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Ghana is one of the most stable and well-governed African nations.

The experiences that you will have while volunteering in Ghana look good on any CV. This applies whether you are a gap-year student looking to study law at university or a law graduate looking to gain some unusual work experience. International experience is something that law firms will certainly be pleased to see when recruiting new junior partners.

Life in its capital city, Accra, might be far removed from any North-American or European city but, as a former British colony, the Ghanaian legal system is based on English Common Law.

In Ghana you can choose to work in a business and commercial law firm, or to join one of our exciting and ever-expanding human rights law placements.

If you're seeking business and commercial law experience, we'll place you with a respected law firm in Accra. The firm mainly focuses on Corporate Practice, Trade and Investment and Environmental law. You could be working on projects involving litigation, drafting commercial and tenancy agreements, points of criminal law or arbitration.

Mornings are usually spent in court, shadowing lawyers and observing or taking notes on sessions. Usually you will be at work by 8am, leaving for court by 8.30am. Afternoons are spent carrying out legal research, writing letters, drafting court documents or attending meetings.

Your supervisor will be a specialist in Corporate and Commercial practice, including negotiation of commercial and business contracts and other varied agreements. Your supervisor will take into consideration how much prior experience you have when setting you tasks. If you have an interest in a particular area, this can usually be accommodated.

You'll be expected to take initiative in asking for work and asking to accompany lawyers to court. Don't be afraid to make sure that you understand a task before you start something. The lawyers will not mind you seeking clarification from them.

The law courts close over the summer period from the start of July to the end of October. During this time the Business and Commercial Law placement is not available, however, volunteers can take part in the Human Rights project.

Volunteering on a Human Rights Internship in Ghana
Law & Human Rights in Ghama - Human Rights Office

We offer an expanding range of human rights law schemes in Ghana, West Africa, to volunteers interested in human rights and social issues in the developing world.

Even if your knowledge of practical law is limited, you'll do far more than make the tea. You just need to be able to communicate well and work hard.

Placements at the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) - based in Accra, Ghana's capital city - offer unique legal work and cultural experiences. You'll become involved programmes including:

1. Children's rights
2. Prison conditions
3. Election monitoring
4. Police accountability and reform