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Gmad Ghana Volunteer Handbook
Gmad Ghana Volunteer Handbook
If you are contemplating traveling to Ghana as a volunteer for Ghana Make A Difference, read this handbook.
If you have already decided to travel to Ghana as a volunteer for Ghana Make A Difference, read this handbook.
This handbook has been assembled to help you decide whether you should work as a volunteer in Ghana, and if so, to help you
prepare for your volunteer trip to Ghana with Ghana Make A Difference (GMAD). This booklet provides you with some basic
information regarding local customs in Ghana, basic safety tips, your arrival in Ghana, the GMAD volunteer program, what to take
with you, and other information regarding your trip.
If there is anything you want to know that is not answered in this handbook or on our website, contact GMAD at
[email protected] at any time.
Get ready for one of the most amazing experiences of your life.
Page 7 Contacts
Pages 8‑11 Getting to Ghana
‑ airplane tickets
‑ getting a travel visa
‑ arriving in Ghana
Listed below, in chronological order, are the things you need to do before you become a GMAD volunteer and depart for Ghana.
1. READ THIS HANDBOOK. And if you have any questions that are not covered in this handbook, please ask us.
2. SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION. Visit the volunteer page on our website or simply click here to access our online volunteer
application form.
3. SIGN AND SUBMIT THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS. The Terms and Conditions associated with GMAD’s volunteer program are
included at pages 27‑29 of this handbook. Read the document carefully, and if you agree to the terms and conditions, sign and
submit the document to GMAD.
4. PRINT OR SAVE THIS BOOKLET. One way or another, take this handbook with you to Ghana, and use it.
5. BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS. Book your flights as soon as possible. You can often get cheaper fares when you book early.
6. BUY TRAVEL INSURANCE AND SUBMIT PROOF OF YOUR PURCHASE TO GMAD. Buying travel insurance with emergency medical
transportation (including medical evacuation) and medical expense coverage is mandatory when volunteering abroad with
GMAD. Send proof of your purchase to GMAD at [email protected] or by fax at 800‑851‑2793. There are
many insurance options, but (1) if you are not yet 30 years old, or (2) if you are a student, or (3) if you are a teacher, then we
think a great choice is the ISIC premium insurance plan that comes with a premium ISIC card. There are three types of ISIC
cards:
a. ISIC Premium is for full time students, any age
b. ITIC Premium is for teachers and faculty, any age
c. IYTC Premium is for anyone under age 30
Here are a few other companies we are aware of that offer travel insurance.
a. Travel Guard at www.travelguard.com
b. World Nomads at www.worldnomads.com
c. Travel Safe Insurance at www.travelsafe.com
7. GET YOUR PASSPORT AND VISA. You must acquire your visa before you go to Ghana. There are more details on how to do this
later in this booklet.
8. GET VACCINATED. In this booklet we give you a list of standard vaccinations, however, you need to see a travel medicine
doctor/nurse a couple of months prior to your departure and follow his/her professional recommendations.
9. PAY YOUR PROGRAM FEES. You must pay your program fees at least one month prior to your departure to Ghana. PAY NOW
10. STUDY UP. The better prepared you are for this experience the easier it will make things. Read about Ghana, about orphanage
service, and about teaching in informal settings. Learn some of the local language.
11. PACK APPROPRIATELY. There is a suggested packing list in this booklet.
12. QUESTIONS. Contact our volunteer coordinator, Ari Aki, at [email protected] at any time with any questions.
GMAD’s mission is to preserve families, protect children, and provide refuge, and most of our efforts revolve around the operation
of a children’s home in Dabanyin, Ghana. Accordingly, you are volunteering to work at a children’s home, and to protect the children
and the integrity of the home, it is expected that you will honor GMAD’s code of conduct (as presented in your application and in
this handbook) at all times and in all places throughout the duration of your volunteer experience.
If you meet any one of the following criteria, you can apply to be a GMAD Volunteer:
● you are 18 or older
● you are a high school graduate
● you are accompanied by someone 18 or older
Accommodations
You will live onsite at the children’s home. Volunteers live together in their own private section of the children’s home, and you will
most likely share a room with one or more volunteers. There are separate bedrooms and bathrooms for male and female volunteers,
but all volunteers share a common living room.
Bedding is provided, but some volunteers appreciate having their own small pillow, a compact camping pad, and even their own
sheet, especially for use when traveling and sleeping outside the children’s home.
A mosquito net is on the packing list, but if you forget one, please note that there are often mosquito nets available at the Ghana
home because many volunteers leave their nets behind when they return home. Furthermore, you can purchase mosquito nets in
Ghana.
The home does have electricity and running water, but interruptions in these services are common, and you will have to be willing to
make the best of the situation. There is no air conditioning in the volunteer house.
Food
In accordance with the wide range of tribes, ethnicities and cultures in Ghana, the food is very diverse. Ghanaians eat three meals a
day, and the orphanage personnel will cook you three meals a day. Although the cooks will prepare special meals for the volunteers,
and while volunteers can eat together in the volunteer living quarters, volunteers are always invited to eat with the children and
staff in the dining hall.
Breakfasts may consist of oatmeal or eggs, with toast and fruit, or even crepes or french toast. A typical lunch can include meat and
vegetables with rice or noodles, while dinner may be more traditional and include fufu, banku or jollof rice. Ghanaian food is
traditionally quite spicy. Volunteers should not drink, brush their teeth with, nor wash their food with the tap water. Safe drinking
water will be provided for you at the home in Ghana, and bottled drinking water and small plastic bags of drinking water are readily
available throughout Ghana at a nominal cost.
You should not expect to eat as you normally do at home. Be appreciative and kind, but try to be upfront with the GMAD cooks
regarding which entrees you like, if you need larger portions, or if the food is too spicy for you. The GMAD kitchen is not a restaurant
that takes custom orders, but they welcome helpful feedback. In the past, some volunteers, not wanting to be offensive, have simply
kept quiet about the food, saying the food is fine or I’m just not hungry today. AND THEN they turn around and text or call home
saying I’m starving! or the food is terrible.
If you have special dietary needs, we will do our best to help you find what you need, but you must be able to make your own
accommodations based on your own unique needs.
You can be a GMAD volunteer in Ghana for up to three months. And while there is no minimum period, to get the most out of your
volunteer experience, we encourage you to serve as long as your schedule will reasonably allow.
If you volunteer for 6 days or less, the volunteer fee is $50 per day.1
Susan volunteers for 2 days. The volunteer fee = 2 x $50 = $100.
Bob and his three children volunteer for 3 days. The volunteer fee = 4 x 3 x $50 = $600.
If you volunteer between 7 days and 30 days, the volunteer fee is a flat $510.
Susan volunteers for 20 days. The volunteer fee = $510.
Bob and his three children volunteer for 29 days. The volunteer fee = 4 x $510 = $2,040.
If you volunteer for more than 30 days, the volunteer fees are $17 per day.
Susan volunteers for 45 days. The volunteer fee = 45 x $17 = $765.
Bob and his three children volunteer for 35 days. The volunteer fee = 4 x 35 x $17 = $2,380.
Giving up not only your time but also your money to volunteer is a huge commitment for anybody. A lot of people struggle to
understand the concept of paying to volunteer abroad, and although GMAD does its best to ensure it provides the most affordable
fees possible, it is important you understand where your fees are going. 100% of your volunteer fees go to the GMAD children’s
home in Ghana. These fees cover (1) your shuttle services to and from the airport upon your arrival to and your departure from
Ghana and (2) your room and board at the volunteer house while you are in Ghana.
You must pay all of your program fees at least one month prior to your departure to Ghana. There are two ways to pay your program
fees: (1) pay online or (2) mail us a check.
If you pay with a check, make your check payable to Ghana Make A Difference and mail the check to:
The overall costs associated with a 2‑4 week stay in Ghana as a GMAD volunteer are approximately $1,250 plus airfare.
The following is a list of typical costs, and includes, as an example, typical airfare costs from Boise, Idaho.
● Volunteer fees (includes your shuttle to and from the airport and your room and board at the GMAD home) = $510
● Passport = $110
● Ghana Travel Visa = $60 (plus shipping)
● Immunizations = depends on what you need, but yellow fever varies around $120
● Malaria medicine = depends on the type you choose and current market rates, but costs vary around $100
● Mandatory travel insurance = depends on your age and length of stay, but costs vary around $100
● Money for food and drink while traveling to and from Ghana = $50
● Food and snacks when traveling outside the GMAD home = $50
● Sightseeing (e.g., park entrance fees), public transportation and souvenir money = $150
● SUBTOTAL = $1,250
● Airfare from Boise, Idaho typically varies around $1,500
● TOTAL (with airfare from Boise) = $2,750
1
An additional charge for airport shuttle services may apply.
GMAD Ghana Volunteer Handbook (20180303) – Page 5
Your Volunteer Costs are Tax Deductible
GMAD is a 501(c)(3) organization, and your travel costs and program fees are tax deductible. The IRS says it this way.
Do you plan to travel while doing charity work this summer? Some travel expenses may help lower your taxes if you itemize deductions when you file next year. Here
are five tax tips the IRS wants you to know about travel while serving a charity.
1. You must volunteer to work for a qualified organization. Ask the charity about its tax‑exempt status. [GMAD is a tax‑exempt organization]
2. You may be able to deduct unreimbursed travel expenses you pay while serving as a volunteer. You can’t deduct the value of your time or services.
3. The deduction qualifies only if there is no significant element of personal pleasure, recreation or vacation in the travel. However, the deduction will qualify even if
you enjoy the trip.
4. You can deduct your travel expenses if your work is real and substantial throughout the trip. You can’t deduct expenses if you only have nominal duties or do not
have any duties for significant parts of the trip.
5. Deductible travel expenses may include:
a. Air, rail and bus transportation
b. Car expenses
c. Lodging costs
d. The cost of meals
e. Taxi fares or other transportation costs between the airport or station and your hotel
To learn more see Publication 526, Charitable Contributions. The booklet is available at IRS.gov or by calling 800‑TAX‑FORM (800‑829‑3676).
Code of Conduct
As a GMAD volunteer, you must agree to abide by the code of conduct (as presented in your volunteer application and as outlined
below) at all times and in all places throughout the entire period of your volunteer experience.
● No alcohol* ● No tobacco* ● No marijuana*
● No illegal drugs* ● No pornography* ● No prescription drugs without a prescription*
● No profanity ● No vulgar language
* If you violate any of these details of the volunteer code of conduct, you will be removed from the volunteer program and asked to immediately
leave the children's home in Ghana, and you will bear the financial burden associated with such removal, including but not limited to hotel costs,
transportation costs, and itinerary change fees.
GMAD seeks to address the numerous problems that many children without proper education, healthcare, food, love and attention
face as a result of being parentless or alone. You will teach, love and care for vulnerable children. You can use your talents to help
design and execute effective teaching programs, activities and events to inspire and develop the children’s talents and abilities
through human interaction and care. You can bring along books, pencils, music instruments, games or other supplies to help
entertain the kids and assist with activities.
There are wonderful opportunities to volunteer as a physician or dentist in Ghana. You can serve the children and staff at our Ghana
Make A Difference home, the people in our home’s community, and other needy groups and communities throughout Ghana. For
additional information, contact us at [email protected].
Making the decision to travel abroad and volunteer is never easy. Many people think of volunteering abroad as an option at some
point during their lives but often are not able to follow through with this. By letting others know of the trip you are embarking on,
you can highlight the work you will be doing and inspire others to get involved as well. We encourage you to contact your local
newspapers and media sources to let them know of your pending adventure. Our experience is that most newspapers find the
stories very interesting and will give you some good coverage.
Fort Acolatse
Assistant Director of GMAD Children’s Home
057‑800‑5288
[email protected]
Kelvin Rogers
Administrative Assistant of GMAD Children’s Home
055‑323‑4495
[email protected]
Isaac Nartey
Driver of GMAD Children’s Home
024‑597‑7256
The most expensive part of your journey will be the cost of your flight. Begin your efforts to book a flight as far in advance as
possible. Ghana has a number of airlines flying in and out of the country. Past volunteers have found that Delta usually has the best
prices and the most direct flights from the USA. Be sure to check a variety of online travel agencies (e.g., Expedia, Vayama, Kayak,
etc.) as well as specific airline websites. For example, it is not uncommon to find the lowest fares directly at delta.com.
Obviously, the length of your trip will vary based on your place of embarkation.
● From Los Angeles = 18‑20 hours
● From Seattle = 17‑18 hours
● From Boise = 19‑25 hours
● From Salt Lake City = 16‑22 hours
● From Dallas = 16‑22 hours
● From Chicago = 14‑19 hours
● From New York City = 10‑17 hours
● From Amsterdam = 7‑12 hours
● From London = 7‑12 hours
After you purchase your plane ticket but before you leave to Ghana, you must get a travel visa from the Ghanaian embassy in
Washington DC. There are two different visa entry classes: single entry (if you only intend to enter Ghana once) or multiple entry (if
you intend to enter and reenter Ghana multiple times). A single entry visa must be used within 90 days. Depending on the life of
your passport, a multiple entry visa can be used for up to five years.
You may contact an agency that can help you obtain a visa, or you may apply for a visa on your own directly with the Ghana
Embassy. Past volunteers have used both methods, but the vast majority have obtained their visa on their own by applying directly
to the Ghana Embassy.
If you get a visa through an agency, the cost to obtain your visa (including embassy and agency service fees) will likely range from
$120 to $165. Past volunteers have successfully used VisaHQ at www.visahq.com on multiple occasions.
Once again, most of our volunteers obtain their travel visa directly through the Ghana Embassy (i.e., without an agency) by applying
at https://www.ghanaembassydc.org/visas. The website steps you through the application process, and you will save the fees you
would pay to an agency; the cost to obtain your visa directly through the Ghana Embassy ranges from $60 to $100, plus postage. You
should allow at least 3‑5 weeks for processing. When you arrive at the airport in Ghana, the Ghana government will grant you a
60‑day visitor permit, but visitor permit extensions can be obtained while you are in Ghana through the Ghana Embassy in Accra or
after the fact at the airport on the day of your departure from Ghana; the extension process is explained later in this handbook.
Here are some tips to help you apply for your travel visa.
Be sure to check https://www.ghanaembassydc.org/visas for the most up to data application process and requirements.
Type your application using the online form. Download the form first and save it to your computer as you go along. Type your
application using UPPER CASE letters.
As a general rule, don’t leave spaces blank. Put “none” or “not applicable”
Make sure your entries for your name match your passport exactly. If you don’t have a middle name, DO NOT enter “none” or “not
applicable” in that field; leave it blank.
For Place of Birth, enter the state and country (this should match your passport).
Applicant’s intended date of travel = put your date of departure from your home country here.
Amount of money applicant is traveling with = put whatever cash you are traveling with ‑ it can’t be more than $10,000.
Is applicant in possession of a roundtrip ticket? = put yes, and if you don’t have your ticket yet, but something like “number not
issued yet” in the ticket number field.
Select OTHER as your Purpose of Journey.
The embassy’s checklist asks you to provide two contacts in Ghana. Provide these contacts by completing the visa form as follows.
Question #6 is only applicable if you are trying to get an employment visa; this does not apply to you, so put “DOES NOT APPLY” in
the Name of Employer field.
Question #9 is where you explain what you mean by OTHER as your purpose of travel. Answer #9 as follows, and be sure to send the
4 items referenced in your answer with your application (we will send these items to you).
You must complete an immigration form and present it at the airport. This form is usually provided to you en route on the airplane,
but it is also available at the airport. You must have the following contact information to complete the form (and you will need this
information to complete the same form again when you are departing Ghana).
The following is a layout of the Accra airport and outlines the steps you will take from landing to exit.
(1)
The tarmac outside where the plane parks.
You disembark here.
(2)
Hallway to the
(4) (3) passport
Luggage claim Show vaccination card and then get in line to show your passport and visa. checkpoint
(5)
Ramp leading to customs and exit
(6)
Customs
(7)
You may have to
show your luggage
tickets here. You DO
NOT have to show
your passport, but
scammers may ask
you to.
There is a good
money exchange
booth here.
(9)
Exit
A GMAD Ghana representative will greet you at the Accra airport (Kotoka International Airport), whereupon you will be driven to the
GMAD home in Dabanyin. Depending on traffic, it will take 1‑2 hours to drive from the airport to the children’s home. The person
meeting you at the airport will be standing just outside the airport exit wearing a GMAD t‑shirt and/or holding a GMAD sign.
As soon as you book your flights, be sure to provide GMAD with your entire itinerary so we can arrange for you to be picked up in
Accra. Be sure to provide your complete itinerary, including flight numbers, cities, and your arrival date and time in Accra. Take care
to distinguish between your arrival date in Ghana and the departure date from your home country.
If for some unlikely reason there is no GMAD representative to meet you at the airport, call Prince Djanku (GMAD Ghana Director) at
027‑023‑8457 or Fort Acolatse (GMAD Ghana Assistant Director) at 057‑800‑5288 or Isaac Nartey (GMAD Driver) at 024‑597‑7256. If
you don’t have a phone that can be used in Ghana, don’t hesitate to explain your situation to someone and to ask them to borrow
their phone to make a Ghana call. People are very friendly and will most likely be quick to help you out. Just be sure to stay right at
or very near the airport exit; do not wander off with anyone.
If for some reason you cannot get a hold of Prince, Fort or Isaac, call Cory Hofman in the United States at 312‑898‑6209, Stacey
Hofman in the United States at 208‑283‑3242, or Ari Aki in the United States at 808‑760‑8054 or 801‑560‑5898.
Packing List
● Basic Medical/Care Kit: acetaminophen/ibuprofen, antihistamine for relief from allergy or bites, diarrhea medicine, band
aids, sunscreen, lip balm and insect repellent
● All personal medication
● Toiletries
● Your cellphone and charger
● Sandals (thick‑soled such as Keens, Chacos or similar)
● Trainers / court shoes for working in the bush, for playing basketball or soccer, or for comfort and variety. Also, some
volunteers appreciate having socks.
● Flip Flops for indoor use
● Clothing. Pack enough clothing for one week. Keep in mind the temperature and environment you will be working in. It will
be very hot, so light clothing that covers your whole body is ideal for sun and insect bites. Furthermore, please keep in mind
that you will likely participate in work projects that could damage your clothing (e.g., painting, digging, construction). Please
note that tank tops and short shorts are not appropriate at the children’s home and are not culturally welcomed in Ghana.
You may have opportunity to attend community events or other activities that warrant dressy casual attire.
● Towel set (i.e., full size, hand, and dish towel)
● Bedding is provided, but some volunteers appreciate having their own small pillow, a compact camping pad, and even their
own sheet, especially for use when traveling and sleeping outside the children’s home.
● Music, e‑books and other entertainment for long travel and downtime
● Photographs of your family and friends
● Copies of important travel documents such as passport, immunization records, travel insurance, visa, plane tickets
● Day pack
● Hat and sunglasses
● Camera (most volunteers use their smartphone camera)
● Headlamp
● Travel guidebook (volunteers find guidebooks such as Lonely Planet to be helpful)
● This volunteer handbook
● Journal and pens
● Earplugs (between the roosters, the kids and the kitchen staff, noises in the volunteer house start early)
● Paper products: wipes, napkins, facial tissues
● Ziploc bags (a few of various sizes)
It is highly recommended that you make two copies of all your important travel documents (passport, visa, immunizations, flight
tickets, and travel insurance) before you leave home. Leave one copy with a friend or family member and take the spare copy with
you to Ghana. While it is unlikely that you will have a need for them while you are in Ghana, it is further recommended that you
carry the second set of copies with you as you travel in Ghana, leaving your originals securely in the volunteer house at the GMAD
home.
Money
The Ghanaian currency is the Ghana Cedi (GHc). The exchange rate varies daily, but recently $1.00 (US) has been equivalent to
approximately 4.00 GHc. One cedi is divided into one hundred pesewas (equivalent of cents).
The present cedi (New Cedi) was introduced on July 3, 2007, and was set to equal 10,000 old cedi as the redenomination dropped
four zeros off the value of the old cedi.
The word "cedi" is derived from the Akan word for cowry shell; cowry shells were used in Ghana as a form of currency.
It is easy to exchange money at the airport when you arrive in Ghana. But if the exchange bureau (forex) at the airport is closed, the
GMAD staff can to take you to a forex to exchange money as necessary. You can check the current exchange rate by searching
Google for dollar cedi exchange rate. The actual exchange rate you get in Ghana should be about 10 pesewas per dollar less than the
rate that is published online (e.g., 3.90 cedi per dollar instead of 4.00 cedi per dollar).
Be sure to only take new edition $100 bills as shown below. You will get an inferior exchange rate if you try to exchange smaller or
older bills, and some forex will not even exchange older bills or bills under $100.
We recommend that you also take a debit/ATM card so that you can withdraw money from ATMs as needed. This is an easy and cost
effective way of withdrawing money, and it is much safer than carrying around a large amount of cash. ATMs are widely available
throughout Ghana.
Cell Phones
There are multiple good options for cell phone use while in Ghana to call and text locally and internationally. Choose the option that
you feel will best suit your budget and needs:
1. Purchase an international plan through your current cell phone provider (check with your company, can be expensive,
TMobile typically provides the cheapest and best coverage)
2. Unlock your cell phone in US and buy a SIM card in Ghana (about $3 + 7 cents/minute pay as you go)
3. Use shared GMAD volunteer cell phone by purchasing credit at about 7 cents/minute (cheapest option, but it is a shared
phone)
4. Buy a local phone for about $15 + 7 cents/minute pay as you go
The country phone code for Ghana is 233, so if someone in the USA wants to call you or text you and your Ghana number is
0123456789, the person in the USA would drop the first digit and dial 011233123456789. To call or text the USA from Ghana using a
Ghana phone you dial 001 + area code + number.
There is limited cellular‑based wifi internet at the GMAD home. Internet is not unlimited. The cellular wifi modem must be loaded
with credits that are purchased via coded scratch cards at the market. The staff will help with this, but suffice it to day that it is a
process, and the credits do not last long when used with typical USA‑manners. Don’t stream music, don’t download videos and
photos, and only upload a limited amount of photos to social media (upload the bulk of your photos and videos when you return
home). If you take your own smartphone to Ghana (most volunteers do), be sure to disable all automatic backup, all automatic
upload / download services, and all automatic syncing services, otherwise the home’s internet credit will magically be exhausted as
your phone stays hard as work while you sleep!
Transportation
The easiest and cheapest way to travel across Ghana is to use a local mini‑van or minibus called tro tro; these are public transport
vans that carry up to 20 passengers. Taxis are also abundant, and they are a good means of intra city travel.
GMAD has its own tro tro that is used exclusively for the home, and our driver will use this tro tro to shuttle you between the airport
and the home; this shuttle service is covered by your volunteer fees. Depending on your specific schedule, the GMAD tro tro may be
available for you to rent for certain day trips. The cost to rent the GMAD tro tro for a day is 400 GHc plus the actual cost of fuel. The
cost of fuel can vary between 1 and 2 cedi per mile. Volunteers commonly take day trips to and around Accra (about 100 miles total),
to Elmina (about 130 miles total), and to Kakum National Park (about 120 miles total).
While riding a public tro tro is a true Ghanaian experience, there are benefits associated with using the GMAD tro tro, including (1) a
very fun driver, (2) efficient door to door service, and (3) the driver will watch your items as you shop and tour.
Western Shopping
There are very good grocery stores (Shoprite) and shopping centers in Accra and even closer to the GMAD home in Kasoa. From
toiletries to peanut butter to diet soda, you should be able to get a form of just about everything you might need and want (within
reason) at Shoprite.
The Accra Mall (near the airport) and the West Hills Mall (near Kasoa and just 17 miles east of the GMAD) are upscale malls that are
relatively expensive in cedis and dollars. Nevertheless, depending on the length of your stay in Ghana, you might want to know that
there are movie theatres, grocery stores (Shoprite), hand scooped ice cream and pizza.
In most stalls virtually all prices are negotiable. The first asking price given will be much higher than you are expected to pay, often
two to three times higher than what the final price might end up being. You in turn make a low offer. Through a little friendly
bargaining, you arrive at a price suitable to both parties. It may feel like the vendor is trying to take advantage of you, but this is not
the case. It is simply the process of determining the price that you are willing to pay and that the vendor is willing to accept. Do not
act offended in words, tones or facial expressions. Participate in the process and enjoy the process. While you don’t need to (and
you should not) pay above‑market prices, you should not be overly concerned about whether you got the best deal possible. Some
vendors at some markets use aggressive sales tactics and continue to push even when you have no interest in buying the items they
are selling. These tactics can be annoying, but if you can take a deep breath and remember that many of these people are simply
fighting for their daily survival, it will be easier for you to remain polite as you continue to reject their offers. Once again, enjoy the
process, and never be condescending or rude.
Laundry
There is no washing machine or dryer at the GMAD home. You will wash your clothes by hand, and you will hang them to dry on
lines. Alternatively, you can pay our director or assistant director to hire Akua, our sanitation specialist, to wash your clothes. If you
do hire Akua to wash your clothing, do not include your underwear; this is considered to be your own responsibility. You should
bring some plastic bags for your dirty clothes. You can certainly pack your own travel‑sized laundry detergent, but you can also buy
detergent in Ghana.
Keep your jewelry simple and conservative. Do not take any jewelry that you would not want to lose. The work is often not
conducive to wearing jewelry. Furthermore, the number one crime volunteers fall victim to is theft. Do not flaunt wealth, perceived
or real.
Time
A watch is a good idea, but you will learn that in Ghana, African Time is very prevalent. African time means when something
happens, it happens. A bus scheduled to leave at 10am may leave at 10am, or it may leave at 2pm for no apparent reason other than
the driver was late. Ghanaians do not generally allow time to control their lives. Socializing and personal relationships are much
more important.
I am coming is a common expression in Ghana. As you might expect, this expression might mean that the person is actually en route
from his or her place to yours. However, as you might not expect, this expression might also mean that regardless of whether the
person is en route or not, he or she will make it to you eventually, and that you should relax and not worry about the exact timing of
his or her arrival.
The power outlets at the GMAD home are known as a British 3‑pin rectangular blade plug (WA‑7), and this is also by far the most
common outlet throughout Ghana.
The standard electrical outlet in Ghana is 220‑240 volts. The standard electrical outlet in the US is 110‑120 volts. Before plugging
anything in a Ghana outlet, be sure that whatever it is you are plugging in can handle up to 220‑240 volts. If not, you may need a
converter/transformer to step down the voltage. You should not need a converter/transformer for your phone and computer. The
GMAD home has power strips that have built‑in adapters (not converters) that look like the adapter below. However, you may want
to pack and carry one of these with you so you can charge your phone during your travels outside the GMAD home.
Malaria
Take your anti‑malarial drug exactly on schedule without missing doses. Take measures to prevent mosquito bites: use insect
repellent on exposed skin, use flying insect spray in the room where you sleep, wear long pants and long‑sleeved shirts, and sleep
under a mosquito net.
Make a lasting and sustainable impact by interacting with the children using their resources. In other words, teach, work and play
with the children using the resources, tools and toys that they will have after you leave Ghana. In particular, do not entertain the
children by letting them play with your smartphone, your tablet or your computer.
GMAD has an established education / tutoring program for the children and staff at the home. Our education director (Eve Djanku)
can guide and assist you in your teaching and tutoring efforts.
GMAD has a good working relationship with the neighboring elementary and middle school, and there are often opportunities to
substitute teach a variety of subjects at the school. If you have an interest to help at the school, our education director (Eve Djanku)
can work with you and the school headmaster to align your interests, skills and schedule with the needs and schedule of the school.
Although Ghana is an English speaking country, many people cannot communicate effectively in English. This is a common
phenomenon in both rural and urban areas of Ghana, hence there is always a need for formal and informal tutoring. You can
stimulate the children’s and staff’s interest to study and speak proper English by teaching them with workbooks and worksheets, by
reading with them, and simply by playing and socializing with them.
You can teach music, math and arts, and while we have a growing set of educational tools at the home in Ghana, you are welcome to
bring resources that can assist you with teaching.
Sports and games are great ways for you to teach the English (learning and following rules), mental discipline, alertness and
coordination, teamwork and sportsmanship.
Our GMAD staff members in Ghana are amazing. They will become your friends, and you will love them like family. Naturally,
therefore, you will want to share with them, and they will want to share with you. And with these feelings, you may be tempted to
give them gifts or financial assistance. Don’t do it. It is not assistance. By Ghanaian standards, our GMAD workers are paid more than
a fair wage, with benefits that most people in Ghana do not enjoy. When you give them gifts or money, you distort expectations, you
pervert fairness, and you encourage an attitude of entitlement. Furthermore, there is a very large cultural gap; what you may define
to be trivial may be of great worth to them. This can create unexpected feelings and damage the relationship between you and the
person, as well as among other workers. Also, please note that it is expressly against GMAD’s employment policy for our staff to (a)
solicit gifts and money from volunteers and (b) to even accept unsolicited gifts and money from volunteers. When you offer gifts and
money to the staff, you encourage them to compromise their integrity.
These same principles apply to the GMAD children and the Ghana community.
If you see a specific need and want to help, please contact Ghana Make A Difference ([email protected])
directly regarding your desire to help, and we will work together to help in the best way possible.
You are a guest in Ghana and it is important to keep in mind that the people, traditions, culture and general way of life are all
different from your home country. Do not try to force your way of life upon the people you will be working and living with. Be open
minded and embrace the Ghanaian culture and way of living. You may also be exposed to other cultures as you meet volunteers
from different parts of the world; you should be ready to learn and respect these differences as well.
What follows are 26 basic guidelines of social conduct in Ghana. Ghanaians are very tolerant and forgiving, especially with
foreigners, and will often not point out cultural mistakes. However, repeated errors and offenses will create an uncomfortable
atmosphere with negative results. A little effort by you to to understand and respect Ghanaian culture will be greatly appreciated.
1. When you eating and someone comes, offer them some food and ask them to join you by saying you are invited. When someone likewise
invites you, you may decline respectfully or join as you wish. When served food, never refuse. Eat at least some. Make only favorable
comments about food outside the home, and be careful of facial expressions.
2. Be appreciative and kind, but try to be upfront with the GMAD cooks regarding which entrees you like, if you need larger portions, or if the
food is too spicy for you. The GMAD kitchen is not a restaurant that takes custom orders, but they welcome helpful feedback. In the past,
some volunteers, not wanting to be offensive, have simply kept quiet about the food, saying the food is fine or I’m just not hungry today. AND
THEN they turn around and text or call home saying I’m starving! or the food is terrible.
3. Greetings are important. Always greet and respond to greetings properly. When you pass a group of people, especially elderly, give them a
greeting. Failing to greet is considered an insult, and it is not easily overlooked. Greetings are not seen as an interference or waste of time.
4. Don’t use your left hand when interacting with others. Don’t waive with your left hand, don’t pay for purchases with your left hand, don’t
receive change with your left hand, don’t shake with your left hand, don’t waive for a taxi with your left hand, and don’t eat with your left
hand. Your left hand is considered to be your potty hand (i.e., the hand you use to wipe with).
5. Be careful with humor and teasing. Ghanaians love to laugh and have fun, but humor does not always cross cultural boundaries. What is funny
in one language may be insulting in another. Teasing can especially be misunderstood.
6. Do not compare people to animals (cute as a monkey, dirty as a pig, etc.).
7. What you may consider to be private matters may not be so private in Ghana. For example, your physical size or marital status may prove to
be enticing topics of conversation. Be open and don’t be overly sensitive to personal remarks made about you. Welcome such comments as an
intimate expression of sincere interest in you.
8. Comments from Ghanaians like you’re so fat are not meant to be an insult. This comment is simply an observation and even a compliment.
Ghanaians see fatness as a sign of good living.
9. Be careful when taking photos. Ask permission and do not let your zeal for photos become a distraction or disturbance.
10. Be soft‑spoken and careful in your choice of words. Avoid judgment words such as stupid and crazy. These words are particularly insulting
because most Ghanaian interpret these words literally. Also, many words have varying degrees of meaning across different English speaking
countries. Likewise, remember this same truth and don’t be offended when certain unexpected terms are spoken to you.
11. The thumbs‑up gesture is actually an an insult in Ghana.
12. Do not shout or display loud, boisterous behavior. Shouting is frowned upon. When you are in public, go out of your way to exhibit a quiet and
friendly attitude. To get a vendor’s attention, people will hiss at each other instead of shouting. Do not hiss at your elders.
13. Dress modestly and neatly, and pay attention to grooming and neatness. Body piercings and tattoos are considered your personal markings
and should be covered, both at the home and in public. Your grooming, modesty and neatness in dress is a strong reflection on your character
and the character of GMAD. Men should not go without a shirt.
14. When in doubt, ask the director or assistant director what the most appropriate attire to wear is for an activity or event.
15. It is not polite to put your feet on furniture or sit in a way that shows the bottoms of your shoes or feet, especially when socializing with your
superiors (e.g., the elderly, village chiefs and officials, government officials).
16. If someone washes your clothing, voluntarily or by hire, do not include your underwear; this is considered to be your own responsibility.
17. Religion and spirituality plays a major role in the life of most Ghanaians. Much of life is seen through a grid of spiritual values and realities.
Most people enjoy discussing and sharing religious and spiritual beliefs.
18. Never make derogatory remarks about any religious, political or ethnic group or behavior.
19. While Americans may openly criticize their country, Ghanaians take criticisms of their country very personal.
20. Holding hands is a common expression of friendship, guidance and protection, and it is not necessarily an expression of intimacy: men with
men, women with women, adults with children, men with women, and older men with younger women.
21. When handing someone something, actually hand it to them, don’t toss it to them. Throwing something to someone is disrespectful.
22. Greet people from your right to your left, regardless of the age or gender or status of the people you are greeting. And always greet with your
right hand.
23. When you are meeting with the chief or elders, remove your hat and keep your hands out of your pockets.
24. Mah‑mee, Pah‑pah and Nah‑nah are terms of respect. Males over the age of 30 may be addressed as pah‑pah while women of the same age
may be called mah‑mee. People over the age of 50 may be referred to as nah‑nah.
25. Ghanaians call white people obruni, which literally means someone from beyond the horizon. This is not an insult.
26. Ghanaian culture is very hierarchical. Age, wealth, experience and position are very important.
With a travel visa, the Ghana government will grant you a 60‑day visitor permit upon your arrival at the airport. If you are
volunteering for more than 60 days, you will need to extend your permit by applying in person at the Ghana Immigration Service
office in Accra or by paying the extension fee at the airport the day you return home.
Given the somewhat intense process of renewing your visa at the Immigration Headquarters (see below) as opposed to at the
airport when you are leaving Ghana, you may justifiably ask, Why shouldn’t I just renew my visa at the airport when I am leaving
Ghana? Answer: peace of mind and a more relaxed departure experience at the airport. However, our volunteers have done it both
ways, and the Ghana Immigration Service office has confirmed that either approach is ok. The preferred approach by our volunteers
appears to be renewal at the airport. However, the longer you are staying past your initial 60‑day stay, we recommend that you
renew your visa during your stay at the Immigration Service office in Accra.
If you extend your visa at the Immigration Service office, we recommend that you do so before your 60 days expires to avoid
financial penalties and other hassles. The renewal process takes about 3 weeks, and as a part of the renewal application, you must
leave your passport with the Immigration Service office. Therefore, if the expiration of your 60‑day visitor permit is near but prior to
your departure date, you should renew your permit at least 3 weeks prior to your departure date so you can be sure to get your
passport back prior to your departure from Ghana.
The cost to renew your visitor permit is 40 Ghana cedi for every month you are extending.
The contact information for the Ghana Immigration Service office is as follows.
The immigration office is just down the street and around the corner from the Mormon temple in Accra (see the map below).
You can travel to the Ghana Immigration Service office by tro‑tro or taxi. If by tro‑tro, travel to Circle in Accra, and on your way ask
people how to get to the Ghana Immigration Service; people will help you get there. When you get off at Circle there will be taxis
around, some of these taxis are shared taxis (you ride with others) and some you can take alone. You need to catch a cab that is
going to Osu [oh‑sue]. Tell the driver you need to go to the Immigration Office near the Ako Adjei overpass or interchange (you can
see this on the map). When you get to the immigration office, tell someone that you need to renew your visa / visitor permit and
they will point you to the correct office.
‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑
Cornelius Hofman
GMAD Children’s Home
Accra ‑ Cape Coast Road
Dabanyin Ghana
The Director
Ghana Immigration Service
Headquarters
(off Ako Adjei overpass)
Independence Avenue, Accra‑Ghana
Dear Director,
I wish to apply for a two‑month extension of my visitor’s permit so that I can continue to help the children at the GMAD Children’s
home in Gomoa Dabanyin.
I am a U.S. citizen and my passport number is 123456789. I am scheduled to return to the U.S. on November 15, 2017.
Sincerely,
Cornelius Hofman
‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑
Ghana is a relatively safe country (see the attached Statistical Report of Crimes against Volunteer published by the Peace Corps).
Nevertheless, keep your valuables safe in the GMAD home or on your person where you can feel them at all times. Always
remember that while Ghanaians are generally a very friendly people, you are far richer than most, making you a tempting target for
pickpockets, thieves and generally honest people who may be in a desperate position. Most tourists in Ghana never experience any
trouble, and as long as you stay alert and use common sense, you should not have any problems.
Whether you are volunteering to take a break, to change directions, or to give something back, the more you give of yourself, the
more you will enjoy your trip.
Volunteering is an extremely rewarding and challenging way to travel and see the world. Whether you are volunteering for 2 weeks
or 3 months, you will experience elation, disappointment, sadness, helplessness, joy, satisfaction and love. Most of our past
volunteers, both young and old, rate their volunteer experience in Ghana as a major highlight in their life.
You reap what you sow. Do what you can whenever you can. Do not weary in doing good, no matter how trivial your good actions
may seem to be. Here are a few investments ideas from past volunteers that will help you get the most out of your volunteer
experience.
The answer to this question is entirely up to you. One thing to remember before you go is that volunteering is never easy. You will
have difficult moments and days that make you question your effectiveness. Making the most of the time you have is a key
ingredient to being a good volunteer. To be an effective volunteer, you must have self‑direction, be able to show initiative, have
patience, and most importantly be self‑motivated. While you may not change the world you can absolutely make a difference in the
world.
As you work and serve each day, remember the story of the starfish.
Two men were walking toward each other on an otherwise deserted beach. One man was in his early 20s, the other obviously much
older. The smooth damp sand was littered with starfish, washed onto the land during high tide. Thousands of starfish were doomed
to die in the warm morning sun. The younger man watched the older man pick up starfish one at a time and toss them back into the
ocean, giving them a chance to survive. The young man thought, “Why is he doing that? How foolish. He can’t save all those
starfish.”
As they came near one another, the younger one felt compelled to point out to the older man the futility of his actions. “You know,”
he said, “you can’t save all of these starfish. They’re going to die here on the sand. What you are doing isn’t really going to make a
difference.” The older man studied the young man for a moment. Then he bent down, picked up a starfish and tossed it into the
water. He smiled at the young man and said, “It made a difference to that one.” Then he walked on, picking up starfish and tossing
them back into the sea.
Finally, the best way to memorialize your volunteer experience is to stay involved. Whether you sponsor a child’s education,
fundraise for a project you worked on, or create a local GMAD club in your hometown, we hope you will choose to stay involved.
Visit with a travel medicine doctor/nurse 4‑6 weeks before traveling to Ghana for any necessary vaccinations and a prescription for
an antimalarial drug. There are several antimalarial drugs on the market, and some affect people quite differently, and each has its
own benefits and drawbacks. Whichever medication you choose, it is essential that you use it correctly.
We recommend that you consult with your travel doctor about a prescription for travelers diarrhea.
Yellow Fever immunization is legally required. You must have proof of this immunization to enter Ghana.
Malaria is very common in Africa. Humans get malaria from the bite of a malaria‑infected mosquito. Symptoms of malaria include
fever and other flu‑like symptoms including shaking chills, headache, muscle aches, and tiredness. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
may also occur. If not promptly treated, malaria has the potential to cause kidney failure, seizures, mental confusion, coma, and
death. Malaria can be cured with prescription drugs. The type of drugs and length of treatment depend on which kind of malaria is
diagnosed, where the patient was infected, the age of the patient, and how severely ill the patient was at start of treatment.
As noted in the attached “Health Information for Travelers to Ghana” published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, other diseases carried by insects in West Africa include Dengue, filariasis, leishmaniasis, and onchocerciasis (river
blindness). Protecting yourself against insect bites will help to prevent these diseases.
Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection, can be contracted in fresh water in West Africa. You should not swim in freshwater.
Ethnically, Ghana is divided into small groups speaking more than 50 languages and dialects. Among the more significant linguistic
groups are
● the Akans, which include the Fantis along the coast and the Ashantis in the forest region north of the coast,
● the Guans, on the plains of the Volta River,
● the Ga‑ and Ewe‑speaking peoples of the south and southeast, and
● the Mossi‑Dagomba‑speaking tribes of the northern and upper regions.
English is the official language of Ghana, but it is still a second language for most Ghanaians.
Nana Akufo‑Addo is the current president of Ghana (elected December 2016). The next presidential election will be held in 2020.
Ghana is 238,533 square kilometers (92,098 square miles) with a total border of 2,959 kilometers (1,839 miles), 539 kilometers (335
miles) of which is coastline along the Gulf of Guinea. Ghana is similar in size to Oregon and the United Kingdom.
Ghana is bordered by Burkina Faso to the north, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) to the west, Togo to the east, and the Gulf of Guinea to
the south.
At 8,503 square kilometers (3,283 square miles), Lake Volta is the world’s largest man‑made lake (by surface area) and represents
3.6% of Ghana’s surface area.
Ghana consists of 10 political states called regions: Ashanti, Brong‑Ahafo, Central, Eastern, Greater Accra, Northern, Upper East,
Upper West, Volta, and Western.
The GMAD children’s home ( ) is located in the Central Region, 50 kilometers (31 miles) west of Accra. Depending on traffic, it
takes 1‑2 hours to drive from the airport to the children’s home.
Ghana’s natural resources include gold, timber, industrial diamonds, bauxite, manganese, fish, rubber, hydropower, petroleum,
silver, salt, and limestone.
Agriculture products include cocoa, rice, cassava, peanuts, corn, shea nuts, bananas and timber.
Industries include mining, lumbering, light manufacturing, aluminum smelting, food processing, cement, small commercial ship
building and petroleum.
Accra is the capital of Ghana with a population of approximately 2.5 million (approximately 4 million in the Greater Accra
metropolitan area).
25% of the total population (50% of the rural population) is without electricity.
Ghana has a tropical climate. It is warm and comparatively dry along southeast coast, hot and humid in southwest, and hot and dry
in north.
Although temperatures do vary with season and elevation, as the following chart shows, the temperature remains relatively steady
all year round. May and June represent the peak of rainy season, and July and August are the coolest months of the year.
The Harmattan, a dry and dusty desert wind, blows from the Sahara Desert over Ghana and into the Gulf of Guinea between
December and March, lowering the humidity.
Public Holidays
● New Year's Day = Jan 1 ● Labour Day = May 1 ● National Farmers' Day = Dec 4
● Independence Day = Mar 6 ● Africa Day = May 25 ● Eid al Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice) = Nov 27‑28
● Good Friday = varies ● Republic Day = Jul 1 ● Christmas = Dec 25‑26
● Easter Monday = varies ● Eid al Fitr (End of Ramadan) = Sep 20‑21 ● Revolution Day = Dec 31
Time Zone
Ghana uses Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) all year. Ghana does not observe Daylight Savings. Ghana is
● 7‑8 hours ahead of Pacific Time
● 6‑7 hours ahead of Mountain Time
● 5‑6 hours ahead of Central Time
● 4‑5 hours ahead of Eastern Time
English is very common and you will very rarely (even in the remotest parts of Ghana) not be able to find someone who can speak
English, however the local people appreciate it if you make an attempt to speak the local language. While there are many languages
and dialects in Ghana, Twi is commonly spoken and understood. A great website to visit and use as a resource for learning Twi
before you leave is http://www.twimadeeasy.com/
Akwaaba = Welcome!
Eh ye = I’m fine.
Obruni = Foreigner
Carefully read and then send your signed copy of these terms and conditions (along with proof of your travel insurance) to GMAD
by email: [email protected]
by fax: 1‑800‑851‑2792
By signing this document below, you acknowledge that you agree to the following terms and conditions.
Travel
You (the volunteer) are solely responsible for arranging and paying for your own travel, including all airfare and other transport costs
to and from the host country as well as any local transport costs (other than shuttle services to and from the airport upon your
arrival to and your departure from Ghana). It is your responsibility to carry all necessary documents when traveling abroad. GMAD is
not responsible for any supporting documents necessary for your travel needs or other purposes.
Insurance
GMAD does not provide you with insurance of any kind. Travel insurance is mandatory, and you must purchase this prior to
departing on your trip. You are solely responsible for evaluating and determining the type, extent and levels of any insurance
coverage you need or desire for your planned volunteer travel period. However, any travel insurance you select must cover your
entire travel period and must include health and emergency medical evacuation coverage.
Refund Policy
All fees paid to GMAD as a part of the Ghana volunteer program are deemed to be charitable contributions, and GMAD is, therefore,
unable to provide a refund of any fees.
Registration fees and program fees are not transferable to other persons.
Personal risks are numerous and include such things as disease, sickness, sexual assault, physical assault, threats, property crimes,
and death. To understand the risks you are assuming as a GMAD volunteer in Ghana, you agree to read the following two attached
publications: (1) “Statistical Report of Crimes against Volunteers” published by the Peace Corps and (2) “Health Information for
Travelers to Ghana” published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Furthermore, you acknowledge and accept
the responsibilities and risks associated with your agreement to travel to, temporarily live in, and provide volunteer services in
Ghana. Once again, this travel and volunteer work can be hazardous and involves a certain degree of risk, and includes inherently
dangerous activities and personal perils to you, both foreseen and unforeseen, all of which are fully accepted by and solely assumed
by you, the volunteer. Therefore, Ghana Make A Difference, Inc. (GMAD), including any and all of GMAD’s officers and directors, as
well as GMAD’s host country partner organizations and individuals are not liable, to the maximum extent of the law, for any loss or
harm you may suffer, including but not limited to loss caused directly or indirectly by:
Indemnity
You agree to indemnify GMAD against any and all liability which GMAD incurs arising directly or indirectly out of, or in connection (in
any way) with, your travel to, living in and providing services in Ghana.
Code of Conduct
As a GMAD volunteer, you agree to abide by the code of conduct (as presented in your volunteer application and as outlined below)
at all times and in all places throughout the entire period of your volunteer experience.
* You understand that if you violate any of these details of the volunteer code of conduct you will be removed from the volunteer program and asked to immediately
leave the children's home in Ghana, and that you will bear the financial burden associated with such removal, including but not limited to hotel costs,
transportation costs, and itinerary change fees.
While the volunteer program is flexible regarding the exact schedule and timing of work days versus travel/play/rest days,
volunteers are expected to work an average of five full days a week. You are willing to work five full days a week.
As already indicated in your application, you understand and agree to the following:
● You understand that GMAD staff members are not allowed to accept gifts and money from volunteers.
● You will not give gifts or money to GMAD staff, GMAD children and the Ghana community.
● If you want to help with a specific need at GMAD or in the community, you agree to provide such help via GMAD by contacting GMAD
directly.
● You understand that as a volunteer, you are not expected to give any token gifts to the Ghana staff, BUT if you choose to give a gift of
appreciation: (a) you will limit your gift to a small token, (b) whenever possible you will give equally to all staff members and coordinate
this gift giving with the director of the children's home, and (c) if you do not give equally to all staff members, you will be sensitive to the
situation and you will be discreet in your giving.
For promotional / marketing purposes, do you grant GMAD the right to use your communication (e.g., emails, texts messages and
social media posts) and your images (e.g., photos and videos) relating to your experience as a GMAD volunteer?
Yes No
When traveling to Ghana, airlines typically allow you to travel with two 50‑pound pieces of checked luggage in addition to your
carry‑on luggage. Are you willing to use at least one of your allowed pieces of checked luggage to transport supplies for our GMAD
Ghana operations?
Yes No
If yes, GMAD will pack a 50‑pound piece of luggage with supplies and work with you to coordinate getting that luggage to you before
you depart to Ghana.
Miscellaneous
To the full extent permissible at law, all representations, terms, warranties, guarantees, or conditions whether implied by statute,
common law or custom of the trade or otherwise, including, but not limited to, implied warranties and guarantees, are excluded.
Notwithstanding anything else contained in any agreement, the liability of GMAD to you, the volunteer, shall not in aggregate
exceed the amount of the registration fee paid by the volunteer.
GMAD reserves the right to remove you as a volunteer from the program.
Force Majeure
GMAD has no liability for any lack of performance, unavailability or failure of the services, or for any failure of GMAD to comply with
these terms and conditions, where the same arises from any cause reasonably beyond the control of GMAD.
Governing Law
These terms are governed by the laws of Idaho in the United States of America.
Name: _____________________________________________________________________________
Address : ___________________________________________________________________________
Phone: ____________________________________________________________________________
Email: _____________________________________________________________________________
By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read the “Statistical Report of Crimes against Volunteers” published by the Peace Corps,
that I have read the “Health Information for Travelers to Ghana” published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
and that I understand and accept the significant risks associated with being a GMAD volunteer in Ghana. By signing below, I further
acknowledge that I agree to the Ghana Make A Difference Ghana Volunteer Terms and Conditions as outlined in this document.
__________________________________________ __________________________________________
Volunteer’s name (printed) Volunteer’s signature
__________________________________________ __________________________________________
Parent’s name if volunteer is under 18 (printed) Parent’s signature (if volunteer is under 18)
Most Peace Corps Volunteers serve abroad for approximately two years2, working directly
with communities in developing countries to build local capacity in a variety of areas ranging
from agriculture to education. In 2016, a total of 10,309 individuals served or trained overseas
with the Peace Corps in 66 countries at some point in the year.
While this report provides a reliable set of administrative statistics critical to the management
of Peace Corps’ safety and security policies and procedures, it only reflects crimes that were
reported to the Peace Corps. Because Volunteers may not report all crimes they experience
to the Peace Corps, these reported victimizations are a subset of all victimizations and
security incidents that may have happened in the calendar year3.
Crime Classification
The Peace Corps collects crime incident reports for the following crimes4: homicide (i.e.,
killing by another person), kidnapping (i.e., detention of a Volunteer against his or her will for
an extended period of time), rape (i.e., penetration without consent by force, threat of force,
or when the victim is incapable of consenting), aggravated sexual assault (i.e., unwanted
sexual contact by force, threat of force, or when the victim is incapable of consenting),
robbery (i.e., taking or attempting to take property or cash by force or the threat of force),
aggravated physical assault (i.e., assault that resulted in or could have resulted in severe
injury), non-aggravated sexual assault (i.e., unwanted sexual contact or kissing on the mouth
without force), non-aggravated physical assault (i.e., assault that resulted in no injury or minor
injury), burglary (i.e., unlawful or forcible entry into a residence), threat (i.e., words or actions
without physical contact that cause a reasonable fear), theft (i.e., taking or attempting to take
property or cash without force), and vandalism (i.e., malicious damage of property). In
1
CIRS serves as a point-in-time record of reported incidents and contains a complete listing of such records at any given time.
However, the number and content of records in CIRS may change as data are being generated continuously during the
administrative process. Data used in this report are current as of April 28, 2017, and may be updated after this report is published.
2
Peace Corps’ flagship program typically lasts 27 months and usually consists of three months of overseas training and 24 months
of service in the assigned community.
3
In an effort to develop a more comprehensive picture of reported and unreported crime against Volunteers, the Peace Corps
launched in 2014 a Security Incident Questionnaire (SIQ). To read reports based on the SIQ results, including ways in which SIQ
and CIRS data differ, or, visit https://www.peacecorps.gov/about/open-government/reports/.
4
Refer to appendices A and B for official Peace Corps definitions of these crimes.
Homicide
More severe
Kidnapping
Serious crime
Rape
Aggravated sexual
assault
Robbery
Aggravated physical
assault
Non-aggravated
sexual assault
Non-aggravated
physical assault
Other crime
Burglary
Threat
Less severe
Theft
Vandalism Stalking*
* Stalking is not part of the severity hierarchy, as it can include other types of reportable incidents.
While the Peace Corps treats all crimes seriously, regardless of their placement on the
severity hierarchy, certain crimes pose a threat or potential threat to life and limb, and as a
result are categorized as serious crimes.
One incident with multiple victims One victim involved in multiple incidents
(three victimizations) (three victimizations)
Volunteer Crime
Victim 1 Incident 1
--Victimization 1 --Victimization 1
A crime incident, or a crime, is defined as a situation that directly affects the personal property or physical well-being of one or more
Peace Corps Volunteers and meets the definition of the Peace Corps crime categories. For each type of crime, these definitions
may differ from the definitions used in U.S. state and criminal law.
Crime victimization is defined as a count of how many times, collectively, Peace Corps Volunteers became victims of crime. If one
person was a victim in three crime incidents, it counts as three victimizations. If three people were victims in one crime incident, it
also counts as three victimizations.
Introduction to the Peace Corps’ safety and security management system begins during the
recruitment process by orienting potential Volunteers to the inherent risks of overseas service
and the prevailing security conditions in the countries in which the candidates are interested.
When Peace Corps applicants are selected for service, they are educated on the agency’s
safety and security management system and are provided with country-specific safety and
security information, policies, and expectations before they leave the United States. Once the
Peace Corps trainees arrive in their country of service, they become part of the Peace Corps
overseas post’s safety and security management system, where they remain for the duration
of their service as a Volunteer. Safety and security is a priority topic and is continuously
emphasized during training and throughout service. The primary objective of the safety and
security management system is to provide Volunteers with knowledge and skills necessary to
recognize, assess, and manage risk. If incidents occur, the system provides a network of
support and services to Volunteers.
A total of 270 Volunteers (3 percent), including 256 women and 14 men, reported one
or more sexual assaults (non-aggravated sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, or
rape). This represents an increase from 2 percent of Volunteers who reported one or
more sexual assaults in 2015.
One hundred Peace Corps Volunteers (7 percent of crime victims) were injured in one
or more reported crimes. Injuries were most common in instances of aggravated
physical assaults (64 percent) and robberies (30 percent). It was more common for
Volunteers to face armed offenders in instances of aggravated physical assault and
robbery than in any other type of crime.
5
For more information about safety and security of Volunteers in the Peace Corps, visit our website at:
www.peacecorps.gov/volunteer/health-and-safety/safety-and-security/.
6
Historically, the Peace Corps’ crime reporting system was incident-based, which was modified to the victimization-based system in
2013. Starting from 2012, the year of system transition, all Volunteer victims could be identified. In 2012, 1,536 Volunteers (13
percent) reported one or more crimes to the Peace Corps; in 2013, 1,432 Volunteers (14 percent); in 2014, 1,271 Volunteers (12
percent); and in 2015, 1,278 Volunteers (13 percent) reported one or more crime.
7
In calculating incidence rates, the Peace Corps adjusts the number of Volunteers to account for differences in the length of time
each individual Volunteer served during a calendar year and typically reports incidence rates per 100 Volunteer-trainee years or VT
years (e.g., robbery: 2.53 crimes per 100 VT years to 1.58 crimes per 100 VT years).
Peace Corps Volunteers decided to notify local authorities or local law enforcement in
541 instances, or 35 percent of reported victimizations. In response to these reports, 61
offenders were apprehended.
Two Peace Corps Volunteers died in service in 2016. One death occurred due to a
motor vehicle/traffic accident, and one due to an indeterminate cause.
Overview
A total of 10,309 Peace Corps Volunteers served or trained overseas for all or part of 2016
(regardless of whether an individual was overseas for one day or for the entire year). In 2016,
a total of 1,314 Volunteers (13 percent) reported one or more crimes to the Peace Corps
(figure 1). Theft was the most commonly reported crime.
Figure 1: Volunteers who reported crime by sex and selected type of crime, 2016
4% 4%
5%
Multiple crimes, 2%
Serious crime, 2%
Theft, 4%
No crime reported,
87%
Worldwide, Peace Corps Volunteers reported 1,461 crime incidents that resulted in 1,559
victimizations (1.2 per person)8. Property-related crimes – offenses where the purpose was to
obtain or damage a Volunteer’s possessions – accounted for the largest portion of crime
victimizations (66 percent). Thefts accounted for 40 percent of the overall total, burglaries 19
percent, robberies 7 percent, and vandalism for less than 1 percent of all reported
victimizations (figure 2). The proportion of non-aggravated sexual assault victimizations has
increased by four percentage points compared with 2015, and the proportion of robbery
victimizations has decreased by four percentage points.
8
A difference in the number of victims, incidents, and victimizations is primarily attributed to multi-victim incidents. In addition, cases
of stalking that count as separate incidents (along with crimes that may constitute stalking) contributed to the difference.
Non-Aggravated
Theft Sexual Assault
40% 14%
Non-Aggravated
Physical Assault
6%
Burglary
19%
Threat
3%
The Peace Corps calculates crime incidence rates to compare the victimization across types
of crime, time periods, and subgroups of Volunteers. An incidence rate is the number of
reported crime victimizations per population member within a given time period. The Peace
Corps adjusts its population at risk (10,309 persons) to account for differences in the length
of time each individual Volunteer served during a calendar year (called Volunteer-trainee
years or VT years)9. There were 6,838 VT years in calendar year 2016.
Overall, the profile of crime types Peace Corps Volunteers reported in 2016 changed little
compared with 2015. There were no homicides in either 2015 or 201610 (figure 3). Theft had
the highest incidence rate, and kidnapping had the lowest rate. Consistent with 2015 and
previous years, the incidence of theft was double that of the second most common crime,
burglary. Non-aggravated sexual assault was the crime with the third highest incidence rate,
which has increased by 28 percent from 2015. The incidence rate of robbery has declined by
38 percent from 2015, which is the largest reduction across all types of reported crime. This
substantial decline in reported robberies was observed after the agency’s concerted effort to
modify Volunteer placement strategies at several posts.
9
If one Volunteer served for the entire 12 months in 2016, this Volunteer is counted as one VT year. If two Volunteers served six
months each, these two Volunteers are counted as one VT year. If 12 Volunteers served one month each, these Volunteers are
counted as one VT year. Thus, 6,838 VT years indicate that, cumulatively, 10,309 persons served for (6,838 x 12) months.
10
No Peace Corps Volunteer has been a victim of murder or non-negligent manslaughter since 2010.
0.00
Homicide
0.00
0.02
Kidnapping
0.01
Serious crime
0.82
Rape
0.80
0.53
Aggravated sexual assault
0.50
2.53
Robbery
1.58
0.32
Aggravated physical assault
0.37
2.47 2015
Non-aggravated sexual assault
3.17 2016
1.50
Non-aggravated physical assault
1.42
4.29
Burglary
4.24
Other crime
0.62
Threat
0.73
9.07
Theft
9.11
0.06
Vandalism
0.15
0.80
Stalking*
0.72
Percentage of victimizations.
* Five persons incurred injuries in the course of non-aggravated sexual assault (3), threat (1), and theft (1). These injuries were
concurrent to the crime and not inflicted by offenders (for example, victim falls down while running away).
Aggravated physical assault and robbery were two crimes where offenders were significantly
more likely to use, display, or possess a weapon during the incident compared with other
crimes (figure 5). Knives or other sharp objects were most common weapons Volunteers
faced in these crimes (51%), followed by guns or firearms (28%) and blunt objects such as
sticks or stones (20%).
Percentage of victimizations.
The combined value of property lost to crime was $315,000, as estimated by the victims.
Government property (such as grant money or Peace Corps-issued equipment) was lost in 4
percent of documented crime incidents and amounted to $31,000. The value of property lost
per victimization ranged from a median of $5 (vandalism) to $212 (burglary) (figure 6).
$212
$163
$100
$5
Rape 9% 91%
Serious crime
Percentage of victimizations. One case of kidnapping where the victim did not report the crime to the local authorities is not
included.
In conversation with safety and security managers about the incident, about half of
Volunteers (53%) provided feedback on reasons why they did not report crime to local
authorities or law enforcement. This feedback yielded two frequently mentioned themes—
either general unwillingness to report or no inclination or evidence to prosecute offenders
(figure 8).
Figure 8: Reasons why Volunteers did not report crime to local authorities or law enforcement, 2016
This chart presents results of the qualitative data analysis of responses to the open-ended question “Why the Volunteer did not
report the incident to local authorities or local law enforcement?” Safety and security managers who interview victims of crime are
instructed not to ask this question directly. If in the course of the interview, Volunteers share reasons for not reporting the incident to
local authorities, these reasons are documented. The categories represent major themes that emerged in Volunteers’ feedback.
Other reasons include feeling safe, disappointment, not the Volunteer’s responsibility, not worth reporting, property recovered, felt
the perpetrator learned his lessons, was not optimistic about outcomes, etc.
In 541 cases where Volunteer victims notified local authorities or local law enforcement, 61
offenders were apprehended. About one-fourth of those offenders were released without
being charged. As of the close of the 2016 reporting period, only two offenders were
convicted (figure 9).12
11
Gallup. “Global Law and Order 2016.”
12
Arrest and prosecutorial outcomes for reported offenses are current as of April 28, 2017, and may be updated after this report is
published.
Detained (charged) 8%
Convicted 3%
n = 61.
Overview
The Peace Corps routinely monitors trends in the overall volume and rates of reported crime
victimizations to identify patterns of increase, decline, or stabilization, as well as to determine
how quickly the change may have occurred. This chapter provides an overview of global
annual trends for the past 10 years.
The reader should note that a broad range of factors may have contributed to the observed
changes in reported crime victimizations over time (for example, changes in the demographic
characteristics of the Volunteer population or changes in the number and characteristics of
Peace Corps host countries).
From 2007 to 2016, the number of reported crime victimizations fluctuated, but the crime
incidence rate remained relatively stable, particularly since 2008. The number of reported
victimizations ranged from a low of 1,476 in 2007 to a high of 1,903 in 2011 (figure 10). During
the same time period, crime incidence rates (which take into account changes in the size of
the Volunteer population) ranged from a low of 20 victimizations per 100 VT years in 2007 to
a high of 23 victimizations reported in 2008–2010, and in 2013–2016 (figure 11).
1,903
1,780 1,796
1,739
1,655 267 1,673
232 300 1,559
245 1,506 1,520
1,476 239
330 365
189 337 261 423
342 368 360
271
285
320 398 Other crime
405 394 242 278 223
365 Serious crime
392
336 Burglary
313
279 283 290 Theft
908 841
787 753 806
654 687 617 623
599
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
For the purposes of this report, homicide, kidnapping, rape, aggravated sexual assault, robbery, and aggravated physical assault
are categorized as serious crime.
Although the relative volume of reported crime changed little over time, the composition of
crime incidents by type has fluctuated notably over the years. During the past decade, theft
and burglaries have contributed to the largest number of victimizations compared to any
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
The sum of incidence rates in each category may not total to the overall rate due to rounding.
The Peace Corps implemented the Kate Puzey Peace Corps Volunteer Protection Act of 2011
and established the Sexual Assault Risk-Reduction and Response Program (SARRRP). The
SARRRP is designed to encourage victims to come forward and ensure that they are
provided with a broad range of support services. Therefore, an increase in reporting (as
13
During this period, the agency implemented a Sexual Assault Risk Reduction and Response program, which encouraged
reporting of all sexual offences, including non-aggravated sexual assault, and provided resources and support to Volunteers who
were victims of non-aggravated sexual assault to the same extent as to Volunteers who were victims of rape or aggravated sexual
assault.
Figure 12: Incidence rates of sexual assault by type of assault, females, 2007–16
Rape Aggravated sexual assault Non-aggravated sexual assault
4.9
3.8 3.8
3.3
2.6
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Rape
(i.e. penetration without consent by
force, threat of force, or when the
victim is incapable of consenting) 21 24 15 24 39 32 32 47 48 52
Aggravated sexual assault
(i.e., unwanted sexual contact by
force, threat of force, or when the
victim is incapable of consenting) 11 18 20 21 14 9 21 26 34 31
Non-aggravated sexual assault
(i.e., unwanted sexual contact or
kissing on the mouth without force) 84 85 78 84 96 130 146 158 156 209
14
See 2016 End of Service Crime Survey Report at https://www.peacecorps.gov/about/open-government/reports (analysis based on
data from the Consolidated Incident Reporting System and Security Incident Questionnaire).
Overview
Since the inception of the Peace Corps in 1961, 299 American men and women have passed
away during service.15. The number of deaths per year reached a high of 14 in 1966 and in 1970
(figure 13). No Peace Corps Volunteers died in service in 1961 or in 1986. Overall the number of
deaths has declined from an average of 8 per year in the 1960s to the average of 3 per year in
the 2000s.
In-service deaths may occur in different manners, such as by homicide, suicide, accident, or
natural causes. At times, the death of a Volunteer may be pending further investigation to
establish its cause, or the cause of death may remain unknown. In both instances, this is
reported as an indeterminate cause. Of the manners of death, only homicide—the willful non-
negligent killing of a Volunteer by another person—is reported as a crime by the Peace Corps.
From 1962 to 2016, 24 Peace Corps Volunteers were murdered, 16 took their own lives, 189
died due to accidents, 57 passed away of natural causes, and 11 deaths were of indeterminate
cause. In 2016, two in-service deaths occurred. One death occurred due to a motor
vehicle/traffic accident, and one due to an indeterminate cause. Overall, road traffic accidents
are the leading cause of death among Peace Corps Volunteers (figure 14).
15
This includes the 297 Volunteers who died from 1962 to 2016, and the two who passed away in 2017 by the time of the report’s
completion.
n = 297.
Integration
Integration reflects the Peace Corps’ belief that Volunteers are safest when they are living
and working in their respective communities—that the bonds they forge with community
members form their most effective support network. To enable integration, staff members
identify local communities for Volunteers, educate community members about the Peace
Corps’ mission and what they should expect from Volunteers, and train Volunteers on local
cultural norms and language. In their turn, Volunteers demonstrate respect to local
community members, including adapting to local language and culture, and develop
relationships with community members and work partners, thereby creating an effective
support network.
Mitigation
Mitigation refers to an effort to reduce the risk and potential impact of safety and security
incidents. To reduce the likelihood of crime against Volunteers, staff members conduct risk
assessment of every site where they place Volunteers, make sure that Volunteer housing
meets safety standards, and raise awareness of potential risk among Volunteers. Similar to
the United States, Volunteers are responsible for maintaining situational awareness, making
choices that will maximize their personal safety and security, maintaining upkeep of their
housing, and proactively identifying risk.
Response
Response covers actions in the event of a specific threat to the safety and security of
Volunteers (e.g., emergency action plans17). It involves a multi-layer approach with immediate
help provided by the in-country Peace Corps staff and local authorities in communities where
Volunteers serve. When needed, regional staff members are involved as well as Peace Corps
16
The content of this section is largely based on the Peace Corps “MySafety Guide: A Safety and Security Resource,” 2016.
17
Each Peace Corps program has an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) specific to that country and developed in cooperation with
Peace Corps Washington and the local U.S. Embassy. Volunteers are thoroughly trained in their roles and responsibilities, and
posts are prepared to respond to emergency situations.
Security consultation, logistical support, and financial support were the most common types
of support immediately provided to Volunteers who reported crime. In 2016, Peace Corps
staff provided security consultation to more than 900 Volunteers, logistical support to more
than 500 Volunteers, and financial support to approximately 250 Volunteers who were
victims of crime. Security consultation includes advice on how to prevent crime, assess threat,
protect persons, facilities, and assets in adverse circumstances, create and maintain safe and
secure environment at home and at work, and address other security challenges. For
example, a personal visit to check the security of victim’s house is a security consultation.
Logistical support includes assistance with filing an insurance claim, reporting an incident to
local police, making travel arrangements, assisting the Volunteer in returning to post or site,
etc. Financial support includes financial resources or material goods provided to victims, for
example, reimbursement for lost funds, or replacement of stolen items such as post-issued
phone or bicycle.
Safety and security managers at Peace Corps overseas posts work directly with Volunteers
and trainees who were victims of crime to obtain detailed information about each incident
documented in CIRS. On average, each crime report contains 30 data points about the
incident, persons involved, and case status. The crime statistics group (formerly known as
Crime Statistics and Analysis Unit) within the Office of Safety and Security conducts an
ongoing multi-step quality-assurance process of CIRS data to correct errors inherent to the
data collection process. Each crime report received by the unit is reviewed for (1) correct
incident classification, (2) logical consistency, and (3) report completeness. Data are
reviewed daily for misclassification, inconsistency, and missing data. A crime report is not
accepted as a complete administrative record until the submitter corrects, completes, or
clarifies the information, which sometimes requires collecting additional information from the
victim of the crime.
Data summarized in this report are based on a subset of incidents documented in CIRS. Those
are crime incidents against Volunteers and trainees that happened from January 1, 2016 to
December 31, 2016 and all in-service deaths in the history of the Peace Corps (with dates of
death from January 1, 1962 to December 31, 2016). These data are current as of April 28, 2017.
Peace Corps Volunteers, who typically serve abroad for two years, may report past incidents
any time during their service. For example, 23 crime incidents that occurred in 2015 were
reported to the Peace Corps after April 2016. In addition, new circumstances of crimes may
become known long after the incident was initially reported. These circumstances may
change the incident classification or inactivate the incident (for example, when a Volunteer
finds items presumed stolen). And, although the number of reports submitted after
publication of this statistical report, or revised by crime statistics group, is too small to
change the global or regional summary statistics, these additional reports may change the
post-level summary statistics substantially. Continuous updates to the administrative
database reflect the nature of administrative data.
The Peace Corps recognizes that all crimes can be traumatic for victims regardless of where
the crimes fall in the severity hierarchy, and provides a comprehensive response and array of
support services to all victims of crimes. The severity hierarchy is used only for the purpose of
documenting incidents. It does not have any impact on assessing emotional, physical, or
financial hardships of the victims, or on the services that the victims of crime receive.
Aggravated Attack or threat of attack with a weapon in a manner capable of causing death or
physical assault severe/major bodily injury OR attack without a weapon when severe or major
bodily injury results
Non-aggravated Forced contact with the victim's genitalia, anus, groin, breast, inner thigh, or
sexual assault buttocks OR kissing on the victim's mouth without the consent of the victim OR
attempts to carry out these acts
Non-aggravated Aggressive contact that does not require the Volunteer to use substantial force to
physical assault disengage the offender and results in no injury or minor injury
Burglary Unlawful or forcible entry of the victim's residence. This crime usually, but not
always, involves theft.
Threat A situation when the Volunteer is placed in a reasonable fear of bodily harm
through the use of threatening words and/or other conduct
Theft Taking or attempting to take away property or cash without the use of force,
illegal entry, or direct contact with the victim
Vandalism Mischievous or malicious defacement, destruction, or damage of property
Stalking Engage in a course of conduct directed at a specific Volunteer that would cause
a reasonable person to either:
Fear for his or her safety or the safety of others OR
Suffer substantial emotional distress
Stalking is not part of the severity hierarchy, as it can include other types of
reportable incidents.
In September 2013, the definitions of sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, and rape were
changed to align to the corresponding change implemented by the Federal Bureau of
Investigation.18 Sexual assault is a widely underreported crime globally, and the Peace Corps’
extensive efforts to provide training and raise awareness were designed to facilitate and
encourage reporting by empowering Volunteers who may have been victims of sexual assault
to come forward. This Volunteer-centered approach includes extensive training and
education designed to reduce the risk of sexual assault and to encourage reporting when
crimes do occur so that Volunteers can receive the full range of care and support services.
Volunteers are empowered to come forward and report all incidents of sexual assault—
everything from unwanted touching on public transportation to forced kissing to rape. As a
result of this program, the agency anticipated an increase in reports of sexual assault.
However, an increase or decline in reported sexual assault victimizations may also reflect
changes in the population prevalence of sexual assaults rather than changes in victims’
inclination to report crimes. Analysis conducted based on the two sources of data on crimes
against Peace Corps Volunteers (administrative database of reported crimes and end-of-
service crime victimization survey of all Volunteers) suggests that while the observed
increase in reports of non-aggravated sexual assault and rape is partially attributable to an
increase in the reporting of these types of incidents, the increase in reported aggravated
sexual assaults more likely represents an increase in overall victimization.19
Data Analysis
Measuring the Volunteer Population
The Volunteer population fluctuates throughout the year as new trainees arrive and seasoned
Volunteers complete their service (which is typically 27 months). In addition, new Peace
Corps posts may open, while other posts may suspend or close operations. This report covers
all Volunteers and trainees in 2016, no matter how long they stayed overseas during the year.
18
The previous FBI definition of rape was “The carnal knowledge of a female forcibly and against her will.” The new FBI’s summary
definition of rape is, “Penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a
sex organ of another person, without the consent of the victim.”
19
See 2016 End of Service Crime Survey Report at https://www.peacecorps.gov/about/open-government/reports (analysis based on
data from the Consolidated Incident Reporting System and Security Incident Questionnaire).
The number of Volunteers who served abroad any time during the year. In 2016,
10,309 Peace Corps Volunteers and trainees served abroad with the Peace Corps. This
is the population covered in this report.
The number of Volunteers and trainees adjusted for the length of service of each
Volunteer during the year (called Volunteer-trainee years or VT years). In calendar
year 2016, there were 6,838 VT years.
To compare victimization data across posts of different size and different months of
operation, VT years are used in calculating crime incidence rates. If one Volunteer served for
the entire 12 months of the year, this Volunteer is counted as one VT year. If two Volunteers
served six months each, these two Volunteers are counted as one VT year. If 12 Volunteers
served one month each, these Volunteers are counted as one VT year. Thus, 6,838 VT years
indicate that cumulatively, 10,309 persons served for (6,838 x 12) months.
While VT years provide a more accurate representation of the actual amount of time
Volunteers were at risk of experiencing a crime, the reader should note that the length of stay
is associated with higher probability of certain types of crime, such as burglary, while other
types of crime, such as theft, have equal probability of occurring either on day one or day 365
of service.
Incidence Rates
The incidence rate is the number of reported victimizations per population at risk adjusted for
the length of stay in a given time period.
As the numerator is the number of victimizations (not the number of persons), the incidence
rate does not show how many victims experienced the crime. For example, 10 victimizations
may be reported by one person who was victimized 10 times or by 10 people who were
victimized once each. The denominator is the total amount of time at risk (VT years), not
actual persons. As described above, 10 VT years may refer to 10 persons who served 12
months each or 120 persons who served one month each in 2016. The incidence rate fraction
is multiplied by 100 to reflect the median number of VT years per post (109 VT years). If the
post is relatively small, this approach may exaggerate the number of crimes reported. For
example, there were three burglaries reported in Tonga in 2016. The burglary incidence rate,
however, was 9 [(3 ÷ 33 VT years) x 100].
The incidence rate is used to compare Peace Corps posts or regions with substantially
different numbers of Volunteers. For example, 25 reported aggravated physical assaults will
result in a higher incidence rate at a post with 100 Volunteers than at a post with 200
Volunteers who served approximately the same amount of time.
For all the tests above, the null hypothesis (H0), which assumes that the differences resulted
from pure chance, was rejected if p < .05. Please note that in some cases, the data do not
meet all test assumptions. Therefore, the test results should be viewed in relative rather than
absolute terms.
When interpreting statistical tests, readers should distinguish between statistical and practical
significance. For example, for a large number of observations, even minor differences
between subgroups may lead to the rejection of the null hypothesis. Conversely, if the
number of observations is small, large differences may show no statistical significance.
Therefore, in each particular case, the Peace Corps recommends using practical judgment
rather than statistical analysis alone.
Personal Characteristics
Among victims who reported crime, there was a larger proportion of female Volunteers (74
percent) compared with the overall population (62 percent) as seen in Table 1. Crime victims
were two years younger, on average, than the overall population of Volunteers and trainees
(Table 2).
Program Characteristics
There were proportionally fewer victims among Peace Corps Response Volunteers20 than
among two-year Volunteers compared to the distribution of these groups in the population
(Table 4). Not surprisingly, victims who reported crime reflect the proportion of Volunteers
assigned to the two largest Peace Corps sectors: education (43 percent) or health (24
percent) (Table 7).
20
The Peace Corps Response program sends experienced professionals to undertake short-term (3 to 12 months), high-impact
service assignments in communities around the world.
Complete population coverage. Every Peace Corps Volunteer and trainee is educated on
how to recognize and report crime during the mandatory safety and security pre-service
training. These data represent all reported crimes and victims of reported crimes.
Data reliability and validity. There is a multi-step validation process of the crime incident
data, starting with the interview of the victim with the safety and security manager and
ending with the report review by the crime statistics group. Each incident classification
can be replicated independently based on the incident description. Demographic data,
such as age, gender, or location of service, are cross-validated with other Peace Corps
administrative datasets and are also considered largely reliable and valid.
Data availability. CIRS data are complete and available in real time to the database users.
These data are available relatively quickly to all Peace Corps employees on a monthly,
quarterly, and annual basis; and to the general public on an annual basis, several months
after the close of a given calendar year.
Cost-effectiveness. There are no additional data collection costs associated with this
administrative database. As with all administrative data, CIRS provides a cost-effective
way to conduct analysis of data on a large segment of the victimized population.
Reported victimizations are a subset of all victimizations. Peace Corps Volunteers and
trainees may not report or may underreport crime incidents that happened during their
service. Thus, data summarized in this report represent reported victimizations, not all
victimizations of Peace Corps Volunteers and trainees.
In many cases, information about crime incidents is not validated. Crime reports are
documented based on the information provided by the Volunteer. If a Volunteer cannot
provide all relevant information or provides inaccurate information, the incident may be
misclassified, or a non-existent incident may be documented.
Small counts hinder accurate year-to-year and post-to-post comparisons. With the
small number of reported crimes per post, it is impossible to control statistically for
changing factors related to crime, such as Volunteer and trainee demographics. Thus, in
many cases, it is impossible to conclude if there is a true change in reported crime, or
merely a change in the demographics of Volunteers and trainees at a post (e.g., more
women served this year than last year).
Data entry errors. Despite the Peace Corps’ best effort to document incidents accurately
and conduct rigorous data quality control, data entry mistakes or mistakes due to
technological glitches are likely to exist in the dataset. Such mistakes are minimal and are
subject to random error (not systematic error).
Introduction
This appendix consists primarily of tables presenting the counts and incidence rates of crime
victimizations by the type of crime and by three Peace Corps administrative regions—the
Africa region; the Europe, Mediterranean, and Asia (EMA) region; and the Inter-America and
the Pacific (IAP) region—and posts within these regions. It contains of two parts. The first is
organized into 13 sections, which are presented in the order of the crime severity in the crime
classification hierarchy:
Homicide
Kidnapping
Rape
Robbery
Burglary
Threat
Theft
Vandalism
Stalking
Each section opens with a detailed definition of the type of crime from the Peace Corps 2014
Consolidated Incident Reporting Guide, followed by a chart depicting a 10-year global
incidence rate trend (where applicable), and two tables (incidence rates and number of
victimizations by region and by post) each presenting a five-year average (2011–15), 2015
data, and 2016 data. Five-year average is not available if a post did not continuously operate
during 2011–15. Posts or regions with zero incidents in both 2015 and 2016 are not shown in
respective tables.
The second part of this appendix organizes the same information by country within each of
the three administrative regions and contains the three sections (one per region). In that set
of tables, all 13 types of crime are listed for each country regardless whether incidents were
reported. Types of crime with zero incidents are shown as blank.
Peace Corps Volunteers and trainees are referred to as “Volunteers” in this appendix.
0.014 0.014
0.013
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
• Someone prevents a Volunteer from leaving a location, either by locking him/her in or through force or
threat of force.
• A rebel, terrorist, or insurgent group holds a Volunteer against the Volunteer’s will and makes demands of
a political nature.
One case of kidnapping documented in 2016 involved a Volunteer who was drugged on a date and taken to
the offender’s house against her will.
0.03 0.03
10-year average: 0.02
0.02 0.01
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Rape can be committed by either male or female offenders against either male or female Volunteers.
Penetration must have occurred. Force or violence is not required, nor is it a requirement that the Volunteer
actively resist. The incident is rape any time the Volunteer does not give consent to the act, including when
the Volunteer is asleep or incapacitated due to drugs or alcohol. It is also rape if the Volunteer cannot
remember giving consent. Rape can be committed by the Volunteer’s spouse or boyfriend/girlfriend and it
does not matter if the Volunteer has previously consented to sexual intercourse with the offender.
Consent means words or actions that show a knowing and voluntary agreement to engage in mutually
agreed-upon activity. Consent is absent if force has been used against the Volunteer, the Volunteer has
been threatened or placed in fear, or the Volunteer is incapable of appraising the nature of the conduct or is
physically incapable of declining participation in, or communicating unwillingness to engage in, that
conduct.
• Someone has sexual intercourse with the Volunteer while the Volunteer is asleep.
• Someone uses violence or the threat of violence to force the Volunteer to have sexual intercourse.
• The Volunteer says he/she does not want to have sexual intercourse, but the other person persists and
penetrates the Volunteer’s anus or vagina.
• Someone has sexual relations after getting the Volunteer drunk (or giving the Volunteer drugs) so that the
Volunteer is not capable of saying “yes” or “no” or does not remember giving consent.
• Someone inserts a finger or other object into the vagina or anus of the Volunteer without his/her consent.
• Someone forces the Volunteer to perform oral sex against the Volunteer’s will.
• Someone performs oral sex on a Volunteer while the Volunteer is asleep, unconscious or otherwise unable
to give consent.
1.23
1.13 1.16
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Incidence rate is the number of reported female victimizations per 100 female VT years.
* Change in definition and reporting options introduced in 2013.
• touches or contacts, either directly or through clothing, the Volunteer’s genitalia, anus, groin, breast, inner
thigh, or buttocks; OR
• kisses the Volunteer; OR
• disrobes the Volunteer; OR
• causes the Volunteer to touch or contact, either directly or through clothing, another person’s genitalia,
anus, groin, breast, inner thigh, or buttocks, OR
• attempts to carry out any of those acts,
AND:
Aggravated sexual assaults can be committed by either male or female offenders, against either male or
female Volunteers. It requires that the contact be intentional and without the consent of the Volunteer.
Aggravated Sexual Assault can be committed by the Volunteer’s spouse or boyfriend/girlfriend and it does
not matter if the Volunteer has previously consented to sexual interactions with the offender.
Consent means words or actions that show a knowing and voluntary agreement to engage in mutually
agreed-upon activity. Consent is absent if force has been used against the Volunteer, the Volunteer has
been threatened or placed in fear, or the Volunteer is incapable of appraising the nature of the conduct or is
physically incapable of declining participation in, or communicating unwillingness to engage in, that
conduct.
• Someone uses violence or the threat of violence to try to force the Volunteer to have oral, vaginal, or anal
intercourse, but does not penetrate the Volunteer’s mouth, vagina or anus.
• Someone tries to have oral, vaginal, or anal intercourse with the Volunteer while the Volunteer is asleep,
but does not penetrate the Volunteer’s mouth, vagina or anus.
• Someone touches the Volunteer’s genitalia, anus, groin, breast, inner thigh, or buttocks AND has a weapon.
• Someone forces the Volunteer to touch his/her genitalia, anus, groin, breast, inner thigh, or buttocks.
0.40
0.25 0.26
0.18
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Incidence rate is the number of reported female victimizations per 100 female VT years.
* Change in definition and reporting options introduced in 2013.
A robbery always involves taking or attempting to take property from a Volunteer through the use of force
or the threat of force. A robbery can involve the use of a weapon or just the use of the suspect's hands or
feet. If a suspect threatens to harm a Volunteer unless the Volunteer surrenders his or her property, that is
also robbery. If a Volunteer is injured while someone is taking his property by force, the incident is still
reported as a robbery.
• Someone threatens the Volunteer with a weapon (such as a gun, knife or big stick) and takes their
property.
• Someone threatens to harm the Volunteer unless the Volunteer gives them his/her property.
• Someone tries to steal the Volunteer’s backpack off of the Volunteer’s shoulder and in the process knocks
the Volunteer to the ground.
• Someone confronts the Volunteer with a weapon and demands the Volunteer give them money, but then
runs away when the Volunteer screams for help.
• Someone offers the Volunteer a ride, then drives the Volunteer to multiple ATMs and forces him/her to
give them money.
If the Volunteer is detained for a short period of time in a vehicle, deprived of his/her possessions and then
released, the incident should be classified as a robbery. If the detention is for an extended period of time,
the incident should be classified as a kidnapping.
2.08
10-year average: 2.63
1.58
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Aggravated physical assault involves an attack or threat against a Volunteer that causes or could cause
major or severe bodily injury. A major or severe bodily injury would be broken bones, lost teeth, internal
injuries, severe laceration, loss of consciousness or any injury requiring hospitalization or surgical
intervention. The attack can involve a weapon, object or the suspect's hands or feet. If a Volunteer is
threatened with a weapon or an object in a manner that could lead to major or severe bodily injury or death,
it is an aggravated assault even if the Volunteer is not injured.
When considering whether or not an incident should be classified as aggravated assault, carefully consider
the following:
• Someone threatens the Volunteer with a weapon (such as a gun, knife or big stick) but does not take or
attempt to take the Volunteer’s property.
• Someone attacks the Volunteer with a weapon but does not take or attempt to take the Volunteer’s
property.
• Someone attacks the Volunteer with an object (such as a stick, rock or tool) in such a manner that causes
or could cause major or severe injury but does not take or attempt to take the Volunteer’s property.
• Someone beats and kicks the Volunteer, causing major or severe injury (such as broken bones, lost teeth
or hospitalization) but does not take or attempt to take the Volunteer’s property.
• Someone intentionally hits (or tries to hit) the Volunteer with an automobile or other motor vehicle.
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Incidence rate is the number of reported victimizations per 100 VT years.
* Change in the term in 2006, 2009, 2013, and 2017.
TABLE 5A. AGGRAVATED PHYSICAL ASSAULT, INCIDENCE RATES BY REGION AND BY POST
Total Female Male
2011–15 2011–15 2011–15
2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016
average average average
Total AFRICA .34 .41 .48 .27 .26 .50 .47 .66 .44
EMA .35 .35 .49 .17 .30 .19 .59 .42 .89
IAP .25 .16 .05 .24 .08 .26 .29 .15
GLOBAL .32 .32 .37 .23 .22 .28 .45 .49 .50
Africa Region Botswana .16 .70 .99 .60
Burkina Faso 1.02 2.62
Cameroon .34 .65 .79 .39 1.03 1.22 .28
Ethiopia .54 .43 .89 .26 .65 1.35 1.10
Lesotho .48 1.05 .37 .54 2.71
Malawi .62 .80 .80 .51 .83 2.35 2.49
Mozambique .69 2.27 1.02 .71 1.80 1.61 .61 3.06
South Africa .76 1.43 .75 .37 1.82 4.78 2.69
Swaziland .24 1.21 1.11 5.56
Tanzania .80 1.80 .62 2.35 1.08 1.05
Togo 1.09 3.14
Uganda .25 .61 .60 .19 .97 .96 .34
EMA Region Albania .66 1.04 1.89 1.39 1.95 3.73
Georgia .63 .93 3.21 .80 2.87 .41 2.06 3.64
Indonesia .18 .74 .27 1.69
Kosovo — 2.27 1.53 — 3.94 — 4.12
Moldova .16 .90 .35 2.35
Morocco .28 .98 .31 .85 .23 1.16
Philippines .12 .62 .20 1.02
IAP Region Costa Rica .16 .82 .26 2.03
Guyana .28 1.39 .78 3.92
Panama .18 .46 .16 .80 .24
Paraguay .18 .48 .48 1.30
Dashes indicate that data were not available; and blank cells indicate zero incidents. Posts with zero incidents both in 2015 and 2016 are not shown.
Source: Peace Corps Consolidated Incident Reporting System (CIRS).
Data retrieved on 04/28/17 and are current as of that date.
• touches or contacts, either directly or through clothing, the Volunteer’s genitalia, anus, groin, breast, inner
thigh, or buttocks; OR
Non-aggravated sexual assault involves unwanted kisses on the mouth or touching or contact by the
offender, involving the genitals, anus, groin, breasts, inner thigh or buttocks, without the use of a weapon or
injury to the Volunteer. Non-aggravated sexual assault also includes any attempts to carry out these acts.
Non-aggravated sexual assault can be committed by either male or female offenders, against either male or
female Volunteers. Non-aggravated sexual assault can be committed by the Volunteer’s spouse or
boyfriend/girlfriend and it does not matter if the Volunteer has previously consented to sexual interactions
with the offender.
• Someone touches the Volunteer’s breasts, buttocks or genitals but the Volunteer is not injured.
• Someone kisses the Volunteer on the mouth without the Volunteer’s permission or consent.
3.79 3.76
10-year average: 2.76 3.28
2.62
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Incidence rate is the number of reported female victimizations per 100 female VT years.
* Change in definition and reporting options introduced in 2013.
Non-aggravated physical assault occurs when aggressive contact with a Volunteer results in no injury or
only minor injury to the Volunteer (such as bruises, black eyes, cuts that do not require stitches, scratches or
swelling). This also includes instances when an object is used in a manner capable of causing only minor
injury (such as small sticks, stones, or an empty plastic bottle). To be considered a non-aggravated physical
assault, the Volunteer must not have been hospitalized, undergone X-rays or had any kind of surgery, to
include getting stitches.
• Someone beats or kicks the Volunteer but does not take or attempt to take the Volunteer’s property and
causes only minor injuries that do not require X-rays or stitches.
• Someone throws small pebbles at the Volunteer but does not cause any injury to the Volunteer and does
not take or attempt to take the Volunteer’s property.
0.42
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Incidence rate is the number of reported victimizations per 100 VT years.
* Change in definition in 2006, 2009, and 2013.
A burglary occurs anytime there is unlawful or unauthorized entry into the Volunteer’s house or hotel room
and the Volunteer is not assaulted. Unlawful entry does not have to involve force or someone breaking in;
unlawful entry occurs anytime someone who does not have permission enters the Volunteer’s house or hotel
room. Unlawful entry can occur through a window or door that is not locked or through a window or door
that has been left open. Also note that "forcible entry" does not require the door or window to be damaged,
only that some tool or key was used to gain unlawful entry through a closed or locked door or window. The
key element is that someone enters the house or hotel room without the Volunteer’s permission. Attempts
to enter the Volunteer’s house or hotel room must also be reported.
• Someone enters the Volunteer’s house or hotel room through an unlocked door without the Volunteer
giving permission for that person to enter.
• Someone breaks through a closed or locked door and enters the Volunteer’s house or hotel room.
• Someone cuts the screen on the window of the Volunteer’s house or hotel room and reaches inside (either
using the suspect's arm or a long stick or hook).
• Someone reaches in through an open window of the Volunteer’s house or hotel room and removes or
damages property.
• Someone uses a duplicate key to enter the Volunteer’s house or hotel room without the Volunteer’s
permission.
• Someone attempts to break through a closed or locked door but does not actually enter the Volunteer’s
house or hotel room.
If the Volunteer suspects that the property was taken from a Volunteer’s room by a hotel worker, the
incident is classified as a theft because hotel workers are considered to have lawful permission to enter the
room that the Volunteer is renting. Generally it would only be considered a burglary if there was sign of
forced entry to the Volunteer’s room.
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Incidence rate is the number of reported victimizations per 100 VT years.
Threat occurs anytime someone says they are going to kill the Volunteer; threatens the Volunteer’s physical
well-being; or causes the Volunteer to reasonably fear for his or her safety, but the offender does not
actually make physical contact with the Volunteer. Threats can be made in person, in writing, by e-mail or by
phone.
NOTE: If someone threatens the Volunteer with a weapon capable of causing severe bodily injury, the
incident is classified as an Aggravated Assault.
• Someone calls the Volunteer on the telephone and says that he or she is going to kill the Volunteer.
• Someone threatens to kill the Volunteer but does not actually point a weapon at them or physically strike
them.
• Someone leaves a note on the Volunteer’s house saying that he or she is going to “kick the Volunteer’s
butt.”
• Someone acts in an aggressive manner against the Volunteer, causing the Volunteer to be concerned for
his or her safety.
0.85
0.80 0.76 0.77
0.67 0.71 0.73
0.63 0.62
10-year average: 0.79
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
A theft occurs when the Volunteer’s property is stolen without a direct confrontation between the Volunteer
and the suspect and when there has not been illegal entry into the Volunteer’s residence (including hotel
room). For example, if the Volunteer gives someone permission to enter his house and that person steals the
Volunteer’s property, it is a theft. (This also applies if the Volunteer gives permission for someone to
regularly enter the house when the Volunteer is not present, such as a housekeeper.) It is also a theft if the
Volunteer’s purse, cell phone, backpack or similar property is "snatched" away by a suspect but the
Volunteer does not resist or is not assaulted in any other way.
• Someone “picks” the Volunteer’s pocket and steals his or her wallet without the Volunteer being aware.
• Someone snatches the Volunteer’s cell phone or purse but does not use any other force, injure the
Volunteer and the Volunteer does not resist.
• Someone steals the Volunteer’s property that was in a public area (such as a beach, library or internet
café).
• Someone who has been given permission by the Volunteer to enter the Volunteer’s house or hotel room
(such as a friend, housekeeper or host-family member) steals the Volunteer’s property.
• A Volunteer leaves his or her wallet at a store and returns within a reasonable amount of time to reclaim
the item but finds that someone has taken it.
If the Volunteer suspects that the property was taken from the Volunteer’s room by a hotel worker, the
incident is classified as a theft because hotel workers are considered to have lawful permission to enter the
room that the Volunteer is renting. Generally it would only be considered a burglary if there was sign of
forced entry to the Volunteer’s room.
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Vandalism is the destruction or damage of a Volunteer’s property or the Volunteer’s house, without signs of
illegal entry or theft. The damage can be in the form of things being broken, cut, torn or burned. Similarly,
the damage can be from something that is painted, drawn or marked on the Volunteer’s house or property.
You must consider the intent of the offender when making the distinction between Vandalism and
Attempted Burglary. For example, if the Volunteer’s window was broken by a student who threw a rock at
the Volunteer’s house, that would be Vandalism. However, if the window was broken in an attempt to enter
the house without permission, that would be burglary.
Vandalism can also be an element of other incidents, such as Threat. If the outside of the Volunteer’s house
was vandalized and the offender painted a threat on the wall, the incident would be classified as Threat.
• Someone paints or writes slogans or pictures on the outside of the Volunteer’s house.
• Someone breaks the windows on the Volunteer’s house but does not try to enter the house.
0.09
0.01
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Unlike the other incident types explained in this guide, stalking is a collection of incidents and events rather
than a single item. These events and incidents may not be alarming or distressing when looked at
individually, but when two or more occur to a single Volunteer by a single offender or group of offenders,
they should be looked at together to see if the situation represents a threat to the Volunteer’s ongoing
safety and/or security.
• feeling threatened;
• Targeting a Volunteer for multiple criminal incidents, including property crimes, threats, and assaults;
• Unwanted communication or contact, including but not limited to face-to-face, phone calls, text messages,
email, instant messages, postal mail, unwanted gifts or items, and messages through a third party;
• Pursuing, following, or appearing within sight of the target either in-person or through electronic
surveillance;
• Trespassing on the Volunteer’s property or in the Volunteer’s workplace without express permission (if
needed);
• Direct or indirect verbal or physical threats to harm the Volunteer’s host or biological/marital family,
colleagues, friends, or pets;
• Gathering or obtaining personal information about the Volunteer by accessing public records, hiring a
personal investigator, going through the Volunteer’s garbage, or contacting the Volunteer’s colleagues,
community members, host family, friends, etc.;
• Contacting witnesses or any other person involved in a crime incident to intimidate them or get them to
change their testimony;
• Posting pictures, videos, or information in chat rooms, forums, or on websites about the Volunteer without
the Volunteer’s consent or knowledge;
• Sending unwanted or unsolicited email, text messages, instant messages, or social media messages;
0.80 0.80
0.72
Coastal West and Central Africa: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone,
Togo
Eastern Africa: Comoros, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda
0.00
Homicide
0.00
0.03
Kidnapping
0.03
Serious crime
0.61
Rape
0.61
0.61
Aggravated sexual assault
0.54
2.50
Robbery
1.95
0.41
Aggravated physical assault
0.48
1.69 2015
Non-aggravated sexual assault
2.33 2016
1.22
Non-aggravated physical assault
1.18
6.39
Burglary
6.27
Other crime
0.37
Threat
0.64
9.23
Theft
9.18
0.03
Vandalism
0.13
0.54
Stalking*
0.51
Asia: Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Thailand, Timor-Leste
0.00
Homicide
0.00
0.00
Kidnapping
0.00
Serious crime
0.40
Rape
1.03
0.52
Aggravated sexual assault
0.60
1.04
Robbery
0.38
0.35
Aggravated physical assault
0.49
4.97 2015
Non-aggravated sexual assault
5.11 2016
2.83
Non-aggravated physical assault
2.34
1.39
Burglary
1.36
Other crime
0.52
Threat
0.65
7.00
Theft
7.34
0.06
Vandalism
0.00
1.39
Stalking*
0.65
Central America: Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama
Caribbean: Dominican Republic, Eastern Caribbean (Dominica, Grenada and Carriacou, St. Lucia, St. Vincent
and the Grenadines), Jamaica
Pacific: Fiji, Federated States of Micronesia (Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei and Kosrae) and Republic of Palau,
Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu
0.00
Homicide
0.00
0.00
Kidnapping
0.00
Serious crime
1.51
Rape
0.91
0.42
Aggravated sexual assault
0.32
3.91
Robbery
2.14
0.16
Aggravated physical assault
0.05
1.41 2015
Non-aggravated sexual assault
2.67 2016
0.73
Non-aggravated physical assault
0.91
3.65
Burglary
3.69
Other crime
1.10
Threat
0.96
10.70
Theft
10.75
0.10
Vandalism
0.32
0.68
Stalking*
1.12
Mozambique
South Africa
Swaziland
Nicaragua
Botswana
Republic
Thailand
Moldova
Armenia
Rwanda
Georgia
Lesotho
Kosovo
Albania
Zambia
Malawi
Kyrgyz
Ghana
Benin
Total
Fiji
Country of Incident
Austria* 1 1
Bosnia and
Herzegovina* 1 1
Colombia 1 1
Georgia 1 1
Greece* 1 1
Hungary* 1 1
India* 1 1
Kazakhstan* 1 1
Kenya 1 1
Morocco 1 1
Romania* 1 1
Senegal 1 1
South Africa 2 1 4 1 8
Swaziland 1 1
Tanzania 2 1 2 5
Turkey* 1 1
United States* 1 1
Zimbabwe* 1 1 2
Total 2 1 1 2 1 1 1 2 1 4 1 2 1 1 3 1 1 1 3 30
* Not a Peace Corps post.
Contact Information
For questions or comments regarding this report, methodology, or data, contact the Peace Corps
Office of Safety and Security at [email protected]. Members of the news media should contact
the Press Office at [email protected] for all inquiries.
Acknowledgements
Country directors, safety and security managers, safety and security assistants, Peace Corps
medical officers, Peace Corps safety and security officers, and regional security advisers, data
collection and providing safety and security support for Peace Corps Volunteers;
Office of Safety and Security staff: Shawn Bardwell, associate director, manuscript review; David
Fleisig, chief of overseas operations, manuscript review; John Allen, chief of crime response and
analysis, manuscript review; Marina Murray, social science analyst, manuscript writing; Caitlin
Connolly, data analyst, data quality assurance; Melissa Silverman, contractor, Office of
Communications, copy editing.
On This Page
Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor (ideally, 4-6 weeks) before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.
Protect
Find Out Why
Yourself
All travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.
Routine vaccines Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-
mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine,
polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Yellow Fever Required for arriving travelers from all countries if traveler is ≥9 months of age.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
Hepatitis A CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water
in Ghana, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
Malaria You will need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria.
Your doctor can help you decide which medicine is right for you, and also talk to you about other steps
you can take to prevent malaria. See more detailed information about malaria in Ghana.
Typhoid You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Ghana. CDC recommends this vaccine for
most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural
areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are
traveling from a country other than the US.
Protect
Find Out Why
Yourself
Cholera CDC recommends this vaccine for adults who are traveling to areas of active cholera transmission.
Cholera is found in most parts of Ghana. Cholera is rare in travelers but can be severe. Certain factors
(https://www.cdc.gov/cholera/infection-sources.html) may increase the risk of getting cholera or
having severe disease (more information). Avoiding unsafe food and water and washing your hands
can also prevent cholera.
Hepatitis B You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC
recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have
any medical procedures.
Meningitis CDC recommends this vaccine if you plan to visit parts of Ghana located in the meningitis belt during
(Meningococcal the dry season (December–June), when the disease is most common.
disease)
Rabies Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Ghana, so CDC recommends this vaccine for
the following groups:
Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel,
and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals,
and researchers).
People who are taking long trips or moving to Ghana
Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to
have animal bites on their head and neck.
All travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.
Routine vaccines
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella
(chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Yellow Fever
Required for arriving travelers from all countries if traveler is ≥9 months of age.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
Hepatitis A
CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Ghana, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
Malaria
You will need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria. Your doctor can help you decide which medicine is right for you, and also talk to you
about other steps you can take to prevent malaria. See more detailed information about malaria in Ghana.
Typhoid
You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Ghana. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting
smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the
US.
Cholera
CDC recommends this vaccine for adults who are traveling to areas of active cholera transmission. Cholera is found in most parts of Ghana. Cholera is rare in travelers but can be severe.
Certain factors (https://www.cdc.gov/cholera/infection-sources.html) may increase the risk of getting cholera or having severe disease (more information). Avoiding unsafe food and
water and washing your hands can also prevent cholera.
Hepatitis B
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or
piercing, or have any medical procedures.
CDC recommends this vaccine if you plan to visit parts of Ghana located in the meningitis belt during the dry season (December–June), when the disease is most common.
Rabies
Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Ghana, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups:
Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
People who are taking long trips or moving to Ghana
Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
Key
Note: Zika is a risk in Ghana. Zika infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects. Therefore, pregnant women should not travel to Ghana. Partners of
pregnant women and couples planning pregnancy should know the possible risks to pregnancy and take preventive steps
(https://www.cdc.gov/zika/pregnancy/index.html) (more information).
Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Ghana, so your behaviors are important.
Unclean food and water can cause travelers' diarrhea and other diseases. Reduce your risk by sticking to safe food and water habits.
Eat
Don't Eat
Drink
Don’t Drink
Take Medicine
Talk with your doctor about taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs with you on your trip in case you get sick.
Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Ghana. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by
taking steps to prevent bug bites.
Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.
FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active
ingredient provide longer protection.
DEET (http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/chemicals/deet.htm)
Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD
IR3535
Always use insect repellent as directed.
Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks (http://www.cdc.gov/ticks/removing_a_tick.html) properly.
For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites.
Some diseases in Ghana—such as dengue, leishmaniasis, and African sleeping sickness—are spread by bugs and cannot be prevented with a vaccine. Follow the insect avoidance
measures described above to prevent these and other illnesses.
Note: Zika is a risk in Ghana. For more information, see Zika Travel Information.
If your travel plans in Ghana include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.
Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit (http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/pack-smart.htm) with items appropriate for your activities.
Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity during high temperatures.
If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
Protect yourself from UV radiation (http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/prevention.htm): use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade
during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing,
swimming, and sailing.
Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
Do not dive into shallow water.
Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.
Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Ghana. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.
Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious
diseases such as rabies.
All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:
Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.
Reduce your exposure to germs
Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:
Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.
Protect yourself:
Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:
Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org
(http://www.jointcommissioninternational.org) ).
In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy
them at your destination.
Malaria is a risk in Ghana. Fill your malaria prescription before you leave and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills;
some need to be started before you leave.
Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.
In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.
Walking
Be smart when you are traveling on foot.
Riding/Driving
Choose a safe vehicle.
Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
Arrange payment before departing.
Flying
Helpful Resources
Road Safety Overseas (http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/go/safety/road.html) (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries,
International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.
The Association for International Road Travel (http://www.asirt.org) has country-specific Road Travel Reports
(http://www.asirt.org/KnowBeforeYouGo/CountryRoadTravelReports/tabid/171/Default.aspx) available for most countries for a minimal fee.
For information traffic safety and road conditions in Ghana, see Travel and Transportation on US Department of State's country-specific information for Ghana
(http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/ghana.html) .
Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.
To call for emergency services while in Ghana, dial 193 for an ambulance, 192 for the fire department, and 191 for the police. Write these numbers down to carry with you during your
trip.
Learn as much as you can about Ghana before you travel there. A good place to start is the country-specific information on Ghana
(http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/ghana.html) from the US Department of State.
Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Ghana for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.
If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel,
including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.