How to build a house in ghana

Global Builders Ghana

Ghana was formerly known as the Gold Coast by western nations after the Portuguese found large amounts of the shiny metal in this magnificent African nation. Today, Ghana is known for the friendliness of its people, the warm welcome given to visitors, and its cultural uniqueness and identity. Ghana stands as a stable, peace-loving nation that is the perfect introduction to a fascinating and beautiful continent.

We are building a community that partners with low-income working families who offer their sweat equity in helping to build their homes and pay back the cost on terms they can afford with no profit or interest charged. The houses are comprised of a porch, living room, two bedrooms, kitchen, toilet, and bath.

Getting Involved

There are several ways that you can get involved:

• Donate to support this specific partner. Houses cost money to build, so any donation is always helpful!
• Volunteer on one of our Global Builders teams, which you can learn more about below. You’ll travel to Ghana and get to know the local people and traditions while you partner with families to complete a home.
• Join a virtual volunteer team, choosing to donate your travel costs instead of making the trip in person. This is the perfect way to stay involved and give back during the COVID-19 pandemic.

House Sponsorship Cost: $6,100

Upcoming Trips

Click on the leader’s name to learn more about the leader and trip details. Click “Join” to apply for their trip. Have a spot reserved on a “Full” trip? Complete your registration here. Or learn about sending funds to support local labor by joining as a virtual participant.

Ghana is located in West Africa and has been described in some quarters as the Gateway to Africa. About 40 percent of the population lives below the poverty rate (Ghana Statistics Survey Report).

In many rural communities in Ghana, mud houses, which once provided shelter for the extended family, are crumbling. Poor drainage systems combined with torrential rains destroy mud foundations. Walls collapse, sometimes injuring those standing by. Traditional roofing is of split bamboo or palm leaves thatch which must be replaced frequently to prevent collapse of the entire building and allow for critter infestation. Families still occupying these houses are overcrowded. There is also a compelling need for accommodation in the urban areas caused by landlords requiring between two and six years of rent advance. A greater number of urban dwellers who cannot afford the rent advance live in slums or overcrowded houses which lack sanitary conditions.

By building a community on the outskirts of Accra in Agomeda, we are able to address both the needs of urban as well as rural residents. The first 22 homes, along with a water well with storage tank, are already completed, and more houses are underway.

In order to reach even poorer families, an innovative partnership with a cooperative farming program is being launched. The program provides families with the technical and financial assistance they need to improve their agricultural yields and link them to better markets for their products. The families will then have the income needed to pay forward the no-profit, no-interest cost of the house, and the house will provide the stability and health benefits that enable them to productively run their farm and improve it over the long-term.

What is a trip like?

Trips last 1-2 weeks and include sightseeing. Each trip to Ghana will be with a group of mission-minded volunteers — typically 8-20 total — who want to experience the world, meet new people, and make a difference. No skills required.

• 7:00 – Devotions (optional)
• 7:15 – Breakfast
• 7:45 – Drive to work-site
• 8:00 – Work
• 12:00 – Lunch
• 1:00 – Continue building
• 4:00 – Return to hotel
• 5:30 – Dinner
• 6:30 – R&R / team activities

Exact schedules can be discussed and set depending on the team’s preferences. A typical weekly schedule will have 4-6 days on the work site and 1-3 days for R&R.

We are utilizing concrete block masonry construction, a building technology familiar to the people of Ghana, locally available and accepted. In Ghana we are focusing on new housing construction. Work will typically involve helping the masons and carpenters — carrying block, stuccoing, mixing concrete, etc. The houses are about 700 square feet on 50’x70′ lots. We will provide necessary tools, but as with most volunteer sites, it never hurts to bring a few small hand tools with you.

Volunteers will stay in a simple but decent Royal Sikafutu, a hotel about a 20-25 minute drive from the work-site. Meals will be provided by a caterer, with breakfast and dinner eaten at the hotel and lunch brought out to the work-site. The hotel has flushing toilets and even air conditioning! (The a/c is a bit weak, but who’s complaining?) If the team’s arrival or departure flights require night travel, the African Guest House (like a hotel) closer to the airport will be utilized during the transit days.

Depending on the group size, a 15-passenger van or 25-passenger bus will be rented to transport the group throughout the week, typically including airport pick-up. Occasionally taxi service will be utilized for airport pick-up.

Towels and bedding are provided, but we recommend bringing your own washcloth. Remember to pack both sturdy work-day clothes and comfortable evening clothes.

For those who wish to bring tools, our partners in Ghana have suggested trowels, tape measures, hammers, levels, string lines, gloves, hard hats, safety goggles, and a first aid kit. Participants may want to coordinate with the other members of their team.

There is much to see and do in Ghana. Ordinary life in Ghana is extraordinary to those of us who are visiting! There is also a craft village and art center, a beautiful lake just an hour from the work-site, historic forts and castles, and other local cultural activities. We recommend (but do not require) that groups in Agomeda on Sundays worship with the Ghanaians. The bond of a shared belief in Jesus is held by Christians across the globe, and it is incredible to experience through joint worship time. In Agomeda where we work, many from the Presbyterian church have been good partners and we recommend that our groups attend church with them, schedule-permitting.

Prices vary based on team size and trip duration, but a typical 1-week trip will cost roughly $1150-$1350, and a standard 2-week trip will cost $1850-$2200. That price covers lodging, local transportation including airport pick-up, three meals per day, bottled water, travel health insurance, and a contribution toward building materials.  Fees do not include airfare, visa fees, tips, or site-seeing (unless otherwise indicated). 

If looking to bring a group contact for more details or submit your trip proposal here. 

Are you unsure of how to prepare for such an experience or just looking for some tips on how to be better prepared? If so, we suggest you take a look at our Trip Preparation page where you will find a lot of helpful information and links – Preparing For Your Trip!

Pricing – What’s included?

What happens after a trip?

Even after you return, your trip can have a sustained impact on both you and the community in which you served! 
Learn how on our Country Champions page.

Learn the Basics – Area Info

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