I know that many of those coming to my web site may want to send mail to the PCVs. Here's what we have learned about receiving mail in Ghana.
First, it is essential that packages be sent to the Accra Peace Corps office.
John Doe, PCV
Peace Corps
P.O. Box 5796
Accra-North, Ghana
West Africa
If possible send packaged items is a bubble-wrap envelope. They get here faster and are duty free.
Here is some more advice for sending packages:
- If sending food items with toiletries or soaps that contain perfume please segregate them well. Some food items have been sent only to taste like soap!
- When sending items that may leak such as lotions or jelly double wrap them in plastic bags.
- Item that can break should be well packaged in bubble wrap.
- Don't send items like soap, toilet paper, toothpaste, bug spray, cleansers, trash bags, other health/toiletry/cleaning items. The Peace Corps gives us plenty of health related items and anything that they don't give us we can request or buy on our own. Soap and other toiletry items and cleaners are available here.
- Some good things to send are M&M's, skittles, cheese packets (mac&cheese), fruit flavored hard candies and soft caramels. Power bars and beef jerky are great. I like craisins, raisins would be good too. Theses types of food items are difficult to get here and receiving them in a package is always great; you know what your PCV likes...send it!
For letters please ask the PCV you are sending it to, where to send it. Some may prefer to have it sent to their site, others may prefer to have it sent to the Accra office. I prefer to have all my mail sent to the Accra office (address above). The mail will then be forwarded to me at my site or I will get it when I go to the office.
Thanks for those of you sending us mail, I cannot express in words how much it means to us!!!
When we get mail we dance!!! Here's Jackie and Andrea doing the "I Got Mail!" dance.
