Law and Human Rights - GHANA Volunteer Stories from Law & Human Rights Project

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.

I had never been so far away from home before, let alone on my own, so I was really grateful for the warm welcome from a Projects Abroad representative, Nyame, at Accra airport. He immediately showed me the Ghanaian handshake and I rang my parents to let them know I got there ok! I was taken to my host family to which I had another warm welcome. That was the first thing that struck me, how friendly the Ghanaians are, and the humidity of the city!

I was taken to my placement at Law Trust on the Monday and met my colleagues for the next month. However the next day I was struck down with African flu. I couldn’t believe it, I was so upset having flown 8 ½ hours just to be ill. My host mother was so nice and provided me with lots of fluids and oranges to suck. The local Projects Abroad staff were also wonderful, they rang me three times a day to make sure I was ok and if I needed anything they’d be more than obliged to help.

I did make a full recovery and I started my placement on the Friday. They asked if I had any legal experience and I said I had just finished my law degree. They were ecstatic! During my four weeks I conducted legal research, wrote case reviews and drafted contracts, responsibilities I would not be able to have in the English legal world for many years! Although it was very hands on they never gave me anything that was over my head. Ghanaian law is loosely based on English law principles and they were always willing to answer my questions. The highlight of my placement was definitely the numerous court visits I made. These ranged from wooden benches in the hills to the Supreme Court. It really was a truly remarkable experience, and provided an invaluable insight into another legal system.

At the weekends I travelled to surrounding towns. I was quickly disappointed that I was only spending four weeks in Ghana as I wanted to see more of the country. Kocrobite beach was one of our weekend destinations and was just idyllic, with fishermen getting up at the crack of dawn under spectacular sunrises. It was definitely a weekend of relaxation, far away from the hustle and bustle of Accra. Cape Coast was another weekend adventure, with a day in Kakum National Park. A hidden gem on the way back from the Park was ‘crocodile hotel’. The taxi driver told us that they let the tourists pet the crocodiles for a small charge and insisted we stopped to visit them. We thought he was joking until we got there! He didn’t charge us any extra, which just shows the kindness of the Ghanaians.

My last night was sad. Not only would I be leaving my surrogate family and some really good friends behind, I’d have to leave the amazing country and experience having to return to normal life. Luckily the monthly party was on my last night so it was a really, really good night to go out on! And to top it I got a phone call from my family, I had my degree results and I got a 2.1! A great end to wonderful and thoroughly enjoyable experience.

My experience, however, was intense and eye-opening. It was definitely a life changing experience. I didn’t have the culture shock I expected until I got back to England and realised just how much for granted we take clean water, money and family. Like many people, I’ve seen Africa on the news and in books, but it is not until you get there that you realise the extent and realism of it all. I would recommend visiting Africa at least once, and having the security and support of an organisation like Projects Abroad was definitely a fantastic bonus.

Louise Harris

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