🇬🇭 Ghana Group Medical Trip

Welcome to Ghana! Upon arrival at Kotoka International Airport in Accra, you’ll be warmly greeted by Seth from the PMGY Ghana team, who will be easily spotted in his PMGY T-shirt. A short 30-minute drive will take you to your accommodation, our volunteer house.

You have the rest of the evening  to settle in and relax. The local team will show you around the community and help you settle in by assisting with any amenities you may need.

Day 2 kicks off with a comprehensive orientation to prepare you for your Ghana experience. The local team will introduce you to the area, essential facilities, and your project sites. You’ll gain fascinating insights into the culture of the Asante people with visits to the local shops, markets, ATM’s, and enjoy a traditional Ghanaian lunch.

The afternoon focuses on cultural immersion, safety tips, and an introduction to the local language, Twi. You’ll also receive a guide to the upcoming days of volunteering and adventures in Ghana, ensuring you feel confident and ready for the journey ahead.

Your group medical placement begins on day 4. You will spend the next few days at a Government Hospital, working alongside medical staff and gaining invaluable insight. Students can observe various medical departments, including Adolescent Counselling, General Surgery, Maternity & Midwifery, Paediatrics, Radiology, and more. Upon arrival, students will receive a comprehensive introduction to the hospital. This guided tour will familiarise students with the hospital’s layout and introduce them to staff across various divisions. Students will rotate through different departments, allowing them to understand the Ghanaian healthcare system better while prioritising areas of particular interest. The hospital staff are welcoming and eager to share insights, offering students a valuable opportunity to witness healthcare delivery in a resource-limited setting.

While the hospital employs modern treatment methods, students will gain a firsthand understanding of the challenges posed by under-resourced facilities, cultural factors, and a lack of health education. These obstacles often result in a high number of preventable cases. Observing the doctor-patient relationship and the dynamics of medical care in Ghana provides a unique perspective compared to Western healthcare systems. Though students are mentored by local staff, they must be proactive and assertive in seeking guidance and engaging with their surroundings. Opportunities for hands-on involvement may arise depending on individual relationships with staff, patient consent, and prior qualifications. Volunteering at a Government Hospital offers an invaluable chance to explore clinical practices and healthcare challenges in a developing country.

Afternoons in Accra will focus on the rich culture of the local people. After a hearty lunch and some rest, the group will visit iconic sites. Each evening, enjoy cultural activities such as drumming, traditional dance classes, and movie nights, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in Ghanaian culture.

Your adventure continues with an early morning departure on day 7 for Mole National Park. After checking into a hotel in the heart of the park, enjoy lunch and relax by the pool before embarking on a thrilling jeep safari. Spot elephants, antelope, and other wildlife as you explore the park. The day concludes with a visit to Larabanga village for traditional drumming and dancing.

Day 8 begins with a walking safari to experience the park’s natural beauty up close, followed by a visit to Kintampo Waterfalls for a refreshing swim. You’ll return to Kumasi in the evening, ready to start the second week of your Ghana adventure.

The second week brings more opportunities to learn from local healthcare professionals at a Private Hospital. Located in Accra, the hospital serves a population of over 60,000 people and operates under Ghana’s Ministry of Health. This healthcare facility offers students a valuable opportunity to shadow local doctors and nurses across a variety of departments, including Dentistry, Dermatology, ENT, Family Health, General Surgery, Maternity & Midwifery, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Radiology, and more. Students will gain insight into unique and diverse medical cases such as Typhoid, Polio, and Tuberculosis, while also learning about tropical diseases like Malaria, Leishmaniasis, and Dengue. The hospital staff are welcoming and eager to share their knowledge, creating an enriching environment for students to observe, ask questions, and deepen their understanding of healthcare practices in a developing country.

Evenings will feature fun and engaging activities such as art classes, a local market tour, and a pizza night.

The team will arrange a community outreach program in a local Village, offering students a unique opportunity to work alongside local medical staff to provide primary healthcare to rural communities. Under the supervision of Community Health Workers, participants will assist with programs such as dental hygiene, malaria testing, nutrition, blood pressure checks, diabetes screenings, and more, gaining hands-on insight into the challenges and realities of rural healthcare in Ghana. These experiences not only highlight the limited resources and lack of healthcare awareness in remote villages, but also immerse students in the local culture, opening their eyes to the everyday lives and needs of Ghanaian communities. Through this program, students will develop a deeper understanding of the rural healthcare system and the significant impact of grassroots medical initiatives.

On day 13, we embark on a four-hour drive to Kakum National Park, where students can enjoy a delicious lunch before experiencing the awe-inspiring canopy walk. This adventure features a series of nine suspended bridges that rise 40 metres above the forest floor, providing breathtaking views of the lush, vibrant surroundings. Our next stop is a visit to Cape Coast Castle, offering a profound insight into Ghana’s history and the transatlantic slave trade. The experience is both sobering and enlightening, providing a deeper understanding of the country’s past.

Day 14 is all about relaxation at Busua Beach. Start your morning by helping local fishermen pull in their nets, then spend the day soaking up the sun, exploring souvenir shops, or taking a surfing class. The evening wraps up with a bonfire on the beach, complete with traditional drumming, dancing, and singing – a perfect end to your Ghanaian adventure.

On your final day, you’ll travel back to Accra International Airport. Depending on your flight schedule, there may be time to visit local attractions like the Accra Mall or Jamestown Lighthouse. It’s been an incredible two weeks filled with impactful volunteering, cultural immersion, and unforgettable adventures. Safe travels home!