The Paradox....

Our six week journey in Ghana began with a flight into Accra, from there we travelled north to Tamale by bus, where we will stay for two weeks before heading further north to Bolgatanga. Along the way, we drove through the Cape Coast, stopping at the Elmina Slave Castle, and spent a night in Kumasi before finally reaching Tamale. Spending approximately 16 hours on the bus allowed me plenty of time to look out the window and observe the world of Ghana.

Throughout my time here in Ghana, the theme of contrast is something that has stuck out to me. I've witnessed the juxtaposition of beauty and ugliness: gorgeous, immaculate clothing worn by beautiful men, women and children, as they sit in packed streets with dirty rubble back drops. Lush green rainforests and beautiful red clay desert sand, all littered in garbage. A stunning castle situated along the coastline with amazing views of the bright blue ocean and white sand beaches, yet so much tragedy and oppression occurred within its walls. Kind, sweet & smiling faces of people who are faced with challenges that would be impossible to articulate unless you have been a witness with your own eyes. Their resilience, despite the many disparities they face each day, is both heartbreaking and inspiring.

However, the starkest contrast I've encountered so far lies within the healthcare system. In comparison to Canada, resources are scarce, and patients must purchase their own medical supplies. Those unable to afford them are denied treatment, which is a common occurrence here. On my first day at the hospital I witnessed a patient being discharged with an open fracture to her radial and ulna (both bones in her lower arm were broken and punctured through her skin). The patient was advised that the open fracture would likely become infected if left untreated and as a result her arm may need to be amputated. Yet, the woman had no other choice but to take the chance and head home without treatment as tears fell from her eyes. As they fell from mine. The same day, I witnessed an 8 year old boy being discharged with an untreated leg fracture for the same reasons. The financial cost of healthcare treatment is simply not attainable for many of the people here. Without treatment the boys leg will likely not heal properly, impacting his growth and ultimately further compound the challenges & disparities he already faces in this physically demanding environment.

Similar stories repeat and repeat here. Worse stories. Stories I will not share with you here.

The resilience of the Ghanaian people, the citizens, the patients & the healthcare workers, in the face of such adversity is admirable. Their stories will stay with me forever. The people here are strong, it is beautiful and it is tragic.

Taylor, 4th year BSN Student