You Can Join the Ghana Medical Team! Aug 6th - Aug 21st
Location
Ghana
Description
Be part of a diverse team delivering healthcare services and education to impoverished villages in Ghana. As a valued team member, you'll work hard to bring healthcare to those who would otherwise have no access. In addition to volunteering, you'll check out Kakum National Park, travel upriver to Nzulezu stilt village, visit one of Ghana's historic slave castles, and have an opportunity to explore the local area or relax on the beach. Take advantage of this excellent opportunity to volunteer, learn about the realities of healthcare in developing communities, and explore tropical Ghana. This program is generously sponsored by Adamus Resources Ltd.
The Program
During a period of two weeks, the medical team will set up and operate short term medical clinics in three impoverished communities with limited access to healthcare. The communities are located in the Nzema district of Western Region, Ghana. A team leader coordinates the set up of the clinics. There is a waiting area where people wait to be seen, "clinical rooms" set up in the available building which is being used as a clinic, and a pharmacy.
Historically, Western Region has been one of the poorest regions of Ghana. Unemployment is high and agriculture and fishing make up the majority of local economic activities. Most villages in the region do not have a clinic, and villagers must walk for miles to see a doctor. The need for healthcare is dire. Over a two week period, the clinic will most commonly treat:
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Diarrhea (intestinal parasites)
- Eye infections including onchocerciasis
- Malaria
- Elephantiasis
- Back and joint pain
- Hypertension
Where We Are Volunteering
We are volunteering in the villages of Anwia, Teleku Bokazo & Salman in Western region. These villages are located 300 Kms west of the capital city, Accra. The area is largely inhabited by Nzema people(pronounced inzima), who have their own culture and language.
Where We are Staying
We are staying nearby at the Axim Beach Hotel. The hotel is safe and secure. Situated on a tropical beach, the hotel has modern amenities in traditional Ghanaian style accommodation.
Highlights
Itinerary
Volunteers are responsible for booking their own flights, and should arrive on August 6th. If you can not arrive exactly on August 6th, contact us and we will accommodate an earlier arrival if possible. You must apply, and then register for this program. Following registration, you will be provided with in-depth program information, and pre-departure guidance on flights, insurance, visas, and vaccinations. Please note, exact itinerary is subject to change based on local needs.
Saturday August 6th
Arrive in Accra. Volunteers arrive individually and are greeted at airport by representatives of Adamus and The Humanity Exchange. Volunteers are brought to hotel where the team will spend the evening before departing to Western Region.
Sunday August 7th
The team departs Accra for Western Region. Traveling along Ghana's scenic coastal route, we'll visit Kakum National Park & stop for a meal.
Kakum National Park is a lush reserve of virgin rainforest. Suspended forty meters high, we'll walk the canopy bridges, viewing birds, butterflies, and the lush vegetation below. This tour for nature lovers is guided by knowledgeable locals who will explain the cultural, economic, and medicinal importance of flora found in the park.
After touring in Kakum National Park we'll relax at an oceanside restaurant. Fresh seafood is the specialty, but other dishes are readily available. We'll arrive at Axim Beach Hotel by mid-afternoon. Volunteers will have some time to get settled and relax. Orientation meeting will be held in the evening.
Monday August 8th - Wednesday August 10th
Clinic One - Anwia Village
Thursday August 11th - Saturday August 13th
Clinic Two - Teleku Bokazo Village
Sunday August 14th
Morning
Health Facility Tour This tour of local medical facilities, hosted by District Health Nurse Judith Okine, is an excellent opportunity for team members to see the reality of local healthcare. We'll see facilities which regularly serve the population when the team is not around.
Afternoon
The team will enjoy a well deserved afternoon off. Volunteers can relax at the beach or visit Axim town. Axim Beach has a picturesque rocky beach and a sandy beach perfect for swimming, relaxing, and sports such as volleyball.
Monday August 15th - Thursday August 18th
Clinic Three - Salman Village
Friday August 19th
Morning
Stilt Village of Nzulezu Departing from the the village of Beyin, we'll travel upriver in a dugout canoe until arriving at Lake Tadane. In the centre of the lake stands Nzulezu, a village built on stilts. Against a serene natural backdrop, we'll see the magnificent interplay between man and his environment; it is amazing to see traditional village life adapted to the watery conditions. All activities pertaining to normal life chores such as pounding of fufu (a traditional meal) schooling, worship, and burial are done on the lake.
Afternoon
The team will enjoy a well deserved afternoon off. Volunteers can relax at the beach or visit Axim town. Axim Beach has a picturesque rocky beach and a sandy beach perfect for swimming, relaxing, and sports such as volleyball.
Saturday August 20th
The team will depart Western Region for Accra. En route, we'll stop to visit the historic slave castle at Elmina.
The Sao Jorge de Mina Castle was built by the Portuguese in 1482. Beneath luxury suites for Europeans in the upper levels, thousands of slaves were held in dungeons before being shipped across the ocean. Today it is preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The haunting tour provides a moving depiction of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade.
Following the tour at Elmina, the team will have lunch and head back to Accra. The evening is free and transportation will be provided if volunteers would like to go out for a traditional Ghanaian meal or check out Accra night life.
Sunday August 21st
This is a free day for shopping, sightseeing, or relaxing on the beach in Accra. Volunteers depart individually throughout the day.