The moment we arrived at Accra airport the heat and humidity hit us hard and we knew the next 3 month would be quite an experience. After waiting for Marianne’s luggage a few days at Gunadiish’s home we continued to Techiman in the Brong-Ahafo region. After we arrived at Techiman we were met by the volunteer coordinator who took us to the clinic in Aworowa where we were to stay for 11 weeks. On our first day at the clinic we observed two circumcisions without sedation! It was a little hard to watch and a bit scary. Welcome to Ghana’s health system!
The next 6 weeks we participated in the everyday work at the clinic. It was a great experience to see how things are done at a health clinic in a small community. We filled out insurance forms, helped in the dispensary and took blood pressure. We really got to know all the girls at the clinic they were very nice and friendly. We even got invited to one of the girl’s grandmother’s funeral. The rest of the time we did some small projects with the staff.
Every weekend we went around Ghana, 4 trips with Gunadiish (Central, Upper east, Northern and Volta region). We also traveled a lot on our own and Ghana is a really easy and safe country to be in! After 3 months we had seen almost every part of Ghana, including Bui National Park with the hippos, Busua beach at the Green Turtle Lodge (amazing place), Kumasi and surroundings (loved the city), and the goldmine in Obuasi. It has been an amazing experience for both of us and we have learned a lot about the health care system in Ghana – or rather the lack of health care system! It has been an adventure for life we will always remember.
Marianne Molander (and Line Due)
Copenhagen, Denmark
Aworowa Health Center, Techiman
March-May 2008