Jasmine TorresBefore I arrived in Accra, I didn’t know what to expect. I had traveled to other developing countries previously, but never to any in Africa. Even though my flight arrived ridiculously early in the morning, Paul Badasu, the director of Humanity World International was patiently waiting for me at the airport. The drive to the house in Teshie-Nungua was relatively fast and traffic-free

since we traveled early in the morning, but I soon learned that that is a rarity in Accra during the day.

There were three other volunteers at the house when I arrived who were there for various internships including those in human rights, teaching and healthcare. Although we were diverse in interests, we bonded quickly and easily. The other staff: Mildred, our cook, and Paul’s brothers were very accommodating. In the house there is a living space with a television and a dining area where breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served everyday. I was given the first day to rest and recover from jetlag. I woke up from my morning nap to a traditional meal of plantains and black-eyed peas.

The next day, Paul drove me to Christian Medical Center, a private hospital near by. I worked there with another volunteer at our house and was introduced to the staffs of the hospital that were incredibly friendly and welcoming. The matron of the hospital assigned me to the laboratory for my first week during which I observed various hematological and biochemical tests used to detect presence of viruses. I was able to have many informative conversations with Robert, the lab technician. He also allowed me to perform menial tasks such as use some of the test strips; look at some slides of blood samples and test patients’ blood sugar level using the glucometer.

During my second week, I was assigned to be in the pharmacy where I was busy helping fill out prescriptions, dispense medication and organize stock. Although there was a learning curve because the physicians’ handwritings were illegible to me, I didn’t know where the medicines were placed or the dosages, I soon learned and became more and more comfortable there. The other pharmacists were very patient in teaching me and answering all of my questions.

The third week, I helped at the nurses’ station, rotating between the front desk, where I took blood pressure and recorded information, and the injection room, where I observed IV and IM injections.

During my fourth week, I observed in the physiotherapy room and in the scan room. In the physiotherapy room, I assisted the physiotherapist by helping use the infrared lamp and the massager. In the scan room, I observed operation of the ultrasonography machine. The ultrasonographer was very knowledgeable about anatomy, physiology and developmental biology. It was during this week that I learned the most about the human body.

At the hospital, I felt very welcomed. All the nurses and staff did their best to help me learn as much as I can. Every time there was an opportunity to see something interesting such as a ward case or a surgery, they were sure to inform me of it.

On the weekends (and even on the weekdays), the other volunteers and I visited various places around Accra. One of the most popular places was Osu, a touristy area about 45 minutes away with traffic. There, there are small shops selling crafts and souvenirs, many eateries selling Western cuisine, amazing smoothies, gelato, KFC, clubs, and a large supermarket that has everything from soy sauce to Special K cereal.

I also visited the National Museum, Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and the National Cultural and Arts Center in Greater Accra, which was a great way to educate myself about the history and culture of Ghana.

My most memorable trip was to Kakum National Park, the Cape Coast Trans-Atlantic Slave Castle and an alligator reserve. At the Kakum rain forest we hiked and waited in the rain, but the wait was worth it. Waiting for us was an 800-meter long canopy walk amidst the fogginess of the forest. It was scary, but exhilarating walking on a 1-foot wide plank attached by netting and ropes so high above the floor of the forest. It was almost magical! Afterwards, we went to the slave castle where we visited the dungeons where slaves were once kept for months at a time. While the castle was beautiful, seeing the dungeons was a wake up call that no history lesson could provide.

While there were many aspects of the culture I was not accustomed to, there were many that I came to love. Coming from New York City, I am not used to being accosted by strangers on the streets. On the streets of Ghana, people I didn’t know were not hesitant to greet or talk to me. I also learned to ride the “tro tro”, a van that is the most common form of public transportation for Ghanaians. It cost me only 20 pesewas to go to work every morning! I also loved the food, which was very spicy. I tried to taste almost every major traditional Ghanaian food including their staple food; fufu and banku. I even ate it the traditional way, with my right hand.

Overall, it was a unique and very eye-opening experience that I’m very glad I was part of.

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