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You are here: Home / Team Updates / Ghana Health Partners / 2023 Ghana Health Partners Update / We Are Ready!

We Are Ready!

2023/03/05 By Dr. Jennifer Wilson

“I cry because of the young midwife I am becoming,” said Doris as she dried her tears and began her speech during the Saturday morning graduation ceremony for the seven Leyaata midwives. Our entire team, Dr. David Mensah, the senior management team and the medical staff were all in attendance. After the presentation of two certificates for each midwife, Doris stood to begin. Her tears started to fall as she described how these training programs had given her and her team the confidence and the skills they so desperately wanted. Dr. Anne and I watched on like very proud (and emotional) mothers watching their kids graduate. In a loud and confident voice, Doris concluded her speech by saying, “We are ready, and I hope you are too!” The crowd stood with applause.

After the ceremony, while work continued in all departments, our Ghana Health Partners leadership met with the Leyaata leadership for a discussion and some systems planning. We are honoured to be invited to the Leyaata table as they strive to become a model hospital. We are humbled by their trust in us and the depth of this partnership. After dinner, we were invited to the Mensah home, where we enjoyed a fun evening of fellowship and food. David had some fascinating stories to tell to his captive audience! As a gift, he gave each of us a little bag of “kuli kuli” to take home. These are long, thin, pretzel-like snacks made from ground peanuts that are baked, rolled into these thin strips, and then fried. The oil is removed during the process, so they are hard and crunchy. I seriously doubt any of these delicious morsels will make it home to Canada!

Graduation Day!

Sadly, we had to say goodbye to our UK partners and Charlie this morning as they are all due back to work on Monday. As I write, we are thankful they had a safe and uneventful trip to Accra and are boarding their planes home. We miss them already. The rest of us went to the Carpenter church, which was full of colour, singing, dancing, and inspiration. David gave a thought-provoking sermon which prompted an interesting follow-up discussion under our gazebo. The afternoon was spent sleeping, relaxing, and playing games. Erin and Tracey made beautiful necklaces that we will give to some of the women who have looked after us so well.

One final picture before the UK team and Charlie depart.
Boarding the domestic flight to Accra.
David preparing to preach. Love his bag!
Ozy and Daniel joining the men’s dance.
Our delicious lunch (those are yam fries).
Uno with Auntie Linda and Auntie Sherry.
Linda and Sherry with Amanda and sons and Ernestina’s grandsons.
Making gifts for staff.

This evening, we invited Peter, the artisan, to join us for Sunday dinner. Peter owns a shop in Tamale, and on every mission, he brings wares (baskets, jewellery, carvings, etc.) to sell to us, eager shoppers. I’m so happy that we could purchase almost all of his stock. Over dinner, he explained that the income he gains from our team will help him complete the floor and windows in the two-room home he is building for his wife and three children.

Sunday dinner with our dear friend, Peter.
Mangoes in the moonlight.
Leyaata Hospital at night.

It has been a wonderful weekend of work and rest, and we are feeling primed and focused on making the most of our final four days at the Leyaata Hospital.

We, too, are ready!

Dr. Jennifer Wilson
DR. JENNIFER WILSON
MD CCFP (EM) DIM&PH FCFP
Director of International Partnerships Canadian Consultant for Family & Emergency Medicine
Leyaata Hospital, Carpenter, Ghana

Filed Under: 2023 Ghana Health Partners Update

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ollie says

    2023/03/06 at 5:30 pm

    Congratulations to the beautiful Midwife graduates, receiving their certificates and being ‘ready’!!
    The Hospital at night resembles a beacon, drawing anyone who sees it to safety.
    Just wondering if I could put in an order for “kuli kuli”! It sounds fantastic.

  2. Leslie Feddery says

    2023/03/06 at 10:58 am

    Kuli Kuli?
    Yam fries?
    Sounds as if you are being spoiled.
    Congratulations to the Midwives who received certificates. Blessings to the “Teacher Moms” who clearly did a great job!!!
    Leslie

  3. Christine Harding says

    2023/03/06 at 8:58 am

    The marvellous picture of the graduates,without their certificates, should be framed. It shows they are so happy.

  4. David B says

    2023/03/05 at 9:52 pm

    So exciting! What a blessing you all are and I know from your posts you also feel blessed!

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