My trip to Takoradi_Ghana
Jodie Booth (Medicine)

During my research I stumbled across Work the World and after chatting through their destinations I went for Ghana. From the word go Work the World were really helpful, answering any questions I had and giving me plenty of tips and advice for when I arrived. I flew with British Airways as it was a direct flight from London to Accra and I would highly recommend doing this!

Arriving and Settling in

When I arrived in Ghana it was late and hot and the airport was very busy but Prince was there waiting for me and instantly made me feel very welcome! Five of us arrived that evening and we stayed in Accra and sampled our first Ghanaian cuisine (Jollof rice - tasty!). The next morning we took the 4 hour bus ride to Takoradi giving us a chance to soak up the country we would be calling home for the next few weeks. On arrival we were shown round the work the world house by Ophelia and Al-Hassan. Ophelia cooks the house breakfast and dinner and all her cooking is AMAZING. If you are vegetarian or if you don't like something she will cater for you without a problem. My personal favourite was ground nut soup with rice balls. There is also a BBQ held every Thursday night which is hilarious - be prepared to dance like an idiot to some funky tunes!

On the Monday we were all given an orientation around the hospital and town. In town we were able to exchange money, buy sim cards and use the internet plus get material to get some African dresses made. Prince will show you where everything is and if there is anything else you need throughout he can show you where to go and how much to pay. Overall I would say it takes about a week to get fully settled in and acclimatised, but before no time you will be complaining that it's chilly and will be an excellent haggler!

Placement

I did 6 weeks of paediatrics and neonatal intensive care at the regional hospital. The first thing that you notice in the hospital is the heat, but you do get use to it - I promise! The supervisors are very friendly and keen to get you as involved as you want to be. The more questions you ask the more you get out of it! I was usually in 8.30am-2pm which left the afternoons free to go to town or to the beach. The key thing to remember in the hospital is to learn not judge, attitudes and treatment lines can be very different in Ghana and it's important to go with an open mind to get the most out of it.

Village Experience

I spent my last week in Akwidaa doing the Village Experience. I was on my own for the week, with no electricity or running water, but I found this to be no problem at all! My family was very welcoming and I was always busy. I would spend my mornings in the local health care centre where I would be practically running the clinic and in the afternoons we went to local tourist spots such as green turtle lodge. I also got to do health checks in the local school and go on outreach to the nearby village to give vaccinations. This was the best week of my time in Ghana - I would recommend it to anyone!

Travelling and useful tips

During my 6 weeks I did lots of travelling including Kakum National Park, Cape Coast, Wli Falls, Busa, Ellis hideout and Cape 3 points. There is a book in the house where previous students have written what is good (and not so good) to do, how to do it and how to get there. The waterfalls were my personal favourite!

Things that were invaluable were a money belt and a head torch. Also it's hard to get sun screen or insect repellent in Ghana. There is spare sun screen left by previous students in the house, but everyone always runs out of repellent so bring lots!

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed my 7 weeks in Ghana and I wish I never had to leave. I felt perfectly safe going on my own and I never had any problems with unwanted attention in Ghana. Everyone I met was very friendly and helpful and I would recommend it to anyone to go - it is a trip of a lifetime!