avoided. Use caution with ice, tap water, and fresh produce that may have been washed with local water, which is often untreated. Do not use tap water for brushing your teeth. Drink bottled water and beverages only after confirming the seal is intact.
• Money and Tipping: The local currency is Ghanaian cedi, but USD is widely accepted. Small amounts of cedi are useful for everyday purchases. Small tips (around $1 USD) are appropriate for drivers and hotel staff.
• Electricity: Ghana uses 230V electricity with Type D and G plugs. A universal adapter is recommended.

Responsibility Disclaimer

International Needs Canada and the travel agent act solely as agents for travel services and cannot be held responsible for the acts or omissions of third-party suppliers. They are not liable for any injury, loss, damage, delays, or changes caused by transportation providers or other services, or by circumstances beyond their control, including strikes, conflict, or other unforeseen events.