Since 2007, dedicated health professional volunteers from Canada and the UK have been receiving tremendous support from their families, friends, colleagues, and communities. Last year, the team made two trips to provide training and mentorship to our Leyaata Hospital staff. More than 60 trainees received training in various departmental courses. In nine days, 90 surgeries were performed by the surgical team led by *Mr. Rob Hicks, 50 patients received dental care and the eye team treated 400 patients.
*in the UK, surgeons are referred to as Mr. not Dr.
” Through Ghana Health Partners, we’ve witnessed the transformative impact of hernia mesh repair on our patients. After training with lead surgeon Mr. Rob Hicks in November 2023, I transitioned from traditional methods to utilizing mesh. This evolution is mirrored by colleagues at Leyaata Hospital, sparking hope for expanded collaboration and opportunities for Ghanaian doctors.”
DR. BENJAMIN ASUBIOJO(MEDICAL DIRECTOR, LEYAATA HOSPITAL)
As we work towards sustainable development, we look to our deep connections and relationships with communities, partners, and most importantly with God!
In partnership with the Government of Canada, the Babanayaa Project was initially planned to help 750 women farmers. Fortunately, at the end of the third year, it was realized that the project budget could allow for an additional 250 women in ten new communities. Chiefs, Assembly members, Community-Based Surveillance Volunteers, and women leaders were tasked to select the beneficiaries based on the criteria given (women with many children – five or more, widows, and women whose husbands were incapacitated as a result of prolonged illness).
Janga, the first community GRID & NEA worked with, became sustainable in 2000. Last year, the need for a dormitory for the many female students walking 6 km to and from school daily was presented. Our close connection with the community and local government officials made us aware of the need. Lodging at the school site will protect the students from the high risk of sexual assault and give them more time to study and excel. St. Paul’s Leaksdale (SPL) congregation responded swiftly and generously. They raised half the funds in December and challenged everyone to dig deeper. Before the end of February, they exceeded the $175K funds needed to build the dormitory.
“This kingdom project hit us all very hard – the injustice demanded a response from God’s people and they responded, indeed!”
DR. JENNIFER WILSON (SPL MISSIONS COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR)
Deep relationships with our church and Christian foundation partners made it possible to expand the Good News to many. Westney Heights Baptist Church has sponsored 13 Bible College scholarships. Uxbridge Baptist Church and Christ Community Church in Bloomington have been providing training to our local Ghanaian pastors. Last year, two more churches were built, and one more congregation was established.
Every year, we are so pleased to share with you what can and has been accomplished on a very modest budget. Thanks to the faithful giving and prayers of our partners and friends, and the effective work of our NEA colleagues, together, we are helping to make a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve in Ghana. This is the Lord’s work and has been the hallmark of our GRID-NEA partnership for 40 years.
It is quite unusual for us to point to a particular need, but this year … the Leyaata Hospital needs our help!
While we were able to complete the construction and equipping of the Leyaata Hospital debt-free, the extra cost of completing the hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic did necessitate that we use some of the funds that were earmarked in our fundraising budget for the expected operating deficit during its first three years of operation. Just the thought of a new hospital becoming self-sustaining after three years, anywhere in the world, is almost unimaginable, but the Leyaata Hospital is well on its way to making this a reality.
The great news is that over 30% of operating expenses were provided by the hospital’s income-generating initiatives in 2023, its first year of operation. It realistically expects and is already well on its way to cover over 60% of its operating expenses in 2024 and 85% in 2025, the hospital’s third year of operation.
We need to raise $500K to make up the shortfall that will get us to self-sustainability by the end of 2025. We are asking especially those who have already contributed so much to the hospital capital campaign and to those who are now able to join in this to dig a little deeper one more time to make a reality of something thought impossible.
As always, we see our responsibility as bringing the needs to your attention. Now, it’s as the Lord would lead you. Thank You!
TRIBUTE – HAROLD EUGENE PAISLEY
Eugene was pivotal in launching GRID, visiting Ghana early on and then serving as one of the first board members. On February 5, 2024, he passed away peacefully with family by his side. We greatly appreciate Eugene’s commitment and contribution to the work in Ghana. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Paisley, Mensah and Weber families.