Country of Origin: Canada
Country of Stay: Ghana
Duration of Stay: 7.5 weeks
Program: Health Internship at a Hospital
Project: Handling Everyday Tasks at Aflao Central Hospital
I chose to do a health internship because I have just completed my 1st year of medical school. At this stage in school I don’t have too much practical experience, but I found this placement to be beneficial none-the-less. I was placed at the Cental Aflao Hospital (most cab drivers know it as Dr. Nkansa hospital - he owns the place), which is a small private hospital in Aflao. I rotated through each department for one week each, including the laboratory, injection room, dispensary, consulting room and the wards. I attempted at some blood collection and IM injections and helped with dressings, but most of my time was taken up with observation and assisting with small, not so hands-on-work. I felt it was appropriate for my level of experience.
Everyone at the hospital is extremely friendly and I felt at home / comfortable right away. As long as I voiced when I wanted to help with procedures, the staff was always happy to let me. I would just ask sister Aggie or Victor (accountant and administrator) about where I would go each week (my placement didn’t have an outline; I just worked it out with them). Some of my time was also spent painting the children’s ward with other volunteers (Felicia and Emma). The children’s ward is officially adopted by STAESA.
CommunityI stayed with Ernest and Happy Gamashie in Avakome. Overall they were very welcoming and accommodating. Ernest is very religious so he spends a bulk of his time at church: they were always happy when I tagged along to church on Sundays. It’s not a problem if you don’t have to go to church with them though. The church is 3 hours long! I stay in my own room which was very nice and large. The kids seemed to ask for a lot (movies, biscuits etc), so I wouldn’t spoil them too much! Lastly I would recommend keeping money in a safe place (locked up if possible).
I made lots of friends in the community! In my spare time I would go to the internet café near the Pledge restaurant on the Hotel Makavo Road. On the beach, there is a good canteen. Once a while I would treat myself to “Fanice” which is quite good (if you like ice cream).
WeekendsI recommend travelling on some of your weekends. Its full of fun! Overall I had an amazing experience in Ghana. It is such a friendly and beautiful country. Make sure to learn some ewe, you will feel right at home when you make some Ghanaian friends! – and make sure to try fried plantain.
