In this interview, you’ll hear from Chermeine Conteh, a Peace Corps Health volunteer in Ghana. Chermeine shares what daily life looks like, the work being done, and how service has shaped their personal and professional growth. You’ll learn about housing, cultural differences, project work, language learning, and what it’s like to live and work in a new country. This interview offers a real look into Peace Corps service and what future volunteers can expect.
Table of Contents
- Volunteer Experience and Motivation
- Living Arrangements and Cultural Integration
- Surprises and Challenges
- Advice and Support
- Practical Tips and Language Learning
- Social Identity
- Impact of Media and Final Thoughts
Volunteer Experience and Motivation
1. What do you do as a Peace Corps Health volunteer in Ghana?
As a volunteer, I work with the whole community on different health initiatives. It usually starts at the district level, where I loop them in on anything I’m planning (latrine construction, community clean-ups, health talks) so we’re all aligned and supported.
Most days, I’m at the CHPS compound (Community Health Planning and Services compound) helping with malaria prevention education (yes, I’m always talking about mosquito nets 😆), and assisting on Child Welfare Clinic days, weighing babies, charting, and checking insurance.
I also work closely with women’s groups, teaching nutrition by fortifying local foods to meet Ghana’s 4-star diet, promoting exclusive breastfeeding, and leading income-generating activities like soap making. With schools, we’ve made reusable pads, had real talks about hygiene, and now we’re working on building a bench using eco-bricks.
And my biggest project so far? Helping construct 18 household latrines and educating families on proper use and ending open defecation.
I’m nearing the end of my service. It’s a mix of everything, but that’s what makes it meaningful. And it’s definitely shaped me in ways I didn’t expect.
2. Why did you decide to join the Peace Corps and serve in Ghana?
Since junior high, I’ve always been drawn to the idea of traveling and fully immersing myself in another culture, not just visiting, but really living it. That’s exactly what the Peace Corps stands for, fostering world peace and friendship, and honestly, that’s exactly what the world really needs right now.
I was also really aligned with the Peace Corps goals: supporting countries with trained volunteers, building genuine cultural exchange, and helping both sides understand each other better. That mix of service, connection, and cultural learning made it feel like the right fit for me, and Ghana made it even more special.
Living Arrangements and Cultural Integration
3. What is your housing like in Ghana?
When I first arrived in Ghana, I stayed with a host family in the Eastern Region who taught me the basics, like washing clothes by hand and cooking local dishes.
Now I live independently in a teacher’s quarters compound with my own room, veranda, and an outdoor latrine. A previous volunteer left most essentials, dishes, cutlery, a fridge, plus a desk, and the Peace Corps gracefully provided me with a queen-size bed, so I didn’t need much. I just got a few pots, pans, storage containers, and a chair… after giving everything a good bleach since it had been sitting for two years. I keep things simple and mostly store my stuff in my suitcase.
My community is fairly large but very rural. I’m about 10 minutes from the nearest market town, where I shop weekly since I cook all my meals. The clinic and school are within walking distance, so I get plenty of exercise just walking everywhere, no bike needed!
4. What moments or interactions stand out during your service?
During my service in Ghana, I’ve had so many meaningful moments that it’s hard to choose just a few, but I’ll go in order.
One of my most memorable experiences was meeting my cohort during training. I was really moved by how all of us from different parts of the U.S. came together in one place to serve. We connected instantly, and I’ll always carry those friendships with me.
Living with my host family during pre-service training was also very special. They were incredibly kind and welcoming, and I’m grateful for how they introduced me to Ghanaian culture, humility, and daily life. From card games with my host siblings to movie nights and long conversations, every day felt meaningful.
In my current community, my favorite interactions are with the women and children. They made my integration so much easier, the women are warm and welcoming, and the children are friendly and eager to practice English when language is a barrier.
I’ve also had many beautiful community moments through cooking demos, clean-ups, and outreach activities, but one that really stands out is celebrating Eid al-Fitr with my community. As a Muslim, I’m usually away from family during the holiday, but my community made me feel completely at home. I felt so welcomed and loved, and I’ll never forget that moment.
Surprises and Challenges
5. What has surprised you most about living or working in Ghana?
What has surprised me most about living and working in Ghana is how resourceful people are. Coming from the U.S., where there are many more resources, it was a real shift. I’ve seen a disabled community member build a wheelchair from wood and bike parts, students make bags from market sacks, and teachers use bottle caps and straws as teaching tools.
I was also surprised by how much culture shapes integration. Being in a predominantly Muslim community as a Muslim myself made it easier to connect through the mosque and daily prayers.
Food was another adjustment; maize and cassava are staples, especially compared to the more varied diet in southern Ghana.
Overall, I’ve been most struck by the resilience, creativity, and sense of community here, even with limited resources.
6. What challenges have you faced in your Health work, and how did you respond?
One challenge I’ve faced in my health work is punctuality and attendance at meetings and programs. In Ghana, people often refer to “Ghana time,” meaning events may start much later than scheduled. To adapt, I plan meetings well in advance and tell community members we will begin on “American time.” For example, I may announce a 12:00 p.m. start time even if I plan to begin at 1:00 p.m. This simple approach has helped improve attendance and participation.
Another challenge is lower community engagement during farming season, since many families depend on farming for income and food. During this time, I scale back projects and focus more on nutrition activities. I also collaborate with agricultural volunteers to hold evening farming discussions, which allows us to continue community education without interfering with families’ work schedules.
7. What secondary projects have you worked on during your service?
I worked with my counterpart and LEAP Ghana, a government social protection program, to conduct door-to-door outreach, identifying eligible households and supporting the National Health Insurance Scheme(NHIS) enrollment. Beyond formal projects, I engaged the community through photography and drone footage, capturing ceremonies and daily life as a way to build and strengthen relationships.
Advice and Support
8. What advice would you give to future Health volunteers in Ghana?
My advice to future Health volunteers in Ghana is to come in with an open mind, be adaptable, and fully embrace the experience. Things may not always go as planned, and adjusting to a new culture, work style, and pace of life takes patience. Give yourself grace as you learn, and approach community members with kindness, respect, and a willingness to listen. Building trust takes time, but being consistent and genuinely engaged goes a long way.
I also encourage volunteers to get involved in the community as much as possible. Try new foods, attend local events, spend time with community members, and be open to new ideas and perspectives. Don’t isolate yourself or stay in your room all day—the best parts of service often come from the relationships you build and the experiences you least expect. The time goes by very quickly, so take it all in and make the most of every opportunity.
9. How did Peace Corps training prepare you for service?
During Pre-Service Training (PST), the Peace Corps prepared me for service through language classes, technical training, and cultural immersion. Language lessons and tutoring helped strengthen my communication skills, while staying with a host family helped me adjust to village life and better understand Ghanaian culture and traditions.
We also visited several health districts and participated in hands-on ISTs (In-Service Trainings) focused on nutrition and food fortification, WASH practices like handwashing and safe water storage, and proper latrine construction and maintenance education. These practical trainings helped me better understand Peace Corps goals, my role within the community, and how to effectively carry out health education and outreach.
Going through training alongside other trainees also provided support, comfort, and a strong peer network that continues throughout service. Although PST can feel long and challenging at times, it goes by very quickly and is extremely helpful in preparing volunteers for life and work in their communities.
discussion with Junior high school students
Practical Tips and Language Learning
10. What would you tell future volunteers to pack—or leave behind?
I would tell future volunteers to follow the general three-tier rule: if you can’t live without it, bring it; if you can live without it, leave it; and if it’s valuable or irreplaceable, leave it at home.
On a personal note, I’d recommend bringing hard-copy photos of friends and family, small activities like coloring or English books for children, and a few favorite snacks or seasonings from home. Good-quality charging cables and a solar-powered power bank are also very useful.
I would leave behind excessive clothes, toiletries, and cosmetics, since many everyday items can be purchased in Ghana. Overall, pack light, stay flexible, and bring a positive, open-minded attitude.
11. How has language learning been for you in Ghana?
Language learning was initially a challenge for me. Since my site was in the Northern Region of Ghana, I learned Dagbani. During PST, we had six hours of language instruction Monday through Friday for three months, in addition to optional tutoring sessions after class.
I found that the best way to learn was to fully immerse myself and embrace the possibility of making mistakes. I was initially shy, fearing I might sound funny, but I learned that speaking up and getting corrected was the fastest way to improve. Engaging with the children in my community was also one of the most effective ways to pick up common phrases and improve my retention. My advice to future volunteers is to start your language engagement immediately and remember to be patient and give yourself grace throughout the process.
Social Identity
12. How has your personal identity shaped your service experience?
My identity has impacted my service in two major ways. First, having a Ghanaian mother meant I had visited the country a few times before joining, so I felt some familiarity with the culture. However, serving in Northern Ghana was a completely different experience—the climate and customs were new to me. Being of Ghanaian descent actually created a bit of a double-edged sword; while it helped me bond with my community, it also led to some confusion. I often found myself reminding people that I’m American and that I approach my work from that perspective.
Being Muslim was another huge part of my story. Since I lived in a predominantly Muslim community, integration felt much more natural. Going to Friday prayers together helped me build a really strong rapport with everyone.
13. Did your identity lead to specific challenges or situations?
Navigating life as a young Muslim woman presented some unique hurdles. I constantly faced marriage proposals and curiosity about why I hadn’t started a family at my age. It’s definitely the sort of prying that male volunteers rarely encounter during their service.
I usually managed these moments by setting firm boundaries and pivoting the conversation back to my community health projects. It was all about staying focused on why I was there.
My Ghanaian heritage was also a double-edged sword; it made bonding with the community easier, but it occasionally caused some identity confusion. I frequently had to explain that I am American and that I view my role and work through that lens. With time, my community began to catch on and would refrain from asking such impersonal questions.
14. What advice do you have for volunteers who share your identity?
You’re the one in control of your own narrative, so focus on sharing what feels right to you rather than what you think is expected. It’s also super important to establish firm boundaries right from the start; honestly, it makes navigating everything so much smoother in the long run.
Impact of Media and Final Thoughts
15. If you share content online, how has that shaped your service?
Documenting my journey has been such a therapeutic and memorable process. Whether I’m sharing cooking videos, my latest health projects, or those daily integrations and holiday moments, it’s been a really fun, creative outlet and a wonderful way to keep everyone back home in the loop about what I’ve been doing.
Chermeine’s experience in Ghana shows that Peace Corps service is built one relationship at a time. From health education and sanitation projects to learning Dagbani and celebrating holidays with her community, her story reflects the daily work of earning trust, adapting to new situations, and growing alongside the people she serves. Her practical advice and honest reflections offer future volunteers a clear picture of what to expect while reminding us that some of the most meaningful moments come from simply being present and willing to learn.
Are you thinking about joining the Peace Corps? If you’re curious about service and ready for something new, apply today. Like Chermeine, you can live abroad, work with communities, and grow in ways you didn’t expect. Apply to the Peace Corps and take the next step.
The content of this post does not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Government, the Peace Corps, or Ghana Government
