US Health Volunteers Begin Work In Ghana

Twenty-one health volunteers from the United States of America (USA) have officially taken their oath of service signifying the commencement of their work in various parts of Ghana.

The volunteers will be working under the Peace Corps of the US Mission in the country to promote behaviour change that will reduce water and sanitation-related diseases, improve nutrition, combat the spread of malaria and encourage HIV and AIDS awareness and prevention.

Administering the oath to the volunteers at her residence in Accra, the Chargé d'Affaires at the US Embassy, Melinda Tabler-Stone, said the development programmes run by the US Mission in the country have had great impact in the lives of Ghanaians.

“Our small grants programmes empower communities to take the lead on building schools and clinics. Our exchange programmes give young leaders the opportunity to hone their leadership skills in the United States so they can return to craft solutions that are appropriate in their local context,” she explained.

Ms Tabler-Stone, who was a Peace Corps volunteer in Paraguay years ago, expressed the belief of the US Mission in 'Ghana Beyond Aid' agenda, stating, “We see Ghana taking on a larger role in the world, contributing to the global economy and to global security.”

She, however, added that the agenda cannot materialise without a healthy population, “for instance, healthy children can go to school and grow into healthy educated adults who can contribute to Ghana's success.”

Turning her attention to the volunteers, Ms Tabler-Stone pointed out the Peace Corps Ghana staff have given them the tool they need, however, the task lies on them to be the change agents.

“You are the ones who can decide to put in that extra effort to develop relationships and gain community acceptance of new ideas. You can find new approaches and new knowledge that will help make your community a more productive and happier place. The people you interact with will help shape the future of this country, and they will remember you,” she added.

Welcoming the volunteers to Ghana after they practised their language skills, Deputy Health Minister Tina Mensah commended them for their spirit of volunteerism.

She said their integration into the communities will not only ensure their safety and security but also give them the opportunity to affect people's lives positively in both formal and informal setting.

Ms Mensah urged them to be ambassadors of their country and live beyond reproach as “the adults, youth and particularly the children are definitely going to look up to you as their mentors.”

By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri