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You could arrive in Ghana with only the clothes on your back and find the rest of what you need here.
This list has been compiled by Volunteers serving in Ghana and is based on their experience. Use it as an informal guide in making your own list, bearing in mind that experience is individual. There is no perfect list! You can always have things sent to you later. You obviously cannot bring everything mentioned, so consider those items that make the most sense to you personally and professionally. There is an 80-pound weight restriction on baggage.
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[edit] General Clothing
Ghana is either hot and dry, hot and humid, or hot and rainy, and in some places it gets cool (we kid you not!). Hand-washing becomes very hard on your clothes, so pack durable clothing. Cotton clothes are the most practical and comfortable. White clothing tends to get dirty and stain fast. Ghana has great, inexpensive second-hand clothing markets (for example, a pair of shoes for six dollars, a shirt for three dollars). You can buy everything there.
You can easily have clothes inexpensively tailored here with fabrics bought here. Ghanaians really appreciate seeing Volunteers wearing clothing made from colorful Ghanaian cloth. The cloth is relatively inexpensive, depending on the quality and texture. Cloths are colorful, and there is an endless selection. To have a shirt or dress sewn (tailored) costs around an extra $5, so do not invest your money in a lot of new clothes before you leave. Many people have clothes made during pre-service training. You will also see what is most appropriate. Your stateside money would be best spent on durable shoes and underwear.
Volunteers are not permitted to wear shorts away from their house unless they are doing sports or manual labor.
Do not buy any clothes that appear to be military issue or that bear any military insignia. It is illegal in Ghana to wear military style clothing.
[edit] Essential for Everyone
- A lightweight waterproof jacket
- A sweatshirt, sweater, or fleece (for cool evenings)
- A bathing suit (conservative is advisable)
- Two to three pairs of sturdy shoes and/or sandals (one of these might be a pair of lightweight hiking or trail shoes).
- One pair of dressier but comfortable shoes for professional events or festivals/funerals/weddings (i.e., dressy sandals or flats for women; loafers or something similar for men).
- A durable flashlight (e.g., Maglite or head lamp)
- Two pairs of lightweight trousers
- A multi-tool (e.g., Swiss Army or Leatherman)
- One dressier outfit garden-party style (not cocktail partyish) for the occasional special event (i.e., a decent smart-casual dress or skirt with blouse for ladies; and decent shirt and trousers for men. Short sleeves are okay for men and women. There will be a welcoming reception at the U.S. ambassador’s residence within a day or two of arrival. Men can bring one tie to add to the nice shirt. No need to bring a blazer or suit)
- Ten passport-sized photos of yourself for Ghana residence visa, and other IDs and visas
[edit] Optional
- Two pairs of athletic shorts (for sports or at home only)
- Running shoes or sports shoes
- Jeans (nice quality, i.e., no rips or holes; some people feel they are too hot, others wear them regularly)
[edit] Men
- Two pair of nice, lightweight cotton pants such as Dockers-style (pants must not be baggy or drag on the ground)
- Five pairs of cotton socks
- One belt (Ghanaians wear dress shirts tucked in and pants belted; more casual shirts with a straight hem are worn untucked)
- Two polo-style cotton shirts with a collar.
- Three cotton short-sleeved button-down shirts with collars (Ghanaians like the well-pressed look; charcoal or electric irons will be available)
- Five T-shirts (if printed, no controversial topics such as politics, drugs, or sex)
[edit] Women
- Two dress blouses or shirts for mix-and-match with skirts
- Two pairs of cotton pants for work and play
- Two or three cotton dresses or skirts (not short length; these should be below the knees or longer)
- One slip (essential to keep perspiration wicking away from your body, and to prevent seeing through your lightweight dresses and skirts; nylon or synthetic works fine)
- Two to three pair of sturdy casual dress shoes or nice durable sandals (nicer than Tevas; do not bother with heels)
- Five nice T-shirts (if printed, no controversial topics such as politics, drugs, or sex) for mix and match with skirts Note: It is acceptable for women to wear trousers, so bring whatever you are comfortable in, either pants, skirts, or both. However, it is not the norm to teach or attend professional meetings in trousers. Teachers will wear dresses or skirts for work every day. Bring your most comfortable dress or skirt and it can be copied here by a tailor. You can also have inexpensive dresses made here or buy second-hand clothes.
[edit] Underwear
Good-quality, comfortable, cotton underwear is very hard to buy in Ghana, so this is one thing you will want to invest in before you come. Men find that boxers are cooler than briefs. Women should bring about five cotton bras. Cotton is a must. Elastic self-destructs in the tropics. You may want to bring enough underwear so that you can put some aside for your second year.
[edit] Personal Hygiene and Toiletry Items
Bring lotions, shampoo, and items that you really like to have around, and bring deodorant, unless you like roll-ons. Do not bring toothpaste—it is available everywhere. Bring enough of these items to get you through the first three weeks of pre-service training. After that, you can buy what you need here.
[edit] Kitchen
You can easily buy most kitchen supplies here—dishes, pots, glasses, and utensils. There are, however, a few items we highly recommend bringing:
- A good-quality small Teflon fry pan (if you like to cook)
- Two dozen Ziplock baggies (freezer bags are best)
- A good-quality small cutting knife (if you like to cook)
[edit] Miscellaneous
- An inexpensive shortwave radio (can be bought here)
- A lightweight towel (dark colors; high-absorbant camping towels are great for traveling)
- A sturdy water bottle (e.g., Nalgene)
- Nail clippers (if you use them)
- One wash cloth (if you use them)
- A good pair of scissors
- Handi-wipes (for long bus rides)
- One set of double-sized bed sheets and pillow cases (preferably not white). Sheets are available here but of lesser quality
- A compact umbrella (though they can be bought here)
- Backpack for four- to seven-day trips (often called a “climbers” pack)
- A tube of good glue (e.g., Barge, epoxy, glue for Birkenstocks if you bring them, etc.)
- A Therm-a-rest pad (these are expensive; bring it if you already own it, but it is not necessary)
- Alarm clock (battery or wind-up)
- One roll of Duct tape (you would not believe all of its uses)
- Pictures of home, family, and friends
- Your favorite books and textbooks—bring some for training and trading (but mail most of them)
- OB tampons (enough for two years; this brand packs small and is very expensive here)
- Prescription drugs (a three-month supply until the medical unit at the Peace Corps can order your special needs)
- Eyeglasses (two pair, since replacements take a long time to arrive from the States)
- Eyeglass repair kit
- Money belt or other means of concealing your passport and valuables when traveling (a belt loop is a good security feature)
- Astronomy and wildlife guides if this interests you (Collins Bird Guide on West African birds is popular)
- Tapes/CDs, or if you already have an iPod or mp3 player bring it (although keep in mind that it could draw some extra attention)
- Frisbee, hacky-sack, hammock, and travel-size games (Yahtzee, chess, cards, UNO, etc.) 100