Different hospitals are joining in an effort to establish and endoscopy infrastructure in Ghana. As part of a five year project initiated by German Rotary volunteer Doctors, Technology without Borders trains engineers in different Ghanaian hospitals. Andrea and Daniel are part of the projects first year. Since they both can’t read a clock, they almost missed their flight to Accra. Fortunately, 20 minutes of running to the gate solved the problem! Traveling from Accra airport to Kumasi by bus as a first stop. This beautiful sunset was our first night in Ghana!
Once arrived in Kumasi, we met many fun people and a very huge hospital. The engineers and nurses from the hospitals in Battor, Nkawkaw, and Techiman also joined. It was perfect, also for Andrea and Daniel, who are just starting to get into endoscopy repairs. After four days of training, of course nobody is an expert yet, but the process has started. Simpler repairs like rubber sheath, or bending section exchanges were explored together with the local engineers. These two repairs can fix the majority of endoscope issues and will help the Ghanaian hospitals a great deal.
The obligatory market visit was aided by the best guide of all of Ghana, Asampana. Obviously, with more coconuts.
We met some artists who were able to make beautiful paintings, sculptures, and figurines. While exploring the market, we were shocked by the butcher’s area. No refrigeration on the whole market for meat! While strolling through, we were surprised by some heavy rains and thunder, turning the streets into rivers. In the following picture, trying to get a driver back to our guest house while standing in the shelter.
The local zoo of course had to be visited. It was the first time for all of them that they observed a real lion’s fight. Lots of loud roaring! The typical Ghanaian photo session was done with every animal. The travel to Nkawkaw was done with the driver Mr. Asare. Everyone in the car was afraid for their life. At least they managed to reach Nkawkaw. There, a new endoscope tower had to be set up.