Law Volunteer Stories, Ghana

Law and Human Rights, Law in Ghana- Robert Hasker
Having never been to Africa before I didn’t know what to expect. I had seen countless films and documentaries on it, even read a few novels but nothing prepared me for actually being there. I had bought a couple of guide books, one that focused on Ghana specifically and another on West Africa, and although both were crammed full of useful information neither prepared me for the culture shock.

Law and Human Rights, Law in Ghana - Louise Harris
After having finished my degree and waiting for my results I decided I wanted to see some of the world. I thought I could combine travelling with volunteering and stumbled across the Projects Abroad website. They offered volunteer experiences in law and with great reviews from people who had participated on similar programmes I decided that I would spend 4 weeks in Ghana in summer 2008.

Human Rights in Ghana - Clare Taylor
As with most people nowadays, when I first thought about taking a GAP Year between school and studying law at university, the first thing I did was type ‘GAP Year’ into the popular search engine. A variety of organisations appeared offering different types of projects in exotic locations. Projects Abroad stood out, however, mainly because they offered more unusual projects, such as medicine, journalism and law. Anyone hoping to pursue careers in those areas will know how important work experience is for your CV. I was struck by a brilliant idea, why not travel, live in another country and experience another culture, meeting lots of different people while gaining some all important practical experience in a legal environment.

Human Rights in Ghana - Eric McAdamis
My law school education in the United States made me appreciate the societal value of a robust legal system and raised my consciousness to the fact that most people in the world live without the same level of legal expectations that I am accustomed to. By the time I finished my degree I knew that I wanted to take a once in a lifetime opportunity to give something back to people in a less developed country where the concept of inherent human rights being inalienable has yet to become firmly established. Accordingly, I elected to take a gap year in order to travel and volunteer for the Common Wealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) in Accra, Ghana before pursuing my Ph.D. in political science.

Human Rights in Ghana - Richard Murtagh
My journey towards studying law started with a contentious parking ticket issued against my mum! I wrote a nifty letter on her behalf which resulted in the ticket being quashed. Following this success (in 2005) I began studying law part-time with the Open University. I graduate in 2010 and will undertake the Bar Vocational Course to become a barrister. I'll also do a one year Masters Degree in Human Rights, which is the field I wish to specialise in.

Law & Human Rights in Ghana - Danica Mullarkey
I tried not to have any expectations as to what my trip to Ghana would bring - reflecting on it now, I can see that that was the best mentality to set off with - literature and TV images cannot compare to the culture shock you experience, in those first few hours, walking the streets of Africa in person!!

Law and Journalism in Ghana - Ania Neuman
As a Law and Philosophy student I undertook several volunteering projects during my studies. I always was passionate about helping others and benefiting the community as well as learning new skills and facing a challenge, hence Projects Abroad voluntary law and journalism placement in Ghana fulfilled all my objectives.