Volunteers participating in a community activity
Children learning together in a classroom
Outdoor environmental learning with volunteers
Volunteers and a local colleague working together

ARA IN GHANA

Volunteers participating in a community activity
Children learning together in a classroom
Outdoor environmental learning with a group of volunteers
Volunteers and a local colleague working together

ARA IN Ghana · Development by people

Rural development.
Led by communities.

We work alongside rural communities in Ghana to strengthen livelihoods, expand opportunities and support healthier, more sustainable places to live.

Agricultural and Rural Development Association — ARA IN Ghana. A registered Ghanaian non-profit organisation, No. CG066250922. Rural development is at the heart of our work.

Meet the people. See the work.

Welcome to ARA IN Ghana. Discover voluntary service, practical learning and rural community life through our photo collection.

Impact Over the Years

From farmer and extension officer training to afforestation, youth skills, women’s empowerment and solar cooking, explore ARA’s contribution to rural development. Our environmental work was recognised with the 2006 Best Environmental NGO Award, presented by the Ministry of Science and Technology.

Community Development Initiatives

Promoting sustainable, healthy and socially responsible rural communities through awareness, environmental and welfare initiatives.

Our six program areas connect the needs of the whole community: livelihoods, farming, environmental care, young people’s opportunities, women’s participation, and water and sanitation. Community knowledge and local priorities guide project discussions and partnerships.

Volunteer working with bamboo in a planted grove

Environment & Sustainability Programs

Environmental awareness, tree planting, natural resource care and cleaner, more resilient communities.

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Volunteer cultivating a field of cassava and maize

Rural Livelihood & Entrepreneurship Programs

Practical skills, enterprise knowledge and opportunities to strengthen household and community livelihoods.

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Children and volunteers taking part in a creative group activity

Cultural, Sports & Youth Development Programs

Culture, community sport, teamwork, leadership and learning opportunities for young people.

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People standing among banana plants

Agriculture & FPO Development Programs

Sustainable farming, food security, farmer learning and development of farmer producer organisations.

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Women seated together with young children

Women Empowerment Programs

Women’s skills, livelihoods, groups and participation in community development and decision-making.

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Volunteer demonstrating dental hygiene with children

Water, Sanitation & Community Health Programs

Safe water, hygiene awareness and healthier surroundings to support everyday life in rural communities.

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Nkonsonkonson Adinkra symbol

Nkonsonkonson · Unity and human relations
Connected communities. Shared knowledge. Development together.

Local priorities. Practical development.

Rural development is about daily life: earning a living, producing food, accessing education and services, and caring for shared resources. We connect practical learning with community participation, local institutions and development partners.

Libraries, schools and community welfare complement our six programme areas. Project discussions consider the need, who will benefit, available resources and how an activity or facility can be cared for over time.

Community participation

Listen to local people and define practical priorities together.

Nkyimu Adinkra symbol
Nkyimu · Skill & precision

Skills & partnership

Connect community knowledge with training, technical expertise and suitable support.

Local ownership

Keep people involved in the activities, learning and resources that serve their community.

Boa Me Na Me Mmoa Wo Adinkra symbol
Boa Me Na Me Mmoa Wo · Cooperation & mutual support

Partner in rural development

Bring your expertise or support to a rural initiative. Talk to ARA about a community priority and how we can work together.

Voluntary service with a development purpose

Volunteers are attached to ARA’s development programs and contribute alongside local teams. Activities respond to community priorities, project needs and relevant skills, with preparation and local guidance.

Ghana Volunteers provides a starting point for voluntary service. You can also explore our Weltwärts and South–North partnerships.

Rooted in Ghana. Connected through community.

From farming communities to youth learning and voluntary service, our work starts with people and local priorities.

Map of Ghana showing major towns, Lake Volta and neighbouring countries
Ghana · West Africa. Select the map to enlarge.

Connect with ARA IN Ghana →